Ultimate Guide To Halloween Costume Ideas

Author: Rachel  Date Posted:2 October 2025 

Halloween Costume Ideas: DIY, Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Options for 2025 Fun, creative, and eco-friendly Halloween costume ideas for kids and adults.

 

BLOG: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS "!

 

Every year, millions of Halloween costumes end up in landfills - cheap, single-use polyester outfits that are worn once and thrown away. In the US alone, it’s estimated that 85% of costumes get discarded after just one use, contributing tonnes of plastic and textile waste.

But celebrating Halloween doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. There are endless creative options that not only reduce landfill waste, but will save you money this spooky season. From upcycled outfits to swaps and op-shops, here’s your ultimate guide to Halloween costume ideas for kids, adults, and the whole family.

 

DIY or op-shop costumes reduce waste this Halloween " DIY & Thrifted Halloween Costume Ideas

Ú Get creative with items already in your wardrobe, or
Ú Head to the op-shop for your pieces for a one-of-a-kind look, and
Ú Reuse accessories from last year or swap with friends & neighbours to cut down on new purchases.
Ú Let kids craft their own costumes or decorations.

 

These costumes ideas are low-cost, high-fun, and waste-conscious: 

" Kids & Teens

  • Zombie: Rip old shirts or dresses, add a bit of tomato sauce or beetroot for gore.
  • Pirate: Black shirt, red or black head scarf, a cardboard sword.
  • Vampire: Just add makeup.
  • Living Doll: Frilly dress with a bonnet.
  • Harry Potter: Glasses and a robe you already own.
  • Ninja Warrior, Farmer, Pop Singer 
  • Bunny Clown
  • Galactic Space Alien
  • Cardboard Boxes are great for Robots, Minecraft characters and Rubick's Cubes! 

 

" Adults

  • 40s Pin-Up Girl / 50s Teenie Bopper – Thrifted retro outfits.
  • Flower Child / Hippy – Flowy skirts, flares and headbands.
  • 80s Costume – Think fluoro, leggings, neon scrunchies.
  • Cowboy / Cowgirl – Flannelette, jeans, and a hat.
  • Fortune Teller – Hoop earrings, scarf, and layered skirts.
  • Scarecrow – A little straw sticking out makes the outfit festive.
  • Princess / Warrior, Ice Queen, Witchy Clown
  • Steampunk Woman / Man

 

" Eco-Friendly Decorating 

  • Skip plastic and opt for reusable, recycled, or natural materials:
  • Ghostly visitors: Old bedsheets stuffed with newspaper or leaves.
  • Spiderwebs: Splayed organic cotton or cotton balls.
  • Hang decos with natural twine.
  • Bats: Cut from black paper and hung around the house.
  • Carved pumpkins: Decorate sustainably and compost afterward.
  • Non-toxic face paint: Homemade or organic products.


" Eco-Friendly Trick or Treat Ideas

  • Use reusable bags for trick-or-treating
  • Give out unique treats like: Seed bombs or plantable items, Beeswax crayons or pencils
  • Choose eco-friendly chocolates wrapped in foil or paper


By choosing DIY, thrifted, or eco-friendly costumes, you can enjoy Halloween in style while reducing waste, saving money, and teaching kids the importance of sustainability. Celebrate creatively and make this Halloween fun, festive, and planet-friendly! (or skip it altogether...)

 

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All our blog articles written by Rachel or our Guest Bloggers are well researched and 100% written by a real human person. We hope you have been informed, educated or entertained.

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