Kids Costumes That Won’t Break the Bank

Halloween is months away, but as far as many kids are concerned, every day is costume day. From toddlers who want to look like their favorite superhero to elementary school kids who are headed to a Frozen-themed birthday party, most kids enjoy playing dress up.

Kids Costumes That Won’t Break the Bank

To help your kids channel their favorite characters without draining your bank account, consider these affordable costume ideas:

Elsa, Anna and Olaf

Chances are good that Frozen fever has swept through your home like one of Elsa’s ice storms. If your girls are headed to a Frozen-themed birthday party, consider making them an Elsa or Anna cape to stay within your budget. The How to Mom features easy-to-follow instructions that even a newbie sewer can handle.

To make Elsa’s cape:

• Purchase about 1 1/4 yards of shiny, light blue fabric and a spool of silver ribbon.
• Using a sewing machine, serge the cut edges of the fabric.
• Then, add a gathering stitch across the top to create the classic cape look.
• Sew or glue the ribbon at the top so it can tie.

For Anna’s cloak:

• Purchase about 1 1/4 yards of dark pink fabric and a spool of gold ribbon.
• Serge the cut edges of the fabric.
• Add a gathering stitch about 8 inches down to make it look more like a cloak than a cape.
• Finally, either glue or sew the ribbon along the edges.

If craftiness is not your strong suit, you can find some good deals on pre-made Frozen costumes. The Disney Store has a soft plush Olaf costume for just $14.99. The one-piece costume zips up the back and comes with shoe covers and attached padded gloves that let your kid’s hands easily slip out.

Power Rangers

If your child loves having some mighty morphin time, you may need to invest in a Power Ranger costume. Because these require a head-to-toe costume, you probably need to buy the costume rather than make it. MorphCostumes has both the blue and pink power ranger for your child to choose from. And, if you are hosting a Power Rangers party or love recreating epic battles with your child, you’re going to need a costume of your own. Luckily, MorphCostumes has adult costumes as well.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

If the names Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael bring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to mind instead of famous artists, chances are good you have a fan in the house. Coolest Homemade Costumes provides a simple DIY costume option. This mom made her costume from some simple materials, and you can too.

• Craft a tutu out of green and purple tulle for the bottom.
• Super glue light green foam sheets to a darker green shirt to make the 6-pack abs.
• Make the shell from casting strips for a pregnancy belly cast around a basketball. Once it dries, paint the shell green in hexagonal patterns with brown or yellow paint to separate the shapes. Then, attach straps to slip over your child’s shoulders like a backpack. (Glitter is optional!)

Dora the Explorer

To help your daughter look like her favorite explorer, Nick Jr. features simple DIY costume instructions. To transform your kiddo into Dora:

• Purchase a child-sized black witch wig, pink T-shirt, red shorts, lavender backpack, flower button and pipe cleaner.
• Trim the wig to chin length and add some bangs.
• Have your kiddo get dressed in the shirt and shorts and put on the backpack.
• Finally, create Dora’s signature bracelet by gluing the flower button to the pipe cleaner and wrapping it around her wrist.

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