The grannies are proof that a costume doesn't need a single bought piece to land. Janet, Rita, Gladys and Madge are mostly a blanket over the head, a big pair of glasses and a lot of attitude, which is exactly why kids love playing them and why parents love dressing them. Janet usually wears red and green with purple glasses. Rita goes for pink and purple, with a cane and her beloved beans. Gladys has black glasses and a brown shawl, and Madge wears green. Below are granny looks for kids, adults, duos, whole families and groups, from the plain classics to versions for rain, summer, school and the dance floor, with notes on what I'd change for small children.
Turning a Household Blanket Into a Granny Shawl That Stays Put
The shawl is the whole costume, and it's also the part that slips, drags and slides over little faces. Here's how I set one up so it lasts the night on a child who won't stand still.
- Measure from the top of the head to the back of the knee and cut or fold the blanket to that length. Anything longer gets stepped on.
- Fleece is the easiest to work with because cut edges don't fray. A woven blanket or towel works too, but fold the raw edge under.
- Fold it into a triangle and lay the long edge across the forehead, about two finger-widths back from the eyebrows, so it frames the face without blocking side vision.
- Fix it at both temples with a couple of bobby pins through the bun or headband, then pin the two front corners together at the chest with a large safety pin pointing down, or a few hook-and-loop dots for small children.
- Do a test walk: turn the head left and right, look down at the shoes, sit and stand. If the edge moves toward the eyes, pin it further back.
For trick-or-treating after dark, I like to stitch a strip of reflective tape along the back edge. It hardly shows in photos, and drivers can see the child much sooner.
1. Classic Janet Bluey Grannies Costume
Janet starts with a blue T-shirt and matching blue leggings, which stand in for her fur colour. Over that goes a red blanket, towel or big scarf draped across the head and shoulders, with a little green trim showing at the edge. The purple glasses are the detail people look for first, so I'd go oversized here rather than subtle. Hair goes into a low bun or tucks under the shawl. Rosy cheeks and a small blue nose in skin-safe face paint are all the makeup she needs. A lightweight grabber toy or a soft handbag makes the prop, and blue socks with blue sneakers finish her. It's easy for a child, a teacher or a grown-up.
2. Classic Rita Bluey Grannies Costume
Rita gets the biggest laughs and needs no sewing at all. An orange T-shirt and orange leggings, or an orange sweatsuit, with a pink and purple blanket wrapped loosely around the head and shoulders. Round glasses, a gray bun wig and pink cheeks. A foam cane sells her slow shuffle, and a clean empty bean can, or one made from cardboard, is the funniest prop on the list. With a real can, I tape over the rim all the way round, because cut tin edges and small hands don't mix; a cardboard tube is lighter and safer still. Purple socks and cushioned sneakers. Have the wearer practise a startled face and a few floss moves before the party, since the performance is half the costume.
3. Gladys Grouchy Granny Costume
Gladys is the grouchy one, and kids who like bossing everyone around take to her immediately. A gray T-shirt and leggings under a cosy brown shawl, oversized black glasses and a messy gray bun. For children, a soft silver headband with gray yarn tied on is much less itchy than a full wig. Neutral face makeup with strong, raised eyebrows and pink cheeks gives her the bossy look without turning scary. A structured handbag holding a toy teacup, or a cardboard mobility-scooter panel worn on shoulder straps, makes the prop. Brown slip-on shoes or sneakers. She suits a child who enjoys staying in character, giving orders and haggling over everything.
4. Madge Green Shawl Granny Costume
Madge is the easy pick for anyone who likes green. The base is a coral, rust or reddish-orange top with matching comfortable pants. A soft green blanket goes over the head and shoulders, fixed with safety pins or fashion tape at the sides so it can't slide forward over the eyes. Big round glasses and a gray bun wig, or temporary gray hair spray if you'd rather skip the wig. Pink cheeks for the face. A light tile rack or a cardboard mahjong case suits her, since her outing is a game. Green socks and supportive brown loafers. She makes the most sense standing next to Janet, Rita or Gladys, where the colour sets her apart.
5. Janet And Rita Bluey Grannies Duo Costume
Janet and Rita together are the pair everyone knows, and a duo is where these costumes really come alive. Janet: blue base, red-and-green shawl, purple glasses, blue sneakers. Rita: orange base, pink-and-purple shawl, round glasses, orange or purple shoes. Both can add gray bun wigs and rosy cheeks. Janet holds a light grabber or handbag; Rita carries a foam cane and a cardboard bean can. I cut the blankets down or fold them so they stop above the knee, because two kids in floor-length blankets will step on each other within minutes. Let them shuffle with tiny steps, pose back to back or floss together. The shapes match and the colours split them apart, so photos read clearly.
