6 Extremely Easy and Adorable Costumes for Mom and Baby

If you’ve been following Brit + Co for awhile, you may recall last year when we dressed Brit’s baby bump in all sorts of absurd, clever and creative maternity Halloween costumes. Well, it’s one year later, and we’ve roped her into another series of fun Halloween costumes ideas — this time with her sweet one-year old son, Ansel!

Kelly Bryden

Misty Spinney put each of these six looks together, and the insanely photogenic Morins rocked each one beautifully. Every costume on this list is super simple to put together yourself (even if you’re a busy mom with a one-year old!).

That monkey suit? COME ON. It’s too good. And we found it at thrift shop — how serendipitous is that? If you don’t happen to have the best luck ever at your local secondhand store, there are plenty of affordable monkey options on Amazon. When it comes to baby costumes, ones that require this much effort don’t really make sense to DIY unless you’ve got mad sewing skills and a fair amount of spare time.

1. Curious George and The Woman in the Yellow Hat Costume

For Brit as The Woman in the Yellow Hat, the costume is simple as can be. Find a simple yellow dress or a t-shirt and skirt or even pants and a button down if you have one, and you’re 90% done with your costume. Add a neck scarf to give the explorer vibe, a pair of booties and top the whole look off with a safari-style hat. Done and done.

Though it was completely absurd that Claire, the main female character in Jurassic World, ran around the entire movie in heels, the simplicity of her look is one we can get behind. Find a matching blazer and pencil skirt (a suit, if you will) and a pair of nude heels, and your look is complete.

2. Jurassic World, Claire and a Baby Dino Costume

But let’s talk about that dino costume. You’ll never believe it, but this was ALSO a thrift store find! We found it at Savers, and honestly couldn’t believe our luck. Like the monkey costume, you can find pretty affordable options on Amazon, but we highly recommend a thrifting trip. Most baby Halloween costumes are worn for a total of 20 minutes tops so they’re available in droves.

The statement piece that you can’t quite see is the sprinkle-covered onesie Brit made for Ansel the night before this shoot! A little fabric paint and five minutes is all it took to whip up. So cute! To create the donut, we cut a donut shape out of cardboard, then attached fabric to the center and stuffed with batting. Use hot glue to bring the fabric around the cardboard to seal your donut. Add your icing layer with another piece of fabric. Then cut felt pieces to make your sprinkles.

3. Cop and Donut Costume

For Brit’s look, start with black pants and black top. Layer a black blazer over it, ideally with gold buttons if you’ve got ‘em. Attach a sheriff pin to the blazer and find yourself a cop hat. These two pieces are easy to find at most costume stores, or on Amazon if you don’t have time for a shopping trip. Finish the whole look off with a very stern donut-loving look and you’re good to go.

I know, I know. When you first read Usher, you were thinking, “U Got It Bad.” Sadly, in today’s edition of awesome Halloween costumes, that Usher is nowhere to be found. This costume is one you’ve definitely seen on the Internet, but we had to recreate it with these two darlings. The usher look is simple — black skirt, white button down and bowtie.

4. Usher and Bucket of Popcorn Costume

For the popcorn, grab your baby carrier and a handful of safety pins. That’s right — this is totally temporary piece. Create the front of your popcorn bucket by attaching red stripes to a piece of sturdy white fabric. You can use felt for this, or ribbon. Use adhesive felt letters to add POPCORN to the pieces, then attach to your baby carrier using safety pins. For the popcorn hat, we purchased a cheap baby hat and hot glued actual popcorn right to it.

Venture under the sea with this Disney classic. I know you are going to guffaw in disbelief, but we actually found that cuddly red onesie at a thrift shop. No joke! Obviously crabs like Sebastian aren’t typically furry, but this was too cute to resist. Outfit your wee one in a red onesie, and then make a simple cotton headband with red pipe cleaners and googly eyes. So easy!

5. The Little Mermaid Ariel and Sebastian Costume

Ariel’s outfit is a little more complex. We created a mermaid skirt from scratch, layering pale purple and green fabric to create an iridescent look. You could also do the same thing on top of an existing skirt if you don’t have the time or skills to create a skirt from start to finish. Up on top, we have a metallic purple bandeau tied underneath a purple shell bikini. Top the whole thing off with a luxe red wig and you’ll be singing songs with fish in no time.

