Imagine walking down the street on Halloween night and spotting two kids being carried in bins by skeletons.

At first, you’d probably gasp, then laugh, and finally grab your phone to take a picture. That’s exactly the reaction this DIY gets.

With some thrifted clothes, a couple of spooky masks, and an old storage tub or two, you can pull off a costume that looks like a professional haunted house designer dreamed it up.

The kids love hamming it up too, leaning their heads to the side and pretending they’re zombie snacks waiting to be eaten.

Materials Needed

• 2 large plastic storage bins (approx. 18-20 gallons each)
• 2 sheets of cardboard (12” × 18” for signs)
• Red and black paint or markers (for the “Zombie Food” text)
• 2 pairs of camo pants (child sizes)
• 2 bright orange shirts (child sizes)
• 2 skeleton masks with hoods attached
• 2 pairs of skeleton gloves
• Duct tape
• Scissors or box cutter

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Take the large bins and cut out a space on one side so the child can fit inside comfortably with their arms sticking out.

Step 2: Create “Zombie Food” signs using cardboard and paint.

Next, write in big, creepy letters and add fake blood splatters for extra effect. Attach the signs to the bins with tape or glue.

Step 3: Dress the kids in camo pants and bright orange shirts to create a prisoner-like look.

Step 4: Have an adult or older sibling wear the skeleton mask, hooded jacket, and gloves. Then position them behind the bin so it looks like they’re holding it.

Step 5: Place each child into their bin so it looks like the skeleton is carrying them away.

You can adjust clothing and masks to make the illusion as realistic as possible.

Step 6: Add dramatic touches, smear a little fake blood around the bin edges, or let the kids lean their heads to the side for that classic zombie snack vibe.

Tip:

If the bins feel too heavy, use lightweight foam or cardboard shells shaped like bins instead. It keeps the look but makes it easier for kids to move around.