10 Nursery-Friendly Halloween Costumes Little Ones Will Love

Looking for Halloween costumes for little ones that won’t cost the earth? You’re in the right place.

At Kids Planet, we love fancy dress because it fuels imagination, language, and confidence. It also needs to be comfy, weather-ready, and nursery-friendly.

Below are 10 budget ideas with simple handmade touches, plus essential safety tips for a calm, happy night trick or treating.

10 budget-friendly costume ideas

1) Friendly Pumpkin

You’ll need: Orange T-shirt, green hat, black felt (or card), safety pins/fabric glue, cereal-box card.
How to: Cut simple triangle eyes and a smile from felt or card; glue or pin to the tee. Cut a leaf shape and a wavy “collar” from the cereal box, cover with green paper/paint, punch two holes and tie on with string.
Sensory-friendly: Use soft cotton layers under the tee; skip scratchy tutus.
£ saver: Check charity shops for orange tops and green hats.

2) Little Witch or Wizard 🧙‍♀️

You’ll need: Old pillowcase (tunic), leggings, paper cone hat, ribbon, twig wand.
How to: Cut head/arm holes in the pillowcase, tie a ribbon belt. Roll black paper into a cone, tape, and staple to a card brim. Find a smooth twig during Outdoor Play (very Udeskole!) for a wand; wrap with ribbon.
Adaptations: If hats bother your child, stick a felt star to a headband instead.

3) Gentle Ghost

You’ll need: White pillowcase or oversized tee, black felt circles, fabric tape.
How to: Keep the hem above the ankles for trip-free toddling. Add felt eyes to the chest, not the face.
Tip: For prams, pop the tee over a warm jumper; you still get the ghost look without bulk.

4) Butterfly or Moth 🦋

You’ll need: Cardboard, paint or crayons, elastic, tape, optional glitter.
How to: Cut two big wing shapes; decorate together (life-cycle chat time!). Tape elastic loops to slip over shoulders.
Sensory-kind: Choose a soft long-sleeve top and leggings. If elastic irritates, tie on with a scarf.
£ saver: Decorate with pressed leaves from a nature walk or try a leaf crown (see Woodland Trust craft ideas if you want extra inspo).

5) Black Cat

You’ll need: Black hoodie and leggings, felt ears on a headband, scarf for a tail, face paint.
How to: Cut two felt triangles; glue to a headband. Tie a thin scarf to belt loops as a tail. Draw tiny whiskers with gentle, hypoallergenic face paint.
Practical: Trainers or wellies keep things steady on pavements.

6) Busy Bumblebee

You’ll need: Yellow tee, black electrical tape (or felt strips), card/bubble-wrap wings, tape, headband + pipe cleaners.
How to: Add horizontal “stripes” to the tee. Cut wing shapes from card or bubble wrap; tape edges smooth and attach with ribbon. Make simple antennae with pipe cleaners.
Visibility: Add a few reflective dots to the back for dusk.

7) Woodland Explorer

You’ll need: Greens/browns, cardboard “magnifying glass,” leaf crown.
How to: Layer comfy outdoor clothes; tape a paper “badge” to the jumper. Make a crown by stapling card into a ring and taping on leaves.
Loose parts play: Pop a small treasure pouch on a belt for conkers, feathers (always supervise and hand-wash).

8) Storybook Star

You’ll need: Whatever matches your child’s favourite book.
How to: Bear pyjamas + paper ears = instant teddy bear. Mouse tail from ribbon, big felt ears on a headband = Gruffalo pal. Stick a paper star on a tee for a “room on the broom” sidekick.
Why it’s great: Familiar characters reduce costume anxiety and invite language-rich role play.

9) Little Skeleton

You’ll need: Black top/leggings, white fabric paint or white tape, optional reflective tape.
How to: Sketch simple bones with chalk; paint over or use tape strips. Add a few reflective pieces so your little one glows at dusk.
Warmth: Thermal base layer underneath = cosy child, happy photos.

10) Rainy-Day Superhero

You’ll need: Pillowcase cape, wellies, tee with felt logo, reflective stickers.
How to: Fold the pillowcase, snip two small neck holes, thread ribbon to tie loosely over a coat. Cut a felt lightning bolt for the chest.
British-weather-proof: Cape over a waterproof, reflective dots on cape and boots. Sorted.

Budget wins that still feel special

• Shop your wardrobe, then charity shops.
• Swap costumes with friends or your nursery community.
• Keep a craft caddy: felt, elastic, tape, card.
• Focus on comfort first. Soft seams beat elaborate outfits every time.
• If your child has sensory needs, try cotton tees, leggings, and simple accessories.

Staying safe while trick or treating

Safety first. Fun a close second. A few essentials we recommend for nursery-aged children:

• Choose safer costumes. Buy from trusted retailers and check for UKCA or CE marks. The government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards explains what to look for and why it matters in their Halloween guidance.
• Know the risks and quick wins. The Child Accident Prevention Trust has a clear, parent-friendly checklist covering flammability, labels, visibility, and candles.
• Be seen near roads. Add reflective tape to costumes and capes, pop on a small light, and keep to well-lit routes. The THINK! Be Bright, Be Seen resource is a simple way to chat about visibility with young children.
• Keep away from flames. Use LED tealights, keep costumes short, and supervise around pumpkins. RoSPA also recommends checking labels and being extra careful with homemade outfits.
• Plan for allergies. Agree a “swap bowl” at home, read labels together, and consider non-food treats. Allergy UK shares practical ideas for an allergy-inclusive night.

Why this matters at Kids Planet

Dressing up is more than cute photos. It nurtures language, social play, and big feelings in safe, supported ways. Our colleagues weave this into early years education and care every day, from Outdoor Play and Udeskole-inspired adventures to inclusive, sensory-aware activities, strong parent partnerships, and nutrition that keeps energy steady on exciting evenings. That thoughtful, nurturing approach is what families tell us they value, and it is exactly why we are proud of the impact we make, costume or no costume.

Happy Halloween!

Remember to keep it simple. keep it comfy, and follow your child’s interests. You will save money, lower stress, and make golden memories. If you would like sensory-friendly tweaks or inclusive adaptations, chat with your key person.

From all of us at Kids Planet, have a safe, joy-filled Halloween where little imaginations run wild and you can breathe easy.

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