Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    Four Simple Tasks to Complete Right Now to Make Your Entire Home a Little Greener

    Four Simple Tasks to Complete Right Now to Make Your Entire Home a Little Greener

    Our experts share the to-dos that will can make your home so much more eco-friendly.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Plant a Beautiful Perennial Garden

    How to Plant a Beautiful Perennial Garden

    Create a living work of art with a variety of flowers and plants, colors, and textures.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Holiday Planning & Ideas
  3. Halloween
  4. Halloween Projects & Crafts
  5. Halloween Costumes for Kids
  6. Try One of Our Last-Minute Halloween Costumes for Kids

Try One of Our Last-Minute Halloween Costumes for Kids

October 24, 2013
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
alison-show-spiderweb-4.jpg
Credit: Heather Mildenstein
Suddenly, it's October 31 and the question remains unanswered: What will your child be for Halloween? Back away from the old sheet-ghost standby. Here are four adorable kids' costumes you can assemble using basic household supplies and a little ingenuity.
Start Slideshow

1 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
alison-show-spiderweb-4.jpg
Credit: Heather Mildenstein

You've been staring down invitations to Halloween parties and trick-or-treating festivities for weeks, but you still haven't had the chance to actually get working on your little one's costume. Don't lose your head! There are many ways you can dress all the ghouls and goblins in your life without resorting to cliché costumes you'd find in nearby Halloween superstores. Using the materials in your DIY toolkit, you can create unique and adorable looks for preschoolers and school-aged children through pre-teens and young adolescents.

We're breaking down four different costumes that can be made in an hour or less; each are so easy that they can be assembled on Halloween eve if need be (a quick way to salvage any accidents!). They're perfect for boys and girls of any age, as the base of each costume is anchored by clothes that are most likely hanging in their closets. In most cases, you can remove the alterations you made just as easily, making these ideas much more eco-friendly than entirely new costumes altogether. 

First, we use Martha's collection of acrylic paint—available at Michaels, a nontoxic and water-based option that will simply wash off with water—to face paint life-like webs on the cheeks to go alongside our spider costume. If you can't source these festive webs, don't worry; our adorable sailor outfit comes together with toolkit staples like duct tape and Sharpie markers. If you're fond of painting at home, you'll probably have all the necessary materials for our roving masterpiece costume as well, which is a fun option to actually make with your child's help as well. 

Whichever costume you choose to make will scare up as much candy as your little one can get their hands on. If the whole family is in need for a costume, take a peek at other last-minute costumes for adults and a few ideas for your pets, too.

1 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Super Spider Kid

alison-show-spiderweb-3.jpg
Credit: Heather Mildenstein

Alison Faulkner of The Alison Show turned a tangle of leftover faux webbing and a few pretend spiders into the creepy-cute Super Spider Kid costume.

2 of 33

3 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What You'll Need

alison-show-spiderweb-supplies.jpg
Credit: Heather Mildenstein

Here's what you'll need to get started on this costume:

  • Thin paintbrush
  • Fun World Super Stretch Spider Web, $10.49, amazon.com.
  • Muzboo Realistic Plastic Spider Toys, $9, amazon.com.
  • Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint, $2 for 8-ounces, michaels.com.

3 of 33

Advertisement

4 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 1

alison-show-spiderweb-7.jpg
Credit: Heather Mildenstein

Dress your child in all black. Stretch the web around your child by having them put their arms and legs through openings in the web as if they were putting on a shirt and pants.

4 of 33

5 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 2

alison-show-spiderweb--4.jpg
Credit: Heather Mildenstein

Stretching the web as you go, tangle a few plastic spiders into the webbing.

5 of 33

6 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 3

alison-show-spiderweb-1.jpg
Credit: Heather Mildenstein

To create a spiderweb on your child's cheek, use a selection of acrylic face paints. These products are nontoxic and water-based and wash off with water. Paint concentric circles on your child's face with a thin paintbrush, then paint lines out from the middle of the center circle.

