Kids Halloween Costume How-Tos from the AC Archive

Whether you are looking for ways to save money or trying to come up with a contest-winning costume, a host of ideas are already available in the Associated Content library. Here you'll find projects that parents with even the most basic do-it-yourself skills can put together. Or, if you're looking for off-the-shelf solutions, check out a review of the best online sources of costumes for your young trick-or-treater.

10 Creative No Sew Halloween Costumes for Kids by AC Producer Mommy the Maid

This article provides directions for making ten different costumes, so you're sure to find one suited for child, boy or girl. The attention to detail is remarkable, including an accessory idea for a zombie costume that's too good to give away the secret here. Other clever ideas include dressing up your child as a Lego or as someone in a shower.

Make Halloween Costumes for Kids by AC Producer Crystal Ray

The author describes how to create charming do-it-yourself costumes like a bag of jellybeans or a number 2 pencil. Though these costumes are simple, they will be most easily executed by the parent with some crafting experience. But there's no sewing required, and the instructions are clear and easy-to-follow.

Cool Kids' Halloween Costumes You Can Make Yourself by AC Producer Jennifer Claerr

Is your child obsessed with a movie or TV hero? From Hannah Montana to Harry Potter, this article gives the basics for how to put together a costume that looks like it came right off the screen. It includes excellent instructions for a Transformers costume that's a snap for any mom who knows her way around an Exacto knife and a roll of duct tape.

Quick, Easy and Cheap Halloween Costumes for Kids (or Adults) by AC Producer Angela Harris

Have you waited until the last minute to find your child a costume? The ideas in this article might be just the thing to rescue you. Most of these costumes can be assembled with items you may already have hanging around in your closet. Other materials can be purchased at your corner drugstore on the way home from work. Costumes described range from beauty queen to Crayola crayon. The highlight of this article is a recipe for homemade face paint that can be a real money-saver.

Kids Halloween Costumes That are Easy to Make by AC Producer Abigail Beal

These ideas are so simple they almost don't need instructions. That doesn't mean they are lacking in creativity. Nearly anyone could put together these costumes with items on hand. The hippie and tourist costumes are perfect for pre-teens who've almost gotten too "cool" for dress-up.

Scary Kids Halloween Costumes by AC Producer Erinn Soule

Does your kid want to be the scariest trick-or-treater on the block? Then these ideas are for you. The article gives in-depth instructions for transforming your child into horror-film classics like a Werewolf, or into modern-day villains like Freddy Krueger (with a photo of the finished product). This one is definitely not for the faint of heart.

No-Sew Halloween Costumes by AC Producer jpsixbear

The author shows how to put together simple materials with no fuss for maximum effect. Included here are not-so-obvious tips for stand-out pirate and fairy costumes, along with ideas for dressing your child as a three-headed monster, the class nerd, or Sherlock Holmes.

Make Your Child's Halloween Costumes by AC Producer Ray Poirier

This article focuses on how to shop thrift stores for common clothing articles and accessories to assemble inexpensive costumes. What you can create will depend on the materials you can find, but the components for a scarecrow or a pirate costume should be available almost anywhere. There are also tips for animal costumes, including a tiger.

Quick and Creative Halloween Costumes for Kids! by AC Producer Samantha Miller

With little more than a glue gun, cardboard, and some paint, you can create these unusual costumes in a flash. Clever ideas include artist and chef, but the picnic costume is the clear winner here. The instructions are simple to follow, but some of these might require just a little artistic talent.

Halloween Costumes to Make by AC Producer coffeebreak

Though not all these instructions are specifically for children, they are especially suited to the parent looking for an inexpensive costume that's easy to make. It's also unlikely your child will run into another Cousin It at the school Halloween carnival. Other ideas include paper boy and playing card.

Best Places to Find Kid's Halloween Costumes Online by AC Producer ThirtiesMama

Not the do-it-yourself type? If you don't have the time or skill to invest in homemade costumes and have a little extra money to spend, this article provides a thorough review of the top sites for buying Halloween costumes for children. Don't purchase a commercial costume before reading this detailed comparison of what retailers have to offer in terms of quality and selection. A skilled bargain-hunter can find a deal even here, especially as the holiday draws nearer.

Whatever your children's interests, it's hard to imagine that you won't find something to suit them from among these fantastic ideas. Trick or treat!