6. Janet Rita And Gladys Bluey Grannies Trio Costume
Three people can be Janet, Rita and Gladys with almost nothing new to buy. Janet needs blue clothes, purple glasses and a red-and-green shawl. Rita wears orange with a pink-and-purple shawl and round glasses. Gladys takes gray clothing, black glasses and a brown wrap. Everyone gets a gray bun wig, rosy cheeks and sneakers in their base colour. One safe prop each keeps it tidy: a grabber for Janet, cardboard beans for Rita, a handbag or wearable scooter cutout for Gladys. If you hand everyone two or three props, they end up holding them all for the kids, so I limit it to one. Line them up in character order for the photo. Cousins, friends, teachers, or a parent with two children all suit it.
7. Bluey Grannies Family Costume
A household of four can cover the whole crew, one granny each. Blue, orange, gray and rust bases keep each person distinct, with red-and-green, pink-and-purple, brown and green shawls on top. Oversized glasses and gray bun wigs for everyone, though younger kids are usually happier in a soft yarn headband. Share out the light props: grabber, foam cane, handbag, cardboard bean can and a toy game case. Colourful sneakers beat costume slippers, which skid on pavement and floors. A spare adult can wear neutral clothes and carry a cardboard bus sign as the grannies' patient helper. Lay every outfit out together the night before; it's the quickest way to spot two blankets that clash.
8. Kids Janet And Rita Sibling Costume
Young siblings can play Janet and Rita in soft clothes they already own. The older child wears a blue sweatshirt and joggers with a red fleece blanket cut down into a short shawl; the younger wears orange with a pink or purple fleece wrap. Fleece is my first choice for small kids because it doesn't fray when you cut it, so there's no hemming. Bendy costume glasses with no lenses, and yarn-bun headbands instead of itchy wigs. A little pink on the cheeks is enough for photos. Janet gets a foam grabber and Rita a plush cane or cardboard bean can with taped edges. Closed-toe sneakers and socks to match the shawls. Everything comes off easily, and they'll keep playing grannies for weeks after.
9. Adult Janet And Rita Best Friend Costume
Grown-up best friends can do Janet and Rita without anything that looks like a mascot suit. Janet wears a fitted blue jumpsuit with a red-and-green blanket scarf, purple cat-eye glasses and blue sneakers; Rita wears an orange jumpsuit with a pink-and-purple blanket scarf, round glasses and purple sneakers. Hair can be powdered into low buns or swapped for silver-gray wigs. Dry shampoo or a little white eyeshadow dusted over a bun grays it out and brushes away at the end of the night. Rosy makeup, slightly exaggerated brows and matching handbags. Janet has the grabber; Rita has a labelled bean can and foam cane. Keep the scarves above the knee. The jumpsuits make it look deliberate, and a practised granny walk does the rest.
10. Toddler Bluey Grannies Costume
For a toddler, comfort decides everything. Start with a blue or orange cotton romper, depending on whether they're Janet or Rita. A short red, pink or purple fleece panel attaches at the shoulders with hook-and-loop tape instead of pins, so nothing sharp sits near a wriggly child. A soft fabric headband with glasses shapes sewn on suggests the spectacles without rigid frames on their face. Stitch a yarn bun firmly to a stretchy cap. If they hate face paint, skip it, or dab on a touch of washable pink. Soft-soled sneakers. A plush bean can or a small fabric bag is the prop. Toddlers pull off anything that itches or slips, so test it all on a normal afternoon before the big day.
11. Plus Size Bluey Grannies Costume
A plus-size granny can be every bit as comfortable as it is funny. I'd start with a relaxed blue or orange knit dress, with opaque leggings or soft bike shorts under it to stop chafing on a long evening. A large red-and-green or pink-and-purple blanket scarf goes round the shoulders and hangs open down the front, which makes a long, easy line. Oversized glasses and a high gray bun. Rosy cheeks and a softly painted blue or orange nose. Carry a light grabber for Janet, or a foam cane and bean purse for Rita. Supportive sneakers in a matching colour make standing much easier. Pin the scarf at both shoulders so it stays put without pressing on the neck or upper arms.
