Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Costumes

Characters for children

• Frodo or Sam: a cream shirt, a waistcoat, a hooded cloak and a small pack. Bare feet or brown shoes suit a hobbit.
• Bilbo: a green or red coat, a waistcoat and a walking stick.
• Gandalf: a long grey robe, a pointed hat and a staff. It works for any age.
• Elf: a long tunic, a circlet and pointed ears. Legolas and Arwen are both easy to spot.

Characters for adults

• Aragorn: a long dark coat, a leather-look belt, a cloak with a brooch and a sword prop.
• Galadriel: a flowing white or pale gown with a slim circlet.
• Gimli or Thorin: a heavy coat, a fur-style collar, a long braided beard and an axe prop.
• Gollum: ragged, pale clothes and a bare, hunched look. It is a fun choice for a party.

Signature pieces

Pick the item people look for first. For hobbits it is the waistcoat and the cloak. For Gandalf it is the hat and staff. For elves it is the ears and the flowing fabric. For dwarves it is the beard and the hood. For Aragorn it is the long coat and the sword.

Finishing touches to make at home

• A ring: a plain gold-coloured ring on a chain. Wear it round the neck, not on a finger, so it does not get lost.
• A cloak brooch: cut a leaf shape from craft foam, paint it green or silver and pin it on with a safety pin.

Keep props soft or lightweight if children will carry them, and check any paint or glue label first.

Choosing the right size

Measure height and chest, then check the size chart. Long robes and cloaks should clear the floor, so children can walk and climb stairs safely.