DIY

18 Last-Minute Halloween Costumes That Will Impress the Whole Family

By Melanie Aman Updated: October 28, 2021

Kasie Pryor/Laura Matijašić

Between shuttling your kids to practice, all those zoom meetings, and having to find the perfect Halloween costumes for your little ones, the search for your Halloween costume has fallen by the wayside. We get it: You’re busy — but you may still want to dress up for Halloween. Lucky for you, there’s no need to sacrifice Halloween festivities just to keep up with your hectic schedule. Let these DIY last-minute Halloween costumes rescue your evening!

From spooky to sweet, these costumes take no time at all but will still give you a chance at winning your the best-costume award. Whether you’re looking for sweet Halloween costumes, like a cute Morton Salt girl costume, or an edgier ventriloquist doll Halloween costume, we’ve got you covered.

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From sweet and adorable to funny and fabulous, you’ll find plenty of options in this collection of last-minute Halloween costumes even if you waited until days before. And remember above all else to have fun when you head out there!

Courtesy of Lindsay Griffin

Beanie Babies

These awesome Beanie Baby costumes will instantly make you nostalgic. Seriously, who didn't have a Beanie Baby when they were younger? Onesies make for an easy animal costume, and a big, red TY tag helps the whole thing come together in minutes.
Courtesy of Michelle Hunter

Ventriloquist Doll Halloween Costume

Nailing this costume is all about the makeup (mostly the lines on the chin), which means you can get it right in just minutes.
Courtesy of Carla Mathis

Starbucks Cup Halloween Costume

As much as we love Starbucks, it sure doesn't love us when we're trying to fit into our favorite jeans. Fortunately, this Halloween Starbucks costume has all the sweetness with none of the calories!
Courtesy of Melody Williams

Toddlers and Tiaras Costumes

With the help of a couple dollar store accessories, you and a friend can have the perfect Toddlers & Tiaras Halloween costumes in no time — without the drama and stage moms.
Courtesy of Jenny Campbell/NOLA Costumes

Rain Cloud

When it comes to Halloween costumes, last minute doesn't mean you can't still impress. This holiday is about going all out — even when you're short on time. Plus, it's the only time of year you can get away with wearing so much glitter!
Courtesy of Kasie Pryor

Scarecrow Costume

Grab a straw hat, some extra decorative straw, and a flannel shirt from your closet. Now all you need is a touch or two of makeup, and you're set!
Courtesy of Marlena Hale

Medusa Costume

Although this Greek-mythology-inspired costume won't turn you to stone with one look, you won't be able to take your eyes off the intricate snake headpiece. Even if you hate snakes, you have to appreciate how spot-on this getup is.
Courtesy of Christine Templeton

Halloween Bat Costume

This spooky bat costume is the perfect idea for anyone still searching for a last-minute costume for women. It's cute and festive without being over the top, and those beautiful lace wings will trick everyone into thinking you've spent hours on your costume.
Courtesy of Erica Tisdale

The Price Is Right Contestant Halloween Costume

A fortune in fabulous prizes may go to you today, if you know when The Price Is Right — and all you need is a sticker and a Sharpie!
Courtesy of Laura Matijašić

Last-Minute Skeleton Costume

You can't go wrong with a classic Halloween getup like this last-minute skeleton costume. A skeleton onsie is so comfy it's scary!
Courtesy of Emily Contreras

DIY Cactus Costume

Finding the perfect last-minute Halloween costume can feel near impossible, but this spikey cactus costume makes everything pain-free.
Courtesy of Melina Campbell

Wind-Up Doll

If you're determined to win this year's Halloween costume contest, you need something that's guaranteed to blow away your competition. One of our favorite ideas for costumes that will win a contest is this creative wind-up doll ensemble.
Courtesy of Sara Smotherman

Morton Salt Girl Halloween Costume

We're calling this adorable Morton Salt girl costume the perfect excuse to buy another yellow dress. Pair your frock with matching shoes, an umbrella, and of course, a canister of Morton Salt, and you're ready to sprinkle some magic on your Halloween festivities.
Courtesy of miss.goodytwoshoes

Ice Cream Cone Costume

Even without a cherry on top, this ice cream cone Halloween costume is the sweetest thing we've ever seen. And if you don't have a white dress, you can always go as another ice cream flavor.
Courtesy of Christine Lee Too

Easy Ladybug Costume

What's red, black, and oh-so cute? This adorable ladybug costume! It's easy to make: Simply add spots! Finish the look with some fuzzy antennas, and you have a look that's perfectly sweet.
Courtesy of danirage

Game of Operation Costume

Ready for a trip down memory lane? The only game more frustrating than Monopoly was Operation. To be as authentic as possible, you can even download an app on your phone that will make the buzzing sound we all remember from this childhood game.
Courtesy of Rachael Crawford

Jelly Belly Halloween Costume

If you have a house full of kids, chances are there are leftover balloons from this summer's water-balloon fights. Now's your opportunity to grab them and get creative by turning them into "jelly beans." The best part about this jelly bean costume is that you never have to worry about accidentally grabbing a bean you don't like — they're all sweet!
Courtesy of Brianne Vertrees

S'mores Ingredients Costume

If you think about it, a family is a lot like a s'more: When all the parts function together perfectly, the result is a delicious experience.