A ghost is the cheapest, most forgiving costume I know for a toddler, and it doesn't have to be a bedsheet. The versions below start from a fleece poncho, a tutu, a hoodie or plain everyday clothes, then add a character on top: a cowboy, a chef, a ballerina, a little bat. Fleece and felt do most of the work because they're warm, soft and don't fray, so many of these need very little sewing. For each one you'll find the base, the headpiece, shoes and a light prop. Three rules run through all of them: hems above the ankles, the face left completely open, and no small decorations that can be pulled off and chewed.
Cutting a Fleece Ghost Poncho in One Evening
Most of the costumes below start from the same fleece poncho, so it helps to know how quick it is. Fleece doesn't fray, which means every cut edge can stay raw. I've never needed to hem one.
- Measure from the back of the toddler's neck to just above the knee. That's your radius.
- Fold a square of white fleece into quarters, then mark a quarter circle from the folded corner using that measurement and a tape measure swung like a compass.
- Cut along the line, then cut a small neck hole at the folded corner. Start small; you can always trim it wider, but a too-big hole slips off one shoulder.
- Try it on and mark where the hands fall. Cut short slits there so little arms can come out to hold a bucket.
- Scallop the hem with sharp scissors if you like the wavy ghost edge, and stitch the felt face on last, centred on the chest rather than at the head.
Fleece has a stretch direction, so I cut with the stretch going around the body, not up and down. The poncho then drapes instead of pulling when she lifts her arms. A hood can be added from a second piece traced off one of her own sweatshirts.
1. Classic White Toddler Ghost Costume
The classic version is a roomy white fleece poncho cut as a soft circle, with the hem a few inches above the shoes. I put the ghost face on the chest in black felt, stitched rather than glued, so the toddler's own face stays completely clear. A white hood or snug beanie gives the rounded ghost head. Underneath, a white long-sleeve shirt and leggings keep her warm. White socks and nonslip sneakers finish it, and a pumpkin bucket adds the one pop of orange. Leave off neck ties, trailing fabric and buttons. It's simple enough for a party, photos or a walk round the block.
2. Hooded Fleece Toddler Ghost Costume
On a cold October night, fleece beats a thin cotton sheet every time. Cut a white fleece poncho with wide arm openings and a gently scalloped hem, and add a hood traced from one of the toddler's own sweatshirts so the size is already right. Oval eyes and a smiling mouth go on the chest in black fabric. Underneath, a white thermal top and fleece pants. Tuck the hair inside the hood, and add pale shimmer only if she likes it. A plush ghost is a good prop. The test I use is whether it feels like a cozy jacket; if she can run, sit and climb in it, you've got it right.
3. No-Sew Tutu Toddler Ghost Costume
A tutu ghost is the one for toddlers who want something twirly. Tie short tulle strips around a wide elastic waistband, double-knotting each one, and stop the skirt around the knees. I give each strip a firm tug after tying; any that slide will be on the floor by the end of the party. Pair it with a white sweatshirt carrying a black ghost face, white leggings, rubber-soled ballet flats and a wide white headband with a stitched fabric bow. Her natural hair stays on show. Rosy cheeks and a dusting of silver shimmer are enough. A small white fabric treat bag with a big friendly face finishes it; skip beads and sequins on the bag.
4. White Hoodie Toddler Ghost Costume
For a toddler who refuses capes, a white hoodie and sweatpants are the answer, and they're wearable all winter afterwards. Oversized black felt eyes and a curved smile go on the front. Stitching lasts longest; washable fabric glue is fine for one night but tends to lift at the edges in the wash. Short white streamers along the sleeves add a floaty touch, as long as they're too short to catch. Pull the hood loosely over her hair and leave the drawstrings out entirely; I take them out of toddler hoodies anyway. White sneakers and pale gray socks finish the ankles. Cheek dots are optional. A plush pumpkin basket is the prop.
5. Light-Up Toddler Ghost Costume
Light-up ghosts are lovely on a dark street, but this is the one I'm strictest about. Start with a white fleece poncho with a felt face, scalloped edges and an open neckline. Any light strand should be a child-safe LED strand sewn between two layers of fabric, so no wire touches skin, with the battery pack zipped into a pocket only an adult can open. Coin-cell batteries are a serious swallowing hazard for toddlers, which is why that pocket matters. Add a white knit hat, a long-sleeve shirt, leggings and sneakers with reflective tabs. Pearly shimmer on the cheeks is plenty. Test the whole thing at home first, and keep it supervised, especially in rain or crowds.