12. Maternity Bluey Grannies Costume
Pregnancy and grannies go together surprisingly well, because everything here is loose by design. Build on a stretchy blue or orange maternity dress, with a soft cardigan for warmth. Drape a light red, pink, green or purple shawl loosely over the shoulders; don't wrap it tight across the bump, where it'll just ride up. Comfortable oversized glasses and a gray-dusted bun or a soft silver headband. Light makeup with rosy cheeks and animated brows. A small crossbody bag is easier than a cane, and a flat cardboard bean-can picture can clip to the bag. Cushioned sneakers or supportive slip-ons. The colours and glasses carry the character, so you can sit, walk and enjoy the evening.
13. Bluey Grannies Pajama Costume
This is the one you can practically sleep in. Blue or orange pajamas, ideally a plain button-front set or matching long-sleeve loungewear, with a small fleece blanket round the shoulders as Janet's red-and-green wrap or Rita's pink-and-purple one. Oversized glasses, a gray sleep cap with a yarn bun and pink cheeks. Fuzzy socks are fine indoors, but anyone going outside or on hard floors needs closed sneakers; fuzzy socks on tile are a slip waiting to happen. A small pillow labelled “nana nap” with a grabber or fabric bean can makes the gag. It suits office parties, classroom days and a family movie night, and a coat goes over the top easily.
14. No Sew Bluey Grannies Costume
No sewing machine needed. Wear a blue or orange T-shirt with matching sweatpants, fold a small blanket into a triangle and lay it over the head and shoulders. Fabric-safe fashion tape or hook-and-loop dots keep the shawl in place; tape grips cotton well but lets go on fleece, so with a fleece blanket I'd use the dots. For the bun, loop gray yarn around a hair tie or stitch it to a plain knit cap. Oversized glasses, washable cheek colour and matching sneakers. Cover a clean, empty oatmeal tub with a printed bean label for Rita's prop. A cardboard wrapping-paper tube makes a cane if you pad both ends. Afterwards everything goes back to everyday use.
15. Last Minute Bluey Grannies Costume
Party in a few hours? A quick Janet or Rita comes straight from the closet. Any plain blue or orange top with matching pants, and a red, pink, green or purple towel thrown over the head and shoulders. For glasses, use reading frames with the lenses popped out, sunglasses or cheap oversized frames. Pull the hair into a bun and dust it with temporary gray colour if you have some. Pink blush and comfy sneakers. A reusable grocery bag becomes her handbag, and an empty food tub wrapped in paper suggests the beans. If you don't have a safe cane, leave it out rather than grabbing a broom handle. The colours, shawl, glasses and a wobbly granny voice will carry it.
16. School Friendly Bluey Grannies Costume
For a classroom or book day, I'd keep it tidy and sit-down friendly. A blue or orange polo with matching joggers or leggings, and a short fleece scarf as the shawl, sitting above the elbows and well off the floor. Flexible oversized glasses and a gray yarn-bun headband. Washable rosy cheeks and nothing more. Skip the cane; clip a flat paper bean-can picture or a tiny handbag to a lanyard instead. Sturdy sneakers that handle recess and stairs. A name tag reading Janet, Rita, Gladys or Madge helps classmates who haven't seen the episode. Wheeled or noisy props take up room between desks and end up in the teacher's cupboard, so leave them at home.
17. Summer Bluey Grannies Costume
In the heat, the blanket is the first thing to go. Pick a blue or orange cotton tee with knee-length shorts in the same colour, and swap the blanket for a light gauze scarf, red and green for Janet or pink and purple for Rita. I drape the scarf over a wide fabric headband so it sits off the neck and lets air move. Light glasses and a small yarn bun instead of a full wig, which is hot. Keep face paint minimal, just rosy cheeks and a coloured nose; it sweats off quickly in the sun anyway. A tiny crossbody bag holds a flat cardboard bean prop. Ankle socks and breathable sneakers. Good for outdoor birthdays, warm-climate Halloween and daytime parades.
18. Winter Bluey Grannies Costume
For trick-or-treating in the cold, layer under the shawl rather than over it, so the colours stay visible. Begin with a blue or orange thermal top, fleece-lined leggings and a matching puffer vest. The red-and-green or pink-and-purple blanket shawl goes over the vest and fastens under the chin with a removable clip. Use a breakaway or plastic clip, not a tight knot, on anything around a child's neck. A gray knit beanie with a yarn bun sewn to the crown keeps heads warm. Oversized glasses, rosy cheeks and expressive brows keep the face readable. Thick socks and insulated sneakers or flat winter boots. Pick a foam cane or a bean-can prop that small gloved hands can actually hold.
