When it comes to Halloween, dressing up in coordinated costumes can be twice the fun for kids. Whether it's siblings, best friends, or just two kids who want to team up, couple costumes allow children to get creative and play off each other's outfits. Here are 10 of the best couple costume ideas for kids, with details on how to put them together and why they work so well:
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly
The classic PB&J sandwich makes for an adorable and instantly recognizable costume duo for kids. Here's how to create this tasty pairing:
Peanut Butter Costume:
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Start with a tan or light brown shirt and pants/leggings
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Cut out a large oval shape from brown felt or foam to create the "peanut butter"
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Attach the oval to the front of the shirt with fabric glue or safety pins
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Add details like swirls or texture to mimic peanut butter using fabric paint
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Make a headband with a small jar labeled "Peanut Butter"
Jelly Costume:
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Use purple, red, or grape-colored clothing as the base
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Cut out a similar oval shape from purple or red felt/foam for the "jelly"
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Attach to the shirt front
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Add painted or glued-on seeds to look like berry jelly
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Create a headband with a small jelly jar
This costume works great for kids because it's comfortable, easy to move in, and allows for creativity in the details. Plus, who doesn't love PB&J?
2. Mario and Luigi
Nintendo's famous plumber brothers make for a classic video game costume duo that kids will love:
Mario Costume:
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Red long-sleeved shirt and blue overalls
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Red cap with an "M" logo
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White gloves
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Brown shoes
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Fake mustache
Luigi Costume:
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Green long-sleeved shirt and blue overalls
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Green cap with an "L" logo
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White gloves
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Brown shoes
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Fake mustache
To take it up a notch, add props like toy hammers or wrenches. Kids can have fun acting out scenes from the games or racing each other. This costume works well for siblings or friends who enjoy gaming together.
3. Astronaut and Alien
This out-of-this-world pairing lets kids' imaginations soar:
Astronaut Costume:
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White jumpsuit or sweatsuit
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NASA patches (can be printed and attached)
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Toy or homemade helmet (can be made from a large plastic bottle)
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Black boots
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Backpack painted silver for "oxygen tank"
Alien Costume:
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Green bodysuit or clothing
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Alien mask or face paint
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Antenna headband
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Optional: extra arms made from stuffed tights
This duo allows for lots of creative play, with the astronaut "discovering" the alien. It's a great choice for kids interested in space or science fiction.
4. Superhero Duo
Kids love dressing up as their favorite superheroes. Pick any famous pair like:
Batman and Robin:
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Batman: Black clothing, cape, mask, utility belt
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Robin: Red shirt, green shorts/tights, black cape, mask
Wonder Woman and Superman:
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Wonder Woman: Blue skirt, red top with logo, tiara, arm cuffs
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Superman: Blue suit with red cape and "S" logo
Captain America and Black Widow:
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Captain America: Blue suit with star, shield
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Black Widow: Black bodysuit, red wig
Superhero costumes allow kids to feel powerful and heroic. They can act out saving the world together!
5. Wizard and Witch
This magical pairing is perfect for Halloween:
Wizard Costume:
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Long robe (can be made from a sheet)
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Pointed hat
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Fake beard (for older kids)
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Wand
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Optional: stuffed owl companion
Witch Costume:
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Black dress or robe
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Pointed witch hat
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Striped stockings
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Toy broomstick
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Optional: face paint for warts or green skin
Kids can have fun casting "spells" on each other or trick-or-treaters. This classic Halloween duo never goes out of style.
6. Doctor and Patient
This costume pair offers lots of opportunities for role-playing:
Doctor Costume:
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White lab coat (can use an oversized white shirt)
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Toy stethoscope
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Name badge
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Clipboard
Patient Costume:
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Hospital gown (can be made from a pillowcase)
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Bandages wrapped around head or limbs
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Arm sling
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Hospital bracelet
Kids can take turns being the doctor and examining the patient. It's a great way to make a sometimes scary concept (going to the doctor) more fun and approachable.
