Avoid the dreaded eye roll, and score some quality time DIY'ing a cool costume together.
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Congratulations, you have a tween, that beautiful age between 9 and 12 years old when things get a bit trickier, especially come Halloween. Kid costumes? They're over it, but they're not ready for adult costumes either. And you must always beware the dreaded eye roll. But, we’re here to tell you to put away the caution tape—or save it for the outdoor Halloween decorations. Here's the secret: Let your tween take the lead in choosing their costume, then help them make it. Of course, it helps to have ideas as a jumping-off point.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up our favorite DIY Halloween costumes for tweens, ranging from cute to cool to (just a little) scary. We've also got plenty of ideas for classics like DIY superhero costumes, as well as best friend Halloween costumes if they want to pair up with their middle school BFF. For 12-year-olds on the cusp, we've included a few teen costume ideas rated PG-13. Best of all, many ideas start with things your kids may already have in their closets, and there are plenty you can make with cardboard, paint, and felt!
Cute Monster
A monster-themed onesie plus face paint equals one easy, comfy, and fun Halloween costume. Artsy tweens will have a blast doing their own makeup.
See more at Raising Memories.
Dora the Explorer
The best thing about dressing up as this beloved character? We bet your tween already has most of these items in her closet.
See more from Instagrammer Zima Reyes (@zimareyes).
UFO Costume
This is the most intense DIY tween Halloween costume on our list—but if your crafty family has a can-do spirit, the results are epic. The mom behind The Unplugged Family Instagram blog says she gathers costume ideas on a Pinterest board, and then lets the kids choose their favorites.
Get the UFO costume tutorial.
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Storm Cloud Costume
Another look from the The Unplugged Family. Flashing LED string lights make it look like real lightning!
To make the storm cloud: Start with a black sombrero. Cover top of hat with flashing, battery-operated LED string lights, using tape to attach. Add a generous layer of stuffing. Add another layer of lights, and top with more stuffing. Hit a few times with short sprays of gray spray paint to give it a dark and stormy look. Cut out large rain drop shapes from blue felt and attach to hat with blue yarn. Complete the look with black clothing and neon rain boots.
Starbucks Cup Costume
“This has got to be the easiest and quickest costume I’ve made so far,” said the mom behind this costume, who posted it on her Instagram @creativearttable. The life-sized Starbucks cup she whipped up at her tween's request is not only super easy and adorable—it won a homemade costume contest too! The secret to the straw? A self-adhesive glitter foam sheet.
Get the Starbucks cup costume tutorial.
Cactus Costume
Tween Instagram influencer Natalie Izabella rocks this school-friendly costume. If your child already has a green top and pants or skirt in their closet, all you need is a couple of accessories.
See more at @natalie_izabella_1.
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Serena Williams Costume
If your tween was glued to the TV watching Serena play her final tournament at the 2022 US Open this year, this costume is the perfect way to pay tribute to her hero.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Lumberjack Costume
Need a last-minute costume idea? You've found it in this lumberjack outfit. You probably already have some of the pieces in your closet!
Get the tutorial at Leggings 'N' Lattes.
Nyan Cat Costume
The famously cute meme is a tween this year too! Pair gray cat ears with a rainbow tutu and socks, and pull out the construction paper and glue to make a pixelated cardboard "Pop-Tart" to attach to the shirt.
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Deer Costume
YouTube your way to a DIY deer costume for tweens. For a similar look, check out the deer antler tutorial by Cristina Viseu and kids deer makeup tutorial by Pretty Casual. For the outfit, cut out an oval from a sheet of white faux craft fur and attach it to a tan-colored dress or shirt.
Fairy Costume
Fairy is one of those Halloween costumes that's good for any age—and you can always repurpose the wings in another costume another year. Use a favorite dress as the base.
For the fairy wings, check out the tutorial at Andrea's Notebook. They're a little different than the wings pictured here, but we love how approachable her instructions are.
Aviator
A tween who loves all things aviation—or who's always poring over boxes of old family photos from generations past—will take off in this vintage-style aviator look. They might imagine themselves as Amelia Earhart, Orville or Wilbur Wright, or Bessie Coleman.
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Invent Your Own Superhero
Start with something your tween already has—like a basketball uniform—and add from there.
Renaissance Princess
What do to when you know your tween is going to wake up three inches taller any day now? Blogger and crafty mom Jamie, who created this Halloween costume for her daughter, shared a priceless tip on Instagram: "I sized it up and added a 3-inch hem so we can keep wearing the costume to the renaissance festival for the next couple years."
Get the tutorial at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.
Mermaid Costume
If the pre-buzz about Halle Bailey's turn as Ariel in Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid (2023) has inspired your tween, it's time to show off her fins. Of course, you can buy an Ariel costume, but if you're crafty, this homemade version is so pretty.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
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Gumball Machine Costume
Cover a plain white T-shirt in pom-poms and pair with red pants for a cute and crafty Halloween costume that's totally tween-appropriate.
Get the tutorial at Cute Girls Hairstyles.
Mad Scientist Costume
Your tween can rock a favorite T-shirt and jeans underneath a lab coat and safety goggles. And if they get sick of wearing a costume, it's easy to transition out of this look.
Get the tutorial at Polka Dot Chair.
Luna Lovegood Costume
When it comes to tween costumes, you really can't go wrong with Harry Potter—it's hard to find a young girl or boy who doesn't like the series! We're fond of this simple-to-make Luna Lovegood version.
Get the tutorial at This DIY Life.
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Knight in Shining Armor Costume
This clever costume starts with auto shades and dryer vent ducts! How creative is that?
Get the tutorial at Savings Lifestyle.
Witch Costume
It's a classic for a reason, and there are so many ways you can personalize it for a one-of-a-kind look for your one-of-a-kind kiddo.
Check out 25 DIY Witch Costume Ideas.
Terri Robertson
Terri Robertson is the Senior Editor, Digital, at Country Living, where she shares her lifelong love of homes, gardens, down-home cooking, and antiques.
