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Last-minute Halloween shoppers will probably be disappointed to find a few scant costumes left on the shelves this time of year. According to a survey published by the National Retail Federation, 73% of those surveyed plan to celebrate the 2023 holiday.
If you find yourself disappointed with the leftover costumes at the store — or simply want to make your own — there are plenty of quick and budget-friendly costumes you can put together at the last minute.
Here are seven easy options.
Gumball machine
A brightly colored gumball machine is a fun and non-spooky costume option. To achieve the look, you'll first cut holes in a large clear plastic bag for your head and arms. Fill the bag with at least a dozen colorful, inflated balloons. Cinch the bottom of the bag at your waist. A red skirt or pants completes the gumball machine effect! You can find tutorials and photos like this one on Pinterest to steer you in the right direction.
Wanted poster
Take a cue from the Wild West outlaws with this easy wanted-poster costume. Take a large piece of cardboard or poster paper and cut out a square in the middle large enough to put your head through. Write "WANTED" in thick Western-style lettering on top, with your name and monetary reward for your capture at the bottom.
Throw on a cowboy hat, holster your toy gun, and carry around the poster at your Halloween party. When someone asks about your costume, hold up the sign and pose behind it for the perfect photo op.
Swamp creature
If Scooby Doo villain energy is what you're after, consider going to the party as a swamp creature. costume that's cheap to make and exudes—what's not to like? Just purchase a few green and black plastic tablecloths from your local dollar store and slice them into long strips. Glue them to an old hoodie or dark t-shirt to become a mossy monster, like this creative woman did.
Flashback
Raid those old boxes of clothes lying around your parents' basement! Find a goofy outfit from the 60s, 70s, or 80s — depending on how old your parents are — and dress up as one of them. You might even find vintage-inspired pieces in today's fashion stores. Groovy!
If you're the one with the boxes of vintage stuff, dig out one of your old favorite outfits and relive your glory days by going as your past self. After all, when are you going to wear those acid wash jeans and polyester pansuits again?
Flash forward
If you'd rather fast forward than visit the past, dress up as yourself in the future. For example, show people what you'd look like if you were a parent. Find a doll or two (or three!) and borrow a baby carrier or stroller.
Throw a diaper bag over your shoulder. Mess up your hair and use makeup to create dark circles around your sleep-deprived eyes.
Add nametags with silly names on your fake children if you're feeling inspired. This PopSugar article has the details on one teenager's perfect tired mom costume!
Time zone
If you want a straightforward and quick costume, use a marker to write the name of a time zone (Eastern, Central, or Pacific) on the back of a T- shirt. Buy a cheap clock, set the dial accordingly, and wear it around your neck. If you have a group of friends who are all in the same boat as you, dress up as neighboring time zones.
Embrace Christmas
If you're one to start celebrating the Christmas holidays early, put those newly-bought decorations to good (early) use! Dress in your old green shirt and pants or skirt, staple tinsel and garland on your clothes, then wrap yourself in battery-powered lights.
For a finishing touch, put a star on your head. You might need to fasten one to a headband to keep it firmly on your head all night. You're now a Christmas tree!
You could also follow blogger Mommy Peach's DIY instructions and become a Christmas present. Just find a large box, wrap it like a yuletide gift and cut holes in it for your head, arms, and legs. You can even hang a tag from the box that cheekily reads "Too soon?"
