I’ve always loved the idea of coming up with a fun and unique Halloween costume that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Especially after finding out that last year $4.1 billion was spent on Halloween costumes and 83% of packaged costumes are designed to be used just one time. Dang it, that’s a whole lot of money being spent and a whole lot of garbage being made. So, what if we find a way to spend less and make less trash this Halloween with some unique costume ideas on the cheap?
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I’m a big fan of going through your closet and seeing what you can come up with using items that you already have, plus a little creativity. If you go through all of your things and still can’t come up with a costume you’re excited about, then head to your local thrift store. They tend to have a ton of Halloween options available. To spark some ideas, I scoured the interwebs for costumes for the whole family. But I’m not a monster and understand that sometimes you just want to buy something that is good to go and be done with it. So, I included some affordable costumes you can purchase as well. Check ‘em out!
Psst: If you purchase an item on this list, MamásLatinas may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Go as a house painter.
All you need are overalls or a jumpsuit, a paint brush or paint roller, and an empty paint bucket to use to collect candy or give out candy. You might have to source the paint bucket from a craft store, but other than that, you probably have most of what you need already.
You could use this clear paint can as part of the painter's costume.
Description:
This unusual and eye-catching clear plastic paint can is BPA-free. It's ideal for art, crafts, DIY projects, and storage. You can use it for creative catering, wedding displays, candy containers, and specialty packaging.
Show the world you are a smarty pants.
If you like puns, this is a punny costume for sure. You basically attach Smarties to a pair of pants with tape and that’s it. Smarties + pants = smarty pants. It’s funny and a good conversation starter.
You've got pants, don't forget the Smarties.
Description:
Indulge in the timeless delight of Smarties bulk candy rolls, a nostalgic favorite loved for over 50 years. Perfect for birthdays, or anytime you crave the sweet, tangy flavor you remember. They are vegan and gluten-free.
How about dressing like a Brawny person?
All you need is a plaid shirt with red in it, jeans, and a roll of paper towels to create a Brawny man, woman, or nonbinary person. Bonus points if you have a brown belt and boots to complete the look.
Bring along a roll of Brawny.
Description:
These tough paper towels are "two times more durable" to scrub tough messes versus the leading mainstream store brand. Brawny Tear-A-Square Paper Towels offer three sheet sizes (quarter, half, and full) so you can choose exactly what you need for the task.
Go as Jake from State Farm.
All you need for this costume is a red polo shirt, khaki pants, and a headset. Finish it all off with a name tag that reads: “Hello, I’m Jake from State Farm.” Even if you don’t have those items at home already, I’m pretty sure you can borrow them from people you know.
Jake from State Farm would love these buttons.
$9.99
en
Amazon.com
Description:
"I Heart Khakis" and "Hello My Name is Jake" buttons that are sure to make your Jake costume get more laughs. Beware: You may get asked for insurance quotes.
Go as Carmy.
All you gotta do if you wanna dress up as Carmen Anthony “Carmy” Berzatto from the hit show The Bear is wear a white T-shirt with a denim apron over it and a white towel draped over the ties. You can draw on some tattoos, if you really want to go for it. But most of all, you need to brood a lot.
Just in case you don't have a denim apron.
Description:
Made from heavy-duty dark wash denim for an additional layer of protection with matching dark wash denim ties and pockets. One size fits most adult wearers; Fully adjustable, sewn-on ties help ensure a perfect fit while keeping the apron positioned properly on the body.
Get creative with a clear umbrella and cardboard.
I love this idea of turning a clear umbrella and cardboard into something that is totally out of this world. Any kid or adult who is a fan of UFOs will appreciate this costume and figuring out how to make it will be part of the fun.
Or you can buy this Halloween UFO Umbrella Costume kit.
Description:
You will receive one transparent umbrella, one silver fantasy spaceship outer ring, one wire lining bracket, two long green rain curtains, and six light strings of different colors. You need to install the batteries yourself. With these accessories, you can make a Halloween alien spaceship.
You could also turn a clear umbrella into a jellyfish.
They are really easy to make and you could use ribbons that you already have lying around the house or even cut strips out of plastic bags you’ve saved instead of buying something to create the tentacles.
Or you could buy this jellyfish costume kit.
Description:
The suit includes clear umbrella, green iridescent glitter ribbon, an LED string light, and two oversized movable eyes. These items allow you to create your own jellyfish. Please note that LED strings are not waterproof and require three AA batteries, which are not included.
Make a jetpack for your little one out of empty plastic bottles.
Why not reuse plastic liter-sized bottles before you recycle them. Use two of them and some duct tape to create a jet pack. If you have washi tape, you can use it to give it some added pizzazz. And don’t forget to fashion some flames out of crepe paper, tissue paper, or construction paper to attach to the bottoms.
Or you could buy this hilarious inflatable jet pack costume for a not so little one.
Description:
Package includes one instruction sheet, one inflatable full body suit, and one inflating tool. The power box requires portable power bank or four AA batteries (not included).
Tetris or Block Blast anyone?
I’ve been known to play a bit of Tetris and Block Blast. Enough so that at times when I close my eyes I can see the blocks falling. It’s pretty easy to create a Tetris costume by simply wearing all black and attaching sticky notes to your shirt in Tetris-like shape arrangements.
Or you could just snag a ready-to-wear block puzzle T-shirt.
Description:
Lightweight, classic fit, double-needle sleeve and bottom hem. Great shirt to buy for back to high school, Halloween, graduation, pi day, birthday or any day.
How about going as a cheese board?
Or if you want to be fancy, you can call it a charcuterie board. I love this idea so much. You can make the crackers and cheese you attach to the board out of sponges and paper towels. Or you can have your kids get crafty with some construction paper. I’ve included a tutorial to make your own, but you can go much simpler as well. If you have a lightweight cutting board with a hole in on one end, you can use a rope to wear it like a necklace. Easy-peasy.
Or you could buy this charcuterie board Halloween costume T-shirt.
$18.99
en
Amazon.com
Description:
A charcuterie board is an array of appetizers served on a wooden board, either eaten straight from the board itself or portioned onto plates. It features a selection of preserved foods, especially cured meats or pâtés, as well as cheeses and crackers or bread. This Halloween, why be spooky when you can be delicious at your party or gathering?
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