6 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 4

alison-show-spiderweb-2.jpg
Credit: Heather Mildenstein

Use a dollop of corn syrup to stick a spider to your child's cheek or hair. They'll be ready to take part in the night of trick-or-treating.

7 of 33

8 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nutty Professor

night-owl-night-owl-kimberly-0011.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

Kimberly Sneed of A Night Owl blog raided her stores of craft for materials to create this adorable costume on the fly.

  • Get More Kids' Halloween Costume Ideas

8 of 33

9 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What You'll Need

night-owl-night-owl-nerd-supplies-start.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

Gather these materials before you start making this costume:

  • Felt or other scrap material
  • Assorted pencils
  • Duct tape of your choice, and a small amount of white tape—such as washi tape.
  • A pair of suspenders; alternatively, some elastic bands and your choice of ribbon.
  • Peel'n'Stick Fabric Fuse Tape, $10.48, amazon.com.
  • GrinderPUNCH Costume Glasses for children, $9, amazon.com.

9 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 1

night-owl-night-owl-bowtie-2.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

To create the bow tie, simply cut a rectangle of felt or stiff fabric, and gather material at the center.

10 of 33

11 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 2

night-owl-night-owl-bowtie-3.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

Wrap with fabric tape or stitch in the middle.

11 of 33

12 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 3

night-owl-night-owl-bowtie-4.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

Cut a smaller piece of the same felt or fabric—then, wrap it around the center and pin to the top of a button-down shirt.

12 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 4

night-owl-night-owl-pocket-2.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

For a pocket protector, cut a pocket-size insert out of duct tape or thick paper.

13 of 33

14 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 5

night-owl-night-owl-pocket-3.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

Cut pencils down so that they fit perfectly to the size of the pocket insert and will stick out of the pocket.

14 of 33

15 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 6

night-owl-night-owl-pocket-4.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

Tape pencils down onto the insert for a quick and easy pocket protector.

15 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 7

night-owl-night-owl-nerd-supplies-finished.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

If you have kids' suspenders, great! If not, grab some elastic banding or ribbon and pin to the inside of the child's jeans for a quick and easy suspender look.

16 of 33

17 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Say "Trick or Treat!"

night-owl-night-owl-kimberly-0009.jpg
Credit: Dream Photography Studio

Last but not least, grab those lensless glasses. If all you have are children's sunglasses, simply pop the lenses out and wrap the center with white tape and you're done.

17 of 33

18 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Mini Masterpiece

hank-hunt-diy-halloween-costume-painting-d.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Jenny Batt of Hank+Hunt used a few leftover art supplies to create a simple "Work of Art" costume—perfect for kids who don't like to change out of their favorite jeans or T-shirt (even for candy).

18 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What You'll Need

hank-hunt-1-supplies.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Source these essentials before you begin working on this project with your child:

  • Art canvas, 16 by 12 inches
  • Ribbon, 18 inches
  • Stapler
  • Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint, $2.39, michaels.com.
  • Martha Stewart Crafts Basic Brush Set, $20, michaels.com.

19 of 33

20 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 1

hank-hunt-step-1.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Place dots of paint, as large as a dime if not larger, all around your canvas.

20 of 33

21 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 2

hank-hunt-step-2.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Spread out dots of the same color using your paintbrush. (This would be a great step to get the kids involved.)

21 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 3

hank-hunt-step-3.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Continue with the other colors, blending slightly where the colors touch if desired. Clean brush between colors to get a clear patch of color.

22 of 33

23 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 4

hank-hunt-step-4.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Once done, let the painting dry.

23 of 33

24 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 5

hank-hunt-step-5.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Measure the ribbon around your child's neck for hanging. It should go from their upper chest, around the neck, and back to the other side of the upper chest. Trim ribbon as desired.

24 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 6

hank-hunt-step-6.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Staple the ends of the ribbon to each corner of the painting on the wood frame.