6. Rainbow Toddler Ghost Costume
Rainbow streamers make the ghost happy rather than spooky, which suits daycare parties and daytime parades. Use a hooded poncho with a big smiling face on the chest and sew short red-to-purple fabric strips round the lower edge, none longer than knee height. A rainbow-striped shirt and white leggings peek out when she moves. A soft white beanie with a small rainbow patch keeps the face open, and washable pastel cheek dots add colour. White sneakers with colourful elastic laces finish it; elastic laces are worth it at this age because they never come undone. A light cloud-shaped treat bag is the prop.
7. Pink Toddler Ghost Costume
Not every toddler wants white, and blush pink is a sweet swap. Choose a pink fleece poncho with scalloped edges, then add black felt eyes, rosy cheek circles and a simple smile on the front. A pale pink sweatshirt and leggings go underneath. A matching knit hat with two stitched bows keeps her head warm without covering her face. A touch of child-safe pink on the cheeks is enough, with eyes and lips left natural. White or blush sneakers support busy feet. A small pink bucket with a white ghost decal is the prop. I'd skip glitter, long ribbons and fragile accessories, since pink fleece shows every bit of shed sparkle.
8. Blue Toddler Ghost Costume
Powder blue gives the ghost a wintry, unexpected feel. Shape soft blue fleece into a loose poncho with wide arm openings, and add navy felt eyes, a curved mouth and two pale cheek patches on the chest. A small white tuft at the top of the hood is fun, as long as it's stitched firmly. A blue thermal shirt and navy joggers go underneath. Navy slip-ons hide dirt better than pale shoes, which matters if she'll be walking through leaf piles. A bit of washable blue shimmer on the cheeks and a light silver treat pail finish her. Colour also helps you spot your own ghost in a crowd of white ones.
9. Polka Dot Toddler Ghost Costume
Polka dots turn the ghost into something closer to a picture-book character. Start with a white sweatshirt dress or a knee-length poncho and stitch on large fabric circles in orange, purple, green and black. Space them widely; crowd the dots and the ghost face gets lost. White leggings and black-and-white sneakers go underneath. A soft white beanie with one oversized dot is better than several small trims. Keep the face bare, or add two washable cheek circles that echo the dots. A spotted treat bag finishes it. I'd use flat appliqués here, not pom-poms, which pull off easily and are the right size for a mouth.
10. Striped Toddler Ghost Costume
Black-and-white stripes give a plain ghost some graphic punch. Put a white ghost poncho over a striped long-sleeve shirt and striped leggings, so the sleeves and lower legs show. Give the poncho a big friendly face and a slightly uneven hem that stops above the knees. A white knit cap with one wide black stripe keeps the forehead and face uncovered. White face shimmer and rosy cheeks are all the makeup it needs. Black slip-on sneakers with grippy soles balance the stripes, and a white tote with black handles carries the candy. Stripes read clearly in photos, and since the clothes are everyday pieces, you can add a layer under them on a cold night.
11. Pumpkin Patch Toddler Ghost Costume
Pumpkin and ghost together cover both Halloween classics in one costume. Use a white hooded poncho and sew a large orange felt pumpkin under the black ghost face, with a few green felt leaves round the scalloped hem, all flat and firmly attached. An orange long-sleeve shirt, white leggings and orange-and-white sneakers go underneath. A soft green beanie stands in for the stem. Washable orange circles on the cheeks are optional. A small pumpkin bucket is the prop; I'd keep it a small one, because toddlers tire of carrying a heavy pail fast. It's colourful enough for daytime photos at a pumpkin patch.
12. Bow Tie Toddler Ghost Costume
A big fabric bow tie gives the little ghost a dressed-up personality. Make a short white poncho from fleece or felt with wide black eyes and a gentle smile, then stitch an orange, purple or black bow tie directly onto the poncho below the face. Sewing it down matters; a clip-on bow tie will be pulled off and chewed. A white button-front shirt and black pants underneath create the look of a tiny formal outfit. A white brimless cap lets a little hair peek out. Black socks, flexible black shoes and a small white treat bag finish it. Skip real buttons on the poncho, neck straps and stiff collars. I like this one for family photos and indoor parties.
