DIY BOOK CHARACTER COSTUMES

Looking for a fun costume idea to bring your child’s favorite storybook character to life? This list features over 20 easy, DIY book character costumes you can make at home! Some costumes are more elaborate than others, but I promise there are plenty of simple ideas that use items you likely already have, plus a few accessories (Amazon is a great resource). You can keep it easy or go all out with a full DIY approach—whatever works best for you!

‘CURIOUS GEORGE’ BY MARGRET REY AND H. A. REY

The Man with the Yellow Hat costume gets even better when paired with a friend or fellow teacher dressed up as Curious George!

DIY Librarian Costume

If your book-loving kiddo can’t pick just one character, why not have her dress up as a stylish librarian? A library card canvas tote makes the perfect on-theme bag for carrying treats!

DIY Tween Luna Lovegood Costume


This Luna Lovegood costume is perfect for tweens! Let her mix and match clothes from her own closet, and she can even help craft a felt scarf to complete the look.

DIY Anne: Anne of Green Gables

Let your child embody the lively, free-spirited Anne Shirley with this charming Halloween costume! Dress her in a cute green dress, add a straw hat, and style her hair in pigtails. Just be sure not to call her “Carrots”!

DIY Peter Pan: Peter and Wendy

This charming costume is the perfect reminder for your little adventurer to never grow up!

DIY Dorothy and Glinda Costumes: The Wizard of Oz

If you haven’t dived into The Wizard of Oz book series yet, now’s the perfect time! Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch make enchanting costumes for best friends.

DIY Wocket in Pocket Costume: There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!

Dr. Seuss is a treasure trove of delightful Halloween costume ideas, and this one is no exception! Inspired by the whimsical creatures from There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!, your child can bring the book’s playful wordplay to life with this fun and easy costume.

DIY Willy Wonka Costume: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Are you a big kid who can’t resist candy (even while trying to eat more kale)? Embrace the sugary whimsy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by transforming yourself into Willy Wonka himself!

DIY Lorax Costume: The Lorax

Here’s a Halloween costume that’s ideal for your little planet protectors! If they can’t get enough of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, dress them in orange shirts, furry glasses, and give them signs that say, “Save the Truffula Trees!”

DIY Giving Tree Costume: The Giving Tree

This book may be a tear-jerker, but you can celebrate those heartwarming moments by teaming up with your little one for Halloween! Dress as the boy in a small pair of overalls, while you don an all-green outfit adorned with felt leaves to represent the tree.

DIY Luna Lovegood Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

There’s no one sassier in the Harry Potter series than Luna Lovegood, and this costume perfectly captures her essence! With her copy of The Quibbler and oversized sunglasses, your girl will transform from a Muggle to a Hogwarts student in no time.

DIY Tin Man Costume: The Wizard of Oz


The Wizard of Oz was a beloved book long before it became a movie, and your child can pay homage to this timeless story with a Tin Man costume! A little silver spray paint and some cardboard can work wonders to create this iconic look.

DIY Mr. Fox Costume: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Download blogger Rachel Faucett’s printable mask template, grab your sewing machine, and get ready to craft this classic costume inspired by the beloved book!

DIY Hedwig Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Whooooooo can create this seriously adorable Harry Potter Hedwig baby costume? The best part is, it’s a no-sew project, so the answer is everyone!

DIY Baby Max Costume: Where the Wild Things Are

Let the wild rumpus begin! With this DIY book character costume, your baby will look just like Max, adventuring among monsters and other fearsome creatures.

DIY Musketeer Costume: The Three Musketeers

Gather two more kids from the neighborhood and whip up three of these easy costumes together!

DIY Waldo Costume: Where’s Waldo?

If you’re an avid crocheter (or want to be one), this DIY Waldo hat is a simple project to tackle. Pair it with a red-and-white striped shirt and round black glasses for the complete look!

DIY Nancy Drew Costume

Channel your favorite teenage detective with this fun costume! Start with a yellow cardigan in the perfect shade, a white collared shirt, and a plaid yellow pleated skirt. Complete the look with a yellow headband, a vintage flashlight or binoculars, and a couple of classic Nancy Drew books as accessories.

‘Pinocchio’ by Carlo Collodi

You can make an adult or child version of this fairytale-inspired puppet costume, and it’s easier than you might think! Just remember, the long nose that grows when you lie is not included!

‘Cinderella’ by Charles Perrault


This time, when you (or your little one) dress up in a ball gown, you won’t have to worry about it turning into rags at the stroke of midnight!

