Which Stores Sell An Affordable Bubble Guppies Costume?

Hunting for an affordable 'Bubble Guppies' costume? You're in luck — there are a surprising number of places that carry kid-friendly options without blowing your budget. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target are usually my first stop: they carry seasonal licensed costumes for toddlers and young kids, often priced between $15–35, and you can score free in-store pickup or cheap shipping. Amazon is another go-to because it aggregates multiple sellers and you can filter by price and reviews; expect a wide range from $12 play outfits to $40 more detailed sets. Party City is the classic party-costume aisle — they usually have character costumes and affordable accessories (masks, wigs, headbands) around $20–40. For seasonal Halloween shopping, Spirit Halloween often stocks licensed kids' costumes too, and they frequently run sales toward late October.

If you want to shop outside the big chains, try places like Walmart Marketplace, eBay, or OfferUp for used or new-but-cheaper finds — I've snagged gently-used costumes there for half the retail price. Etsy has adorable handmade or custom 'Bubble Guppies' pieces (great for unique takes), though expect to pay a bit more for custom sizing and handwork; sometimes sellers offer budget-friendly separates like character tees or hair clips. Don’t forget discount and drug stores: Dollar General, Walgreens, and CVS carry simple toddler costumes or accessories seasonally for under $20. Craft stores like Joann or Michaels won’t sell an entire character outfit, but their fabric, felt, and embellishments are perfect if you want a budget DIY tweak (I’ve patched cheap swim shirts with felt fins and glitter for a fraction of the price). Thrift stores and consignment shops are underrated — you can often repurpose colorful kids’ clothes into a convincing 'Bubble Guppies' look.

If DIY appeals to you, mixing a few inexpensive pieces can be both fun and wallet-friendly. Start with a solid-colored swimsuit or tee and leggings in your chosen character color, then add felt scales, a foam fin, or a simple tutu. I once made a quick 'Gil' outfit from a blue rash guard, felt for the fin, and a little face paint — cost me under $15 and felt way more unique than a store-bought set. For hair, cheap colored wigs or clip-in bangs from Amazon or Party City work wonders; headbands and foam crowns are also super cheap. For accessories and savings: look for clearance after Halloween, use coupons (Target Circle, Party City coupons, Joann 40% off), sign up for retailer emails for first-time discounts, and check price match policies at places like Target and Walmart. If it’s a one-time event, rental shops or borrowing from friends can be a perfect cost-saver.

All in all, picking the right route depends on how much time and creativity you want to invest — big retailers for convenience, marketplaces for bargains, Etsy for custom charm, and DIY or thrift for the most unique, budget-friendly results. I love piecing together small finds into something that actually looks special without the sticker shock; it’s a little craft project and a costume win at the same time.