Halloween costumes present a few different opportunities. You can go the scary route, traumatizing young trick-or-treaters with a gory and haunting ensemble. You can go the pop culture route, capitalizing on celebrity news or movie releases to wear something that'll make Halloween party guests point and say, "I know that reference!" (be forewarned: if you're too niche with it, no one will understand what you were going for and you'll leave the party feeling disappointed and misunderstood — it's all about striking a balance between originality and recognizability). Or, as we'll discuss in this article, you can go the clever, punny route, crafting a costume that will make people laugh, slap a knee, groan, or a combination of all three, sometimes preceded by a moment of them holding their chin in thoughtful consideration before guessing the pun you were going for (like the pop culture reference costume, you can't get too obscure with this one or no one will figure you out — it's all about striking that balance).
But how does one find the balance between clever and identifiable? That's what we're here for. We have painstakingly combed the web for 20 perfectly punny Halloween costume ideas to break the ice at any event this spooky season. Let's take it from the top.
When Life Gives You Lemons
Amazon and Getty Images
To create the "When Life Gives You Lemons" costume, pair a MY NAME IS LIFE tee shirt with a basket of lemons, then hand out lemons to people at the party (just make sure you've got some candy for trick-or-treaters, too, lest your house come under fire from eggs and TP later that evening). This clever costume will remind people to roll with life's myriad punches and give them a healthy dose of vitamin C (or a garnish for their beverages) in the process.
Cat Burglar
Amazon
Get your sticky (and clawed) fingers on a cat burglar costume to embody your two favorite things: cats and larceny! Okay, we're kidding about the second thing (that brief rebellious phase when you were 14 notwithstanding).
Chip on Your Shoulder
Amazon
Couldn't be a simpler one here. Just strap on this oversized chip. Or you could buy a bag of your favorite chips, consume the contents within (it's important to load up on starches before an evening of drinking) then tape the empty bag of chips to your shoulder. Boom. Now you've got a clever Halloween costume and an angry, unpleasant attitude.
Shark Week
Amazon
Pair a shark costume with any old run-of-the-mill wall calendar (with the pages turned to October, of course) and you've got yourself a costume that professes your love for the world's best shark-related television marathon.
Bearista
Amazon
This coffee was too hot. This coffee was too cold. This coffee was juuuuust right. Pair a barista apron with a cozy bear onesie and you'll be serving up joe and chuckles with this clever costume.
Cereal Killer
Amazon and Getty Images
Wear a Tony the Tiger costume (or any costume to rep your favorite cereal mascot) and wield any form of plastic weaponry (perhaps splattered with fake blood depending on how spooky you want to get with it) to create an ensemble that lets everyone know their pantry is absolutely NOT safe when you're around.
Wonder Bread Woman
Amazon
With all the anti-carb diets going around, everyone's favorite grain needs a hero. Wonder Bread Woman to the rescue with her Twisty Tie of Truth! Spice up a standard Wonder Woman costume by carrying around a bag of Wonder Bread. Bonus: after the drinks have been flowing for a while and the drunchies kick in, you can make sandwiches for everyone — then you'll be a real hero.
Social Butterfly
Amazon
Slide into a social media-related tee shirt and strap on some butterfly wings to let everyone know that when it comes to captivating photographs and clever comments on social media, you're a graceful master.
Blessing in Disguise
Amazon
Wear an elegant cursive Blessing tee and some funny old man glasses to become a Blessing in Disguise — because blessings, much like this costume, might not be completely obvious at first glance.
Holy Cow
Amazon
Don a super stylish cow print dress and cap it off with a halo headpiece for a costume that will make people say... gosh, that sure is a nice costume. Let everyone at the Halloween festivities know that this hunk beef is right with THE LORD.
Ceiling Fan
Amazon
Where would we be without the ceiling fan? Somewhere far less cool, that's for sure. Let everyone know where your allegiances lie with this Ceiling Fan tee shirt. For added effect, turn on the ceiling fan at the party and start cheering wildly.
Chick Magnet
Amazo
Watch out, ladies, we've got a real magnetic stud over here. And you know he's ready to be a dad — he's already got the jokes down pat!
Pumpkin Pie
Amazon
Wear this costume to the Halloween event. Locate the pumpkin pie (or bring your own). Take a photo with a slice and upload it with the caption, "My love for pumpkin Pi is endless." You can thank us later.
Smartie Pants
Amazon and Getty Images
If your brains are as superb as your taste in candy, then here's your ideal costume: get a big bag of Smarties candies and then (without unrolling them from their wrapper) hot glue them to a pair of old pants you no longer care for. Just make sure to keep the seat of your pants Smartie-free or things could get crunchy.
Bread Winner
Amazon
You deserve some praise for being a steadfast provider. Slip into this sexy little bread number and drape a gold medal over your neck to become the Top Loaf.
Heard it Through the Grapevine
Getty Images
Tape a bushel of grapes to either side of a pair of headphones to pull off this exceedingly punny look. Blast the Marvin Gaye classic (the Gladys Knight and Creedence Clearwater Revival renditions will also do) if people aren't picking up what you're putting down.
Deviled Eggs
Amazon
We can confirm that this delicious delicacy is only evil if you eat it after it's been sitting out all night.
French Kiss
Amazon and Getty Image
You don't need a tongue like Gene to pull off this look — though it wouldn't hurt. Wear a stereotypical French top, beret, and scarf, and cake your face in white and black paint to resemble the rockers of the band Kiss.
Pig in a Blanket
Amazon and Getty Image
Slap these pig parts on your head and bum and wrap yourself in a blanket you've got lying around and presto! You're a pig in a blanket who is guaranteed to make everyone laugh at how clever you are before heading to the snack table to alleviate a sudden craving for a hot dog-filled pastry bite.
Smart Cookies
Getty Images and Amazo
You're one smart cookie. You know it. We know it. Everybody knows it. How else did you come up with this hilarious and ingenious pun-related costume all by yourself? *wink wink*
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