30 SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN NAIL DESIGN IDEAS

Spooky season is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to perfect your Halloween look, including those all-important nails. Whether you’re diving into an elaborate costume with a Halloween hairstyle and makeup as a witch, zombie, or devil, or you prefer a more understated approach, your nails can be a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday. From classic fall hues to vibrant black and orange manis and playful pumpkin designs, there’s a Halloween nail art style for everyone. To help you find the perfect Halloween manicure, we’ve compiled 30 of the most eye-catching designs. Get ready to screenshot and scroll through these top Halloween nail ideas for 2024!

HALLOWEEN FUN NAILS WITH SKELETONS AND JACK-O’-LANTERNS

These Halloween nails showcase a mix of black and orange backgrounds with playful designs, including skeletons, jack-o’-lanterns, and “BOO” text. The short, square-shaped nails are adorned with detailed spooky artwork, making them perfect for Halloween costumes and parties.

HORROR MOVIE MANI

Movies offer endless beauty inspiration, so why not channel your favorite scary flicks with some inspired nail art? This look features the iconic Ghostbusters insignia and Slimer on one hand, while the other showcases the outline and eye of the titular Candyman character. It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of your favorite horror films to your Halloween manicure.

HALLOWEEN DRIP NAILS WITH PUMPKIN ACCENT

These almond-shaped nails feature a bold Halloween design with a striking orange and black color scheme. The orange base is adorned with black dripping patterns for a dramatic effect, while one nail stands out with a matte black base and an orange pumpkin accent, adding a festive touch.

SPIDER WEB FRENCH TIPS

Glam and gloom come together beautifully in this elegant spider web French tip nail design. The addition of a silver crystal adds a touch of sparkle, resembling a glistening dew drop hanging from a delicate, wet web.

ITTY BITTY BATS

To recreate nail artist Amy Tran’s simple Halloween nail design, start by using a toothpick dipped in black nail polish to create the points of the bat. Then, connect these points to form swooped wings and a diamond-shaped body

PUMPKIN NAIL ART WITH MATTE BLACK ACCENT

These almond-shaped nails are ideal for the Halloween season, featuring a matte black base color with two accent nails adorned with pumpkin artwork. The contrast between the dark base and the vibrant orange pumpkins creates a festive and eye-catching look, perfect for celebrating Halloween.

SPOOKY SWIRLS

This mismatched manicure captures subtle The Nightmare Before Christmas vibes with its Jack Skellington-inspired black and white striped French tips and dramatic swirls. The eclectic mix of designs adds a playful and spooky touch to your Halloween look.

FUN HALLOWEEN NAIL IDEAS WITH GHOSTS AND PUMPKINS

These almond-shaped nails feature a fun Halloween design with a mix of orange and nude backgrounds. The nails are adorned with playful motifs, including ghosts, pumpkins, and stitched patterns, complemented by stars and dots for a festive touch.

GHOSTS ON A GRID

Light orange plaid-like grids paired with black French tips create a ghoulishly good combination. Add in some adorable hand-painted ghosts, and the design becomes even more charming and festive.

SPOOKY MATTE BLACK NAILS WITH SKULL AND SKELETON DESIGNS

These Halloween nails feature black matte polish adorned with white skulls and skeleton designs. The long, square-shaped nails are enhanced with orange gemstones, adding a touch of sparkle to the spooky theme.

GHOSTFACE NAIL ART

If Scream is your favorite scary movie, you’ll want to bookmark this mani for your next appointment. The wavy black and white striped French tips perfectly complement the spooky portrait of Ghostface and his weapon of choice. It’s a must-try design for any fan of the classic slasher film.

HALLOWEEN NAILS WITH SCREAM AND BLOOD DRIP DESIGN

These long, coffin-shaped nails feature a striking Halloween design with a black to orange gradient. Adorned with chilling elements like a detailed “Scream” mask and a bloody knife, they create a dramatic and spooky effect.

HALLOWEEN SPIDER WEB NAIL ART

These almond-shaped nails are ideal for Halloween, featuring a gradient from nude to orange tips. The design includes sleek spider webs and spooky black spiders, creating a chic yet festive look for the season.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD)

For those celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), this sugar skull-inspired design is a fantastic choice. It will require a steady hand, so consider booking an appointment to achieve this detailed and screenshot-worthy nail look.

MINIMALIST HALLOWEEN NAILS WITH SPIDER WEBS AND STARS

Featuring a simple Halloween design with a gradient from nude to orange, this manicure is decorated with cute black elements like spider webs, stars, and sleek lines. The straightforward design is perfect for achieving a classic and understated Halloween look.