Naturally, our grand finale is the Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé. We couldn’t resist a little word play with the whole Bee/Bey thing and the fact that our fearless leader Brit is often known as B to her closest friends. For the queen bee, get yourself a fitted yellow dress. Then belt it. Order a pair of inexpensive bee or yellow butterfly wings, and then crown yourself with a tiara fit for a… queen bee ;)

6. Queen Bey[oncé] and Blue Ivy Costume

Of course, Blue Ivy is the real star here. Blue onesie? Check. Fake ivy painted blue? CHECK.

Halloween is SOON and that means it's time to party like animals, y'all. This is one holiday when it's totally appropriate to show off your wild side without worrying about having your sanity questioned. Finally, an excuse to dress up as something you're not. So we say forget trying to pin down that perfectly creative and easy-to-execute costume and just go a little wild. If you're still costume-less and idea-less, it's safe to end your “what to wear" quest now — whether you want to buy, DIY, dress up the whole fam, you and your sig-O and/or just wear a fuzzy onesie all day and night we have you covered.

Flamingo

You know what they always say: Halloween is the best time to let your inner bird shine. This outfit is super easy and quick to make, so you'll have time to make one for yourself and your little mini-me.

Nemo

Turn it into a family costume with the whole Finding Dory getup. (via Brit + Co)

Bumble Bee

Grab some felt and get crafty with this tech-focused and contemporary take on a classic bee costume - the Bumble dating app! (via Brit + Co)

Baby Cow Costume

Everyone will be udderly delighted by this tiny cow. And it's SO easy to execute. (via Make It and Love It)

T-Rex Costume ($99)

Clearly falls under the cute category. We can hardly imagine anything more aww-dorable!

Pig Costume

A completely pink clothing ensemble can transform into a pig costume with the simple addition of ears and a snout. (via A Little Red House)

Wise Old Owl Glasses

How simple and cute are these sweet owl glasses that can double as Halloween photobooth props too! (via Emmy in the Making)

Bear ($37)

Is Halloween here yet? We just can't wait for an excuse to walk about in this cozy bear costume.

Adult Giraffe Onesie Kigurumi Pajamas ($60)

In case you didn't know that adult onesies were a thing, here's proof. If it pains you to invest in a piece that you'll only wear one day of the year, take heart knowing that this costume can definitely double as cozy pjs after their big debut.

Little Llama Costume

Your little one will feel eight feet tall in this adorable DIY. (via Oh Happy Day)

DIY Penguin

Wanna pull something creative out of your craft closet? This penguin looks boutique, but no one needs to know that you actually created it out of a few items in your craft closet. (Shhh, we won't tell!) Dress as Mary Poppins and — boom. Mom + baby costume FTW! (via Make It and Love It)

Baby Woodland Deer Costume ($69)

We're obsessed with this, the sweetest fawn we've ever seen.

Panda Bear ($45)

This cuddly panda costume is already a steal, but if you're the crafty type, this look could also easily be cleverly recreated with a black tutu, tights, leg warmers and a hoodie.

Lion Halloween Makeup Tutorial

www.youtube.com

Lion Halloween Makeup Tutorial

Lion Halloween Makeup

Mee-yow! (via From Head to Toe)

Little Lamb

Got a last minute invite to a costume party? Rummage through your bathroom cabinet for the cottonballs, there's still time to DIY this one-of-a-kind little lamb. (via Parents)

Party Animals

Knock it out of the park at this year's Halloween bash with a costume that calls for a mask of your choice and your Saturday night best. Who's ready to party? (via Brit + Co)

DIY No-Sew Fox Ears

For our procrastinating friends who have that Halloween thing to go to and nothing to wear, here's a DIY idea that's ideal for last minute. Use a bit of fur and some glue to transform a headband into a fantastic foxy headpiece. (via BITS)

No-Sew Kids Lion Halloween Costume

Wanna play king for a day? This no-sew lion costume is totally fun. (via A Night Owl Blog)

Raven Mask ($59)

Can you say… HOT?

Big Bad Wolf Hoodie

DIY enthusiasts, Halloween is the perfect time to get your game on. (via Martha Stewart)

Animal Ear Clips

This easy tutorial might be the last minute and/or work-appropriate costume of your dreams. (via Gleeful Things)

DIY Snail Costume

Have you ever seen a snail as cuddly as this one? We didn't think so. (via Oh Happy Day)

Cow Costume ($25+)

Halloween just doesn't get any more comfy than this cow costume.

