A toddler costume has two jobs. It has to look like something, and it has to survive a two-year-old who sits on the floor, climbs into the stroller and pulls at anything that scratches. I put together the 40 looks below with that second job in mind. You'll find witches and cats, storybook girls, garden animals and a few silly foods, and most of them start from leggings, a soft top or a dress she already owns, with felt, tulle or a little cardboard added on top. Short hems, firmly attached shapes and an uncovered face are the rules I hold every one of them to.
Attaching Felt So Small Hands Can't Peel It Off
Nearly every costume below leans on felt shapes, and how you attach them decides whether they're still there at the end of the night. Toddlers pick at edges. It's simply what they do. I use one of three methods, depending on the fabric underneath.
- Stitching, by hand or machine, is the only method I trust on stretchy fabric such as leggings, bodysuits and hoodies. A running stitch a few millimetres in from the edge is enough, and felt doesn't fray, so there's no hem to turn.
- Iron-on fusible web suits cotton dresses and sweatshirts that don't stretch much. Use the heat setting for the base fabric, press firmly, then add a couple of stitches at points and corners, because corners lift first.
- Fabric glue is fine for large pieces on a costume she'll wear once, as long as it gets the full drying time on the bottle, usually overnight. I avoid hot glue on clothing; it dries stiff, scratches and lets go in cold air.
Once everything is on, pull each piece hard, the way she would. If it moves, sew it. For children under three, anything small enough to fit inside a toilet-paper tube is a choking risk, and that is the test I use on buttons, sequins, pom-poms, bows and plastic gems before they go anywhere near a toddler costume.
1. Toddler Pumpkin Costume With Orange Tutu
An orange tutu over an orange bodysuit is the easiest pumpkin there is, and I'd make it first if she has never worn a costume before. Keep the tutu short, because tulle that brushes the knees gets stepped on the moment she squats. Stitch the black felt jack-o'-lantern face around its edges; fabric glue on a stretchy bodysuit cracks as soon as the fabric pulls. Green tights read as the stem, orange sneakers keep her steady and a green bow on a high ponytail finishes the top. A little peach blush is plenty, and a small felt leaf bag gives her something light to carry.
2. Toddler Witch Costume With Purple Tutu
The witch is all about the hat, so that's where I spend my time. A soft felt pointed hat with a wide purple ribbon holds its shape without a hard brim, and a thin elastic under the chin stops it sliding off every two minutes. Under it go a black cotton top, black leggings and a short purple tulle skirt. The cape should end above her knees and close with Velcro or a snap, never a tie at the throat. Trade the broom for a short ribbon wand, since a long handle in a toddler's hand will hit someone. A tiny star on one cheek is all the makeup she needs.
3. Toddler Black Cat Costume With Soft Ears
If you have a black top and leggings in the drawer, you're most of the way to a cat. Add a short black tutu with a silver ribbon waistband and a flexible ear headband, and try the headband on her before the night, because one that pinches behind the ears comes off within minutes. Stitch a stuffed tail to the waistband and cut it short enough that it can't drag. Low pigtails keep the ears visible. I draw the nose and whiskers in child-safe cream paint and press a little loose powder over them so they don't smear onto her sleeve. Black slip-on sneakers and a plush gray mouse for photos finish it.
4. Toddler Friendly Ghost Costume With Tulle Skirt
I never put a toddler in a sheet ghost. She can't see her feet, and the fabric twists over her eyes the moment she turns her head. This version keeps the ghost on the clothes instead: a white sweatshirt and leggings, a short white tulle skirt, and big black felt eyes and a smile sewn to the chest. A fleece hood or a soft bow headband keeps her warm with her face fully open. Pale silver stars at the temples in washable paint add a little shimmer. Put reflective tape on her white sneakers for the walk after dark, and give her a small ghost-shaped felt bag.
5. Toddler Bat Costume With Felt Wings
A black hoodie turns into a bat with two felt panels. Cut scalloped wings that run from the sleeve cuff to the side seam, and leave them slack enough that her arms can hang down naturally. Tight wings hold her arms up, and she'll complain within a block. Two triangular felt ears stitched onto the hood beat a headband, because there's nothing to pull off. A painted nose, rosy cheeks, purple socks and black sneakers are all it needs. Felt fuzzes at cut edges, so trim the scallops short and neat.
