Best DIY Halloween Costumes

by Heather Marlman

Overview

Whether you've been invited at the last minute to a Halloween party, or just want to come up with a costume that is slightly more original, consider one of these great do-it-yourself ideas. A do-it-yourself Halloween costume doesn't require a lot of time or money-- just a little creativity.
Use a box

Turn an ordinary cardboard box into a kissing booth. Use a large enough cardboard box to fit your body through and cut an opening at the top. Decorate the box to look like a carnival kissing booth using craft paints or construction paper. Use pieces of elastic for box straps to support on your shoulders and slip the box on. This easy costume can be created in just a couple of hours and may even earn you a few extra dollars at the Halloween party. Another great costume idea using a cardboard box is to wrap the box in wrapping paper and attach a large bow. Create a gift tag that reads "To: Women (or Men) From: God". Slip the box over you and secure with a piece of elastic or wide ribbon. This hilarious take on the saying "God's Gift to Women (or Men)" can stir up talk at any Halloween party.

Use bubble wrap

If you're looking for a fun way to get rid of some excess bubble wrap, try a do-it-yourself jellyfish costume. Cut strips of bubble wrap and iridescent gift wrap and tape them to the edges and center of a clear umbrella. Use white tape or paint to cover any metallic parts of the umbrella. To finish, wear all white and paint your face with iridescent paint to give yourself an extra shimmer. This costume is great for adults as well as children, and can even provide extra protection in case of a rain shower.
Use duct tape

One do-it-yourself costume suggestion is to use silver duct tape and become the Tin Man. Collect small boxes that will fit over your arms and legs, and a larger box for your torso. Cover them with silver duct tape and connect the boxes together in sections so that you can put the costume on. Cover an old pair of work gloves, shoes and a funnel with silver duct tape to create the hands, feet and hat of the Tin Man. To finish, paint your face with silver costume paint and you're ready to go.

Overview