Written by Claire Schneider
Halloween is right around the corner, which means it’s time to pick out this year’s costume! Here are five simple DIY Halloween costumes to help you use up those old moving boxes.
Barbie Box
Barbie themes are timeless and popular Halloween costume options. Why not take it a step further and create a Barbie box costume? You can scale it for an adult or child with the perfect Barbie clothes such as a cocktail dress, prom dress, or, our favorite, red cowgirl boots. For this costume you’ll need:
• A dish pack box (or wardrobe box for adults)
• Pink spray paint
• Printed Mattel & Barbie logos
• Decorative construction paper
• Tape
• Rope
• Box cutter
• Ruler
• Pencil
Step 1: Tape the top of the box. This will make it easier to cut out the front design.
Step 2: Sketch out the box design. Make sure to leave designated areas for the Mattel and Barbie logos.
Step 3: Use the box cutter to cut out the design and bottom box flaps.
Step 4: Take the box to a well-ventilated area to spray paint.
Step 5: Tape the Mattel and Barbie logos in their designated spaces.
Step 6: Line the inside of the box with decorative construction paper.
Step 7: Use rope to create straps to hold up the costume.
For a visual, watch our instructional video.
Airplane
Your child will be zooming all around the neighborhood in this action-oriented airplane costume! With the addition of a hat and goggles, they will take on the look of a real pilot. There are many different airplane designs you can create, but we decided to go with the classic double fin model. For this costume you will need the following:
• 1 small and 1 large cardboard box
• Spray paint
• 4 wooden dowels
• Box cutter
• Tape
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Aluminum foil
• Rope
Step 1: Remove the flaps of the small box.
Step 2: Cut out two panels of the large box. Then you will need to trace an opening in the middle of both sections. Make sure the opening is a couple inches smaller than the small box. These are your wings.
Step 3: Take the remaining panels of your large box to trace and cut out your propellers. I decided to make mine with rounded edges.
Step 4: Take the box sections to a well-ventilated area to spray paint your desired color.
Step 5: Wrap your wooden dowels and propellers in aluminum foil for a cool metallic touch.
Step 6: Attach each piece using packing tape.
Step 7: Using the rope, create two straps that will hold up the costume.
This costume has a bit more detail. Watch our instructional video for help.
Dice Couple
Need a cute and clever couples costume? Here is a duo dressed as a Pair’o’dice living in Paradise. It’s simple to make and will catch everyone’s attention, especially as you roll down the street.
Supplies:
• 2 large boxes
• White spray paint or fabric
• Black felt
• Fun paradise themed decorations such as a grass skirt, flower lays, flowers, etc.
Frosted Flakes box
Want to coordinate costumes with your little one? Check out what this clever mom created for herself and her little tiger!
Supplies:
• Tiger costume
• Large cardboard box
• Baby carrier
• Black, orange, red, blue yellow and white felt
• Box cutter
• Letter stencils
• Rubber cement or glue
iPod
Is your kid a music fanatic? With a little paint, some artistic talent, and a few supplies found around your home, you can easily create an iPod costume for your budding musician.
Supplies:
• Medium-sized cardboard box
• Red and gray paint
• Box cutter
• Poster board
• Rubber cement or glue
• Plastic wrap
• Tape
Make it a shared ensemble and create giant head phones for an elaborate family costume like this dad did with his two sons.