7. Farmer and Cow
This barnyard duo is cute and comfortable:
Farmer Costume:
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Overalls or jeans
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Plaid shirt
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Straw hat
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Bandana
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Optional: toy pitchfork
Cow Costume:
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White clothing base
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Black spots cut from felt and attached
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Cow ears headband
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Pink nose face paint
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Optional: toy udder or bell
This costume allows for lots of silly play, with the farmer pretending to milk the cow. It's especially good for younger kids who might not want to wear elaborate outfits.
8. Pirate and Parrot
Ahoy, matey! This swashbuckling pair is always a hit:
Pirate Costume:
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Striped shirt
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Black pants or skirt
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Eye patch
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Bandana or pirate hat
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Toy sword
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Optional: drawn-on mustache or beard
Parrot Costume:
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Red, yellow, and blue clothing
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Wings made from felt or fabric
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Beak made from yellow foam or cardboard
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Feather headband
Kids can have a blast saying "Arrr!" and pretending the parrot is repeating everything. This costume works well for different-sized kids, with the smaller one as the parrot.
9. Ice Cream Sundae and Cherry
This sweet costume duo is sure to bring smiles:
Ice Cream Sundae Costume:
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White clothing base
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Attach colorful pom-poms or fabric scraps for "sprinkles"
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Brown fabric draped over shoulders for "chocolate sauce"
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Optional: inflatable pool tube painted to look like a sundae dish
Cherry Costume:
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Red clothing
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Green stem hat (can be made from felt)
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Optional: round cushion under shirt for more cherry shape
This costume is great for kids with a sweet tooth. They'll have fun pretending to be dessert all night!
10. Book Characters
Choose any famous literary duo for a costume that's both fun and educational:
Alice and Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland):
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Alice: Blue dress, white apron, black headband
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Mad Hatter: Colorful suit, oversized bow tie, tall hat
Harry Potter and Hermione:
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Harry: Black robe, round glasses, lightning scar, wand
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Hermione: Black robe, Gryffindor scarf, wand, bushy wig
Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 (or Thing 2):
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Cat: Black clothing, white belly circle, red bow tie, tall striped hat
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Thing: Red onesie or clothing, blue wig, "Thing 1" logo
Book character costumes are great for encouraging reading and allowing kids to step into the shoes of their favorite characters.
Tips for Creating Kid-Friendly Couple Costumes:
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Comfort is key: Ensure costumes are easy to move in and not too restrictive.
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Safety first: Avoid masks that obstruct vision and ensure all costume parts are securely attached.
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Weather-appropriate: Consider layering options for cold Halloween nights.
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Involve the kids: Let them help with costume creation for added excitement.
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Keep it simple: Overly complex costumes can be frustrating for kids to wear all night.
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Think about bathroom breaks: Make sure costumes can be easily removed if needed.
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Add personal touches: Encourage kids to customize their costumes with their own ideas.
Benefits of Couple Costumes for Kids:
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Builds teamwork: Kids learn to coordinate and work together on their costume concept.
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Enhances creativity: Coming up with and executing a duo costume idea sparks imagination.
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Increases confidence: Matching with a friend can make shy kids feel more comfortable in costume.
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Creates memories: Coordinated costumes make for great photos and lasting Halloween memories.
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Encourages role-play: Many duo costumes naturally lend themselves to imaginative play.
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Teaches compromise: Kids may need to negotiate and agree on a costume idea together.
Whether it's siblings bonding over a shared costume idea or best friends coordinating their Halloween looks, couple costumes for kids offer a fun way to celebrate the holiday together. These 10 ideas are just a starting point – the possibilities are endless when it comes to creative duo costumes. The key is to choose something both kids are excited about and that allows for comfortable trick-or-treating or party-going. With a little creativity and teamwork, kids can create memorable Halloween experiences that they'll look back on fondly for years to come.
