DIY Train Engineer Costume

Things have been pretty crazy on the financial front recently, so I didn’t want to spend a lot on my son’s Halloween costume. Fortunately he had his heart set on a very easy idea, and I had amazing luck searching out all the components of his costume. Behold our cute DIY Train Engineer Costume:

We went to a thrift shop in search of a pair of overalls. I was just about to give up when I spotted the perfect pair in just the right size–Osh Kosh striped overalls for just $2 after a surprise 50% off! I found a conductor’s hat at the thrift shop as well, but it was stained and a little gross looking, so I opted to look elsewhere. We found just what we needed at Toys R Us. Another surprise 50% off discount meant we got a kit containing a conductor’s hat, a wooden train whistle and a cute bandana (lined, and with velcro closure) for just $3.99!

I bought a pair of work gloves at Lowe’s for about $2 to finish accessorizing the look. Since the gloves were much too huge for Mr. Boy to wear, we stuck one in a back pocket and transformed the other into a small candy basket. I inserted and glue-gunned a plastic cup into the glove, and then glue-gunned a piece of string as a handle. It worked great!

I dressed Mr. Boy in a turtleneck he already owned, and he put some toy tools in his pockets. Total project cost: $8.00! The best thing about this costume is that he can wear it again and again to play–like most boys he loves trains!

I may have it even easier next year–Mr. Boy wants to be a ghost.

Visit my Kids Costumes page for more fun costume ideas!

Jennifer Roberts

is the founder, designer and author of Jen Spends Less. Formerly an architectural drafter and designer, Jen cut her spending and embraced a frugal lifestyle to be a stay at home mom.

6 thoughts on “DIY Train Engineer Costume”

    • Thank you Amy! He tends to make a goofy face when anyone tells him to smile, but the pictures still came out cute. He’s been asking to wear his costume ever since!

    • Thank you! I bought a couple costumes for him when he was younger, but in general it does seem like you get so much less for your money when you buy a costume at the store. I love the creative ideas people come up with when they make their own!

Leave a Comment