From a funny Costco sampler to a fun recycling bin, you can use your old cardboard boxes to create these unique and fun DIY cardboard Halloween costumes for your kids.
Halloween doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on store-bought costumes—sometimes the best looks come straight from a cardboard box.
With just a little creativity, paint, and tape, you can turn everyday materials into clever, one-of-a-kind costumes that stand out from the crowd.
Cardboard makes it easy to craft something fun, affordable, and memorable. The best part? These DIY Halloween costumes made out of cardboard boxes aren’t just budget-friendly, they’re also a chance for kids and parents to work together and come up with an incredible costume.
Looking for some more inspiration? Check out these DIY Halloween costumes for kids.
Sardine can Halloween costume
This DIY Halloween costume is absolutely adorable! I wonder who in the family is the sardine fan—was it the child’s idea, or did mom think it would be a fun idea? Either way, this cardboard masterpiece is sure to grab attention in the neighborhood.
Recycling bin Halloween costume
Teach kids how to recycle from a young age, and why not even make them a recycling bin Halloween costume? After all it’s easy to make and only requires a cardboard box, paint or gray tape and hot glue.
Costco sampler Halloween costume
We all love the Costco samplers. The costume is really easy to make. All I wonder how do you get hold of a Costco hat and badge.
Chocolate cookie Halloween costume
A big cardboard box, a brown sharpie and some fabric or ribbon to connect the back to the front – that’s all you need to make this Halloween costume.
I Spy Fly Guy Halloween costume
Inspired by the book I Spy Fly Guy, this Halloween costume is a great last minute idea for busy moms.
Traffic light Halloween costume
For those kids who are obsessed with anything transportation, from Thomas the Train to Hot Wheels cars, you can give this traffic light costume a go. Use colored paper plates for the lights.
Juice box Halloween costume
This easy Halloween costume is a collaboration between father and son. The kid wanted a creative and unique costume and dad helped him make one.
McDonals fries Halloween costume
Kids and adults will love this costume. Besides, it’s also very easy to make. Wear red pants and a yellow shirt for a coordinated look.
Vending machine Halloween costume
This is a more complex cardboard Halloween costume and here are the instructions on how to make a vending machine with working lights.
Beekeeper Halloween costume
Start saving the egg cartons because you will need them to make this adorable bee keeper costume.
Tissue box Halloween costume
The only challenge for this costume is finding wrapping paper with a fun pattern.
Washing machine Halloween costume
This kid’s Halloween costume is on spin cycle: half washing machine, half laundry basket, and totally loads of fun!
X-Ray Halloween costume
This adorable X-ray costume nails the Halloween skeleton look, and with a sibling or parent dressed as a doctor, it instantly becomes a clever family costume.
Calculator Halloween costume
This costume is created for 100 days of school but it could go well as a Halloween costume for a kids who loves math.
LEGO Halloween costume
LEGO Halloween costume made from a cardboard box and plastic cups.