19. Rainy Day Bluey Grannies Costume
Rain is hard on a blanket costume, because wet fleece gets heavy and smells like a wet dog. For Janet or Rita, wear a blue or orange waterproof jacket over matching leggings, and use a short red-and-green or pink-and-purple polyester scarf, which dries far faster than a thick blanket. Fix it over the hood so it reads as the shawl without falling into the eyes. Cheap plastic glasses and waterproof cheek colour, or no makeup at all in a downpour. A gray yarn bun can be stitched to the top of the hood. A small umbrella in a matching colour replaces the cane, and a laminated bean-can picture rides in a clear bag. Blue, orange or purple rain boots finish it.
20. Bluey Grannies Tutu Costume
A tutu is for the granny who wants to twirl. Start with a blue or orange leotard, tee or long-sleeve bodysuit, then a layered tutu in blues for Janet or orange and purple for Rita, with opaque leggings underneath for warmth. A short shawl over the head and shoulders, oversized glasses, rosy cheeks and a small painted nose. The gray yarn bun keeps the granny idea clear against the frothy skirt. Carry a light grabber or a plush bean can. Tulle tutus snag on bushes and car doors, so I'd choose a soft, layered one rather than a stiff net, and high-top sneakers grip better outside than ballet slippers. Kids who like spinning and flossing will wear this one hardest.
21. Fancy Sequin Bluey Grannies Costume
The sequin granny is for contests, stage shows and big birthday parties. A blue or orange sequin top with matching trousers, or a knee-length skirt over leggings, and a red-and-green or pink-and-purple shawl with a little metallic trim. Sequins scratch the inside of children's arms, so for kids I'd choose a lined top or put a soft long-sleeve layer underneath. Check that every bead and sequin on the shawl is firmly attached, since small loose pieces are a choking risk around toddlers. Rhinestone oversized glasses and a neat silver-gray bun wig. Bright pink blush, a coloured nose and a touch of cosmetic shimmer near the eyes. A glitter bag holds the bean can or a mini grabber. Metallic sneakers or flat glitter shoes.
22. Floss Dance Bluey Grannies Costume
Built for dancing, this version is all about pieces that don't budge. A blue or orange athletic set with a fitted tee and stretch joggers, plus a short red, green, pink or purple shawl stitched or pinned at both shoulders so it can't slide off mid-floss. Pull the hair into a firm gray bun and put an elastic sports strap on the glasses. Rosy cheeks and a coloured nose survive a bit of sweat better than full face paint. Leave the cane aside while dancing and only bring out a light bean-can purse for photos. Cushioned sneakers handle the flossing and turning. It's the one I'd send to a dance party, a talent show or a family video.
23. Rita Baked Beans Granny Costume
Rita plus beans is the joke, so make the beans big. An orange sweatshirt and matching leggings, a pink-and-purple blanket shawl, round glasses, a gray bun wig, rosy makeup and a small orange nose. For the can, cover a light cylinder, like a cardboard tube or a plastic tub, with a bright paper label. Add fabric straps and it turns into a crossbody purse, which frees up a hand for the foam cane. Wrap clear packing tape over the label so it survives sticky fingers and a light rain. Purple socks and orange sneakers. Small bean shapes can go on the bag or shawl if they're stitched or glued down well. Kids adore this version.
24. Gladys Granny Mobile Costume
The granny mobile gives Gladys her ride without anything heavy or motorised. Wear a gray sweatsuit, brown shawl, black glasses, gray bun wig and comfortable black sneakers, with rosy cheeks and arched brows for that determined look. The scooter is a cardboard waist box with drawn or printed wheels, handlebars and wide shoulder straps. I cut the bottom of the box out completely so the legs move freely, and pad the straps with felt so they don't dig in. A small front basket holds a toy teacup or a soft handbag. Reflective strips help at dusk. This one needs space, so test it at home through a doorway and down the stairs before you take it anywhere crowded.
25. Rita Bus Driver Granny Costume
Rita as a bus driver gives the costume a little story. Start with an orange polo shirt and matching comfortable pants, then add the pink-and-purple shawl, gray bun wig, round glasses and rosy cheeks. A navy or purple cap sits over the bun, or pin a small paper bus badge to the shawl. A painted cardboard steering wheel is for photos only; a child holding it all night will drop it by the second house. Hang the foam cane from a fabric loop on the waistband when it's not in use. A small crossbody ticket bag and supportive purple or orange sneakers. She's at her best with a group playing Janet, the passengers or more mischievous grannies.
