How do you keep the backpack box light enough for kids?

Use a small box, shoebox size max, and tape it shut empty. Kids wear it all night only if it weighs almost nothing.

How do you attach the box to the back?

Tape two ribbon straps to the box like a backpack. Tape alone on the shirt peels; straps distribute the weight.

Ghost Hunters

By Billy Litner

30 min · $5-12 · Easy

Fit: One per person, so kids and adults each get a real fit. Have each wearer step into the box before you mark arm and leg holes, cut them a little wide, and tape every inside edge so cardboard never scratches.

Khaki jumpsuits, cardboard ghost-catching backpacks, name patches.

Open this costume in Pick My Costume

DIY this week: ~$5-12, 30 min

Tape the small cardboard box shut for the backpack.
Draw the straps, dial, and hose shapes on the black cardboard with marker first and hold them against the box to check the size.
Cut them with the scissors.
Mark each last name on the white paper with the markers.
Wear the backpack over the jumpsuit, and keep the box small and light so kids can wear it all night.

Tip: write each person's last name on the white paper patch in block letters and tape it to the chest. The name patch is the detail that turns khaki clothes into a uniform.

You need

1 khaki or tan jumpsuit, or matching shirt and pants, per person (buy: thrift store)
1 small cardboard box per person, shoebox size (make: use what you own)
White paper, 2 sheets, and markers for name patches (make: use what you own)
1 sheet black cardboard per person (make: from a box)
Packing tape or glue, scissors

Steps

Tape the small cardboard box shut for the backpack.
Safety: adults handle the scissors when cutting the black cardboard.
Draw the straps, dial, and hose shapes on the black cardboard with marker first and hold them against the box to check the size.
Cut them with the scissors. Cut the hose shape last and widest: it is the most visible piece.
Mark each last name on the white paper with the markers. Tape it to the chest as a name patch.
Wear the backpack over the jumpsuit, and keep the box small and light so kids can wear it all night.
Optional pro finish: write each person's last name on the white paper patch in block letters and tape it to the chest. The name patch is the detail that turns khaki clothes into a uniform.

Common questions

How do you keep the backpack box light enough for kids?: Use a small box, shoebox size max, and tape it shut empty. Kids wear it all night only if it weighs almost nothing.
How do you attach the box to the back?: Tape two ribbon straps to the box like a backpack. Tape alone on the shirt peels; straps distribute the weight.

More costumes like this

Open this costume in Pick My Costume

Want one picked for you? Take the 2-minute quiz - free, no signup.