DIY Ghost Costumes for Children This Halloween
Creating a spooky ghost outfit for a child doesn't require much money or effort. With ordinary household items, you can put together a classic disguise that both your child and your budget will appreciate. There are several approaches, from a basic sheet look to a version that leaves the face uncovered.
By Kai Gray
When Halloween is mentioned, ghosts and witches are usually the first images that pop up. For a child, a ghost costume is a timeless choice that is simple and enjoyable to put on. Even better, it costs very little to put together. With just a handful of common household items, you can create a Halloween outfit that makes your child happy without straining your finances.
The Classic Sheet Ghost
Pick out an old white flat sheet that is no longer needed. For a child, a twin-sized sheet is a good fit. Have your child stretch his arms straight out to the sides while you test the sheet on him. Make adjustments so it covers his body evenly from side to side and from front to back. Trim the sheet so it doesn't trail on the ground and create a tripping risk. Put a baseball cap on his head to stop the sheet from shifting as you mark where the eye holes should go. Remove the sheet and cut out the eye holes, making sure they are large enough for a full field of vision. When he puts the costume on, be sure his clothing underneath is white or tan so it doesn't show through the sheet.
Ways to Customize the Sheet Ghost
Adding a hat to a traditional ghost costume gives it a bit of individual flair. Let your child pick one that suits him: a baseball cap, a cowboy hat or another option. A hat also serves to keep the eye holes positioned correctly. A belt can be placed around the waist area, and then the sheet can be pulled so it drapes over it. Sunglasses worn on top of the costume can hide the child's eyes. Long white gloves can cover his hands. A bicycle helmet worn underneath the costume helps the sheet drape better and conceals facial features. You can also cut black felt into a mouth shape, either cheerful or frightening, or use it to make the eyes look larger and more striking. And if you'd like your ghost to have background music, creepy tunes can be played in speaker mode from a digital music player tucked into his pocket.
The Ghostly Person Look
With a ghostly person costume, the child's head stays completely uncovered, which is a good option if he dislikes having his face hidden. It is also more convenient to wear to school. Dress your child entirely in white; loose items like an adult sweatshirt or t-shirt work well. At a fabric store, buy a few yards of muslin (or any lightweight, open-weave white fabric). Wrap the muslin around your child on all sides, tying it where needed so he stays comfortable. Apply white face paint faintly to his face, neck and hands. Lightly apply black, gray, green or dark blue face paint around his eyes to create a hollow look, and put some on his cheekbones too. Spray-paint his hair white or gray, or have him wear a white stocking cap.
