Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, but even I can admit that the expense of the holiday has gotten out of hand. You used to be able to drape a sheet over your head and call it a day. But now, the pressure is on to create the perfect Halloween costume so you can get as many Instagram likes as possible. Look, the holiday's fun no matter what you spend, so I'm not knocking the Pinterest experts, but if you can find some cheap Halloween costumes for kids, even better, right?
I think a lot of people assume that Halloween won't be cheap because their kid insists on dressing as Captain America, the new Disney princess, or they want some intricate ninja costume. But look — the deals are out there. I know it's not as easy as dressing a baby in an orange onesie and calling them a pumpkin, but I promise, you don't have to empty your wallet to give your kids a Halloween they'll remember. (Nor do you have to spend a fortune on a monogrammed candy bucket. That $1 pumpkin bucket at Wal-Mart will do just fine.)
So for those of you looking to keep the budget in tact, try these 31 costumes that are under $30. There's a good mix of popular characters, spooky costumes, and classics so you're sure to find something for every little one in your group. (And you'll still have money leftover for those Pillsbury pumpkin cookies.)
19
ER Doctor
You can dress your kid as a real life superhero in an ER doctor costume ($11) and make all their life-saving dreams come true. Best part? Not only does it come with the shirt, pants, and face mask, but it also comes with a name tag and a stethoscope so it's major bang for your buck.
20
Angel
Your kiddo may not act like a little angel all the time, but at least they can dress up in an angel costume ($20) for cheap and trick the neighborhood. It also comes with the leotard, tights, halo, tutu, and wings, so you don't need any extra pieces for your little bit of Heaven.
21
Storm Trooper
Your child can easily become a Star Wars staple with a Stormtrooper costume ($21). With a jumpsuit, boot covers, and face mask, you don't have to pick up anything else and your kid will look awesome trick or treating with all their friends. (You should fully expect to see them wearing this costume year round, too.)
22
Gryffindor Witch Or Wizard
Whether your kiddo wants to be Hermione or Harry, they're going to need a Gryffindor robe costume ($21). With a few extra accessories, like glasses or a wand, you've got the perfect Harry Potter costume and you're still under budget.
23
Ladybug
Your little ladybug will love dressing in a ladybug costume ($10) almost as much as you love the price. With the dress, leggings, gloves, wings, and antennae included, this costume is practically a steal and perfect for Halloween.
24
Ninja
Prepare for your little one's sneakiness to get even worse in this ninja costume ($26). Included in that cheap price is the top, pants, sash, and mask, so all you need is a pretend sword to really nail the costume.
25
Rag Doll
Dressing like a certain rag doll from a certain Halloween movie (I'm looking at you Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas) can be expensive, but your kid can get a similar style with a rag doll costume ($15). Complete with dress, knee highs, and wig, all you need is to add a little makeup to your kiddo and they're ready to go.
26
Mermaid
Hey, even I want to rock this mermaid costume ($25). You can't beat the price, especially since it comes with a dress with attached fin and the perfect mermaid headband.
27
Wicked Witch Of The West
It doesn't get much more classic than a witch, especially when your kid's dressing in the Wicked Witch of the West costume ($23). The price includes the long sleeve dress, but since it's so cheap, you can easily pick up a hat and some green makeup to complete the ensemble.
28
Army Ranger
Your little one can channel the courageous and brave in this army ranger costume ($25). It will quickly become a dress up favorite as it includes the army jacket, grenades, canteen, binoculars, and hat.
29
Abraham Lincoln
Got a little history nerd on your hands? Dress them in an Abraham Lincoln costume ($20) complete with jacket, hat, and that iconic beard. Bonus points? It can totally double for any future school projects on The Gettysburg Address.
30
Spiderman
Your kid's love of Spiderman doesn't have to mean trouble for your wallet. You can pick up a deluxe Spiderman muscle costume ($20) and make their dreams come true. The jumpsuit is padded so it looks like your kid's ripped, but it also includes the mask and boots. Worth it.
31
Pikachu
Thanks to Pokemon Go, everyone's amped about Pokemon costumes, so do your kid a favor and grab them a Pikachu costume ($20) so they can be part of the action. Just make sure everyone knows they aren't a Pokemon to grab with their phone.