What is the cheapest idea on this list?

Mummy (Gauze Wrap) — its must-have pieces are estimated at $5–9 per person, and less if you already own some of them. Prices are rough estimates; check Amazon for current prices.

Which one is fastest to put together?

Bedsheet Ghost, at roughly 10 minutes of prep. It is rated easy.

Can I do any of these tonight with no shopping?

Yes: Mummy (Gauze Wrap), Bedsheet Ghost, Deck of Cards, Scarecrow can be made from household items — each card shows what to use.

DIY Halloween Costumes 2026: Craft-Friendly Ideas

These are the costumes that reward an evening with scissors and a glue gun. Each one lists the supplies worth buying and roughly how long it takes to make.

Not sure? Take the 7-question quiz →

11 ideas

Prices are rough per-person estimates for the must-have pieces, not Amazon prices.

Mummy (Gauze Wrap)

Wrap, wrap, wrap — great DIY for kids and adults.
easy · ~40 min · est. $5–9 per person · ready tonight

Get the whole look (paid link)

Medical gauze rolls — est. $5–9 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
White long sleeves optional — est. $0–12 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Bedsheet Ghost

The 10-minute classic, upgraded with sunglasses.
easy · ~10 min · est. $8–12 per person · ready tonight

Get the whole look (paid link)

White flat sheet — est. $8–12 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Novelty sunglasses optional — est. $3–8 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Deck of Cards

One suit per person, poster board + marker.
easy · ~30 min · est. $9–19 per person · ready tonight
Roles: Hearts, Spades, Diamonds, Clubs

Get the whole look (paid link)

White poster board — est. $2–5 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Red & black markers — est. $4–8 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Ribbon straps — est. $3–6 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Two foam slices of comfort food.
easy · ~30 min · est. $12–20 per person
Roles: Peanut butter, Jelly

Get the whole look (paid link)

Tan t-shirt — est. $6–10 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Purple t-shirt — est. $6–10 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Felt sheets optional — est. $6–10 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Breakfast Table

Eggs, bacon, toast and a coffee cup.
medium · ~45 min · est. $12–20 per person
Roles: Egg, Bacon, Toast, Coffee

Get the whole look (paid link)

Felt sheets — est. $6–10 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Hot glue gun optional — est. $8–12 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Solid color t-shirt — est. $6–10 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Beehive & Bees

One queen, a hive of workers.
medium · ~40 min · est. $13–22 per person
Roles: Queen bee, Worker bee, Worker bee, Beekeeper

Get the whole look (paid link)

Black and yellow striped shirt — est. $10–16 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Bee antenna headband — est. $3–6 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Bee wings optional — est. $6–10 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Zombie Prom Couple

Thrift a formal outfit, then ruin it.
medium · ~40 min · est. $15–28 per person
Roles: Prom queen, Prom king

Get the whole look (paid link)

Fake blood — est. $5–10 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Zombie makeup kit — est. $10–18 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Plastic crown optional — est. $4–8 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Formal wear — use something from your closet

Moth with Velvet Wings

Drawn to the party light — soft, eerie, photogenic.
hard · ~90 min · est. $16–28 per person

Get the whole look (paid link)

Brown velvet fabric — est. $12–20 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Antenna headband — est. $4–8 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Faux fur collar optional — est. $8–15 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Fabric glue optional — est. $4–8 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Classic Witch (DIY)

Hat, cape and a broom you make yourself.
medium · ~45 min · est. $17–28 per person

Get the whole look (paid link)

Witch hat — est. $7–12 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Black cape — est. $10–16 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Twigs + twine for broom optional — est. $4–7 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Black dress optional — est. $0–25 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Little Dino

Hoodie + felt spikes.
easy · ~30 min · est. $20–34 per person

Get the whole look (paid link)

Green hoodie — est. $15–25 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Green felt sheets — est. $5–9 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Scarecrow

Plaid, straw and stitched-on smile.
easy · ~25 min · est. $22–40 per person · ready tonight

Get the whole look (paid link)

Plaid shirt — est. $12–20 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Straw hat — est. $6–12 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Raffia straw — est. $4–8 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)
Face paint optional — est. $6–10 · Shop on Amazon (paid link)

Not sure? Take the 7-question quiz →

FAQ

What is the cheapest idea on this list?: Mummy (Gauze Wrap) — its must-have pieces are estimated at $5–9 per person, and less if you already own some of them. Prices are rough estimates; check Amazon for current prices.
Which one is fastest to put together?: Bedsheet Ghost, at roughly 10 minutes of prep. It is rated easy.
Can I do any of these tonight with no shopping?: Yes: Mummy (Gauze Wrap), Bedsheet Ghost, Deck of Cards, Scarecrow can be made from household items — each card shows what to use.