Whether you like to make a DIY costume, do a little DIY to make an existing costume more special or buy it all off the rack, trying to get the Halloween costume right can a source of stress. But it doesn’t have to be…well unless you have an October 30 mind changer. 

We asked the costume expert Alison from FeeFiFoFun.ca for help getting the Inspired Crew ready for Halloween.  Whether you want to do a straight up DIY costume, add a few special elements to a costume or buy a costume, her many years of experience can help create your very own custom costume.  

Ready Made Costume: Yo-Kai Jibanyan with DIY Bell + Collar

My little boy made it clear (in May) that he wanted to be Jibanyan, the cat from Yo-Kai Watch, for Halloween.

I really wanted to make his costume extra special and Alison had some expert advice. She thought we might be able to find a red jumpsuit and sew Jibanyan’s features onto it, for a custom costume, just for my boy. But finding the jumpsuit proved harder than expected. Instead, the costume was ordered from her supplier.

DIY: Jibanyan’s Bell + Collar

We focused the DIY part on Jibanyan’s bell and collar. This helps make the costume pop.

To make the bell, you need a large bell. We used a large gold metal bell from the Dollar Store (sometimes it’s a good thing that Christmas Décor comes out before Halloween). Alison glued the bell inside so it wouldn’t jingle and drive everyone crazy. Next, it was painted with silver and blue acrylic paint to match the jumpsuit. The paint is protected by a coat of matte finish Modge Podge so it will last and last. And of course, a cat needs a collar. This is a simple Christmas ribbon.

My son is THRILLED with his costume and loves the extra touch of the bell. “I’m just like the real Jibanyan” he says. Alison made me look like a star.

Need some extra help? 

If you need a costume, FeeFiFoFun can help, all year long. You can order finished costumes, accessories and props for adults, children, educators and cosplayers. Plus, they’ll source and coordinate supplies or add-ons for those who want to do DIY but need some assistance or inspiration. They include notes or templates to explain steps like how to apply makeup if it’s required so you can anticipate any problems before they happen.