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+ FUN AND EASY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR BUDDIES

Looking for a costume that’s both fun and easy to put together? Why not coordinate with your best friend and dress up as a dynamic duo? Whether you’re going for a classic pair, a pop culture reference, or a completely original idea, there are countless options to choose from. Keep reading!

CANDY BAR’S

Steps to Create Your Candy Bar Costume

  • Gather Materials: You’ll need a cardboard box, colored paper (for the candy wrapper), scissors, tape, and markers.
  • Prepare the Box: Cut out openings for your head and arms in the cardboard box, ensuring it fits comfortably like a tunic.
  • Wrap the Box: Cover the box with colored paper to mimic a candy wrapper, and secure it in place with tape.
  • Add Candy Details: Use markers to draw fun candy bar details on the wrapper. Let your creativity shine!
  • Create Straps: Attach straps inside the box so you can wear it like a backpack.
  • Personalize: Finish by adding your favorite candy’s logo or invent your own candy bar name for a unique touch.

Starbucks Cup – Costume

Steps to Create Your Starbucks Cup Costume:

  • Create Whipped Cream: Crumple tissue paper into a fluffy shape to mimic whipped cream.
  • Make the Straw: Use a kitchen towel tube painted green as the straw, and attach it securely.
  • Add the Logo: Print a Starbucks logo and tape it onto a fitted brown dress.
  • Assemble the Costume: Slip on the dress with the logo, attach the straw, and place the whipped cream on top. Now you’re a Starbucks cup!

Toy Story Aliens

To create a Toy Story Alien costume, start by purchasing an alien headband online. Pair it with a blue t-shirt and green leggings or knee-high socks. You’re all set to be a cute Toy Story Alien!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Costume

One person can wear a brown outfit (like a brown jumpsuit or pants and shirt) to represent the peanut butter. They can accessorize with a peanut butter jar or a peanut butter sandwich. The other person can wear a purple outfit (like a purple dress or jumpsuit) to represent the jelly. They can decorate their outfit with purple glitter or sequins to mimic the texture of jelly.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

To create Alvin and the Chipmunks costumes, begin with red, blue, and green long-sleeved shirts and matching pants. Add the distinctive “A,” “T,” or “S” logos to the shirts using felt or fabric paint. Make oversized chipmunk ears from brown felt and attach them to headbands. Finish off the look with face paint and a playful touch.

Chad and Troy High School Musical Costumes

Wear red basketball jerseys and shorts featuring the Wildcats logo. Complete the outfit with sporty accessories like basketballs and athletic shoes. Style your hair to match the characters for an authentic touch.

Dynamic duo as Woody and Buzz Lightyear

For Woody, wear a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and jeans. For Buzz, choose a space-themed top and add fun accessories. For a playful detail, write “ANDY” on the soles of your shoes.

Soccer Fans

Wear your favorite soccer team jerseys with matching shorts or skirts. Complete the fan look with bucket hats and sporty accessories.

Funny Take on Gossip Girl

Wear classic school uniforms featuring skirts, button-down shirts, and ties. Add headbands and create playful signs to give a fun twist to the iconic Gossip Girl style.

Tennis Team Halloween Costumes

Wear matching pink crop tops with white tennis skirts, and complete the look with white sneakers. Add tennis-themed accessories for a coordinated and stylish group outfit.

Minions Halloween Costumes

Wear yellow tops with denim shorts and add Minion goggles for a fun touch. Complete the look with playful accessories like toy bananas. This simple outfit is instantly recognizable and full of character.

Mario and Luigi Halloween Costumes

Wear red and green T-shirts with matching hats, and pair them with jeans and sneakers for a comfortable and recognizable look. Add mustaches or other props for an extra touch of fun.

Football Players Halloween Costumes

Wear oversized football jerseys with shorts and sneakers. Complete the look with face paint and sporty accessories such as headbands or knee-high socks for an easy and energetic group costume.

Neon Ski Mask Gang Halloween Costumes

Wear neon ski masks, matching crop tops, and gray sweatpants for a bold look. Coordinate with sneakers and accessories to finish off this eye-catching, edgy outfit.

