Halloween is just around the corner, and coming up with a costume that’s both fun and affordable can be a challenge. While some costumes can be pricey, you don’t have to break the bank to dress up this Halloween. Below, you’ll find some easy and budget-friendly costume ideas that you can put together for $30 or less. Whether you’re looking for something classic or more unique, these ideas will help you stand out without spending a fortune.
The Classics
The Tourist
An oldie but a goodie, dressing up as a tourist is a simple and humorous costume. All you need is a Hawaiian shirt or a loud print shirt, sunglasses, a fanny pack, and a big, dorky camera. You might already have these items at home, making this costume practically free. If not, you can likely find everything you need at a local thrift store for around $15 to $20.
Estimated Cost: $0 – $20
The Athlete
With sports always in the spotlight, dressing up as an athlete is a timely and easy costume idea. Just grab a sports jersey or team shirt, sweatbands, athletic shorts, and sneakers. These are likely items you already own, making this another low-cost option. If you’re missing anything, check your local thrift store or borrow from friends.
Estimated Cost: $0 – $20
80s Aerobics Instructor
If you want to add a bit of flair to the athlete idea, why not go as an 80s aerobics instructor? You’ll need a bright leotard or bodysuit, leg warmers, a headband, and some tights or leggings. These items can be found at thrift stores or online.
Estimated Cost: $20 – $30
The Minion
This costume is perfect for fans of the “Despicable Me” movies. You’ll need a yellow T-shirt, denim overalls, black gloves, and some DIY goggles made from cardboard, silver paint, and plastic cups. This one requires a bit of crafting, but you can pull it together for around $17 to $20, depending on what you already have at home.
Estimated Cost: $17 – $20
Play on Words Costumes
Ceiling Fan
This is a simple yet clever costume. All you need is a plain T-shirt (which you likely already have), iron-on letters or fabric paint to write “Go Ceiling!” on the shirt, and some pom-poms or foam fingers for cheering. This funny and easy costume is sure to get some laughs.
Estimated Cost: $10 – $15
French Kiss
For this costume, you’ll need a black-and-white striped shirt, a black beret, and face paint or makeup to create the iconic KISS band makeup. It’s a humorous play on words that’s sure to be a hit.
Estimated Cost: $15 – $20
Serial Killer
This punny costume is both simple and effective. Collect some empty cereal boxes (free if you already have them), add some fake blood and plastic knives, and attach them to your clothes using safety pins and string. The result? A “cereal” killer.
Estimated Cost: $5 – $10
Holy Cow
For this costume, you’ll need a white shirt with black spots (easily made by painting or attaching fabric cutouts), and a halo. You can buy a halo at a costume shop or make one yourself using a headband and pipe cleaners.
Estimated Cost: $10 – $15
Deviled Egg
This costume is as simple as it is clever. All you need is a white shirt, a yellow circle (cut out of felt or fabric), and some devil horns. The yellow circle represents the egg yolk, and the horns complete the “deviled egg” look.
Estimated Cost: $10 – $15
Formal Apology
For this costume, grab some formal attire (a suit or dress) and wear a sign around your neck that says “Sorry.” You can make the sign with just a piece of paper and some string, or you can decorate it with puffy paint for added effect.
Estimated Cost: $0 – $10 (if you already have formal clothes)
Party Animal
This costume is both easy and fun. You’ll need animal ears or a mask (such as a dog, cat, bird, or horse), a party hat, and some noisemakers or party blowers.
Estimated Cost: $10
Breadwinner
For this clever costume, get yourself a loaf of bread (which you might already have at home), some medals or trophies (either ordered cheaply online or DIY from cardboard), and wear running shoes or athletic wear.
Estimated Cost: $10 – $15
Identity Theft
This is a simple costume that packs a punch. Get a plain white T-shirt and stick on multiple name tags with different names written on them.
Estimated Cost: $10
Blessing in Disguise
This costume allows for a lot of creativity. Wear regular clothes or a trench coat (a trench coat adds a nice touch), along with angel wings or a halo. Add some sunglasses or a ridiculous pair of glasses to “disguise” your face, and you’ve got yourself a “blessing in disguise.”
Estimated Cost: $10 – $15
Conclusion
These budget-friendly Halloween costumes are perfect for those who want to join in the Halloween fun without spending a fortune. Whether you’re a big Halloween enthusiast or just want to participate without going all out, these ideas are sure to get a laugh from friends and family while keeping your wallet happy. With a little creativity and some thrifty shopping, you can have a costume that’s both unique and affordable.