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Dressing up your toddler for Halloween is no easy task. We recommend keeping comfort in mind so your little one will stay happy throughout the day (and countless photo ops!). When you have a 3 or 4 year old, you definitely can’t just reuse that baby Halloween costume from last year, and he or she might even have some thoughts on what they're wearing. Whether you choose to buy a costume or go the DIY route, we've got plenty of ideas for you.
Chances are they’re all jazzed up for trick-or-treating and the chance to eat way too much candy. We love starting with book character costumes for inspiration, ranging from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie to Curious George to Nancy Drew. On the other hand, there’s no shame in putting your own movie or TV interests first by going for fun costumes like Harry Potter, Sandy Olsson, Chewbaca, or even Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's (you know you can’t resist). Or, opt for something simple like a classic black cat or witch.
1
Ear of Corn Costume
Willa Gray, daughter of Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins, shows off this easy DIY corn costume. Start with a plain green T-shirt and matching leggings or a skirt. Then paint a paper egg carton yellow. Bundle and glue green felt around it to form “husks.” Sew onto shirt. Make the topper by wrapping a neutral-colored headband with raffia to create a corn silk topper.
2
Firefly Costume
This simple idea makes a big impact on Halloween night. Start with a neon green dress. Add an antennae headband and a pair of black wings. Secure a clip-on white safety light to the wings so that the firefly “glows” throughout the evening. Pair with a classic neon green jack-o-lantern trick-or-treat pail.
3
Duck Pond Costume
This is an easy costume for boys or girls of all ages. Start with a solid blue shirt and a pair of jeans. Coat a plastic plant saucer (ours is 13 inches; size up as needed) with blue spray-paint. Secure rubber ducks to the saucer with Velcro. Add a “Duck Pond” sign to the “pond,” then hang it around the neck using grosgrain ribbon. (You can secure the ribbon to the pool with duct tape or drill holes.) Hot-glue a rubber duck to a blue headband.
Note: This costume idea can also be repurposed for a pet; simply secure the duck pond with Velcro to the back of a yellow pet raincoat.
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4
Nancy Drew Costume
Take inspiration from our favorite teenage detective. Pair a yellow cardigan—this one’s the perfect shade—and a white collared shirt with a plaid yellow pleated skirt. Accessorize with a yellow headband, a vintage flashlight or binoculars, and a couple of vintage Nancy Drew books.
5
Bushel of Apples Costume
Willa's sister Ada James makes an adorable bushel of apples. Start with a peck bushel basket and remove the bottom. Attach red suspenders. Make the balloon apples by using small red balloons
(with uninflated green water balloon ties) to fill basket with “apples.” Embellish a red felt beret with a felt “stem” and “leaf.”
6
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Toddler Costume
Don't settle for just any old mouse—turn your toddler into this famed children's book character with a sign and blue overalls. You can use a cookie as a prop too, but be wary of sugar overload on top of the Halloween candy...and know that it probably won't last long.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
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If your child insists on a Paw Patrol costume, don't fight it! Save your sanity and go the store-bought route.
8
Jar of Pickles and Pickle Costume
This is a super-fun idea for a toddler and older sibling!
For the jar, use corrugated paper and cardboard for the lid, plastic sheeting for the glass, craft paper for the label, and long green “twister” balloons for the pickles (blow up to roughly seven inches long). For the pickle, craft a romper with felt polka dots over a green onesie for a more sweet than sour “sidepick.”
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
9
Toddler Rocket Costume
Get ready to blast off! This costume pairs white and red poster board and orange tissue paper for a look your space-loving toddler will adore. Let him add creative touches like star stickers.
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10
Toddler Scarecrow Costume
Your little one won't complain about this costume! Just dress him in a brown cowboy hat and denim shirt, and add some fabric patches to his corduroy overalls. Paint a little triangle on his nose, and he's trick-or-treat ready!
If your toddler is in a dinosaur phase, embrace it! Some head-to-toe dinosaur costumes are hot and uncomfortable. We love this cape and glove combo for ease and comfort—your toddler can simply wear it on top of his or her everyday clothes. (This one will last beyond the Halloween season!)
12
Toddler Garden Gnome Costume
There's gnome getting around the fact that your little one will look absolutely darling dressed as a mini lawn fixture.
Get the tutorial at Food Folks and Fun.
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13
Toddler "Where the Wild Things Are" Costume
Let the wild rumpus start with this no-sew costume of Max, the main character from the beloved children's book, Where the Wild Things Are.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl.
14
Toddler "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Costume
Even the little ones can throw back to the 90s with these fun costumes! These adorable kids make the perfect Will Smith and Carlton Banks with easy-to-put-together looks.
See more at @mummy_anite.
15
'80s Rock Band Toddler Costume
Long live rock and roll! Throw it back this Halloween with a nod to grungy '80s hair bands. Customize a ripped tee with your child's name (or band name) and draw on a few faux tattoos.
Get the tutorial at The Makerista.
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16
Super Kid
This pint-size super hero gets the head-to-toe DIY treatment from his Super Busy Mom (who can relate?).
Get the tutorial at Damask Love.
Yes, there is a costume that plays "Baby Shark," but if you're not up for hearing that song on repeat, we suggest this adorable option.
18
Milkshake Costume
This super-sweet idea even has the cherry on top! This milkshake costume comes together easily with a few crafty supplies, plus a white shirt and tights from her closet.
Get the Milkshake Costume tutorial.
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19
Homemade Toddler Cupcake Costume
For the little lady who's sweet as can be (well, most of the time), she deserves a Halloween costume equally as delightful.
Get the tutorial at Sew What Alicia.
20
Scuba Diver Toddler Costume
It doesn't get much more authentic than this! Even if your little seafarer hasn't fully mastered the whole swimming thing yet, this costume will make her look like an absolute pro.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Katie Bowlby
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue
