15 Halloween Costumes to Make From a Cardboard Box

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

Thinking of your child's next Halloween costume with him is fun and exciting, and along with awesome handmade costume options and go-to choices from big-box stores, you can also get crafty and make your own from something you probably have hanging out in the garage: a cardboard box!

These box costumes definitely stand out from the rest and are easier to put together than you think. Along with being really special, these costumes are eco-friendly and a great way to repurpose materials you already have hanging around the house into something way cooler for Halloween.

Read through for 15 cardboard-box costume inspirations.

01
Wheels Up!
Flickr user Jesse Davis

Wheels Up!

We love the look of this cardboard box plane — just add arm and leg holes to the box and a pair of aviator glasses!

02
Voting Poll
Flickr user Nate Steiner

Voting Poll

Transform a cardboard box into your little one's very own mobile voting poll just in time for the election!

03
Gears and Gadgets
Flickr user daniel baker

Gears and Gadgets

Your child can sport his own special robot costume with the help of a box, silver paint, and some awesome arms are made from dryer vents or tin cans!

04
Jammin'!
POPSUGAR Photography

Jammin'!

Here's a seriously cute and easy idea for a toddler. With the help of some paint and a set of headphones, your little one can wear this cardboard box iPod for some rocking trick-or-treating fun this Halloween.

05
Wall-E
Flickr user In a Jeep

Wall-E

Little fans of Wall-E will love this wearable costume inspired by the beloved cartoon flick. It's got wheels and realistic-looking styrofoam "eyes"!

06
Minecraft
Flickr user Tim Pierce

Minecraft

Minecraft fans will love how easy (and accurate) this costume is!

08
Police Box
Flickr user melodramababs

Police Box

How cool is this Halloween cardboard box costume? To create the look, find a box that's the just about the same size as your tot, and cut windows all the way around the top using a craft knife so that she can comfortably see. Build up the rest of the police box with cut sections and lengths from other cardboard boxes, and secure using tacky glue. Paint the outside blue, and add embellishments once dry. Staple lengths of wide, black ribbon to the middle, front, and back of the box to create shoulder straps.

09
Easy Fire Truck
POPSUGAR Photography

Easy Fire Truck

With the help of cardboard box, some red paint, and a few store-bought items, your little one can be a fireman riding around in his own fire truck for Halloween. And this fire truck cardboard box costume is easier to make than you'd think.

10
Alligator Head
Flickr user L. Marie

Alligator Head

Transform a box into a mask, just like this cool alligator head, with the help of scissors and paint. To create the look, cut the top from a long, skinny box, and then cut curving lines to create the mouth. Cut sharp teeth from tag board and glue on the inside of the cardboard box using tacky glue. Paint or leave natural for a fun Halloween look.

To secure the mask, attach a length of elastic on either side to slip under your little one's chin or connect a length of cardboard to the back of the mask, and then add secure a strap to wrap around your child's chest.

11
Box It Up!
POPSUGAR Photography

Box It Up!

This cardboard grocery box costume couldn't get any easier! It's easy to wear and allows those who aren't excited about an elaborate ensemble to sport their everyday clothes underneath.

12
Fly Away
POPSUGAR Photography

Fly Away

Your tot is ready for takeoff with this seriously cute cardboard box airplane costume. Pop on a pair of aviator glasses and a knit cap, and he's ready for a flying Halloween adventure.

13
Juice Box
Flickr user bargainmoose

Juice Box

If you've got a little juice lover at home, this juice box costume is a perfect fit. All of the details lie in the painting.

14
Butterfly Wings
POPSUGAR Photography

Butterfly Wings

Here's a fun and simple cardboard butterfly costume that your child can actually help make. Finish the look by dressing her in a sparkling tutu, solid-color onesie, or head-to-toe black.

15
Do the Robot!
Flickr user cesarstudillo

Do the Robot!

This full-body robot costume takes two cardboard boxes, paint, and a kiddo who is ready to rock it trick-or-treating this year.