By Belinda Jane
This Halloween, ditch the cheaply made, toxic costumes and get creative with your kids to craft something unique and planet-friendly! Not only is this a fantastic way to save money, but it’s also an opportunity to teach your children about sustainability and the impact of their choices. Fast fashion contributes to around 10% of global carbon emissions and a staggering 20% of the world’s wastewater (World Resources Institute) (Gitnux).
Those store-bought, single-use Halloween costumes are part of this cycle, often made from non-biodegradable materials that sit in landfills for hundreds, or thousands of years.
But there’s a fun solution – upcycling what you already have! Instead of throwing money at fast fashion, grab everyday household items and let your kids’ imaginations run wild. The process of making costumes together is not only eco-friendly, but also a great bonding experience—and your little ones will learn about resourcefulness and creative problem-solving along the way.
Simple DIY Costume Ideas
Ghost
The ultimate classic! Use an old white sheet, cut out eyeholes, and boom—instant ghost. Let your kids add their own designs with non-toxic markers for a spooky upgrade.
Superhero
All you need is a towel or blanket for a cape, a bright t-shirt, and leggings. Your child can draw their superhero logo and pin it on—because every hero deserves their own brand!
Animals
Grab some felt, cardboard, and a headband to craft ears for cats, dogs, or even a lion. A bit of face paint, or your old make-up for whiskers and a nose, it will have your kids ready to roar.
Cowboy/Cowgirl
A plaid shirt, jeans, boots, and a bandana can turn your little ones into the most stylish cowhands on the block!
Pirate
An eye patch, a striped shirt, and a scarf for a headband can transform your child into a mini Captain Jack Sparrow. Bonus points if they yell “Arrr” at the neighbors.
Tourist
A Hawaiian shirt, sandals with socks, and a toy camera for some vacation vibes. Maybe even print out a fake boarding pass to complete the look!
Why This Matters
Getting creative with your kids isn’t just about having fun (although that’s a big part!). It’s also a chance to teach them the importance of making mindful, eco-friendly choices. Fast fashion doesn’t just harm the environment—it also relies on exploitative labor practices in developing countries (Earth.Org). By skipping the store-bought costumes, you’re sending a message that we can break the cycle of waste and exploitation.
And let’s not forget that DIY costumes are unique. Instead of wearing the same mass-produced costume as five other kids in their class, your child will have something personal and creative to show off. Plus, when you upcycle clothing, you’re also contributing to the slow fashion movement, which helps reduce textile waste and extends the life of garments – who doesn’t love a win win 🏆
The Takeaway
This Halloween, make the most of what’s already in your closet. Gather the family, get the creative juices flowing, and have fun building one-of-a-kind costumes together. Your kids will learn valuable lessons, your wallet will thank you, and you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment. Let’s turn Halloween into a celebration not just of creativity, but also of conscious consumption and care for our planet.
So, what will your DIY Halloween costume be? Send us some pics for us to put on our social media to share your creativeness and empower others [email protected] @bjspyjamas
