Looking for an easy Halloween costume that doesn’t require sewing skills or expensive supplies? These DIY Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes are comfortable, inexpensive, and can be put together in less than 30 minutes! The costumes pictured below were created using these same simple ideas.
What You’ll Need
One of the best things about this costume is that most of the work is already done for you.
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- Red Sweatshirt & Sweatpants Set
- White Adhesive Felt Sheets
- White Craft Felt (Reusable Option)
- Black Sharpie Marker
- Letter Stencils (Optional)
- Needle & White Thread
Hair Options:
- Hair Chalk for Kids
- Blue Clip-In Hair Extensions for Kids
- Blue Hair Wax (Temporary)
- Blue Tulle
- Blue Marabou Feather Boa
Face Options:
- Water-Based Face Paint Kit
- Water-Based Face Paint Kit
Step 1: Make the Thing 1 & Thing 2 Logo
This is the easiest part!
- Lay the sweatshirt flat.
- Find a bowl that’s just slightly smaller than the front of the sweatshirt.
- Trace around the bowl onto the white felt.
- Cut out the circle.
- Use a black Sharpie to write THING across the top.
- Write a large 1 or 2 in the center.
- Freehand works perfectly.
- Or use letter stencils for a cleaner, more uniform look.
- Peel the backing off the adhesive felt and press it firmly onto the sweatshirt.
That’s it!
Want to Reuse the Sweatshirt?
If you’d like to wear the sweatshirt again after Halloween, there’s an easy alternative.
Instead of adhesive felt, purchase plain white craft felt and temporarily sew it onto the sweatshirt using a needle and thread.
A few simple stitches around the edge are all that’s needed to keep it in place for Halloween. Afterward, snip the stitches, remove the felt, and your sweatshirt is ready to wear again.
It only takes a few extra minutes and lets you get much more life out of the clothing.
Step 2: Create the Blue Thing Hair
The crazy blue hair is what makes these costumes instantly recognizable!
Here are a few different ways to recreate the look shown in our photo.
Option 1: Hair Chalk (Best for Older Children)
Temporary hair chalk is available in blue and typically washes out with shampoo.
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Pros
- Temporary
- Washable
- Affordable
- Great color for photos
Option 2: Blue Clip-In Hair Extensions (My Favorite for Toddlers)
If your child has enough hair for small clips, blue clip-in extensions are a fantastic option.
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Pros
- No color touches your child’s hair.
- Reusable every year.
- Easy to put in and remove.
- No cleanup afterward.
This is probably the easiest and safest option for younger children.
Option 3: Blue Hair Wax (Older Children)
Temporary blue hair wax creates the wild, fluffy Thing hairstyle and washes out afterward.
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This option works best for children old enough to avoid rubbing their eyes.
Option 4: Blue Tulle or Feather Headband (Perfect for Toddlers)
For very young children, consider skipping hair products altogether.
Simply attach strips of blue tulle, blue yarn, or blue marabou feathers to:
- a soft headband
- knit cap
- beanie
This creates the illusion of fluffy blue “Thing” hair without applying anything directly to your child’s hair.
Amazon Searches:
Blue Tulle:
Blue Marabou Feather Boa:
https://amzn.to/4viEtUZ
Optional Face Makeup
A little white face paint can help complete the whimsical Dr. Seuss look.
Look for products labeled:
- Water-based
- Non-toxic
- Hypoallergenic
- Washable
- Designed for children’s face painting
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A small amount around the face is usually all that’s needed to complete the costume.
Safety Tips
While many temporary hair colors and face paints are marketed as washable and kid-friendly, every child is different.
Before using any cosmetic or coloring product:
- Perform a small patch test on the skin at least 24 hours before Halloween.
- Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s directions and recommended age guidelines.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and broken or irritated skin.
- Discontinue use immediately if redness, itching, or irritation occurs.
For toddlers and children with sensitive skin, we recommend choosing clip-in blue hair, a blue tulle headband, or another non-cosmetic alternative instead of applying temporary color directly to the hair or skin.
The ideas shared in this post are intended as inspiration for recreating costumes similar to those pictured. Every child is different, so always use your own judgment and consult product instructions before using any cosmetic products.
The Finished Costume
That’s all there is to it!
For very little money, you’ll have adorable Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes that are:
✅ Comfortable enough to wear all evening
✅ Warm for trick-or-treating
✅ Easy enough for beginners
✅ Great for siblings or twins
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Easy to customize
As you can see from our photo, a simple red sweatsuit, homemade logo, and a little blue hair are all it takes to create these classic Dr. Seuss characters. They were a huge hit on Halloween, and they’re still some of our favorite costumes years later!
Save This Idea for Halloween!
Whether you’re dressing twins, siblings, cousins, or best friends, this simple DIY costume is a fun project that looks like you spent far more time and money than you actually did.
Happy Halloween—and have fun creating your own little Things!