6. Toddler Ladybug Costume With Red Tutu
Red and black reads from across a parking lot, which helps when you're trying to spot your child at a busy party. Pair a black top and leggings with a red tutu dotted with big black felt circles, then add lightweight fabric-covered foam wings on backpack-style straps. Felt circles on tulle need stitching; glue just sits on top of the netting and pops off. A soft antenna headband over two little buns does the rest. Pink blush with a black dot on each cheek, black sneakers and red socks keep it simple, and a small red bucket with felt spots holds the candy.
7. Toddler Bumblebee Costume With Yellow Dress
For the bee, start with a striped yellow-and-black dress or a black top under a yellow tutu, with black leggings for warmth. The wings matter more than anything else here. I pick a small, flexible fabric pair that sits flat to her back, because wide wire-framed wings catch on door frames and on other children. A padded antenna headband, low pigtails with yellow ribbons and a dab of golden shimmer on the cheeks replace detailed face paint. Black sneakers, yellow socks and a bucket decorated with felt flowers get her ready for the party.
8. Toddler Butterfly Costume With Rainbow Wings
Butterfly wings are where toddler costumes usually go wrong. A big pair looks lovely in the shop and then hangs off one shoulder after ten minutes. Choose a light fabric pair in pink, blue, yellow and purple, and test the straps at home by letting her run around in them. Underneath, a lavender leotard or fitted top with leggings and a short layered tutu is enough. A soft antenna headband with bright clips, one washable swirl on each cheek and silver sneakers finish it, and a large fabric flower makes a good photo prop.
9. Toddler Unicorn Costume With Pastel Tutu
Unicorns win on the hair. Instead of a wig, which is hot and itchy at this age, I clip pastel ribbon extensions into a ponytail so the mane moves when she does. Pair that with a white sweatshirt and leggings, a short tutu in pink, lavender and pale blue, and a soft headband with padded ears and a flexible gold horn. Check that the horn bends, because a rigid one gets knocked into a door frame sooner or later. Use only cosmetic-grade shimmer on her cheeks, never craft glitter. White sneakers with pastel laces, a short ribbon tail on the waistband and a little star wand finish it.
10. Toddler Fairy Costume With Pink Wings
Dancewear does most of the work for a fairy. A pale pink leotard-style top, comfortable tights and a short petal skirt give you the base, and a pair of compact translucent wings is enough for indoor parties. Big wings and a crowded room don't mix. A floral headband suits curls, a bun or braids. I use a single tiny glitter star near the outer corner of each eye, applied as a gel, because loose glitter ends up in her eyes and all over the car seat. Pick ballet-style sneakers or flexible flats with real grip, plus a foam wand wrapped in satin ribbon.
11. Toddler Mermaid Costume With Shimmer Leggings
A true mermaid tail skirt is a bad idea on a toddler. She can't walk in it, and she certainly can't climb stairs. Scale-print leggings give you the tail without the trip hazard. Add a lavender long-sleeve top with a soft fabric shell, a short aqua peplum over the waistband and, if you like, a detachable tulle fin at the back. Loose waves or a side ponytail with teal and purple clips, a few washable pastel scales on one cheek and aqua sneakers finish her. A plush starfish or shell-shaped bag carries the ocean theme.
12. Toddler Princess Costume With Gold Crown
For a princess, I care most about the skirt lining. A knee-length cotton dress with a lined skirt and a short tulle overlay won't scratch her legs, while unlined tulle does, and an itchy toddler won't keep anything on for long. Add warm tights if the evening is cool. A padded gold crown headband stays put better than a plastic tiara and doesn't dig in behind the ears. A low bun or loose curls with a satin ribbon, rosy cheeks and gold ballet-style sneakers are enough. On a cold night, a velvet cape that stops at the waist adds warmth without tripping her.
13. Toddler Ballerina Costume With Pink Tutu
Dancers dress for movement, which makes the ballerina one of the easiest toddler costumes to wear all evening. Build it on a soft pink bodysuit, a short tutu and opaque pink tights or leggings. A crossover cardigan goes on for the walk and comes off indoors. Pull her hair into a high bun with a scrunchie, or two small buns if it's short, and give her a light sweep of blush. Real ballet slippers have smooth soles that slide on wet pavement, so I swap them for pink sneakers or nonslip ballet-style shoes. Keep the tutu soft enough to squash into a car seat.
