Stop. FRO-YO TIME! I asked my Snapchat followers about their favorite fro-yo toppings as a little hint, and what started as research turned into a full-on fro-yo costume idea. The responses were wildly creative, so I leaned into a colorful, playful version that you can customize however you like. This costume works great solo or as a couples idea—your partner can be the brooding fro-yo attendant for extra laughs.
*A few quick notes before you begin:
1. We experimented with several versions before settling on this one, so the photo tutorial isn’t exhaustive. The written instructions are clear and should guide you through the process.
2. This costume can be heavy. Use very wide ribbon for the shoulder straps to distribute the weight. For a child, consider substituting poster board for the plastic drink tub to keep it lightweight and comfortable.
Supplies Needed
Plastic drink tub (often available at party stores)
Jigsaw (to remove the bottom of the tub) — only if you’re comfortable using power tools
4 yards cotton batting
Wide white ribbon
Scissors
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Duct tape
Headband
Cardboard
Spray paint
For toppings:
Pool noodles (for fruity pebble shapes)
Colored paper and tape (for sprinkles)
Cardboard, paint and scissors (for circus animal cookies)
Plastic gummy bear props or cardboard versions
Styrofoam balls and paint (for cookie dough bites)
Ball pit balls or bouncy balls (for bursting boba)
Upholstery foam and paint (for brownie bites)
Step-by-step Fro-yo Costume Tutorial
1. Prep your toppings first. For fruity pebble shapes, slice pool noodles into one-inch rings, cut each ring in half, and slice partway along the inner edge. Open and trim the ends to form small irregular ovals.
2. Make paper sprinkles by cutting small squares of colored paper, rolling each into a tiny cylinder, and securing with tape.
3. Create circus animal cookies by tracing animal shapes on cardboard, cutting them out, painting them hot pink, and adding tiny painted sprinkles.
4. Build the hat: cut a long strip of cotton batting about 4 feet by 10 inches. Roll it into a cylinder, then swirl it into a two-turn fro-yo shape with a point at the top. Hot glue between layers to secure the swirl.
5. Attach a headband to the bottom of the swirl with hot glue so the hat stays in place.
6. Glue sprinkles and toppings onto the swirl, and add one circus animal cookie on the side if you like.
7. Prepare the tub: carefully remove the bottom circle from the plastic drink tub with a jigsaw (only if you are trained to use one). Smooth any rough edges and remove the rope handles. Use appropriate safety gear and precautions when operating power tools.
8. Step into the tub and have a helper measure ribbon straps to fit over your shoulders. Duct tape the straps inside the tub so the costume sits comfortably on your shoulders.
9. Create the body swirl using the remaining cotton batting. Roll the batting into a long tube and, with helpers, wrap it around the person standing inside the tub. Start at the back, tuck one end into the tub, wrap twice to create the swirl effect, twist for texture, and tuck the other end into the back swirl. Trim excess as needed.
10. Secure the swirl with hot glue: glue the tucked end to the inside of the tub, then glue the bottom swirl to the tub and glue adjacent swirls together until everything is firmly attached. Once set, lift the tub off to step out for decorating.
11. Add all toppings with hot glue, avoiding placing bulky items where they will rub under the arms.
12. Make a spoon prop by cutting a large spoon shape from cardboard and spray-painting it in a color you love.
For the fro-yo attendant, keep it simple: a branded t-shirt, neutral pants and a matching baseball cap make the look. An apron can add character, but the costume really sells itself with attitude.
More Dessert Costume Tutorials
- DIY Ice Cream Cone Costume
- DIY Milkshake Costumes
- DIY Cookies + Milk Couples Costume
- DIY S’mores Dog Costume
Photos by Jeff Mindell
So, how would you top your fro-yo costume?
If you make a Studio DIY costume, share it on Instagram with #studiodiyincostume to be featured and possibly win a few surprises! More costume ideas are available on the Studio DIY site.