Easy Last-Minute Halloween Costumes for Kids

So here are some easy, last-minute Halloween costume ideas that you can pull together from things you probably already have at home. No sewing, no panic, just simple ideas that work when time (and energy) are running low.

The Baker

Grab an apron, a wooden spoon, and a chef hat (or even a towel tied around their head). Add a little flour on their cheeks for the full “fresh from the kitchen” look. Bonus: let them carry a toy cupcake or whisk.

Detective or Spy

A trench coat/long sweater/ wind breaker, sunglasses, and a notepad. Done. If you’ve got a magnifying glass, even better. This one’s great for kids who want to “look cool” without wearing a full costume.

Classic Cat, Mouse or Bear

Black outfit + eyeliner whiskers + paper or headband ears = instant cat, mouse, or bear. You can cut ears from construction paper or felt and tape them to a headband. Simple and adorable.

Princess (But Make It Cozy)

Skip the scratchy dress-up bin. Grab a favorite tutu, a cozy cardigan, and a tiara. Add sparkly shoes if you’ve got them, or let her wear sneakers for a “real life princess” vibe.

Superhero in Disguise

Got a cape? Perfect. Don’t? Use a towel or blanket tied loosely around their neck (safely). Add a logo on a T-shirt (you can draw one with fabric marker or paper), and let them come up with their own superhero name.

Artist

Old oversized shirt as a smock, some “paint” spots (markers or fabric paint), and a palette made from cardboard. Hand them a brush and call it done.

The Garden Fairy

Flower crown, leggings, and anything with leaves, wings, or earthy tones. Or skip the wings and add binoculars for a little explorer twist.

Sports Player

Pull on any of the sports that your kids or any of your kids play during the year. Soccer, baseball, basketball, gymnastics...etc. Have them get into the uniform, give them the ball or bat and you're good to go!

Mummy

White clothes + toilet paper or gauze wrap = classic, easy, and funny. Wrap loosely so it’s safe and comfy, and add smudges of eyeshadow or face paint if you want to level it up.

Farmer

Plaid shirt, jeans or overalls, extra brown makeup smudged around to replicate dirt and bonus if you have a cowboy hat. Have a cow or pig stuffed animal around? Perfect, you just stepped it up! It’s quick, cute, and totally kid-approved.

🎃

Halloween doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be fun. Your kids won’t remember if their costume was store-bought or made in five minutes from the kitchen drawer. They’ll remember the laughter, the candy, and that you showed up and made it special.

So grab the tape, the markers, and maybe a little chocolate for yourself — you’ve got this, mama.