The Map Magazine

With so many children’s costumes to choose from this time of year, unfortunately the selections of Halloween pails are not always as vast. Children’s costumes such as dogs, cats, dinosaurs and other “non-character” costumes prove more difficult to match in the search for the perfect pail. If you’ve been looking for an adorable bag to no avail, follow these simple directions to our adorable and affordable alligator bags.

What you’ll need:

Canvas tote bag
Green fabric dye
White peel and stick felt
Green Felt
Google Eyes
Red fabric paint

This bag works best for reptile related children’s costumes but looks stunning with most any little boy’s costume. First, you’ll need to take your canvas bag and dip it into the green fabric dye mixture. Make sure to follow the directions on the back of the bottle for best results. Let dry. Cut out four “legs” for your alligator - set them aside. Next, you will want to paint on your alligator’s smile. You can make him sweet and friendly or naturally grumpy in true alligator-like fashion. While your smile dries, cut your desired amount of triangles from the white felt for your teeth. Peel and stick to the alligators smile. Lastly, use your hot glue gun to attach your google eyes and your legs. You will attach two of the legs to the bottom of the bag and one on each side of the bag for his arms.

And viola! Just like that, you have an adorable bag to complement even the most unmatchable children’s costumes. If you don’t have a little reptile this year, change these steps around to create different animals such as ducks, bunnies and even black cats. With a little time, you can make this work for your own child no matter what outfit they will be sporting . . . all you need is your imagination!