14. Toddler Cowgirl Costume With Denim Skirt
Most of the cowgirl comes straight from the closet: a gingham or red plaid shirt, a soft denim skirt and black or brown leggings. A fringed faux-suede vest adds the Western texture, and because it's sleeveless her arms stay free. Pick a light felt cowboy hat with an elastic strap rather than a stiff straw one, and tie her two braids with red ribbons. Painted freckles and rosy cheeks are fun on this one. Flat brown boots or sneakers work equally well. A plush pony and a fabric star badge on the vest say cowgirl clearly, so there's no need for a toy lasso she can tangle herself in.
15. Toddler Astronaut Costume With Silver Boots
I skip the helmet entirely for a toddler astronaut. A rigid dome blocks her view and muffles sound, and she'll want it off before you reach the first house. A soft white cap with a silver band suggests the helmet instead. The suit is a white zip-front jumpsuit, or a sweatshirt and joggers, with silver tape panels and felt mission patches. Press the tape flat and round off its corners, because square corners lift and she'll peel them. Silver stars near the temples, white sneakers with silver fabric gaiters, a light cardboard control panel and a plush planet finish it. Reflective stars help drivers see her, too.
16. Toddler Firefighter Costume With Red Jacket
This one is built for a toddler who wants to run. A navy cotton shirt and pants go under a bright red jacket with yellow or silver reflective strips, and those strips earn their place after dark. A foam firefighter hat is lighter and softer than an oversized hard helmet, which slides over the eyes on a small head. Braids or a low ponytail sit under the hat. Leave her face clean or add one small gray smudge in washable paint. Black sneakers or rain boots, a plush dog as her rescue partner and a soft fabric hose for photos are all she needs.
17. Toddler Doctor Costume With White Coat
I like the doctor for long preschool parties because nothing on it gets in the way. Soft blue or purple scrub-style separates with an elastic waist go under a short white coat. Buy or cut the coat to her hip, since a full-length lab coat on a toddler drags on the floor. Sew a big felt name badge to the chest, and keep her hair back in a ponytail or headband. A toy stethoscope's tubing can loop around her neck, so either supervise it closely or stitch a felt one flat to the coat. White sneakers and a plush patient in a fabric doctor's bag finish it.
18. Toddler Chef Costume With Checkered Pants
The chef is all checkered pants and a tall hat. Use a white cotton tee or button-front jacket over black-and-white check pants, and a soft chef hat with an elastic back that leaves room for pigtails or a low bun. For the neckerchief, I stitch a red fabric triangle to the neckline rather than tying a real scarf around her throat. Rosy cheeks are enough, and I'd keep paint away from her mouth if the party has food. White or black sneakers, a lightweight wooden spoon for photos and a cupcake-shaped treat bag do the rest. Felt cookies sewn to a small apron make her read as a baker from across the room.
19. Toddler Artist Costume With Paint Palette
The artist is the costume for a toddler who refuses anything that feels like a costume. She wears a striped long-sleeve shirt and black leggings, and the only addition is a white smock cut to knee length; an old adult shirt worn backward makes a good one. Decorate it with bright felt paint splashes rather than real paint, because dried acrylic is stiff and scratchy and wet poster paint ends up on the sofa. A soft black beret over low pigtails, one washable rainbow streak on a cheek and red sneakers finish her. Tape over every edge of the cardboard palette so it can't scratch, and use a foam brush as the second prop.
20. Toddler Gardener Costume With Flower Overalls
Denim overalls do most of the work here. Put them over a green or yellow long-sleeve shirt and sew large fabric flowers onto the bib and pockets. Overalls often run long in toddler sizes, so roll the cuffs above her shoes before she heads out. A floppy sun hat with felt leaves sits over two braids, and painted freckles with a bit of peach blush give her an outdoorsy face. Green rain boots suit the theme. A fabric watering can or a flowerpot-shaped bucket replaces real tools and real soil, and I'd leave off any tiny artificial berries she could pull off and put in her mouth.
