We all know that kids love to dress up - whether on a rainy afternoon, with a
gang of friends, or at birthday
parties and Halloween. It is always a good idea to provide a well-stocked fancy
dress suitcase or basket so that they can come up with their own creations, but
sometimes a proper costume is called for and inspiration might be required. You
will find lots of inspiration here! Some of the costumes below are described in
detail; others are here to serve just as suggestions and get you thinking about
the possibilities...
Alice in Wonderland Wear a simple dress, preferably light blue, with a white pinafore or apron.*
Scoop long hair back with a blue ribbon or hair band. You could accessorize by
pinning or stitching a red felt heart on the apron, and carrying a white rabbit
toy or cut-out like this: Bunny lacing card
Angel This little angel is wearing a pretty white dress and some store-bought
feathery angel wings. Of course you could make your own, and add a halo.
Bat Costume
This bat costume has long floaty wings, ears and a mask so young kids love
wearing it! Printable templates supplied.
Batman
We have ideas for putting together your own modern or traditional batman costume
for brave superheroes!
Bride Dress your little bridge up in a pretty white dress or nightie. Gather up a
length of tulle or net with long stitches and attach to a comb or hairband.
Alternatively, you might be able to find an old lace curtain which can be
attached with hairpins. Add a bunch of flowers and a big smile!
Burglar Costume
This burglar costume is a fun fancy dress costume for kids at Halloween or all
year round - and it is very easy to put together.
Business Man or Woman
Dress your child in a white shirt and tie and a smart pair of dark trousers or
skirt. Add a few accessories - perhaps some glasses, an empty coffee container,
a print-out of some spreadsheets and a laptop case over the shoulder?
Clown
A bright-colored wig, clown makeup and primary colored clothes turn any child
into a clown. If you want to go more to town, tie a huge red bow-tie around the
neck and add braces or a belt made with rope to hold up a pair of baggie
trousers, then make your child's feet look bigger by taping an extension made of
construction paper to the top of their normal pair.
Computer
Construction Worker An easy and popular costume for boys, including instructions for a papier
mache safety helmet!
Convict Costume
See Jailbird costume below
Cowboy/Cowgirl
Dalmatian
A white Tshirt and white tights or leggings or track-suit bottoms form the basis
of
the costume. Add a tail out of the leg of an old pair of tights stuffed loosely
with
newspaper. Safety pin or sew on some black felt spots. Finally, make some
dalmatian ears out of felt and attach to a hair band, then use face paints,
makeup or a home-made mask to create a cute dalmation face.
Devil Costume
Bring out the devil in your little one with this cute costume. Includes
templates.
Doctor / surgeon
Drinks Can (Soda Pop Can)
Fairy
You can make the simplest fairy costume if you have a pair of wings and
something pretty and pink for your little girl to wear. Of course you can add a
pretty tulle skirt or party dress, a tiara and a
magic wand to make the outfit complete! Alternatively, go for the more modern
fairy look by dressing your child up in a leotard and tights and adding an
assortment of pretty scarves to drape and flutter as she dances around.
Photo crafts
Kids love to have photos of themselves displayed around the house and
these photo crafts will give you lots of ideas for involving them in
creating those displays! And of course, photo crafts make great gifts
too.