26. Janet Mahjong Granny Costume
Janet's game night is a good excuse for a clever prop. Wear a blue button-front top with blue pants, or a comfortable blue jumpsuit, plus the red-and-green shawl, purple glasses and a neat gray bun. Soft pink cheeks and a small blue nose. The prop is a light cardboard tile rack with hand-drawn tile symbols, or a few oversized foam tiles in a structured handbag. A real tile set is heavy and noisy, and the pieces end up under furniture, so I'd leave it at home. Blue socks and non-slip sneakers. She's best at an indoor party or a contest, and pairs naturally with Madge's green-shawl look as two grannies off to play.
27. Ghostbasket Bluey Grannies Costume
The ghostbasket gives the grannies a proper Halloween twist without anything scary. Dress as Janet in blue with the red-and-green shawl, or as Rita in orange with the pink-and-purple wrap. Oversized glasses, a gray bun wig, rosy cheeks and matching sneakers. Decorate a light white plastic basket with paper eyes and a happy face, and fill it with white tissue or soft fabric. Stick the eyes on with removable tape so the basket goes back to laundry duty afterwards. Carry it by the handle or add a soft crossbody strap. A tiny fabric ghost peeking out of the top is a sweet touch. Best of all, the basket doubles as a treat bag.
28. Super Granny Gladys Costume
Super Granny gives Gladys a cape and a lot more swagger. Begin with a gray top and leggings, then her brown shawl and oversized black glasses, a high gray bun, pink blush and bold raised brows. A bright purple or red cape goes under the shawl, cut short enough that it can't be trodden on. For kids, I'd attach the cape with hook-and-loop tape at the shoulders rather than tying it at the neck. A large removable letter on the shirt, your own design rather than a famous logo. Soft wrist cuffs, a cardboard utility belt and sturdy black sneakers. A structured handbag or toy teacup is her weapon of choice. A star eye mask is fine for photos, as long as the glasses stay visible.
29. Bluey Grannies Pet And Owner Costume
Pets can join in, as long as the human wears most of the costume. The owner dresses as Janet or Rita in blue or orange, with a colourful shawl, oversized glasses, a gray bun, rosy cheeks and supportive sneakers. The pet gets a light bandana in the matching red, green, pink or purple. A soft fabric glasses patch and a tiny yarn bun can be sewn onto the bandana or a properly fitted pet shirt. Never put rigid glasses, dangling shawls or wigs on an animal. The owner carries the cane, grabber, bag or bean can. Let the pet wear the bandana for short spells at home first, and take it off the moment they paw at it.
30. Janet Rita Gladys And Madge Group Costume
Four friends can do the full lineup. Janet wears blue with a red-and-green shawl and purple glasses; Rita wears orange with a pink-and-purple shawl, round frames and a foam cane. Gladys takes gray clothing, a brown wrap, black glasses and a structured handbag, and Madge wears a rust base with a green shawl and a game-themed prop. Everyone gets gray bun wigs, rosy cheeks, coloured noses and supportive sneakers. The repeated glasses and shawls tie the group together, and the different props tell people who's who. For photos, put Janet and Rita in the middle, Gladys scowling at one end and Madge holding her game case at the other. Families, coworkers, teachers or four close friends all fit.
When a Child Won't Keep the Glasses or Bun On
Grown-ups will put up with a slipping wig. Most kids won't, and a costume they pull apart by the first house isn't much use. These are the fixes I reach for.
- Glasses: pop out any lenses and thread a soft elastic band through the arms at the back. Big frames slide down small noses, and the band keeps them up without pinching.
- Buns: a yarn pom-pom sewn to a headband or beanie is lighter than any wig and can't shed fibres into their mouth.
- Noses and cheeks: use a cream face paint made for skin, patch-test it the day before, and press a little translucent powder over it so it doesn't smear onto the shawl.
- Props: tie a ribbon loop to the cane or bean can so it can hang from a wrist once their hands are full of treats.
- Fit test: let them wear the whole outfit for half an hour at home doing something ordinary. Anything that itches or slips will show up then, not halfway down the street.
Blankets, Glasses and a Very Good Shuffle
Every granny on this list comes down to the same few things: the right colour base, a soft shawl, oversized glasses, a gray bun, comfortable shoes and one silly prop. You can stay close to how Janet, Rita, Gladys and Madge look in the show, or bend the idea for heat, cold, rain, school, dancing, pregnancy, pets and big groups. Household blankets and plain basics keep it cheap, and cardboard props add personality without weight. Make sure the shawl is secure, the eyes are clear and the shoes are right for the night. After that, the shuffle, the voice and a cheeky pose do the rest.
Related posts:
