Halloween Costumes for Kids Under $40: Photo-Worthy Looks That Last Past Bedtime

The Melissa & Doug Chef Role Play Set serves up a complete look—hat, jacket, oven mitt, wooden utensils, measuring spoons, and a name tag—without blowing our under-$40 budget. We found the machine-washable jacket and wipe-clean accessories ideal for post-trick-or-treat cleanup and everyday pretend play. Note that it's sized for roughly ages 3–6, and the jacket buttons can seem delicate with vigorous use. Our experience shows it shines for parties and play kitchens, but older kids may need a larger kit.

If glittery photos are the goal, this Sparkle Witch costume pairs a twirly, shimmer-packed dress with a matching hat for an instant outfit. We found the polyester construction light and comfortable for party wear, but it’s labeled hand-wash only, so treat it gently. Sizing and hat proportions can be inconsistent, so check fit early and be ready to swap sizes if needed. Our experience shows a soft baselayer or leotard underneath adds warmth and comfort, helping the costume last past bedtime.

For spooky curb appeal on a budget, this Glaring Reaper set includes the robe, belt, gloves, and a mask with light-up eyes. In our testing, the glowing mask amplified nighttime photos, and the all-in-one kit makes getting ready fast before a party or parade. Materials lean thin and sizing can run small, so layer a base underneath for warmth and consider ordering up. We recommend testing the LED eyes as soon as it arrives, since a few reviewers report issues or a look that differs from photos.

For a complete look without hunting for extras, this pirate set packs a shirt-vest, pants with boot covers, belt, scarf, and hat. During our review, the lightweight polyester kept kids comfortable while they ran around, and the price feels right for a one-night costume. The fabric can feel thin or a bit scratchy, so we suggest layering a soft tee and leggings underneath for comfort. Note it’s hand-wash only and the boot covers may need a little tape or elastic adjustment to stay put during play.

Nothing gets laughs like the Hyde & EEK! Hot Dog Costume, and at around $24 it's a low-stress, high-giggle pick for school parades. We found it slips on and off fast, perfect for wiggly kids and quick bathroom breaks. The tradeoff is build quality: some Velcro tabs are weak and seams can pop, so bring a few safety pins or fabric tape as backup. It can run warm during active play, so plan a lightweight base layer for comfort.

If your kid shouts "Let's-a go!", this Mario Classic Costume nails the iconic look with a jumpsuit, hat, and photo-ready faux mustache under $30. In our testing, lightweight polyester kept things breezy and survived a gentle machine wash when we turned it inside out. Do note the thin fabric and back Velcro can snag, so close the tabs before storing and avoid rough play. Sizing is inconsistent and occasional smashed hats happen, so consider trying two sizes or reshaping the cap.

Channeling Nevermore vibes on a tight budget, Rubies' Wednesday Uniform comes with a collared top and tie, jacket, and skirt for just $18. During our review, the embroidered Nevermore Academy patch sold the look, and sizing was on-point for many kids. Expect lightweight polyester that feels thin, so layering tights or a tee helps in cooler weather. Wig isn't included, and our experience shows many off-the-shelf wigs underwhelm, so two braids and dark socks complete the vibe without extra spend.

If your kid dreams of instant superhero biceps, this Spider-Man muscle jumpsuit delivers photogenic impact right at the $40 mark. During our review, the bright, true-to-character graphics and stretchy polyester made it fun to wear and easy to move in. Sizing runs small and the fabric is on the thinner side, so consider ordering up and layering a base underneath for comfort. We’ve seen some seam and stitching complaints, so gentle handling—or a quick preemptive stitch at stress points—can help it last past bedtime.

Encanto fans will love this Mirabel Classic Costume, which nails the movie details and bright, photo-ready print for under ten bucks. In our testing, kids recognized Mirabel instantly, though the fabric feels thin and stitching can be delicate. Our experience shows sizing doesn't always match everyday clothes, so check the size chart and consider layering a tee and leggings. For school events and indoor parties, it's a cheerful, budget-friendly choice—just treat seams gently to keep it camera-ready all night.

For an ultra-affordable backup set that still feels soft, this 100% cotton pajama duo is an easy add to your Halloween prep. We found the fabric comfortable and breathable, and it washes well, making it handy for layering under costumes or cozying up after trick-or-treating. Note it’s not flame resistant and is designed for a tight fit, so plan to size up if your child prefers more room. Our experience shows the size range tops out around sizes 4–10, which may limit options for older kids and fast growers.

