Imagine walking into a Halloween party and seeing a walking cereal bowl next to a life-sized toy soldier.

It feels like Saturday mornings and playtime rolled into one.

Both costumes are budget-friendly, creative, and surprisingly comfortable for kids to move around in.

Materials Needed

• 1 large plastic bowl (or cut half of a 20" Styrofoam craft ball to form a bowl)
• 20-25 small pool noodles (in rainbow colors, cut into 2-inch “cereal loops”)
• 1 empty cereal box (Froot Loops or any favorite brand)
• 1 large plastic spoon (or DIY cardboard spoon wrapped in aluminum foil)
• Hot glue gun and sticks
• 1 roll of white duct tape
• 1 white long-sleeve shirt and leggings/pants
• 1 set of green pants, shirt, and jacket (army uniform style)
• 1 pair of boots (painted green with spray paint)
• 1 toy helmet (painted green)
• 1 toy gun and belt (painted green)
• 1 piece of green cardboard or foam board (to mimic the soldier’s base)
• Green spray paint (2-3 cans)

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: For the cereal bowl, cut your large Styrofoam ball in half and hollow it enough for your child to wear around their waist.

You then create straps using duct tape and secure them so the bowl sits comfortably like suspenders.

Step 2: Cut the pool noodles into 2-inch pieces. Hot glue them around the rim of the bowl and let some spill over for a fun overflowing cereal look.

Step 3: Attach the cereal box to the bowl with hot glue or tape.

Next, angle it so it looks like it’s pouring into the bowl. Then add the large spoon to complete the effect.

Step 4: Dress your child in a white shirt and leggings so they look like the milk inside the cereal bowl.

Step 5: For the toy soldier, paint the clothing, boots, helmet, toy gun, and belt with green spray paint. Let everything dry thoroughly.

Step 6: Cut a piece of green foam board into an oval shape and glue the boots onto it so it looks like the soldier is standing on a molded toy base.

Step 7: Dress your child in the green uniform, attach the gear, and let them strike a soldier’s pose.

Tip:

If you’re doing this for siblings or friends, pairing a silly food costume with a classic character makes for a great contrast that always stands out.