So, you and your partner want to crush Halloween this year without torching your wallet? Same here. Honestly, some of the “couples costumes” online cost more than my monthly grocery bill (and I buy the good coffee, FYI). But here’s the thing—you don’t need to spend a fortune to look like you planned your costumes months in advance.
With a little creativity, some thrift-store finds, and maybe some hot glue burns (don’t worry, I’ve been there too), you can totally pull off an epic Halloween look. Let’s walk through 13 DIY Halloween costumes for couples on a budget that’ll get you compliments all night long—without maxing out your credit card. Ready? Let’s go.
1. Peanut Butter & Jelly
Classic. Easy. Cheap. And honestly, pretty cute.
All you need:
- Two oversized t-shirts (one tan, one purple/red)
- Felt or construction paper “bread slice” cutouts
- A glue gun and some scissors
Glue the felt “spread” onto your shirts—peanut butter for one, jelly for the other. Boom. Insta-costume. Ever wondered why this works so well? Because everyone loves food… especially PB&J.
2. Netflix & Chill
I did this one with my partner once, and people lost it. It’s cheesy, but it hits.
- One of you wears a red shirt with the Netflix logo (just print it out and tape it on).
- The other rocks a blue shirt with “Chill” written in white letters.
- Bonus: Carry around popcorn, because why not snack while you slay?
Cheap, clever, and let’s be honest—you probably already own half the outfit.
3. Tourist Couple
This one basically lets you dress badly on purpose. Win-win.
- Hawaiian shirts
- Khaki shorts (bonus if they’re way too short)
- Socks with sandals (don’t fight it, just embrace it)
-
Cameras or maps
The best part? You can thrift everything. IMO, it’s the most comfortable costume on this list too. :)
4. Mario & Luigi
Nostalgia never dies.
- Overalls (check thrift stores!)
- Red and green shirts
- DIY cardboard hats with the letters “M” and “L”
People instantly recognize you. And yes, you can totally say “It’s-a me!” all night long without judgment.
5. Soap & Loofah
One of my personal favorites. It’s cute and a little ridiculous.
- One person wears all white with “SOAP” written across the chest.
- The other uses a mesh shower pouf or tulle fabric to create a loofah effect (safety pins are your best friend here).
- Add some bubbles if you’re feeling extra.
Not only does it scream creativity, but it’s also a solid conversation starter.
6. Bank Robber & Money Bag
This one makes people laugh every time.
- Robber: striped shirt, black mask (DIY from fabric), and a toy bag labeled with a “$.”
- Money bag: beige or white outfit with a giant “$” sign taped to the front.
Fast, funny, and literally costs you pocket change to make.
7. Vampire & Victim
Want something a little spookier? This one’s for you.
- One of you goes full vampire (cape, fangs, fake blood).
- The other rocks neck bite marks and a dazed look.
You can keep it cute, scary, or over-the-top—it’s versatile. And honestly, who doesn’t secretly want to wear a cape?
8. Farmer & Cow
It’s silly. It’s fun. And you can DIY both outfits.
- Farmer: overalls, plaid shirt, straw hat.
- Cow: white shirt with black spots (just paint them on or cut felt pieces).
I once saw a couple do this at a party, and people kept asking for photos with them. That’s when you know you’ve nailed it.
9. Ghosts with a Twist
Okay, hear me out. Ghosts, but make them… fashionable.
- White sheets with eye holes (obviously).
- Add accessories: sunglasses, hats, maybe even a chain necklace.
You get all the fun of the classic ghost look with a funny modern twist. And yes, people will totally call you “TikTok ghosts,” but lean into it.
10. Chef & Lobster
This one kills every time.
- Chef: white shirt, apron, chef’s hat (paper works fine).
- Lobster: red outfit, add claws (use red oven mitts if you’re broke like me).
The visual alone makes people laugh. Plus, it’s a good excuse to carry around snacks—you’re a chef, after all.
11. 80s Aerobics Instructors
Think neon. Think spandex. Think ridiculous energy.
- Bright leggings
- Headbands and wristbands
- Oversized sweatshirts or leotards
You’ll look like you stepped out of a VHS workout tape. Bonus: it’s comfy enough to dance in all night.
12. Skeleton Couple
This one’s a Halloween staple, but you can DIY it for almost nothing.
- Black shirts and pants
- White fabric paint (draw bones) or white duct tape in skeleton shapes
Simple but effective. Ever notice how skeleton costumes always look cooler in blacklight? Yeah, keep that in mind if you’re hitting a party.
13. Emoji Couple
Pick your fave emojis and bring them to life.
- Yellow poster board cut into big circles
- Paint or print out emoji faces
- Attach with string to wear around your neck
It’s fun because you can choose anything: heart eyes, crying-laughing, the little devil… (FYI, couples who go with the “poop emoji + toilet” combo? Instant win for creativity.)
Extra Tips for Nailing a DIY Couples Costume
Because let’s be real—execution matters.
- Thrift stores are your best friend. You’ll find half this stuff for under $10.
- Hot glue > sewing. Unless you’re a pro, skip the sewing machine.
- Props make it pop. A chef’s spoon, fake mustache, or silly hat takes a costume from “meh” to memorable.
- Commit to the bit. A costume works better when you play the part. Be the tourist. Be the vampire. Go full method acting if you must.
Conclusion
So there you have it—13 DIY Halloween costumes for couples on a budget that are fun, cheap, and guaranteed to get you noticed. You don’t need a $200 costume set from Amazon to win Halloween. All you need is a little creativity, a sense of humor, and maybe a partner who doesn’t mind looking ridiculous with you.
At the end of the day, Halloween’s about having fun—not draining your bank account. So grab some felt, raid the thrift store, and get crafty. Who knows? You might even end up with the most talked-about costumes of the night. And if not, at least you saved enough cash to buy extra candy… which IMO is the real win. ;)