Ah, Halloween. That magical time of year when your kids decide they must be something outlandish, like a fire-breathing dragon or a celebrity from a TV show you've never heard of, and it’s up to you to make that happen - on a budget, of course. (Because didn’t we just buy school supplies?)

But don’t worry, I’ve been there - sifting through costume racks with one kid begging for a glow-in-the-dark cape while the other refuses to be anything less than a full-on superhero. And then, there’s always the last-minute costume panic. One year, my daughter changed her mind on Halloween day. I had to MacGyver a princess cape out of an old bedsheet. Spoiler alert: She loved it!

So, for all you moms out there who need quick, creative, and affordable costume ideas, I’ve got you covered. From toddlers to teens, here’s how to have your family looking festive without breaking the bank. And bonus? Most of these can be pulled off with things you probably already have at home or can snag last minute at the dollar store!

"No-Sew, No-Stress" Superhero

Every family needs at least one superhero for Halloween, right? If your little one is obsessed with saving the world, this is a total mom win. You can whip up a superhero costume with a t-shirt, some felt, and safety pins. Raid your old craft drawer for fabric glue and turn that plain tee into a superhero logo!  

Last year, my son decided he was going to be "Captain Underpants." (Yup, that happened.) I drew the line when he wanted to wear his actual underwear over his pants. So we compromised: leggings + oversized belt = superhero, minus the awkward looks from neighbors.

DIY Farmyard Family

This one is perfect for younger kiddos and moms who love a good theme (me, every year). Start with solid-colored outfits - brown for the cow, white for the sheep, and yellow for the chicken. Cut out a few animal ears and glue them to headbands. A bit of face paint, and boom!  

Mom Hack: A large cardboard box spray-painted red instantly transforms into a barn for the youngest in the family to "ride" in their stroller. Last year, I was a scarecrow, my husband was a farmer, and the kids were adorable farm animals. Zero complaints (for once!).

Classic Ghost, Reinvented 

Okay, I know the old sheet ghost is cliché, but hear me out. Instead of cutting eye holes (which, let’s be honest, never looks right), take a white hoodie and pants, and add fabric or tulle for a cute ghost vibe. Accessorize with glow sticks or glitter to keep things extra festive. This is perfect for when you have zero time but want to avoid the whole “cutting a hole in your linens” situation.  

One year, we tried the traditional sheet ghost, and my daughter immediately tripped over her own costume. So now, we avoid the full-length sheet and aim for "ghost chic." Safety first!

Matching Monster Squad 

For a quick and cheap group costume idea, why not turn the whole family into a pack of monsters? Grab some old clothes, rip them up a little (so satisfying), and go wild with colorful face paint. Hair gel can spike up the kids’ hair into monster-like chaos. The best part? It’s supposed to be messy - so no pressure to make it "perfect."  

Mom Win: Monsters don’t require perfectly brushed hair. Need I say more, lol?

Toddler Teddy Bear 

If you have a toddler, you probably already own half of this costume. Grab their brown or tan onesie (you know, the one you just washed), pop on some bear ears from a headband, and boom - cutest teddy bear ever.  

The Rebellious Teen “Too-Cool-for-Costumes” Costume 

If you’ve got a teen who’s “too cool” for dressing up but still wants the candy (I mean, who wouldn’t?), help them embrace the minimalist costume life. A black hoodie, sunglasses, and a cardboard sign that says “Error 404: Costume Not Found” is all they need. It's clever, easy, and totally Instagrammable, which may actually convince them to participate.  

From one mom to another, at the end of the day, Halloween is about having fun, not stressing over the perfect Pinterest-worthy costume. (Though, if you pull one of these off, I expect photos!) The best part of creating these affordable costumes is the memories you’ll make - like the time my son insisted on wearing his ghost costume to bed because he “wasn’t done haunting.” It’s those little moments that make all the glue sticks and safety pins worth it. Trust me, mom - you’ve got this.

So whether you’re channeling your inner DIY queen or throwing together a costume at the 11th hour, just remember, perfection isn’t the goal. Having fun as a family is. Now, go raid those craft drawers and turn that old t-shirt into a cape - you’re officially Halloween-ready!

xoxo