Cardboard Box Costumes for Kids

Gifted – Cardboard boxes

As many of you know, I enjoy making some fun dress-up costumes from cardboard boxes. So when The Big Yellow Self Storage Company got in touch about their cardboard boxes I knew we’d have to give it a go. I loved their boxes, they were sturdy and held their shape, which is a must when making and building costumes for kids. We thought about what to make and decided to go with something fun and could be used all year round. It couldn’t be anything other than a Unicorn of course. And the McDonald Fries were just for fun and they look great. Simple to make too. Here are our instructions, give it a go yourself, you’ll be the best parent ever!

McDonald’s Fries Costume

Items:-

• Big Yellow Self Storage Company Large Box
• A Roll Of Red Paper to Cover or you could use paint. I find it too messy and time-consuming
• Glue Gun
• Yellow Cardboard
• Craft Knife
• Yellow Crepe Paper

Step 1

Depending on the hight of your child, you might want to use the craft knife to cut off the top flaps of the box. Then cover with red paper. I covered two sides flat and then the other two so when it stood up it was easier. You only need to do the outside of the box.

Step 2

Cover all the sides and stand up. Leaving the bottom flaps loose and covered. Don’t worry the top flaps come in handy for the fries. I used a glue gun to secure the sides of the paper after trying spray adhesive and it didn’t work out.

Step 3

Carefully with your craft knife cut out the handles. This will allow your child to hold up the costume. since the handles are already in the box, they were not sharp of rough. Don’t leave the knife lying around with the safety cap on like I did, but that was just to take this picture. I do think the red paper gives a nice finish compared to paint, but it’s up to you.

Step 4

Draw a large M or golden arches onto an A3 sheet of yellow cardboard. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

Step 5

Cut out the large M.

Step 6

Stick the golden M onto the front of the box.

Step 7

Cut the spare cardboard into strips and cover with crepe paper. I used to take to seal these. Don’t worry about the bottom of the fries as this will be stuck inside the box.

Step 8

Stick on the fries onto the inside of the box. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I think the cat liked them.

And here we have the costume ready to go. What do you think?

Unicorn Costume

Items:-

• 3 x Big Yellow Self Storage Company Small Box
• Pink Duck Tape
• Pink Cardboard
• White Cardboard
• Crepe Paper
• Craft Knife
• Any extras for decorating

Step 1

Build 3 Big Yellow Self Storage Company Small Boxes and seal the boxes with brown tape.

Step 2

So you have 3 small boxes all sitting together.

Step 3

I cut the top and bottom flaps off the middlebox so that the child can stand in the middle. I used a glue gun to stick them together.

Step 4

Rather than using paint I used pink duck tape to secure the boxes together and paint. It has a cleaner look and it strengthens too. For the top, front and back I used pink cardboard and used a glue gun to add on the cardboard.

Step 5

I made two holes and sealed in some ribbon to hold up the costume. Using the hot glue to keep secure.

Step 6

Draw and cut out two horse head shapes on white cardboard.

Step 7

Strength the horses head by cutting around it on the spare cardboard flaps and stick on. This will strengthen it to add to the box.

Step 8

Draw or print your unicorn eyes. I printed these.

Step 9

Cut out and stick the eyes onto each side of the head. Then draw on any additional details you want. Ears, nostrils, etc.

Step 10

Cut out two unicorn horns from whatever you have handy. I used some silver shiny cardboard. And stick onto the horses head.

Step 11

Use crepe paper for the mane or wool or strips of paper, whatever you feel would look nice to decorate your unicorn.

Step 12

We added on crepe paper and glitter to the box and to add on a tail. You can decorate it any way you want. Enlist the help of your child, that makes it more fun.

Step 13

Stick on the unicorn’s head. I cut a slit in the box at the front to slot the head in for a bit more sturdiness. Then used the glue gun to seal.

There you have it, our very own wearable unicorn. You can add anything else you want and your child will love it. Perfect for any unicorn fan.

These cardboard box costumes are simple to make, fun to play with and the Big Yellow Self Storage Company boxes were fantastic. If we ever move or need boxes or building more costumes, the latter is more likely, I will head to there. Do check out the other cardboard box costumes we have made in the past for more ideas.

I’d love to know if you’ve made any cardboard box costumes. Or have a go at ours. Let me know in the comments below.