BLOODY STATEMENT NAIL

If you’re sticking with neutral colors this season, you’ll love this look. A single milky white nail with a blood drip design is simple yet bold and full of character. It’s a striking way to add a touch of Halloween flair without straying from a classic color palette.

HALLOWEEN NAILS WITH HAUNTED HOUSE AND MUMMY DESIGNS

Take a closer look at this amazing design! These square-shaped Halloween nails are bursting with festive spirit, featuring a mix of orange, white, and black designs. Each nail showcases a different spooky element, including a haunted house, spider web, mummy, ghost, cauldron, and jack-o’-lantern, creating a fun and varied Halloween manicure.

SPELL CASTER

Cast a (literal) spell with a bone font design on your nails. Opt for the word “spooky,” or choose another fitting word like “bad witch” or “haunted” to make your manicure both magical and thematic.

MYSTICAL HALLOWEEN NAILS WITH CELESTIAL PATTERNS

These stiletto-shaped nails are ideal for Halloween, showcasing a matte orange base adorned with black crescent moons, stars, and dots. This dramatic design is perfect for making a bold statement during Halloween celebrations.

GORY-GOOD

3D eyeballs, silver stitch staples, and blood splatters? This design is definitely for the bravest of ghouls. It’s a bold and eerie choice for those who want to make a striking and fearless statement this Halloween.

HALLOWEEN NAILS WITH GLITTER AND SPIDER WEBS

This design features jack-o’-lanterns, spiders, spider webs, and sparkling glitter, turning each nail into a work of art. The blend of detailed Halloween elements with glitter makes these nails ideal for adding a festive touch to your upcoming classy celebrations.

NEON GHOSTS

Halloween doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom—just look at these neon nails for proof. Happy ghosts paired with colorful flowers and hearts bring a nostalgic ’90s vibe. If there were ever a Lisa Frank-inspired Halloween mani, this would be it.

DRIPPING BLACK TALONS

If you’re aiming for a festive Halloween manicure that makes you feel like the chicest vampire, this design is perfect. It features a glossy black base with a red blood drip effect from the tips. The subtle drip detail on the black base adds an extra touch of eerie elegance.

STELLAR SPIDERS

These tiny spiders and starry skies are truly out of this world. They’re a perfect seasonal pick for Halloween and, luckily, they only require a toothpick, nail polish, and a few gemstones to bring them to life.

HALLOWEEN NAILS WITH A “TRICK OR TREAT” DESIGN

These square-shaped Halloween nails feature a playful mix of designs. They include bright orange tips with stitched details, black accents with “TRICK OR TREAT” text, and festive elements like ghosts, pumpkins, and stars on a nude base. The combination of these elements creates a fun and eye-catching manicure for the season.

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN NAILS WITH GLITTER AND SPIDER WEBS

These stiletto-shaped nails boast a festive Halloween design with a mix of orange, white, and glitter accents. They feature black spider webs and spiders, with some nails showcasing a gradient from white to orange sprinkled with glittery specks. The combination creates a dramatic and eye-catching manicure perfect for the spooky season.

FRENCH STITCH

Add some stitch details to your French manicure for a Halloween twist. Incorporate a couple of heart-fanged accent nails to strike the perfect balance between spooky and sweet.

HALLOWEEN NAIL ART WITH HAUNTED HOUSES AND FLAMES

Halloween nail art with haunted houses and flames creates a spooky and atmospheric look. The combination of these two iconic Halloween symbols can be interpreted in various ways, from a burning haunted house to a ghostly figure surrounded by flames.

REALISTIC SPIDERS

If you want to elevate your spider-themed manicure to a new level of creepiness, try this negative space design that gives the illusion of spiders crawling over your nails. While the design is a bit more intricate, it’s still achievable. Just keep a bottle of nail polish remover handy for any touch-ups.

HALLOWEEN NAILS WITH JACK-O’-LANTERNS AND STITCHED PATTERNS

These coffin-shaped nails feature a chic Halloween design with nude and orange backgrounds. Adorned with black jack-o’-lantern faces, stitched patterns, and elegant lines, they create a classic and festive look perfect for the season.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Halloween nail designs offer a diverse range of styles to suit every taste, from spooky and dramatic to playful and chic. Whether you prefer bold patterns like dripping blood and intricate spider webs or more subtle touches like gradient colors and minimalist motifs, there’s a design that can perfectly capture the festive spirit of the season. Embrace the creativity of Halloween with nails that reflect your unique style and make a striking statement for any Halloween celebration.