Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Costume
A colorful, letter-filled tribute to the beloved children's book.
The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costume is a nostalgic favorite inspired by the classic 1989 children's alphabet book. Popular among teachers, librarians, and kids, this look transforms you into the iconic coconut tree. The outfit features a brown trunk base, green palm leaves, and bright, colorful alphabet letters climbing up.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $15–55
Try it on
See yourself as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
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What you need for a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Brown dress or shirt
A solid brown long-sleeve shirt, tunic, or knit dress to represent the trunk of the coconut tree.
DIY: Use a plain brown oversized t-shirt.
Colorful felt letters
A pack of bright, multi-colored adhesive or pin-on felt alphabet letters (A through Z) to scatter across the outfit.
DIY: Cut letters out of vibrant sheets of craft felt in pink, orange, blue, and yellow.
Palm tree headband
A green headband featuring upright green felt or foam palm leaves and small brown plush coconuts.
DIY: Hot glue green craft foam leaves and brown pom-poms onto a plain green plastic headband.
Brown leggings or tights
Solid brown leggings or tights to complete the tree trunk look.
DIY: Wear any dark brown or black pants you already own.
Brown boots or flats
Simple brown shoes, boots, or sneakers to blend in with the tree trunk base.
DIY: Use any neutral-colored closed-toe shoes.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the solid brown dress or long-sleeve shirt and matching brown leggings.
- 2
Arrange the colorful felt alphabet letters climbing up the front of the brown top, starting from the bottom and heading toward the collar.
- 3
Secure the letters in place using fabric-safe double-sided tape, safety pins, or self-adhesive backing.
- 4
Place the green palm tree headband securely on your head, adjusting the leaves so they stand upright.
- 5
Put on your brown boots or neutral shoes to complete the base of the tree.
- 6
Optional: Carry a copy of the 'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom' book as a fun, recognizable prop.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup simple and bright with a touch of colorful eyeshadow matching the letters. Wear your hair down or in a low ponytail so the palm tree headband sits comfortably on top.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person dresses as the coconut tree while the other wears a black outfit covered in colorful, glowing neon letters.
- group
- A group can dress as different letters of the alphabet (A, B, C, etc.) following one person dressed as the tree.
- kids
- A brown onesie or t-shirt paired with a soft felt leaf crown and colorful stick-on felt letters.
- Plus size
- A comfortable brown knit tunic or A-line dress provides a relaxed fit with plenty of surface area for the letters.
- pet
- A brown pet sweater adorned with a few lightweight felt letters and a small green collar ruffle.
Tips
- If using self-adhesive felt letters on your own clothes, test a small hidden area first to ensure the adhesive doesn't leave a residue.
- For outdoor events or cool weather, opt for a thick fleece brown dress or layer thermals underneath the brown leggings.
- Ensure the palm leaves on your headband are reinforced with wire or stiff felt so they don't flop over during the day.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costume FAQ
- How do I make a DIY Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costume?
- Wear a brown dress or shirt as the trunk, attach colorful felt alphabet letters climbing up the front, and wear a headband decorated with green paper or felt palm leaves.
- What is the best outfit base for a teacher's school costume?
- A solid brown knit dress or a brown sweatshirt paired with leggings is comfortable, professional, and easy to move around in all day.
- How do I make the palm leaves stand up on the headband?
- Cut the leaves from stiff craft felt or craft foam, and hot glue a pipe cleaner or floral wire along the center spine of each leaf to make them bendable and upright.
Did you know? Written by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, 'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom' has been a staple of early childhood education since its publication in 1989, famous for its rhythmic, rhyming alphabet chant.