21. Toddler Dinosaur Costume With Felt Spikes
I build every toddler dinosaur on a hoodie, because she's already comfortable in one and there's no mask to argue about. Pick green, purple or pink with matching joggers, and sew a row of large soft felt spikes from the hood down the spine. Stiffened felt holds a point better than the floppy craft kind, and two layers stitched together help even more. Add a short padded tail that bends when she sits. A low braid under the hood, two tiny painted scales on each cheek and matching sneakers keep it streamlined. Flat felt claws sewn across the toes are fine; anything that sticks out will catch on steps.
22. Toddler Flamingo Costume With Pink Feathers
Real craft feathers are the problem with a flamingo. They shed everywhere, and some toddlers find them itchy against the neck. I use strips of soft pink fabric or sewn feather-shaped petals on a short tutu, worn over a pink sweatshirt and leggings. Keep the padded flamingo headband small, with the curved fabric beak sitting low so the headband doesn't tip forward. A neat bun or ponytail under it, pink blush with a touch of white highlight, pink sneakers and striped pink leg warmers to suggest those long legs complete her. A plush tropical flower is an easy prop.
23. Toddler Owl Costume With Brown Wings
Overlapping felt feathers give the owl its texture without adding weight. On a brown sweatshirt, I start the cream, tan and rust feathers at the hem and work upward, so each row hides the stitching of the one below. Short wing panels under the sleeves move with her arms and stop well above the floor. A soft hood with big fabric eyes and little ear tufts stands in for a mask. Tuck her braids under the hood, add a tiny golden triangle to the tip of her nose and choose brown sneakers or ankle boots. An acorn treat bag keeps both hands easy to free.
24. Toddler Fox Costume With Orange Tutu
A fox suits a chilly afternoon walk because the base is a warm orange hoodie with brown leggings and a short orange tutu or skater skirt. Sew a white felt chest patch to the front and small pointed ears to the hood; ears on a hood can't be pulled off and lost the way a headband can. Stuff the tail lightly so it stays floppy when she sits in the stroller, and give it a white tip. Low pigtails go under the hood. A small black nose and a few freckles on each cheek are the only paint. Brown or orange sneakers and a felt leaf or plush mushroom for photos finish it.
25. Toddler Lamb Costume With Fleece Vest
Fleece is the right fabric for a lamb because it doesn't fray at the cut edges, so nothing needs hemming. A fluffy white fleece vest over a cream long-sleeve shirt and leggings keeps her cozy without the overheating you get in a full one-piece suit. Add a white bonnet or fleece headband with round ears and pale pink inner details. A little pink blush and a tiny brown nose in washable paint are enough. Cream sneakers or soft boots, a fabric bell stitched flat onto the vest rather than hung around her neck, and a basket lined with green felt finish it.
26. Toddler Bunny Costume With Lavender Overalls
Lavender makes the bunny a little more interesting than the usual all-white version, and it hides grubby knees better. Put lavender overalls or a romper over a white long-sleeve shirt and leggings, and sew on a fluffy fabric tail small enough for her to sit on comfortably. Long ears without wire tend to flop, so I stuff them lightly with fiberfill and run a line of stitching down the middle to help them stand. Two buns sit under the ears. A painted pink nose and short whiskers, white sneakers and a carrot-shaped treat bag finish her. Check the overall buckles before you leave, because they loosen with running.
27. Toddler Peacock Costume With Blue Tutu
Jewel tones carry the peacock. Start with a royal blue top and leggings, add a short teal and green tutu, and fan lightweight felt tail feathers from the back waistband. Keep that fan narrow, roughly the width of her own shoulders, so she can walk through a doorway without turning sideways. A soft blue headband with three rounded fabric plumes forms the crest over a high ponytail or smooth bun. Skip eye shadow on a toddler; one blue dot on each cheek is enough. Blue sneakers, green socks and a feather-print bag instead of real feathers keep the whole thing soft.
28. Toddler Rainbow Costume With Cloud Skirt
A rainbow costume brings plenty of color to a gray October day, and the skirt is one of the easiest no-sew projects here. Tie strips of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple tulle onto a soft elastic waistband, knotting each one twice so it can't slide around. Wear it over a pale blue sweatshirt and leggings, and tack white felt clouds around the waist. A padded rainbow headband goes with pigtails or curls. Two tiny pastel stars on her cheeks, white sneakers with striped socks and a cloud-shaped treat bag finish it. Trim every strip so it sits above the knee.
