Sometimes the best costumes are the simplest ones, and the Yip Yip aliens prove that.

Using soft fabric draped over your body, you create the illusion of a tall, floppy creature with an oversized mouth.

The magic is in the details, antennae made from pipe cleaners, foam eyeballs that peek out from the top, and the hilarious dangling shape that sways with every step.

It’s an instant throwback costume that’s just as fun to wear as it is to see, and it works beautifully for pairs or groups.

Materials Needed

• 2 fleece blankets (red and blue, approx. 60" × 80")
• 4 large foam balls (3-4" diameter)
• 2 pairs black tights or socks (to create the mouths, 12"-15")
• 4 black pipe cleaners (12" each) with white pom-poms
• 2 black headbands or hats
• Hot glue gun + sticks
• Scissors

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Take your blanket and cut a small oval opening for the mouth about halfway down from the top.

Next, attach black fabric or socks to make the inside look dark.

Step 2: Create the eyes by gluing foam balls onto black pipe cleaners or short sticks, then secure them to a headband or hat so they stand upright.

Step 3: Attach additional pipe cleaners with pom-poms to serve as silly antennae.

Step 4: Drape the blanket over yourself, making sure the mouth opening sits where your face can peek through if needed.

Step 5: Adjust the headband with eyes and antennae so they poke out above the blanket.

Step 6: Walk around in true Yip Yip style, don’t forget to wobble, flap the fabric, and make their iconic yip yip sounds!

Tip:

Use lightweight fleece or flannel so it doesn’t get too hot while you’re inside the costume.

If you’re going out with kids, it doubles as a fun and warm trick-or-treating outfit!