10 DIY Toy Story Costumes Everyone Will Love (Slinky & Simple Ideas!)
There’s something magical about pulling a Toy Story costume together with your own hands. I’ve made a few over the years, and I’ve learned that the best ones don’t require a sewing machine or a craft budget. They just need a little imagination and a trip to your closet or the dollar store.
I’m sharing my top 10 favorite DIY Toy Story looks today. They range from “I finished this in ten minutes” to “I spent a fun afternoon crafting.” Whether you’re dressing up for Halloween, a Disney trip, or a family movie night, these ideas are practical, playful, and full of character. Let’s jump in.
1. The Classic Cowboy Woody Vest
You can’t go wrong with Woody. The key is the vest. Grab a plain yellow t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. For the vest, cut the sleeves off an old brown button-up shirt. Use fabric glue to attach red rickrack trim along the edges. Add a red bandana around the neck (a square scarf works perfectly).
Finish the look with a pair of brown boots or shoes. If you have a toy sheriff badge from a party store, pin it on the vest. The whole thing feels instantly recognizable without needing a full costume set.
For extra fun, carry a small pull-string toy or just draw a little yarn “string” on a piece of cardboard and tuck it into your pocket.
2. Buzz Lightyear with a Cardboard Jetpack
Buzz is all about the wings. Find a medium-sized cardboard box. Cut out two wing shapes and paint them purple and green. Attach them to the back of a white t-shirt using safety pins or strong tape.
Wear a green long-sleeve shirt underneath a purple t-shirt. The green sleeves will look like his suit arms. Add a pair of gray or black leggings or sweatpants. Don’t forget the helmet! A white bike helmet with a clear plastic visor works, or you can make one from a paper mâché bowl painted white.
Press a button on your shirt and shout “To infinity and beyond!” It completes the whole vibe.
3. Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl
Jessie is bright and bold. Start with a yellow t-shirt and some denim shorts or a denim skirt. The hat is crucial—a red cowgirl hat with a white band. You can find these at any craft store.
For her signature cow print vest, buy a cheap brown vest and glue on white felt spots. If you can’t find a vest, just glue spots onto an old brown shirt. Wear a red bandana around your neck and some cowboy boots.
Pigtails are a must. Braid your hair or use two red yarn braids attached to a headband. Add some freckles with a brown eyeliner pencil for extra charm.
4. Slinky Dog in a Snap
This one is surprisingly easy. Wear an orange long-sleeve shirt and brown pants. The Slinky effect comes from a coiled spring. Use a large slinky toy (the classic metal kind) and attach it to a brown dog mask or a brown hoodie with floppy ears.
Alternatively, create a Slinky tail by gluing a plastic slinky to a piece of cardboard that you can pin to the back of your pants. Wear a collar with a dog tag. You can even draw a little black nose on your face.
Walk with a bounce in your step. It’s a simple costume that gets a huge reaction.
5. Bo Peep with a DIY Crook
Bo Peep is sweet and easy to style. Wear a long pink dress or a pink skirt with a white blouse. For the bonnet, take a white or pink bandana and tie it under your chin. Add a blue ribbon sash around your waist.
The shepherd’s crook is the star. Find a long stick or a pool noodle. Cut the top into a hook shape. Wrap it in white duct tape or ribbon. You can tie a small toy sheep (a stuffed animal) to the end with a piece of string.
White or pink shoes finish the look. Add a little blush and a calm smile.
6. Rex the T-Rex in a Jumpsuit
Rex is adorable and simple. The easiest way is to wear a green jumpsuit or a green hoodie and green pants. Cut a dinosaur tail and belly out of green felt and attach them to the front and back of the outfit.
For the head, create a simple hood with felt spikes sewn or glued onto a green hoodie. Draw big, friendly eyes on a piece of felt or paper and attach them to the hood. Add some white teeth to the edge of the hood.
Carry a little toy car or a button to press. Rex is all about being nervous but lovable.
7. Hamm the Piggy Bank
Hamm is a round, pink piggy bank. Wear a pink shirt and pink pants. For the belly, use a large piece of cardboard or poster board. Cut it into a round oval shape and paint it pink with a coin slot drawn in the middle. Tape or pin it to your shirt.
Make a snout from a small paper plate or cardboard tube, painted pink, and attach it to your face with elastic string. Add pig ears by cutting triangles out of pink felt and attaching them to a headband.
Draw a little curly tail on a piece of pink paper and pin it to your back. You’re a walking piggy bank.
8. Mr. Potato Head with a Box
This one is perfect for a group or a quick costume. Wear a brown or tan shirt and pants. The real work is the box. Find a large cardboard box. Cut holes for your arms and head. Paint the box light brown.
Attach plastic or felt eyes, a nose, a mouth, and ears to the box using Velcro or tape. You can even add a little plastic mustache and glasses. Carry a separate box or bag with extra parts (like a hat or shoes) to swap out for fun.
It’s interactive and hilarious. People will love watching you change your face.
9. Forky the Spork
Forky is made from trash, so it’s wonderfully low-effort. Wear a blue t-shirt and jeans. Take a plastic spork and tape it to a headband so it sticks up from your head. Add two googly eyes to the spork.
You can also make a Forky body. Use a white plastic cup or a paper cup, cut a hole for your face, and tape it to your shirt. Draw a little face on the cup with a marker. Add two small twigs for arms (glued to your sleeves).
Carry a piece of string or a broken toy to complete the “trash” look. Forky is hilarious and instantly recognizable.
10. A Simple Alien (The Little Green Men)
These little guys are iconic. Wear a green hoodie and green pants. The key is the eyes. Use three large ping-pong balls or plastic eggs. Paint them white with black pupils. Attach them to a green headband or a green beanie.
Draw a simple purple or blue jumpsuit shape on your green hoodie with fabric paint or tape. You can also wear a purple shirt under a green vest. Add a small antenna to your headband using a green pipe cleaner with a tiny ball on top.
Hold your hands up and say “Ooooh!” in a high-pitched voice. It’s pure Pixar magic.
These ten DIY Toy Story costumes prove you don’t need a big budget or professional sewing skills. I’ve made the Woody vest and the Forky costume myself, and they were both huge hits. The best part is seeing everyone recognize your favorite characters from just a few simple pieces. Grab your glue gun, raid your closet, and have fun creating something special. You’ll be surprised at how quickly these come together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the easiest Toy Story costume to make?
A: Forky is by far the easiest. You just need a blue shirt, jeans, a plastic spork taped to a headband, and a little attitude. It takes five minutes.
Q: Can I make these costumes without sewing?
A: Absolutely. Every costume on this list can be made with fabric glue, tape, and safety pins. No sewing machine needed.
Q: How do I make a Slinky Dog costume for a child?
A: Use an orange sweatshirt and brown pants. Attach a slinky toy to the back of the pants for a tail. Make floppy ears from brown felt attached to a hood. It’s simple and comfortable.
Q: What materials do I need for a Buzz Lightyear jetpack?
A: Cardboard, purple and green paint, and safety pins. Cut wing shapes, paint them, and attach them to the back of a white t-shirt. A white bike helmet works great for the helmet.
Q: Can I use these costumes for a group theme?
A: Yes! They work perfectly for a family or friends group. Mix and match Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Slinky, and the Alien for a full Toy Story squad.
