Halloween Costumes for Kids Under $25: Durable Picks for School Parades

For quick pirate flair on a tight budget, this $6.84 patch-and-sword kit delivers two essentials in one lightweight bundle. During our review, we liked how easy it was to pack for school parades and group costumes or party favors. Just know the thin plastic sword can bend or break with rough play, and one-size pieces won't suit every head or face. Our experience shows small, flimsy parts may detach over time, so supervise younger swashbucklers.

Frozen fans will light up when they see this Disney Frozen Elsa Costume Dress, and the $24.99 Target price keeps it on budget for a licensed character costume. In our testing, the bright, accurate Elsa details were a hit and the comfy fit made it easy for school parades and playground twirls. Do note that some units feel flimsy with unfinished hems, and a few kids found the netting itchy; layering a soft tee helps. Sizing can run short in length and sleeves, so consider ordering up for growing parade-goers.

For a simple superhero look under $11, this Batman cape and mask set gets kids parade-ready fast. The Velcro closure makes on/off effortless in our testing, and the lightweight materials stayed comfy for longer wear. That said, the mask can feel tight and the eye holes may narrow peripheral vision, so it's best for short events or supervised trick-or-treating. Taller kids might find the cape shorter than expected—great for safety around steps, but less dramatic for photos.

This Marvel Spider-Man 2 T-Shirt Costume is a low-effort win for school parades: a printed tee plus a soft mask for under $25. We found the 100% polyester fabric lightweight and easy to wash, and it layers well over a long-sleeve on chilly mornings. Keep in mind some buyers report seams or fabric developing holes and sizing inconsistencies. Our advice: check measurements, wash on gentle, and consider a backup tee if your kid will wear it often.

For classrooms, siblings, or party groups, this 6-pack of reversible superhero capes and masks is incredible value under $20. In our review, kids loved flipping colors mid-parade, and having six sets makes coordinating easy for spirit days and photo ops. Note the lightweight polyester can feel thin and may snag, and the simple elastic on the masks can stretch out or rub after longer wear. One-size styling runs small on bigger kids and won't secure well on toddlers.

At $15, this PJ Masks Dress Up Top and Mask set is a wallet-friendly way to nail the character look for school parades. The mask's durable plastic with a soft insert and adjustable strap stayed comfortable in our testing, while the printed shirt sparks imaginative play. Do note that some buyers report the mask light can fail or have battery quirks, and the fabric feels cheaper than premium costumes. For older toddlers, the cape/wing pieces may run small, so check sizing expectations.

The Cat & Jack Dino Zip-Up Hoodie is a clever way to keep toddlers warm while looking Halloween-ready for the parade. During our review, the soft fabric and true-to-size fit stood out, and kids loved the glow-in-the-dark graphic. Be aware the glow can be hit-or-miss, and printed or 3D details may flake after washing, affecting long-term durability. Our experience shows washing inside out on gentle and air-drying helps the design last longer.

These #followme Glow In The Dark Skeleton Jumpsuit Pajamas pull double duty as a cozy costume for school parades. The soft microfleece and full-length front zipper kept kids comfy and made changes easy during our review, while lock-stitched seams handled repeated washes better than most under-$25 picks. Do note the glow can be inconsistent and sizing varies, so consider testing in bright light and checking the size chart. We also recommend a pre-wash to address occasional odor or discoloration reports.

If your child loves a little sparkle, these Light Up LED Fairy Wings deliver standout shimmer and visibility for evening parades at just $18.56 on Walmart. During our review, the built-in LEDs made simple costumes feel magical and boosted safety on dim sidewalks. Our experience shows the materials and straps can be flimsy, and some sets had lights or battery packs fail early; test them ahead of time and carry spare tape or pins. For the best fit, adjust or reinforce the elastic so the wings don't fold in.

Carter’s Skeleton Sleep N’ Play keeps babies comfy and festive without fuss, thanks to soft 100% cotton and a handy two-way zipper. During our review, the glow-in-the-dark bones and included hat made for adorable photos and easy parade moments in the stroller. Sizing can be inconsistent, and the footed design may feel restrictive as little ones start kicking more. Our experience shows verifying the zipper direction beforehand and checking size charts helps avoid dressing-time surprises.

This Just One You Baby Pumpkin Sleep N’ Play is a sweet, photo-ready pick at a near-impulse price. We found the baby-friendly fabric and two-way zipper make changes fast during parades and bedtime alike, and the pumpkin design pops in fall photos. Note that it can fit a bit large and the fleece or extra-warm versions may run hot indoors. To stay comfy, choose the lighter fabric and layer a short-sleeve onesie underneath.

At around $14, this pumpkin hooded romper is an easy, comfy costume for babies who'll be in and out of strollers. The midweight French terry (60% cotton, 40% recycled polyester) felt soft during our review, and crotch snaps plus machine-washable care make cleanup painless. Keep in mind it's midweight only—layer for cold trick-or-treating—and there are no extra accessories in the bag. The printed pumpkin face may fade with repeated washing compared with embroidered options, though it's adorable out of the package.

If your kid loves pretend play, this Kids Chef Apron Costume Set is a smart under-$20 option for school events. We found the adjustable straps and machine-washable polyester handy for messy class parties, and the quick-drying fabric means it’s ready again fast. The hat does run small and isn’t very adjustable, and material weight can vary across similar sets. For the best fit, check head circumference and pair with dark pants to complete the look without adding cost.

For doctor dress-up that survives the wash, this $17.95 My 1st Career Gear top is a smart, school-parade-friendly choice. The printed tools look realistic enough to spark role play, and the easy hook-and-loop/tie closures helped kids dress independently in our testing. It's the shirt only—no hat or stethoscope props included—and the one-size range can feel narrow on some children. Because the polyester is lightweight, plan layers for outdoor events or cooler classrooms.