Orange Is the New Black Costumes

Wear orange pants and white tank tops, and add temporary tattoos for a prison theme. Enhance the look with accessories like inmate signs or handcuffs, and complete it with bold makeup.

Alvin and the Chipmunks Halloween Costumes

Wear colorful T-shirts and matching hats with the characters’ initials, paired with shorts and sneakers. Add simple accessories to bring Alvin, Simon, and Theodore to life.

Pink Construction Crew Halloween Costumes

Wear pink safety vests and hard hats with matching accessories. Pair them with white tops and pants, and add tools like hammers for a fun construction crew look.

Cosmo and Wanda Halloween Costumes

For Cosmo, use a white shirt, black tie, and green hair. For Wanda, wear a yellow top and pink hair. Add crowns and star wands to complete the magical look.

Fairy Godparents Halloween Costumes

Wear colorful T-shirts with black leggings and matching crowns. Add wings for a magical touch, and complete the look with playful props like wands or themed accessories.

SpongeBob and Patrick Halloween Costumes

Create SpongeBob and Patrick costumes with colorful T-shirts, character face designs, and fun tutus. Complete the look with playful socks for an extra touch of cartoon-inspired cheerfulness.

Mario and Luigi Halloween Costumes

Wear red and green T-shirts with matching hats featuring initials, paired with denim shorts. Complete these iconic video game character costumes with suspenders and striped socks.

Underwater Bestie Halloween Costumes

Make colorful tutus with orange and blue tulle for Nemo and Dory. Pair them with matching tops and playful makeup. Complete the look with plush fish accessories.

Zombie Baseball Players Bestie Costumes

Wear matching baseball jerseys with red sneakers and caps. Add fake blood and makeup for a zombie effect. Complete the look with baseball bats and black eye stripes.

“Cars” Bestie Halloween Costumes

Turn oversized T-shirts into Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars” using fabric paint and felt. Add fun details like headbands and simple accessories to complete the look.

Sailor Captains Halloween Costumes

Wear matching white skirts with navy blue crop tops, and add sailor hats and red neckerchiefs to complete the nautical look. This creates a stylish and coordinated costume.

Luchador Wrestlers Halloween Costumes

Become a luchador legend! Wear matching masks, capes, and colorful leggings. Complete the look with tank tops and sneakers, and pose like a champion.

Bruno Mars 24K Magic Costumes

Channel your inner Bruno Mars with this bold and flashy look! Wear matching red silk pajamas, accessorize with gold chains, sunglasses, and a white hat, and strike a pose that says, “I’m a superstar.”

Elite Way School Costumes

Wear blue vests, white shirts, and plaid skirts for a classic Rebelde school uniform. Add knee-high socks and a tiara for a playful, preppy touch. It’s a perfect look for fans of the show.

Fire and Ice Costumes

To create Fire and Ice costumes for girls, start with red and blue hula skirts and pair them with black shorts for a striking contrast. For the Fire costume, choose a fiery-themed T-shirt with flames, and for the Ice costume, pick a cold-themed T-shirt featuring a polar bear or icy design. Complete the outfits with matching accessories and makeup to enhance the Fire and Ice theme.

Spongebob

Instructions:

  • Start with a plain yellow T-shirt.
  • Find and print a picture of SpongeBob’s face on iron-on transfer paper.
  • Cut out the SpongeBob face from the transfer paper.
  • Iron the transfer onto the T-shirt according to the paper’s instructions.
  • Wear brown pants and black shoes.
  • Add white socks and use fabric markers to draw a red tie.

American Football Chicks

Get ready to show your team spirit this Halloween! Dress up as a devoted American football fan in an oversized jersey of your favorite team. Complete the look with leggings or shorts, team-colored accessories, and sporty sneakers for the ultimate game-day outfit.

CONCLUSION

From classic characters to pop culture references and DIY creations, we’ve covered a wide range of Halloween costume ideas. The best part? They’re all easy to put together, so you can focus on having fun with your friends. Happy Halloween!