Your toddler is at that age where Halloween is something that might still be a bit scary, but it's also an exciting new adventure to embark on! Whether you're going tick-or-treating or you're heading off to the local Safe Halloween, here are 10 ideas for great kid-friendly homemade toddler costumes for the big night.

 

10. Forest Fairy

Doll up your darlings with their favorite dress-up clothes (the sparklier the better!) and add a favorite wand. Wings are opional, though they can make the outfit; the same goes with glitter.

 

9. Doctor/Vet

Your child probably has a costume already, but if not, some green pants and a shirt will work for scrubs, or use a white coat over clothing as a lab coat. Make him or her an official ID (he or she will love that!) and add a toy stethoscope. If you're doing  a vet costume, add a small stuffed animal.

 

8. Shrek

This was my daughter's first Halloween costume, and it remains my favorite. If you can get your own Shrek hat with little ogre ears on it, perfect! If not, just cut a toilet paper tube in half, paint the pieces green, and glue them onto a green beanie or hat (or just use this tutorial). Add a green sweatshirt and sweatpants and you're done! A brown vest and white pants over the green sweatshirt will also work well.

 

7. Superhero

Why not let your child be "Super His/Her Name" for Halloween? Have him or her design a costume using old clothes, and add a bandana, cape made out of a sheet, whatever you both like. Don't forget to make up a secret power!

 

6. Detective

This is a perfect disguise on Halloween night! If your child has seen the Backyardigans episode about detectives, he or she will really love this costume. Just use one of your old jackets (preferably brown; you could also browse resale shops for the item) and make a magnifying glass out of cardboard (unless he or she already has a plastic one; just don't use glass). Adding a detective's hat is a nice touch, too!

 

5. Farmer

Use your child's beloved overalls, a plaid shirt, and a straw hat to make him or her a famer for Halloween. Add a fun triangle nose and a bit of hay for a scarecrow look!

 

4. Friendly Monster

If your child really wants to be a monster, make a friendly costume by buying a roll of green crepe paper, tearing off strips, and layering them over a shirt to make a swamp creature or similar lil monster.

 

3. Cat or Dog

This costume is so simple; we've done it twice in a pinch and it's always great. Just let your child pick out the colors of the animal (our daughter always chooses black) and add a few simple touches, such as a spot or whiskers, with an eyeliner pencil or Halloween makeup. Buying or making a couple of simple ears and a tail will enhance the outfit as well.

 

2. Static Cling

I saw this costume on the film Penelope and laughed so hard! A child had several clothing items, mostly socks, attached to her shirt and pants. This is a clever idea that's also extremely cheap and easy.

 

1. Lil Ghost

Cut up an old sheet and drape it around your little one, either toga-style or like a cape. Add white clothing (a hoodie works great) and he or she will be the cutest ghost in the neighborhood.