Having a little girl has been so much fun for me. My own childhood comes back in bursts of memory as I watch her growing and discovering new things. Of course, no childhood would be complete without lots of pretend play, and so far one of the best parts of having a child is watching her dress up as different characters. There are so many cute costumes for kids out there. On my daughter’s first Halloween, she was Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz in a handmade dress I just loved.
No matter the time of year, though, you can find cheap costumes that kids can wear again and again for games of dress-up. This imaginative playtime is a great way to celebrate life and act out a diverse set of story lines with your kids.
Whether it’s just my daughter Willow and me trying on tiaras on a Tuesday morning, or we’re inviting the neighborhood kids over for afternoon tea, I like to have plenty of costumes for kids on hand. We keep a section of her closet bursting with dress-up options and I’m always looking to add more. Inspired to start a game of dress-up in your house? Check out these amazing (and inexpensive) costumes for kids, ranging from trendy choices like Darth Vadar and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to classic favorites like Spiderman and Supergirl.
More Fun Stuff:
Amazing Costumes for Kids
Supergirl Costume
It's all about girl power with this fierce Supergirl costume -- including the dress with cape, belt, and boot caps. Price: from $21.53 Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Spiderman Costume
Your pint-sized Spiderman will capture your heart in his web, thanks to this adorable costume . Price: from $18.73Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Doughnut Costume
This doughnut costume is as sweet as can be, and it's tea party special. Price: $16.99Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Darth Vador Costume
Your littles can have some fun on the dark side with a full-scale Darth Vador costume that includes the jumpsuit and mask. Price: from $19.30Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Clown Costume
Kids love clowning around in colorful ensembles; we love this costume's fun rainbow-skirted dress and polka-dot hat. Price: from $14.06Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Costume
These dudes were around for the modern mom's childhood and they're back entertaining a new generation; this one and the rest of the gang is available on Amazon. Price: from $10 eachBuy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Cat Costume
There isn't much in the world cuter than a little kid dressed up as a kitty, and this handmade costume is just purrfect. Price: $25Photo: Etsy/OurLilBowtique
Cheerleader Costume
Pretty dresses and heaps of energy? Sounds like my little girl! This cheerleading costume is simple and sweet; plus it looks a lot like the real thing. Whether your favorite source of cheer is ready for hurkeys and kicks or just running around the house, this is a favorite.
Price: $16.90Photo: Wholesale Halloween Costumes
Chef Costume
Whether your little dreams of being a master of modern cuisine or just likes hanging in the kitchen with you, a chef's costume has limitless possibilities for pretend play. Price: $24.99Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Cinderella Costume
Into every childhood, a little fairy tale must come. I adored the story of Cinderella as a kid, and can't wait to get my own little girl into one of these classic, ice-blue dresses while singing the best songs from the movie together. Price: $18.99Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Construction Worker Costume
Your kiddos will be ready for heavy lifting -- or at least faux hammering -- in this work vest with tools and reusable name tag.
Price: $23.75Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Fire Chief Costume
Sound the alarm and call your little rescuer to action with this fire chief dress-up kit that includes a machine-washable jacket, mini fire extinguisher, and all the other accessories needed to fight faux fires. Price: $23.97Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Police Officer Costume
This realistic cop costume opens the door for educational pretend play. The kit includes hand cuffs, a hat, and even walkie-talkies to make their shift go smoothly. Price: $23.86Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Doctor Costume
It's always a good idea to have a doctor (costume ) on call! This set includes a machine-washable jacket and a bunch of accessories, like a noise-making stethoscope. Price: $22.10Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Cowboy Costume
Yee-haw! Saddle up for fun with your little cowboy in a costume complete with chaps, a vest, and the cutest hat in town. Price: from $15Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Flight Attendant Costume
Reminiscent of a foregone era when air travel was chic and not just stressful, this flight attendant costume is seriously adorable. Set up airplane-style food and pack a couple bags for an afternoon in the skies -- right in the living room. Price: $19.99Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Harry Potter Costume
Contemporary fantasy has Harry Potter and the gang at the top of the wish-list for most mini bookworms. Treat your kids to an afternoon of wizardry with these wonderful duds . Price: $19.99 eachPhoto: Party City
Mermaid Costume
No water is needed to make a splash with the play date set in a shimmering mermaid costume . Price: $20.21Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Minion Costume
There's no resisting those hilarious Minions in the movie or in your own home. For less than $15, this costume is a ridiculously adorable addition to your kiddos' play closet. Price: from $11.64Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Nurse Costume
Show your little that helping people is cool with this pediatric nurse costume . The set comes with all the accessories shown here, including the baby with changeable diaper and a reusable name tag. Price: $23.76Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Postal Worker
Boy or girl, your kids will get value in dressing up in the role of this hard-working member of society. This costume even includes that adorable mail bag. Price: from $19.99Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Queen of Hearts Costume
An over-the-top, royal gown and crown are just the thing for the princess at the heart of your home. This pretty ensemble includes the dress, headpiece, and scepter. Price: from $16.62Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Train Engineer Costume
All aboard the train to Funland! This precious smock, hat, and tool dress-up set is the perfect jumping-off point for hours of pretend play. It even includes a walkie-talkie for "inter-car communication." Price: $23.99Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Dancer Costume
It doesn't get sweeter -- or more classic -- than a pack of tutus for your little dancer. She'll love twirling around the living room or the dance studio in a different one for every outfit.
Price: $24.95 for a pack of fourBuy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
1950s Poodle Skirt Costume
Put on some oldies and watch her bop around the house in a pink poodle skirt loaded with vintage charm. Price: $14.98Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Butterfly Baby Costume
Older sibs will love getting the most miniature member of the family in on the fun in this sweet butterfly costume for babies. Price: $9.99Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Unicorn Headpiece
This sparkly headband turns your kid into a mythical creature in seconds! Price: from $9.32Photo: Etsy/KittysKreations
Abraham Lincoln Costume
It might be best to keep current politicos out of your kids' dress-up box, but there's no denying Abraham Lincoln was one of the greats. I adore this kiddos' Lincoln costume that includes the hat and bow tie! Price: from $18.25Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon
Betsy Ross Costume
Teaching our daughters about strong women of the past is a good way to inspire them to be independent and confident themselves. Betsy Ross, who is widely credited as making the first American flag in 1776, is a personal favorite of mine, and this costume is just perfect. Price: $12.72Buy it Now on Amazon Photo: Amazon