Carnival is approaching and you are looking for ways - affordable ways - to create the perfect costume for your child. 

With just a few materials, we can create amazing disguises, from kings and queens to ghosts and snails! 

All you need is imagination... 

See all the ideas for DIY carnival costumes:

#1: Attention! Ghost!!!

Use white and/or transparent fabrics, such as sheets, and add details with markers or paints.

You will need:

• A white sheet or shirt (preferably old)
• Ribbons, fabric pieces, or other materials to add details and create a unique style.
• Markers or paints to create black eyes for an extra dose of horror.

In practice:

• Take a piece of white cloth, cut the edges asymmetrically so that it is at the height of the child.
• Shape the eyes with scissors and ideally draw the eyes on the cloth with a black marker to create depth.
• If you attach additional fabrics like ribbons or fabrics such as satin or lace, it will give more style to the overall look.

Cost:

• Approximately: 0 - 10 €

#2: My Shining Star...

Here, cardboard is your main material. Colors and glitter are also mandatory.

You will need:

• Cardboard
• Scissors to cut around the cardboard
• Marker to draw the star
• Elastic band
• Stapler
• Colors if you want to make additional designs (optional)
• Fabric in the same color if you want to use it as a cover for the body or otherwise as a shooting star!
• Glue
• Glitter

In practice:

• Take a piece of cardboard.
• Draw the star with the marker that you will cut out later and the part where the face will go through.
• Carefully cut the cardboard along the lines you drew earlier.
• With a stapler, attach an elastic band from one side to the other so that it can be stabilized on the child's head.
• Wrap the fabric around the shoulders to cover the body.

Cost:

• Approximately: 5 - 10 €

#3. Where are you going, snail, swaying with such grace?

You will need:

• Long pants or a dress in a matching color (green, yellow, black, etc.) for the snail's body.
• Pieces of fabric, cloth, or a small quilt to create the snail's shell.
• A hood or hat in a color matching the body.
• Cardboard or fabric to make the snail's antennae.
• Styrofoam or cardboard to create the eyes.
• Markers or paints to draw the snail's facial features.
• Glue, scissors, and nails for constructing the costume.
• Items to decorate the costume, such as sequins, pearls, ribbons, etc.

In practice:

• Wear the green/black dress or pants.
• Cut a large circle from the piece of fabric or Styrofoam for the shell.
• Use the glue to attach the shell to the back of the dress or pants. Leave enough space for the child's head.
• Depending on your choice, wear the hood or hat.
• Cut two large circles from the Styrofoam or cardboard for the eyes.
• Draw the eyes with markers or paints and then attach them to the hood or hat.
• Add decorations such as sequins, ribbons, pearls, etc. to give extra sparkle to the costume.

Cost:

• Approximately: €5 - €15

#4: The Mummies Have Come Back to Life!

In the ancient Egyptian city, the mummies have come back to life! With their terrifying appearance, they inspire awe in those around them!

You will need:

• White or beige jumpsuit or dress: This will be the basic clothing for the mummy.
• Gauze or fabric: Use the gauze or fabric to cover the body and create the mummy appearance.
• Brown or black makeup: This will be used to give a worn and scary character to the mummy.
• Good glue: To keep the gauze or mummy fabric on the body.
• Contact lenses: If you want to add an extra scary factor, you can add contact lenses that give a dark look to the eyes.

In practice:

• Dress the child in the white or beige dress or jumpsuit.
• Cut large pieces of gauze or fabric and wrap the child from top to bottom, leaving small gaps for the eyes and mouth.
• Paint around the eyes with black color.
• Use brown or black makeup to give a worn and scary character to the child. You can also paint a few "broken" lines over the gauze for more details.

Cost:

• Approximately: 0 - 10 €

#5: Hear ye, hear ye!! The King is coming!

In tradition and history, the king represents authority, command, and respect. 

If you choose the king, you take on the role of a leader, a person of integrity and imposing presence who rules their kingdom with wisdom and confidence.

You will need:

• Cardboard to cut into a crown shape
• Gold or silver cardboard or aluminum foil for decoration.
• Glue to stick the parts together.
• Crystals, pearls, or other decorations to add details.
• Pencil and scissors for designing and cutting.
• Flowers or feathers to add to the crown, if desired.
• Fabric or clothes in colors like blue, orange, or red for the main part of the costume.
• Fabric in white, cream, or red color for the cape.
• White or gold tassel for the cape's finishing touch.
• Belt made of gold material to encircle the king's waist.

In practice:

• Draw the size of the head on the cardboard.
• Use scissors to cut the shape out of the cardboard.
• If you want, you can add details to the crown using a pencil to draw patterns or add elements like crystals or pearls.
• Once you complete the design, use glue to connect the edges of the crown.
• Let the crown dry well and then you can decorate it with materials of your choice, such as paints.

Cost:

• Approximately: 10 - 25 €

Finally, whatever idea you choose to be inspired by, remember to add plenty of love!!

Discover also:

• What to dress up as for Carnival 2026? Original ideas for the Carnival!
• Carnival costumes for babies 2026