Halloween Costumes in a Flash

Cardboard costumes

by Elizabeth Holthaus

Did you wait 'til the last minute to costume the kids? No need to worry -- we've got some quick-fix ideas right here.

All you need to make these costumes is a cardboard box, some household items, and a few art supplies.

Robot: Use a small box for the head, with a large space cut out for the face; use a larger box for the body with holes cut out for the head and arms. Other materials: Paint, sparkly stick-ons, aluminum pans with stickers for the control panel.

Television: All you need is a box over the head with the screen area cut out. Works well for the future stand-up comic or the child who knows lots of movies by heart.

Planes, trains, and automobiles: Remove the top and bottom flaps of a box, then place the box around your child's middle and attach with over-the-shoulder ties. Then, with paint, paper plates, tin cans, some additional cardboard, and imagination, your child could be the following:

A race car: Paint racing stripes; add cans, cups, or stickers for front and rear lights. Don't forget the sponsor's names on the side and the personalized license plates (ISCAREU).

A firefighter in a fire engine: Paint the box bright red with ladders on the sides. Use aluminum pie plates for reflectors. A plastic firefighter's hat is a good addition. Your child will be more than happy to come up with the siren sound!

More on: Halloween Fun and Activities for Kids