29. Toddler Rain Cloud Costume With Blue Raindrops
This is the costume I'd suggest for a wet Halloween, since rain boots are actually part of it. Start with a gray hoodie and leggings and cover the front and hood with layered white and light gray fleece cloud shapes; fleece stays warm when it gets a little damp, which felt doesn't. Sew big blue felt raindrops flat to the sweatshirt, because drops dangling on strings tangle around small fingers and necks. Braids go under the hood with her face clear, and a tiny silver star sits on each cheek. A small clear umbrella with removable decals is for supervised photos only, and a blue bucket holds the treats.
30. Toddler Sunflower Costume With Green Dress
The sunflower depends on its petal collar. I cut padded yellow petals, stitch them around a soft brown fabric ring and attach the ring to a knee-length green dress, or a green top with leggings. Make the petals soft enough to fold, since stiff ones poke her chin every time she looks down. A brown headband with smaller petals should sit back from her forehead so nothing blocks her view. Two braided pigtails, peach blush with a yellow dot on each cheek, brown ankle boots or green sneakers and a watering-can bucket finish her. No wire stems and no small faux seeds.
31. Toddler Strawberry Costume With Green Hat
A strawberry needs almost no sewing, which is why I suggest it to parents who don't sew much. Start with a red cotton dress or a sweatshirt and leggings, then attach felt seed shapes front and back. Iron-on fusible web holds felt to cotton better than craft glue, but add a few hand stitches to each seed if she's a picker. A short green leaf collar rests over the shoulders without tying at the neck, and a soft green cap with padded leaves forms the top. Rosy cheeks, a tiny heart near one temple and green sneakers finish it, with a berry basket for treats.
32. Toddler Cupcake Costume With Sprinkle Tutu
For the cupcake, the wrapper skirt does all the shaping. Make it from lightweight pink or silver fabric pressed into accordion pleats, then layer a soft white tulle tutu over it as the frosting and sew on big felt sprinkles. A pastel long-sleeve shirt and leggings go underneath. Keep the cherry on the headband small and light, because a heavy one tips forward on a toddler's head. A high bun or pigtails, a little pink blush and pastel sneakers keep her steady. Leave off beads and anything that looks like real candy, since she will try to eat it.
33. Toddler Donut Costume With Pink Frosting
The donut is the one costume here with a rigid shape, so it needs the most testing. Cut two lightweight foam rings, cover them in tan fabric, add a pink felt frosting layer with big fabric sprinkles and join them at the shoulders and sides like a sandwich board. The rings have to stop at her waist, otherwise she can't bend to sit or climb a step. Cut the neck opening wider than you think; foam that rubs her chin comes off fast. A pink sweatshirt, brown leggings, pigtails with sprinkle-colored bows and a small pink heart on one cheek go underneath. Let her walk around the house in it first.
34. Toddler Popcorn Costume With Striped Skirt
Popcorn is a funny one, and very light to wear. A white long-sleeve shirt, red leggings and a short red-and-white striped skirt form the carton. For the popcorn, I crumple pieces of white felt, stitch them into puffy clusters and dab a little yellow fabric paint into each center. Use just a few clusters on the shirt and waistband, or it gets bulky fast. A striped headband with one oversized cluster on top, a low ponytail or soft curls, rosy blush and red sneakers do the rest. A striped bucket stands in for the carton, and there's no cardboard to make sitting awkward.
35. Toddler Gumball Machine Costume With Pom-Pom Top
Pom-poms are the obvious choice for a gumball machine, and the wrong one for a toddler. They pull off with very little effort and fit right in a small mouth. I sew flat felt circles in rainbow colors onto the front of a white sweatshirt, then lay a clear fabric panel over them as the glass. A gray felt coin slot and turn handle go underneath, and a red tutu becomes the base. Red leggings, red sneakers, pigtails with mixed-color bows and a tiny bright dot on each cheek tie it together. A red bucket with matching circles holds the candy.
36. Toddler Scarecrow Costume With Patchwork Overalls
The scarecrow is a fall-layers costume, so it's warm by default. Dress her in plaid flannel, denim overalls and brown leggings, then sew big contrasting patches on the knees, pockets and bib. Real raffia scratches and sheds, so I use short yellow felt fringe at the cuffs to suggest straw, cut short enough that it can't catch under her hands when she crawls. A floppy fabric hat with a sunflower patch sits over two braids. Freckles and a small stitched line at each cheek in washable paint, sturdy boots and a plush crow or fabric pumpkin bucket finish it.