Handmade Hooty Owl Costume

This costume gets its inspiration from our feathered friends. Proof that DIYs are a zillion times more creative than anything you'll find in a superstore. (via My Owl Barn)

Caterpillar Costume ($69)

Bundle up your toddler in this Eric Carle-inspired costume. It's just about as snuggly as they come.

Dog Costume

To recreate your child's favorite animal, spray paint brown spots onto a grey hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants, then add a brown felt tail and ears. Almost too easy. (via BHG)

Foxy Halloween Costume

This foxy getup is as non-basic as it gets. With a bit of makeup and a quick hair transformation you'll blow everyone's minds. (via Katie Nash)

Madame Butterfly Costume

You can bet that no one at your party will do a butterfly like this! Let Martha help you craft a beautiful butterfly hairpiece using a flurry of the winged beauties (artificial, of course). (via Martha Stewart)

Denim-Clad Horse People

Get a little country and a little creepy with this easy last minute couples costume. (via Brit + Co)

Lion Mask ($12)

Tease your hair and turn this into a pretty sweet last minute costume.

Faux Fur Tail + Ears Tutorial

These simple sewing tutorials will transform you into any animal you want based on what faux fur you pick. (via jessyratfink on Instructables)

DIY Halloween Zebra Costume

Go for Best in Class with this easy to make zebra costume. That mane will be the talk of the party! (via Baby Gizmo)

DIY Jellyfish Costume

Wanna be that mom who comes up with cool out-of-the-box costume? Well, you can stop racking your brain because we've just located the prettiest DIY. This jellyfish might just be our favorite of the bunch — and you could DIY an adult version with longer tentacles! (via Style Me Pretty)

Bjork Swan Dress Tutorial

No one will ever guess that this dress was a DIY. Bjork's got nothing on her. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Halloween Bunny Ears and Dress Up Kit ($20)

Why not go a bit more cutting edge with your costume? This ensemble from ASOS has all the items you need to transform into a bunny for a few bucks.

Kids' Giraffe Costume ($89)

This impressive DIY is (wait for it) actually really inexpensive to do using posterboard and ModPodge. That's right, you might even have the goodies to make it right now.

Butterfly Costume

Bust out your tie dying skills on Halloween for more than a hippy costume. (via Oh Happy Day)

The Perfect Black Cat

Okay, so here's the thing about the black cat. A lot of people will be doing it. So if you want go for this look, better to go DIY. And sassy. (via Brit + Co)

Care Bear Family

What? Care Bears count as animals — especially when the whole family gets involved in an amazing DIY project that calls for some sorbet-hued sweatsuits and a set of crafting skillz. (via See Vanessa Craft)

Fantastic Mr. Fox Sibling Costume

Pop culture + animal-inspired = this DIY idea that you can do to any degree (the print in the kiddy costume is hand-painted, but the masks in the adult version could be a last minute hack). It makes a sweet sibling ensemble or works for grownup Wes Anderson fans who have the Hallotween look down pat and can't be Margot and Richie Tenenbaum one more year. (via Skirt As Top)

Fantastic Mr. Fox Couples Costume

Grownups are more likely to be into this movie-themed costume so here's some adult inspo!! (via A Beautiful Mess)

DIY Bird Mask

This gorgeous mask can be crafted with crepe and dressed up with your outfit of choice. (via Martha Stewart)

Skunk ($50)

Too cute to be stinky.

Rainbow Unicorn ($44)

What little girl isn't in love with the idea of the unicorn? Turn fantasy into reality with this mystical costume — or use it as DIY inspo.

Crocodile Costume

What can you create with a cardboard box, butcher paper and some tape? Why, this crocodile, of course! (via Evil Mad Scientist)

Dress Up Your Lips

There might not be a tutorial attached to these kissers, but may we recommend using them as inspo for the best lowkey look ever? (via lolhit)

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Family of four, you've just found this year's coordinating costumes. We find these bear heads slightly disturbing but they're sure to make a statement. (via A Beautiful Mess)

DIY Animal Scarves Out of Stuffed Animals

Complete your child's wild ensemble with a DIY animal scarf. The best part about this? The scarves were made from actual stuffed animals. (via A Subtle Revelry)

No-Sew Dinosaur Costume

Dinos are animals too, right? Yes, especially when they're this adorbs and this easy to make. (via Gingersnap Crafts)

DIY Spider Costume

Consider this a Halloween intervention — we're bringing you the coolest creepy-crawly spider costume EVER. This will be an epic DIY. (via Pretty Providence)

P.S. We can't wait to hear about all your creative creations! Share with us @BritandCo!

