Halloween—a time for tricks, treats, and… sensory overload? If you’re raising a child with sensory sensitivities, you know that traditional Halloween costumes can be a recipe for meltdowns. Itchy fabrics, overwhelming accessories, and costumes that are too hot or too cold can present many sensory issues for kiddos like this. But, Halloween should be fun for all kids, especially those with sensory processing disorder. I’m here to share my sensory-friendly Halloween guide and costume tips for all ages, so you can enjoy the holiday and create magical memories (without losing your cool).
Bright lights, itchy tags, restrictive costumes–it’s enough to dampen anyone’s Halloween spirit. That’s when I realized we needed a different approach to Halloween costumes, especially for kiddos with sensory issues. This meant focusing on comfort and their interests as the foundation for fun and successful sensory friendly Halloween costumes.
This can look different depending on what your kiddos preferences are, but there isn’t one certain way kids have to dress for halloween fun. The first step is accepting that your child doesn’t have to wear store-bought costumes. In fact, pajama costumes, sweatshirt costumes, or even their regular clothes might be a better fit for them. We will provide you with some DIY sensory friendly costume ideas to give your child a more comfortable halloween.
Remember, at this age, comfort is KING. It’s all about choosing materials that feel nice on their delicate skin and costumes they can move around in easily. Consider these options:
You can use oft black or dark blue pajamas and attach fabric stars to the outside with felt or soft foam and some fabric glue. If you want, you can also add a soft, lightweight cape made from a breathable fabric. This makes it easy to remove and comfortable to wear for your kiddo!
Wearing a long-sleeve green shirt and pants, you can cut out different color felt circles and attach them to the shirt. When you glue them to the shirt, you can do so in a way that they resemble caterpillar segments.
For an added touch, create a soft headband with black antennas made out of pipe cleaners. This is super comfortable and lightweight, and best of all, can be removed easily if they become uncomfortable.
With a simple white t-shirt or dress, your kid can transform into a ghost in no time. All you have to do is have them wear the shirt/dress as normal, attach some black oval eyes with felt, and let the shirt hang loosely.
You can add a smile with fabric markers. The shirt can be easily removed if needed.
As they get a little older, kids often develop their own interests. These costume ideas offer a fantastic opportunity to combine their newfound passions with comfort.
With a simple pair of cargo shorts, a t-shirt, and a hat, your child can quickly transform into an outdoorsy explore. They can even carry a pair of binoculars or a walking stick for an extra touch.
Maybe darker clothes are more your kiddos style, so with a simple soft black dress and a hat your child can transform into a witch!
They can decorate the hat and dress with beads, fabric paint, or other embellishments to personalize it. This is super comfortable to wear and can be personalized as much or as little as your child wants.
All you need for this is a soft, oversized red or blue shirt, comfortable pants, and a soft hat (like a beanie)
You can also create a gnome beard with white fluffy fabric or cotton balls attached to a headband. This is simple and cozy, and this costume allows for easy movement.
Here’s where you can really encourage their creativity. Older kids tend to gravitate toward costumes that are clever or expressive, but those costumes don’t always have to involve itchy fabrics or complicated accessories. These costumes aren’t just for kids; they are great for autistic adults, too.
What’s better than a cool costume? One that makes everyone chuckle. This one involves digging through their (and your) closet for clothes that can be made into a funny visual pun.
All you need for this punny costume is a white t-shirt, yellow felt or fabric paint, and a pair of devil horns to wear. You can use the yellow felt/paint on the white shirt to create a yolk, resembling an egg. The finishing touch is to add some red devil horns to a comfortable head band and voila! A deviled egg!
This is a great simple DIY costume that might already be laying around your house.
With black jeans, a band graphic tee, a leather jacket/flannel, your child will quickly turn into a rockstar! For an added detail, you can draw unique designs on the jacket such as skulls, roses, or music symbols. Your child can also add a bandana or beanie to tie to the look together. Since they are dressed in layers, this outfit can be easily removed if they become uncomfortable.
Is there a movie or show your child LOVES more than anything? Encourage them to dress up as their favorite character!
This can be modified for any character on screen. Take basic elements such as their shirt color/type, hairstyle, pants, and shoes and see if you have any similar items at home! If not, make it an outing to a thrift store to try and round up all the necessary items needed for the costume.
Creating the perfect costume is just the first step. These extra tips are designed to prevent costume calamities and are especially helpful for children who are highly sensitive, have sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and many other disorders. Everyone deserves to have a fun halloween.
A week before the big day (or even sooner), have your child try on their complete costume. This way, you’ll have time for any necessary adjustments and can make sure there are no tight collars or itchy seams.
Sometimes even the best-laid costume plans can go awry. Have a backup outfit handy on Halloween (think comfy PJs or a favorite T-shirt) in case your little one needs a break from their costume. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
The goal is to make Halloween enjoyable for everyone, including you. If your kiddo decides dressing up isn’t for them this year, that’s totally okay. Halloween can be fun without a costume, so let’s ditch the pressure, OK?
Crafting the perfect sensory-friendly Halloween costume doesn’t have to be tricky. In fact, it can be a bonding experience for you and your child. And don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned; meltdowns are okay, too. It’s Halloween; a little spooky fun never hurt anyone.
I hope these ideas empower your creativity so you can have a fun-filled, stress-free Halloween this year. Now go make some spooky memories (without losing your cool).
Making Sensory Friendly Halloween Costumes: DIY Ideas for Every Age
Jill Gilbert
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