13. Princess Toddler Ghost Costume
The princess ghost suits toddlers who want a crown on Halloween. Build it on a white long-sleeve dress with a layered knee-length skirt, add a smiling ghost face on the bodice and a few silver fabric stars along the hem. A light white capelet goes over the shoulders, fastened with hidden snaps. I avoid ties at the neck on any toddler costume, and snaps let go if the capelet catches. A padded silver crown headband sits over her natural hair. Rosy cheeks and a hint of pearly shimmer, white tights and silver nonslip flats complete her. A soft star-shaped plush is a safer prop than a wand with a hard tip.
14. Cowboy Toddler Ghost Costume
The cowboy ghost always gets a laugh. A short poncho with a black felt face goes over a white plaid shirt and tan pants. The hat should be soft foam or fabric, loose, with no neck cord. A brown fabric vest can go over the poncho, provided it doesn't cover the ghost's eyes and smile; I'd cut the vest short so it frames the face instead. Flexible brown boot-style shoes that fit like ordinary toddler shoes are far easier to walk in than stiff costume boots. Light brown freckles and rosy cheeks are optional. A plush hobby horse or a fabric sheriff's star makes the prop, with nothing sharp, and it's practical in a stroller.
15. Ballerina Toddler Ghost Costume
A tutu and a bodysuit make a ballerina ghost with almost no sewing. Choose a long-sleeve cotton bodysuit or fitted shirt and put a friendly ghost face on the chest. Add a knee-length white tulle tutu with a soft lined waistband and thick white tights underneath; thick tights stop the tulle scratching. A small tulle shoulder cape suggests floating ghost arms, but keep it short and stitched on. A simple bun or ponytail with a white bow handles the hair. Rosy cheeks and a touch of silver shimmer are enough. White rubber-soled ballet shoes beat slippery slippers on a party floor. A plush star is the safest prop.
16. Superhero Toddler Ghost Costume
Some toddlers want to be a superhero no matter what, so this ghost borrows the cape. A white sweatshirt and sweatpants are the base, with a large black ghost face and a bright felt star on the front. The cape attaches across the shoulders with hook-and-loop tabs so it pulls away if grabbed, and I keep it no longer than waist length so it can't trip her. A soft headband sits over her hair, with no eye mask to block her view. Blue fabric wrist cuffs, washable silver cheek stars and supportive sneakers finish it. A light foam shield with a ghost symbol is fun, though I'd let her leave it in the stroller once she starts running.
17. Rainy Day Toddler Ghost Costume
Rain doesn't have to mean hiding the costume under a coat. A white hooded rain poncho sized for a toddler is the base, with waterproof black fabric shapes for the face; vinyl or oilcloth scraps hold up to wet weather where felt goes soggy. Put a warm white sweater and leggings underneath. Use the attached hood, or a white rain hat, without pulling any cords tight. Two pale blue cheek dots are optional. White or light gray rain boots with nonslip soles keep feet dry. A small clear umbrella is fine only if an adult is holding the other end of the outing; a waterproof treat pail is the easier choice.
18. Pajama Toddler Ghost Costume
Pajamas are a gift for sensory-sensitive toddlers, because they already feel normal. Choose snug-fitting white cotton pajamas and add one large black ghost face to the shirt with soft fabric appliqué, keeping the back of the appliqué smooth so nothing scratches. A short fleece capelet can go over the shoulders if she tolerates it, attached without neck ties. A stretchy white jersey sleeping cap stays close-fitting and away from the face. Skip makeup or add one dot of shimmer on each cheek. White socks and flexible slip-on sneakers make it fine for walking outside. A tiny cloud-shaped plush pillow is the prop, and it goes straight to bed afterwards.
19. Skeleton Toddler Ghost Costume
Skeleton and ghost together add a spooky note without anything graphic. Start with a white hooded tunic with a smiling black ghost face on the chest, then sew simple black bone shapes along the sleeves, keeping them rounded and cartoonish. Black leggings with white appliqué bones and supportive black sneakers go below. The hood frames her face, so no mask is needed. A small black nose dot and pale cheek colour in washable makeup are enough; full-face paint is more than most toddlers will sit still for. A soft bone-shaped plush is a harmless prop. Keep the tunic above the knee so she can climb steps.
