last-minute kids’ halloween costume ideas

The scenario: you’ve procrastinated shopping for the kiddos’ Halloween costumes and all that’s left in the neighborhood costume shop are picked-through remnants of sequins, ribbons and face paint. We have good news! Most of the items required to transform your beloved tot into a princess or superhero are already in your house.

Take Stock of Your Assets

Start with your kids’ closets and pajama drawers. We don’t know many boys between the ages of 0 and 8 that don’t own a set of Spider-Man PJs. And, if your daughter has dance recital experience, we’re willing to bet there is a tutu or fairy outfit within the perimeter of your home. Stretchy pants, t-shirts, ski hats and masks, rubber gloves from the cleaning closet, blankets, scarves, costume jewelry, goggles, belts and sunglasses are other worthy items for last minute costume consideration.

Commit to the Costume

Every girl needs a prince, and there are plenty of female superheroes protecting the universe and saving mankind from their criminal counterparts, so don’t limit the princess / superhero theme to gender stereotyping. Once you’ve decided on the creative direction for your tot, have fun mixing and matching your supplies to create the perfect costume.

Defining Royalty

Make sure to focus on a defining characteristic like an old brass tea pot as Aladdin’s genie jar, sparkly slippers for Cinderella or a satchel of apples for Snow White.  You might also consider a “before” version of your princess or prince—remember, Cinderella wasn’t so glamorous before she met her dreamboat, and Aladdin was a mere pedestrian before he rocked the magic carpet.

Superhero Getup

The base of your superhero costume is easy, it’s the details however, that make it fantastic! If you want shiny stretchy pants, find that can of silver or gold spray paint in the garage. If you’re in need of shiny red boots, look no further than your duct tape stash (also good for lightning bolts and wristbands).

Additional Inspiration

If you need a little inspiration, take to sites like Real Simple, Etsy and Pinterest that offer a gazillion tidbits of visual advice. Talk to friends and neighbors if you’re missing a little something to make the costume great.  They may have exactly what you need.