19 Affordable Halloween Costumes that Make Holiday Shopping a Breeze
Although the air hasn’t quite yet transitioned from hot and sticky to cool and crisp, fall already seems to be on everyone’s minds (pumpkin spice-flavored everything, we’re looking at you). Despite the fact that it may feel a bit premature to start planning for tailgate parties, pumpkin patches, and apple picking, it’s never too early to get a head start on one fall tradition: Halloween costumes.
To avoid the stress and panic of realizing it’s the last week of October and you haven’t picked out a costume for you or your family members, get the annual task done early. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Spirit Halloween have already started releasing new costume selections for this year, including outfits inspired by pop culture figures and classic characters.
While there are thousands to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the best easy Halloween costumes under $50—because who wants to shell out the big bucks on an outfit that will likely only be worn once? Consider this one less thing to check off your fall to-do list.
Affordable Halloween Costumes for Adults
You’re never too old to dress up for Halloween. Even if you’re looking for an easy, affordable getup, there’s a myriad of fun, age-appropriate costumes to try. Get in the spirit and be inspired by these simple looks for adults.
Image courtesy of Target.
Mary Poppins Women’s Deluxe Halloween Costume
Transform into Mary Poppins with this classic dress, hat, and gloves. Add a pair of white boots and you’ll feel practically perfect in every way. It’s a sweet costume idea that could easily work on its own or with your entire family for a group look.
Buy It: Mary Poppins Women’s Deluxe Halloween Costume, $42, Target
Image courtesy of Walmart.
Harry Potter Gryffindor Robe Adult Halloween Costume
Throwing on a simple Harry Potter robe will always be an easy Halloween costume for adults to pull off. The iconic outfit can work for just about anyone at any age. Just pair it with a collared shirt and striped tie to complete the look—and don't forget to learn a few magic spells. For bonus points, find a pair of circular glasses and draw a scar on your forehead.
Buy It: Harry Potter Gryffindor Robe Adult Halloween Costume, $23, Walmart
Image courtesy of Walmart.
Star Trek Men’s Halloween Costume
Keep things simple with this costume inspired by the original Star Trek TV shows and movies. The classic blue shirt can be worn with any pair of black slacks and dress shoes you already own. All that’s left to do is remember how to contort your fingers into the Vulcan salute.
Buy It: Star Trek Mens Movie Blue Shirt Adult Halloween Costume, from $26, Walmart
Image courtesy of Spirit Halloween.
Adult Sabrina Spellman Costume
This is not your average witch costume: This one is inspired by Sabrina Spellman, the half-witch, half-human originally featured in the Archie Comics and later portrayed by Melissa Joan Hart on the TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Most recently, the character was revived on the Netflix show of the same name. This costume’s simple red dress with lace details can be worn over tights or leggings for a warmer outfit.
Buy It: Adult Sabrina Spellman Costume, $40, Spirit Halloween
Image courtesy of Amazon.
Men’s Top Gun Flight Suit Costume
Get ready for the Top Gun remake with this flight suit costume based on the ‘80s flick. The jumpsuit easily zips-up for a carefree outfit. All you need is a pair of aviator sunglasses and you’ll be ready to go.
Buy It: Men’s Top Gun Flight Suit Costume, from $40, Amazon
Affordable Halloween Costumes for Kids
You might consider the next size up for your older kids so there’s room to layer warm clothing and make the outfit last through a growth spurt. From movie characters’ getups to simple accessories for low-maintenance kids, here are a few easy Halloween costumes to shop this year.
Image courtesy of Walmart.
Frozen Anna Costume
Kids continue to love Frozen and dressing up as characters from the hit animated film. This costume comes with a dress, headband, and capelet to make any child feel like Anna. All that’s missing are friends dressed as Olaf and Elsa.
Buy It: Frozen Anna Classic Child Halloween Costume, $15, Walmart
Image courtesy of Target.
Jet Pack Halloween Costume
Perhaps the easiest Halloween costume for kids, this inflatable jetpack prop is just the thing for children who aren’t interested in elaborate getups. They can wear whatever they want and simply slide the accessory on over their shoulders like a backpack. The only catch is that someone will have to spend some time blowing up the mock jetpack.
Buy It: Kids’ Jet Pack Halloween Costume, $30, Target
Image courtesy of Walmart.
Marvel Black Panther Halloween Costume
This Black Panther jumpsuit is a quick and easy costume for kids who can’t get enough of the Marvel characters. It comes with attached boot tops and a face mask designed to look just like T’Challa. This is definitely one outfit he’ll want to wear over and over again, long past Halloween.
Buy It: Marvel Black Panther Child Deluxe Boys Halloween Costume, from $18, Walmart
Image courtesy of Spirit Halloween.
Eleven From Stranger Things Costume
Designed after Eleven’s' '80s look in the most recent season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, this costume is timely and wildly easy to pull off. It even comes with neon ankle socks! Just add tennis shoes and the look is complete. If you live in a colder climate, try adding a faux leather jacket to add some warmth but keep the style of the costume intact.