25 of 33

26 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Say "Trick or Treat!"

hank-hunt-diy-halloween-costume-painting-a.jpg
Credit: Jenny Batt

Hang the artwork around your child's neck and go trick-or-treating. Later, you can hang the work of art in your child's room. For a group costume, make one for everyone in the family to create an instant traveling gallery.

26 of 33

27 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Speedy Sailor

alexandra-hedin-hooray.jpg
Credit: Alexandra Hedin

Alexandra Hedin of AlexandraHedin.com created a charming sailor costume for her son using materials she swiped from leftovers in her crafting toolbox.

27 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What You'll Need

alexandra-hedin-supplies-large.jpg
Credit: Alexandra Hedin

You can easily create this unisex Halloween costume using the following materials:

  • Navy-blue duct or painter's tape
  • Sharpie in red
  • Scissors
  • A pair of blue pants
  • Spare, used newspaper
  • Gildan Short-Sleeve Youth Teeshirt in "White," $3.99, michaels.com.

28 of 33

29 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 1

alexandra-hedin-step-1-large.jpg
Credit: Alexandra Hedin

Draw red stripes across the top "V" of the shirt using the Sharpie as pictured.

29 of 33

30 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 2

alexandra-hedin-step-2-large.jpg
Credit: Alexandra Hedin

Cut duct tape in two strips across the length of the entire shirt. Use half of the tape to create lines across the front of the shirt, and leave the remaining tape to create stripes on the back. Allow the tape strips to cross in the front creating a "tie." Repeat on both sides.

30 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 3

alexandra-hedin-step-3-large.jpg
Credit: Alexandra Hedin

Bring the remaining piece of tape across the shoulders and lay it down flat on the back of the shirt. Repeat on both sides. Then, cut a strip of tape to connect these two pieces across the back. For more detail, add an optional second, thinner strip of tape on the inside of the thicker line as pictured here.

31 of 33

32 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Step 4

alexandra-hedin-step-4-large.jpg
Credit: Alexandra Hedin

Cut two strips of tape to wrap around the sleeves in varying sizes. Repeat on both arms.

32 of 33

33 of 33

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Say "Trick or Treat!"

alexandra-hedin-sailor-final-2.jpg
Credit: Alexandra Hedin

Fold a paper hat from newspaper using this template and add a toy boat. Ahoy!

33 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 33
    2 of 33 Super Spider Kid
    3 of 33 What You'll Need
    4 of 33 Step 1
    5 of 33 Step 2
    6 of 33 Step 3
    7 of 33 Step 4
    8 of 33 Nutty Professor
    9 of 33 What You'll Need
    10 of 33 Step 1
    11 of 33 Step 2
    12 of 33 Step 3
    13 of 33 Step 4
    14 of 33 Step 5
    15 of 33 Step 6
    16 of 33 Step 7
    17 of 33 Say "Trick or Treat!"
    18 of 33 A Mini Masterpiece
    19 of 33 What You'll Need
    20 of 33 Step 1
    21 of 33 Step 2
    22 of 33 Step 3
    23 of 33 Step 4
    24 of 33 Step 5
    25 of 33 Step 6
    26 of 33 Say "Trick or Treat!"
    27 of 33 Speedy Sailor
    28 of 33 What You'll Need
    29 of 33 Step 1
    30 of 33 Step 2
    31 of 33 Step 3
    32 of 33 Step 4
    33 of 33 Say "Trick or Treat!"

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Martha Stewart

    • Cookware Sets
    • Living Room Furniture
    • Area Rugs
    • Garden Tools
    • Dinnerware Sets
    • Patio Furniture
    • Window Treatments
    • Duvet Covers
    • Bakeware Sets
    • Craft Kits
    • Shop More

    Martha Stewart may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    Martha Stewart

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Sitemap
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    View image

    Try One of Our Last-Minute Halloween Costumes for Kids
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.