Halloween Costumes for Children
Homemade children’s Halloween costumes can be fun to make if your children help, but you have to consider the cost and time you put into it if the children are not participating and learning how to do it with you. Sometimes it can be more economical to save your time and buy a ready made costume at the prices now available in the shops.
One way to ensure you do not spend excessive time on making a costume from the raw material on up, is to start with old clothes from the family closet or a thrift shop. That way, most of your effort goes into the fun part your children enjoy being part of - making the accessories and getting made up for the part.
Take for example a scarecrow outfit. Somewhere in your family closets there is likely to be a well worn, torn and frayed pair of jeans, and an old shirt. You may even be able to find an old straw hat. From that foundation costume, glue some straw under the hat and around the cuffs of the shirt and pants.
The details could include a bird sitting on the scarecrow’s hat and some creative face painting. The idea is to create a unique and interesting look.
Another similar example is that of a pirate. The essential parts of this Halloween get up are an old shirt, cut down jeans, and a bandana. Again, this costume will rely on the details that you choose to add. Don’t leave out a sword, broad belt, tattoos, and an eye patch. Make-up or face paint can add another fun touch.
A basic low cost outfit of stretch pants and a long sleeved turtle top is another way to get the starting foundation for a costume. A black outfit like this needs only a black cape and a witch’s hat and you have the beginnings of a witch’s costume.
Other old clothes can be made into animal costumes depending on the colors you use. Complete the look with mittens, ears, a tail, and the right face paint. If you prefer, you could find some accessories for animal costumes in a costume shop, such as masks, tails, noses, and ears.
If your child decides to dress up as a tiger this Halloween, then all you really need to get started is some orange clothing and black fabric paint to make stripes with. Lots of kids love Winnie the Pooh. Making this costume requires little more than a yellow outfit filled with some stuffing.
About the Author:
It’s not too early to start planning your Halloween costumes for this year. Don’t wait until the good ones are all sold out. Get lots of creative costume ideas on the Get In Costume website, where you can also get a free copy of my report “The Family Guide To Halloween Safety.” Visit http://www.getincostume.com for more information.