Buy It: Kids Eleven Geometric Romper, $40, Spirit Halloween
Affordable Halloween Costumes for Babies
Few things are cuter than seeing a baby dressed up for Halloween. With onesies meant to look like everything from animals to fruits, there are plenty of creative, heartwarming Halloween costumes to choose from. Just remember to take pictures—you won’t want to forget a single moment.
Image courtesy of Amazon.
Tootsie Roll Bunting Costume
Have you ever seen a more adorable first Halloween costume? This one-piece Tootsie Roll bunting costume is perfect for newborns because it doesn't have any elaborate pieces and they can simply wear a onesie underneath. It offers plenty of legroom and sleeveless arm openings for an easy, cozy fit.
Buy It: Tootsie Roll Bunting Costume, $13, Amazon
Image courtesy of Target.
The Incredibles Jack-Jack Parr Deluxe Halloween Costume
This costume, inspired by the character Jack-Jack from The Incredibles, is too cute. The jumpsuit is available for preorder for ages six to 18 months and includes clasps for easy diaper changes. It also comes with a soft headpiece featuring an attached mask, spiked hair, and ears. Have the whole family dress as different characters from The Incredibles for a spectacular group costume.
Buy It: The Incredibles Baby Jack-Jack Parr Deluxe Halloween Costume, $20, Target
Image courtesy of Spirit Halloween.
Plush Avocado Costume
If you like avocados, you’ll love dressing up the little one in your life in this costume meant to look like the trendy fruit. It includes a plush costume with Velcro closure, leggings, and a hood. Plus, it’s machine washable so you’ll have one less thing to think about.
Buy It: Baby Plush Avocado Costume, $30, Spirit Halloween
Image courtesy of Target.
Plush Elephant Halloween Costume Vest
Dressed as a sweet elephant, your baby will stay warm and cozy in this plush getup with matching leggings. You can easily slip the outfit on over any bodysuit and pair it with shoes or warm socks. Although the costume isn’t available just yet, you can preorder it now.
Buy It: Baby Plush Elephant Halloween Costume Vest, $20, Target
Image courtesy of Spirit Halloween.
Cuddly Bear Costume
Let your little one transform into their favorite teddy bear with this cozy hooded costume. They’ll stay warm and look so sweet in this fluffy coverall with a hood. The soft material and plaid details look adorable while the long sleeves and snap closure make this a comfy and easy-to-wear outfit.
Buy It: Baby Cuddle Bear Costume, $30, Spirit Halloween
Affordable Halloween Costumes for Toddlers
When it comes to finding the perfect Halloween costumes for toddlers, plan for chilly weather and order a size or two larger than you usually would. This way there will be plenty of room to layer up underneath the outfit. Plus, the larger size will last longer in the costume bin for your kids to enjoy year round.
Image courtesy of Amazon.
Catboy Classic PJ Masks Costume
Let your toddler dress up as their favorite character from the Disney Junior show PJ Masks with this simple costume. The easy-to-wear jumpsuit comes with a detachable tail and soft headpiece to complete the look. Although Amazon shoppers love the way it looks, they noted that the material is quite thin, so you’ll want to plan on adding a few extra layers before heading out for trick-or-treating.
Buy It: Catboy Classic Toddler PJ Masks Costume, $20 (originally $22), Amazon
Image courtesy of Spirit Halloween.
Bo Peep Costume
For kids who fell in love with Bo Peep in Toy Story 4, this costume is a must. The simple outfit includes a jumpsuit, belt, cape, headband, and armbands. With velcro closures and flowy pants, it’s an easy and comfortable costume that feels incredibly timely this year.
Buy It: Toddler Bo Peep Costume Deluxe, $30, Spirit Halloween
Image courtesy of Walmart.
Paw Patrol Halloween Costume
If your child is a fan of Paw Patrol, they’ll love dressing up in this comfy costume complete with a headpiece and backpack. Their head will stay warm thanks to the soft fireman’s hat, and the backpack offers a place for little ones to keep their favorite things and carry them all on their own.
Buy It: Paw Patrol Marshall Child Halloween Costume, from $19, Walmart
Image courtesy of Spirit Halloween.
The Lion King Nala Costume
Inspired by the new live-action version of The Lion King, this easy Halloween costume is perfect for toddlers. All they have to do is slip on the jumpsuit and fasten the headpiece and they’ll be ready for trick-or-treat fun. The only thing the costume doesn’t come with is a pair of comfy walking shoes.
Buy It: Toddler Nala Costume, $50, Spirit Halloween
Image courtesy of Target.
Monarch Butterfly Halloween Costume
Styling your toddler in a butterfly getup is so simple thanks to this costume that includes a matching dress and wings. Plus, it’s only $15. Although this costume doesn’t come with a lot of separate pieces, you could always add a handmade headband designed to look like antennas for an extra accessory.
Buy It: Toddler Monarch Butterfly Halloween Costume, $15, Target
