halloween costumes paper bag

Paper Bag Halloween Costumes: Easy & Eco-Friendly Ideas

By Richard JohnsonFebruary 5, 2026

When it comes to Halloween, creativity knows no bounds, and this is especially true when it comes to crafting costumes. One of the most versatile and eco-friendly materials for DIY costumes is the humble paper bag. With a little imagination and some craft supplies, you can transform a simple paper bag into a wide array of Halloween costumes. Let's explore the world of paper bag costumes and discover how you can create unique and memorable outfits for your little ones or even for yourself.

Paper bags are not only affordable and easy to find, but they also provide a blank canvas for your creative ideas. They come in various sizes, making them perfect for both kids and adults. Plus, they're lightweight and comfortable to wear, ensuring hours of trick-or-treating fun without any discomfort. So, let's dive into the possibilities that paper bags offer for Halloween costumes.

Classic Paper Bag Costumes

Before we delve into more intricate designs, let's explore some classic paper bag costume ideas that are both simple and effective.

One of the most iconic paper bag costumes is the mummy. To create a mummy costume, simply cut strips from a large paper bag and use them to wrap around your child or yourself, securing them with tape or glue. Add some googly eyes and a pair of sandals, and you're ready to haunt the streets as an ancient Egyptian mummy.

Paper Bag Mummy

The mummy costume is a timeless classic that's easy to create and always a hit at Halloween parties. Plus, it's a great way to recycle those extra paper bags lying around the house.

Another classic paper bag costume is the ghost. To make a ghost costume, cut eye and mouth holes in a large paper bag and wear it over your head. For added effect, you can stuff the bag with some crumpled paper to give it a more rounded shape. Add a white sheet or tattered clothing to complete the look, and you'll be the spookiest ghost on the block.

Paper Bag Ghost

The paper bag ghost is a simple and effective costume that's perfect for last-minute Halloween preparations. It's also a great option for those who want to keep their costume light and comfortable for trick-or-treating.

Creative Paper Bag Costume Ideas

Now that we've covered some classic paper bag costume ideas, let's explore some more creative and unique designs that will make your Halloween stand out from the crowd.

two people standing next to each other with boxes on their heads and one wearing a skull mask

four people are dressed up as cats in the shape of paper machs and holding scissors

two people wearing paper bags on their heads

there is a piece of paper that has been folded on the floor and placed on top of it

Make a Paper Bag Costume | Activity | Education.com

One of the most impressive paper bag costumes is the robot. To create a robot costume, cut arm and leg holes in a large paper bag and decorate it with various materials like aluminum foil, paint, and markers. Add some buttons, dials, and other embellishments to create a futuristic look. Finally, wear black clothing underneath the bag to complete the costume.

Paper Bag Robot

The paper bag robot is a fun and creative costume that's perfect for kids and adults alike. It's also a great way to encourage your child's imagination and help them develop their fine motor skills as they decorate their robot.

Another creative paper bag costume idea is the fortune teller. To make a fortune teller costume, decorate a large paper bag with crystals, beads, and other mystical embellishments. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag to peek through and tell fortunes. Wear a colorful scarf and some bohemian-inspired clothing to complete the look.

a person with a paper bag on their head and tie around his neck, wearing a cat mask

a person with a trick bag on their head is leaning against a stone wall in the woods

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ghost paperbag halloween trend with friends

two children wearing paper bags with faces on them, one holding the other's hand

three people wearing paper bags with faces painted on them sitting in front of some stairs

three people with paper bags on their heads standing next to each other in front of a blue wall

Paper Bag Fortune Teller

The paper bag fortune teller is a unique and enchanting costume that's perfect for Halloween parties and events. It's also a great way to incorporate some cultural heritage into your Halloween celebration.

Paper Bag Costumes for Groups and Families

Paper bag costumes are not only perfect for individual wear but also great for creating group and family costumes. Here are some ideas for coordinating paper bag costumes for your loved ones.

One of the most iconic group costumes is the set of crayons. To create crayon costumes, decorate several paper bags in different colors and write the name of a crayon on each one. Wear matching clothing in the same color as the bag, and you'll have a vibrant and fun group costume that's perfect for families and friends.

Paper Bag Crayons

The paper bag crayons are a fun and creative group costume that's perfect for families with kids. It's also a great way to incorporate some color and vibrancy into your Halloween celebration.

Another fantastic group costume idea is the set of dominoes. To make dominoes costumes, decorate several paper bags in black and white, creating different patterns and numbers on each one. Wear matching clothing in a neutral color, and you'll have a classic and timeless group costume that's perfect for any age group.

Paper Bag Dominoes

The paper bag dominoes are a simple and effective group costume that's perfect for families and friends. It's also a great way to incorporate some math and logic into your Halloween celebration.

As you can see, paper bag costumes offer a world of possibilities for Halloween. From classic mummies and ghosts to creative robots and fortune tellers, there's a paper bag costume for everyone. So, grab some paper bags, get creative, and have a spooktacular Halloween! Don't forget to share your unique paper bag costume ideas with friends and family, and inspire them to create their own eco-friendly and imaginative outfits for this year's Halloween celebration.