37. Toddler Little Red Riding Hood Costume
Little Red Riding Hood is mostly about the cape. Make it short, ending around her waist, with a roomy hood that doesn't pull her head back, and close it with a snap or Velcro tab at the chest. A long cape trailing behind a toddler gets stepped on by everyone, including her. Underneath, a white blouse with a red or navy knee-length dress and white tights or leggings. Braids or curls showing from the hood, rosy cheeks, Mary Jane-style sneakers and a fabric basket lined with checked cloth tell the story. A small plush woodland animal can peek out of the basket.
38. Toddler Alice In Wonderland Costume
Alice comes down to the pale blue dress, the white apron and the black headband. Get those right and nobody needs to guess. Choose a knee-length dress with short puff sleeves, a soft white pinafore apron and white leggings for coverage. The black ribbon headband works on loose, curled or tied-back hair. I'd use only rosy cheeks and a touch of lip balm here. Black Mary Jane-style sneakers with white ankle socks keep her stable. A plush white rabbit is the best prop; leave the teacups at home, because china and brittle plastic don't last long in toddler hands.
39. Toddler Wednesday Addams Costume
A toddler Wednesday is mostly hair. Part it down the middle and plait two neat braids tied with black elastics; if her hair is too short to braid, a soft black braided headband gives the same outline without a wig. The dress is black cotton with a crisp white collar and cuffs, hemmed around the knee, with black leggings underneath. I leave her face natural, since pale powder is unnecessary on a toddler and rarely sits well on young skin. Black sneakers or flat boots and a plush black spider finish it. It's a good pick for a child who wants spooky without anything scary.
40. Toddler Dorothy Costume With Ruby Red Shoes
Dorothy is blue gingham and red shoes, and the shoes are the part I'd fuss over. Red glitter sneakers give her the sparkle without stiff costume heels, which wobble on a toddler and can't be walked in for long. For the dress, a soft knee-length gingham dress or a pinafore over a white puff-sleeve shirt both work, with white leggings or ankle socks depending on the weather. Two braided pigtails with pale blue ribbons, rosy cheeks and a fabric basket with a small plush dog make the character clear. Check that the basket handle is smooth so it won't rub her palm.
Thermals and Fleece Under the Tutu
Late October evenings are often cold, and a toddler in tulle and thin leggings loses heat quickly while she waits at doors. Most of these costumes have room for warmth if you plan it before the night rather than on the doorstep.
- Fleece-lined or thin thermal leggings go under almost every look here and don't show.
- A long-sleeve thermal top fits under the bodysuits and dresses. Pick it in the costume color or white so it doesn't peek out at the cuffs.
- For a coat, size the costume up so a light jacket fits underneath, or choose one of the hoodie-based looks, such as the dinosaur, fox, bat or rain cloud, and add a vest over it.
- Keep mittens and a hat in the stroller basket. A cold toddler takes the costume off anyway, and adding a layer is far easier than talking her back into a damp tulle skirt.
Ears, Crowns and the Toddler Who Won't Wear Them
Headpieces are where most toddler costumes fall apart, because the headband is the first thing she pulls off. I'd start getting her used to it a week or so ahead: a few minutes during play, then a little longer each day, until it stops feeling strange.
A few fixes help. Wrap a hard plastic headband in soft ribbon or felt so it doesn't press behind the ears. Pin small hats and crowns to her hair with two snap clips instead of relying on elastic under the chin, which many toddlers hate. If she still refuses, move the detail somewhere she can't reach, such as ears sewn onto a hood or a crown glued to her treat bucket. A cat with ears on her hood is still a cat.
Try the Whole Costume On a Week Early
A toddler costume has done its job when she forgets she's wearing it. Soft clothes, real shoes, an open face and props that weigh almost nothing matter more than how closely it matches a picture. A few days before Halloween, put the whole thing on her and let her walk, sit, climb into the car seat and carry her bucket. Fix or remove anything she tugs at. Pull on every felt shape yourself, shorten anything that trails, and pack a warm layer for when part of the costume comes off. A pumpkin she wears happily for two hours beats an elaborate outfit she abandons at the second house.
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