Keep It Green

• Save money, and create a green witch costume for your toddler. Search the thrift store for costume pieces like a witch's hat, broom or plastic kettle candy container for a partially homemade costume. Use old fabric scraps to patchwork a witch's cape and dress, especially useful if you don't have black fabric, or use the patches for a new take on the traditional striped stockings. Make a hat from construction paper, or use shredded newspaper painted brown for the broom bristles. Look around your home, and let inspiration hit you.
  
  

Make It Frilly

• Toddlers tend to be very particular about clothing. If you can't get your little one out of her pink tutu or fairy wings, compromise and put together a witch's tutu for her. Gather a long piece of tulle, chiffon or netting using a basting stitch, then add on more layers using the same technique. Basic black ballet flats are comfortable and complete the look. Instead of a large-brimmed witch's hat, attach a miniature hat to a headband, or sew veiling onto a regular witch's hat to add sparkle. Keep the veil out of your little one's face for safety reasons.
  
  

Practical Ideas

• Keep your toddler warm and comfortable while she goes trick-or-treating. Have her wear long underwear, which works well for a witch anyhow, and double up on the tights if it's especially cold, or go with wool instead of nylon or cotton. Add a turtleneck, long sleeve leotard in black or black cardigan to the costume. You can also fashion a long cloak with heavier material that hides pants and a warm sweater. Since the witch costume will be black, place reflective tape on the costume, even though you'll be with your toddler.
  
  

More Tips

• A variety of fictional witches and witch styles give you more freedom with a homemade costume. Dress your toddler up as Glinda from the Wizard of Oz, or go with a Harry Potter-themed witch costume, using more of a wizard-inspired costume for a less ghoulish witch. Add some color by coloring his costume like a candy corn, with a candy-corn hat and candy bag. Incorporate your toddler's favorite colors and animal for a one-of-a-kind costume.