20. Cat Toddler Ghost Costume
Cat ears turn a ghost into a friendly little feline. Use a white hoodie and leggings with a black ghost face on the front, then stitch two padded white ears onto the hood and a short tail at the back at waist level. I keep the tail short and light; a long one drags on the ground and gets stepped on by other kids. Simple whiskers and a pink nose in washable face paint are enough, with the eye area left clear. White sneakers with black toe details finish it. A fish-shaped plush or a cat-face bucket is the prop. It's a good pick for animal-loving toddlers who still want to be a ghost.
21. Bat Wing Toddler Ghost Costume
Black bat wings against white fleece give the ghost real contrast. Dress the toddler in a white fleece tunic with friendly black eyes and a smile on the chest, then sew short black fabric panels between the sleeves and sides so they open when she lifts her arms. Kids love flapping these. Keep the panels soft and high enough that they never drag. White leggings, black sneakers and a soft white hood with two small rounded points finish it. Pale cheeks and one tiny black star near the temple are optional. A plush bat can ride in her treat bucket. I'd avoid rigid wings, which bump other children and won't fit in a stroller.
22. Cloud Toddler Ghost Costume
Pale blue raindrops make this ghost look like a little rain cloud. Make a rounded white fleece poncho with a smiling face and sew flat pale blue raindrops round the lower edge. A white hood with small padded cloud bumps goes on top; I keep the padding at the crown so it never slides onto the forehead. Under the poncho, a sky-blue long-sleeve shirt and matching leggings. Silver sneakers or white shoes with reflective details finish it. A dab of pearly shimmer on the cheeks gives a misty glow. A plush rainbow or fabric raindrop is light enough to hold all evening, and the loose poncho shape keeps the ghost outline.
23. Flower Toddler Ghost Costume
Big fabric flowers round the hem make a cheerful garden ghost. Start with a white poncho with black felt eyes, a curved smile and rosy appliqué cheeks, then sew large flat flowers in pink, yellow, lavender and blue around the bottom. Avoid plastic flower centres; they snap off. A green long-sleeve shirt and white leggings go underneath. A soft white headband with one stitched flower sits beside her natural hairstyle. Pink cheek colour is enough; skip eye makeup. White sneakers with green socks keep the palette fresh, and a fabric watering can or plush flower is the prop. It also pairs well if the rest of the family is going as a garden.
24. Disco Toddler Ghost Costume
A disco ghost is fun for an indoor party with music. Choose a white sweatshirt dress or tunic with a large black ghost face, then add broad silver fabric circles round the chest and hem. Use metallic fabric, not sequins or mirror pieces, which come loose. White leggings and flexible metallic silver sneakers go underneath. A stretchy silver headband keeps hair tidy without covering the face. A little pearly shimmer on the cheeks is enough. For the prop, a soft fabric disco ball rather than a glass ornament. Silver fabric catches party lights in photos, and she can still dance and play games in it.
25. Artist Toddler Ghost Costume
Paint splashes give you a creative look without any actual paint. Use a white smock-style tunic with wide sleeves and a big smiling ghost face, and stitch flat fabric splashes in red, yellow, blue and green round the lower half. White leggings and rainbow sneakers go underneath. A soft black beret sits loosely on her hair with no chin elastic. Two tiny washable colour dots on the cheeks are enough. For the prop, an oversized foam paintbrush, or a clean, empty paint pail as the treat bucket; check the pail has no sharp rim first. I like this one for a preschool event, and the smock can go straight into the art corner afterwards.
26. Chef Toddler Ghost Costume
The chef ghost is the alternative to a flowing poncho. Start with a white long-sleeve shirt and white pants, then add a knee-length white apron with a large black ghost face and a row of flat gray fabric "buttons". The chef hat needs light elastic and a snug fit; a loose tall hat tips over toddler eyes within minutes. Hair can stay tucked loosely under it. Rosy cheeks are the only makeup. Black-and-white nonslip sneakers finish it. A plush cupcake with a tiny ghost face is the prop. Leave out real utensils and breakable bowls, and shorten the apron strings so nothing dangles. Everything here is washable, which helps after a party.