This article has been updated from an earlier post.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.


I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.

Scroll on for details on Whole Foods’ top deals to shop starting today!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

1. BOGO 50% off packaged soups (Tuesdays)

Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!

They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.

Lukas / PEXELS

2. $2 off classic and organic rotisserie chickens (Tuesdays)

You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

3. $8 large cheese pizzas (Friday)

Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

4. 12 for $12 wild caught oysters (Friday)

Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.

Pixabay / PEXELS

5. BOGO 50% off packaged sushi rolls (Friday)

This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.

Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS

6. $10 family-sized tiramisu (Friday)

Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.

Kseniia Lopyreva / PEXELS

7. $12 bottles of prosecco (Friday)

The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more deals!

Hi friends! Brit here, founder of Brit + Co. I love Halloween because it's one of the most creative holidays, when you can really express yourself and have some fun no matter what age. This year our team had a blast throwing the ultimate Halloween party with co-hosts and all around good people Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, who launched their organic baby line Hello Bello this year. My husband Dave and I sat with them to chat about everything from this year's family costume to their parenting and marriage tips (more on that) to Frozen spoilers and more. As you can see from my costume, I am beyond excited for Frozen 2 to hit theaters Nov. 22!

We kicked off our fright fest with plenty of haunted DIY stations, ghoulish activities, creepy decor, and of course, fun DIY costumes. The food was spooktacularly cute too: candy apples, mozzarella witch fingers, chocolate spider cookies and jalapeño mummies. My favorites were the pumpkin mac and cheese and the classic “worms in chocolate dirt” dessert.

We all got our DIY on, Halloween style! Kids made their own spooky masks, haunted balloon ghosts with LED lights, and they even scored a DIY trick or treat bag with vinyl decals for decoration. Our face painters and balloon artist conjured up all kinds of cool costume props, designs, and haunted hats. Here’s my little guy with his balloon sword and DIY Tic Tacs costume.


As we sat down to chat with our co-hosts, we learned more about Hello Bello. The brand originated from Kristen and Dax's passion for making plant-based baby products that are accessible to everyone. All Hello Bello products (diapers, bubble bath, wipes, lotion and a really great sunscreen) focus on sustainability, natural ingredients, and affordable prices. Walmart stocks them nationwide, or you can buy from their website. They also donate diapers to organizations dedicated to getting kids the things they need. This week, they announced a 20 percent discount for all first responder families to support fire victims, and those risking their lives to save their communities.

Kristen and Dax have two kids, ages four and six. Their best parenting tip: "Have patience. Breathe deep. One strategy is not going to work for two human beings [about raising two kids]. Stay flexible," said Dax. For couples ready to hit the aisle: "Go into it knowing it's a beating,” said Dax. “But it's worth it. You gotta go in knowing it's going to be endless work. It’s just like your body: you're not going to work out, have that perfect six pack, and never have to exercise again.” They did a family costume this Halloween, as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The little ones dressed up as Rudolph and a Christmas tree. Even the dogs went as elves and a snowman!

Of course, we had to talk about a little thing called Frozen 2. "Frozen has matured with its audience,” said Kristen. “It's a little bit more dramatic this time, as you can see from the previews. It's still a story about the sisters, but we're no longer in Arendelle, and Elsa has started to hear a mysterious voice calling to her. You will meet a lot of new characters and you’ll learn a lot about their past, and what will threaten the kingdom.” Kristen shared. Spoiler alert: We’re also in store for some really amazing songs, including one by her!

What a phenomenal night. Huge thank you to our co-hosts: the Hello Bello team, Kristen Bell, and Dax Shepard. Hope y’all had a very Happy Halloween!

Until next year!

Brit

Photography by Brittany Griffin and Anne Carney

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard family photo from @kristenanniebell




As much as I love celebrity couples, I love celebrity sibling relationships even more. And Elle and Dakota Fanning are two sisters I've grown up watching since I first saw Dreamer in 2005. Considering Elle Fanning is only five months older than me, and I have a sister of my own, this is one relationship that feels particularly familiar. And while Elle has also watched Dakota Fanning act since we were kids, Dakota just revealed seeing Elle onscreen is just as special for her.

Here's why Dakota & Elle Fanning get emotional seeing each other onscreen.

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."

You can see Elle Fanning in A Complete Unknown, in theaters December 25, and you can also stream Dakota Fanning's new show The Perfect Couple on Netflix now.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.