These Carter’s glow skeleton pajamas pull double duty as a comfy bedtime set and a simple Halloween costume for under $20. In our testing, the 100% cotton was breathable and soft, and the glow-in-the-dark bones made for great low-light photos. Just note they are not flame resistant and rely on a snug fit for safety, which can feel tight on some kids. We found that sizing up helps if your child prefers a roomier feel, though they should still fit close to the body.

For adorable baby photos without scratchy fabrics, this Burt’s Bees Sleep & Play uses certified organic cotton that’s soft on sensitive skin. In our testing, the hand-painted pumpkin print looked festive and the two-way zipper with guard made late-night changes much faster. Sizing can run long and a few parents report zipper quirks, so we recommend checking the closure before sleep and consulting the size chart. Also note some styles may be final sale, which limits easy returns, but the price and comfort make it a seasonal standout.

Chomp into Halloween with Spooktacular Creations' Shark Costume, a soft 100% polyester jumpsuit that's safety-tested, easy for kids to wriggle into, and still under $40. During our review, the one-piece design simplified bathroom breaks and photos, though the polyester ran warm during active play. Care is hand wash only, so spot-cleaning is your friend if candy mishaps strike. Our experience shows the brand's pages can list different prices and sizes, so double-check the specific product page before ordering.

Soft and snuggly, the Simplee Kids Long Ear Rabbit Romper makes an adorable under-$25 pick for photos, playdates, and Halloween naps alike. In our testing, the built-in hood and long ears delivered an instantly recognizable bunny look, and the zipper beat fiddly snaps for quick diaper changes. We did find sizing runs small and ear length can vary from the photos, so consider sizing up. The zipper feels basic but works reliably, making this a comfy everyday costume that still photographs beautifully.

For babies 0–24 months, this My First Halloween Bat Jumpsuit is a cozy crowd-pleaser, with soft fleece, an ear-tipped hood, and built-in wings under $20. In our testing, it kept little ones warm on chilly stroller walks and made instant photo magic without extra accessories. The downside: fleece isn't water-resistant and the simple construction isn't meant for years of hand-me-down wear. Our advice is to size appropriately for diapers and layer cotton underneath to manage temperature.

Want a costume piece they’ll use long after October? This reversible superhero cape delivers two bold color looks in one shiny, photo-ready layer. In our testing, the polyester satin draped nicely and the kids length fit well without tripping, with adult sizes available for family matching. Just keep in mind satin can snag on rough surfaces and Velcro closures tend to wear with heavy use, so treat it gently. Our experience shows made-to-order production can add a wait, but the reusable value makes it a great budget pick.

This Skeleton Poncho is a fuss-free way to get spooky fast, with a throw-on design that works over everyday clothes for just $14.99. We found the lightweight polyester great for layering, especially for classroom parties or quick neighborhood walks. The one-size cut can look oversized on smaller kids, and the thin material isn't built for rough play or warmth. Our tip: add a long-sleeve tee and leggings, and use a belt or knot to cinch for a better fit.

When you need warmth without bulk under a costume, this 32 Degrees lightweight baselayer set is a smart, under-$12 pick. During our review, the four-way stretch moved easily with active kids and the tag-free design kept itchy complaints to a minimum. It’s quite thin and can be semi-sheer in lighter colors, so we suggest darker shades and layering for very cold nights. We’ve also seen occasional quality swings between seasons, but for costume layering or school wear, it’s hard to beat at this price.

For a budget-friendly Halloween layer that still pops in photos, this Cat & Jack glow zip-up hits above its $15 price. In our testing, the glow-in-the-dark graphic was bright enough to thrill kids and the fleece felt soft for all-day wear. We found sizing to be inconsistent across reviews, so consider checking the size chart or trying two sizes if you’re between. To prolong the glow print, our experience shows washing inside out on gentle and line-drying helps reduce flaking seen on similar styles.

For safer trick-or-treating, the Nite Ize SpotLit adds a bright, highly visible glow that clips to costumes, backpacks, or pet collars in seconds. During our review, the carabiner design made it effortless to move between outfits, and the under-$10 price is hard to beat. Our experience shows charging and on/off behavior can be finicky, and some units lose charge within weeks. To prevent drops, clip it to a sturdy fabric loop and consider a backup light for longer outings.