27. Bookworm Toddler Ghost Costume
A cardigan gives this ghost a storytime personality. Dress the toddler in a white tunic with a black ghost face, gray leggings and a soft mustard or green cardigan worn open. A white knit beanie and oversized round frames made from flexible, lens-free costume material complete the bookworm. Check the frames sit comfortably and don't block her view; many toddlers won't keep frames on, so I treat them as optional for photos. Leave hair and face mostly natural, perhaps a few washable freckles. Brown or white sneakers finish it. A board book with a friendly Halloween cover is a good supervised prop, and a book-shaped fabric bag frees her hands.
28. Bubble Toddler Ghost Costume
Shimmery circles make this ghost look like it's floating among bubbles. Choose a soft white poncho with a simple smiling face and stitch on large flat circles cut from pastel satin or shimmering fabric. Satin frays, so I either use fray stopper on the cut edges or cut the circles from iridescent knit, which doesn't. Pale blue leggings and white sneakers go underneath. A white beanie with one large fabric bubble patch keeps her hairline and face visible. Washable blue and pink cheek dots carry the colours. Real bubble solution spills and makes floors slippery, so a plush bubble wand or translucent bucket is the better prop.
29. Patchwork Toddler Ghost Costume
Patchwork is the best use for a scrap bin. Use a white fleece poncho as the base and sew large patches of gingham, dots, stripes and solid cotton across it, keeping the ghost's eyes and mouth clear in the centre. Pick soft woven cottons; burlap and loose weaves scratch and shed threads. A matching patchwork beanie, a white long-sleeve shirt, gray leggings and sturdy high-tops finish it. Two little stitch marks drawn on each cheek in washable face paint are fun. A cloth treat sack with one oversized patch is the prop. Wonky patches are part of the charm, so this one suits a beginner sewist.
30. Starry Night Toddler Ghost Costume
Moons and stars give the last ghost a quiet nighttime feel. Make a navy or white fleece poncho with a friendly ghost face and celestial appliqués sewn securely in place. Large fabric shapes are the way to go; glitter, beads and tiny plastic stars all shed. Layer it over a white thermal shirt and navy leggings for warmth. A soft pointed sleeping cap with two or three flat stars stays well back from her face. Pearly cheek shimmer adds a gentle glow, and silver or navy sneakers finish the palette. A plush crescent moon or a star-covered treat bag is the prop. It's dreamy without being dark or frightening.
Why the Sheet Stays Off a Toddler's Head
The old sheet-with-eyeholes ghost is the one design I don't use for this age. Eyeholes shift as soon as a child turns their head, so they can't see the step in front of them, and a sheet over the head makes them hot and panicky fast. Toddlers also trip on long fabric. Every idea in this list puts the ghost face on the chest instead, and that's a deliberate choice.
If your child has their heart set on the classic look, cut a sheet into a poncho shape that stops at the knee, with a wide neck opening, and draw the face on the front. From a few steps away it still reads as the traditional ghost, and they can see where they're going.
Making a White Ghost Easy to Spot After Dark
White shows up better at night than most costume colours, but only in headlights and porch lights. Between houses, a small ghost is still hard for drivers to see. I add a few simple things to every evening costume:
- Strips of iron-on or sew-on reflective tape on the back of the poncho and on the shoes, where car lights catch them.
- A small clip-on light on the treat bucket rather than on the child, so nothing hangs near the face.
- A light-coloured or reflective bucket that you can spot across a crowded street.
- A quick look at the hem before you leave. Fleece picks up leaves and wet grass, and a heavy damp edge drags.
White fleece also shows every mark. If chocolate or face paint gets on it, rinse it in cold water as soon as you get home and wash on a cool cycle. Hot water and a hot dryer make fleece pill and can set stains, and a clean poncho is worth saving for a younger sibling.
A Little Ghost Who Can Still See, Sit and Run
Every ghost here starts from something simple: a white hoodie, a fleece poncho, a sweatshirt dress or a plain tunic. Add a face that's sewn on, a soft headpiece, real shoes and one light prop, and you have a whole costume. A few days before Halloween, I'd have your toddler walk, sit and raise their arms in it at home. Check every hem, appliqué, snap and accessory for anything that rubs. Keep the face uncovered, take off anything they keep pulling at, and pack an ordinary outfit as a backup. A comfortable ghost is the one that's still smiling in the last photo of the night.
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