Finding an Inexpensive Cat in the Hat Hat

In 1st Grade, my son's entire classroom... made one out of white and red construction like paper.
And I still have it.
The red and white stripes... were simply glued onto a white hat "form" which was also made of the same white construction like paper.
So once the white hat "form" was made, the kids glued on their red and white stripes, which the Teacher had cut out for them ahead of time, in appropriate widths.

Make it out of a big piece of white poster board and color red stripes on it!
roll it up staple it and bend the one end up to make the rim.

Do you have a US Toy/ Constructive Playthings near you? They always have those hats and they are less than $5. If not, then I would say maybe make one!

It's always fun to make your own costumes, but if you are in a time crunch, Target has one for a little over $13. I hope you find what you are looking for, and hope your son has a blast!

Do you have thrift stores near you? All the thrift stores have their crazy stuff out for Hallowe'en and you might be able to find something that works. If that isn't successful, have you thought of making one out of lightweight cardboard?
http://ucandostuff.com/Guide-997-How%20to%20make%20a%20ca...

First try a Halloween costume store.
Then try:
-a kids toy store
-Target (costume area)
-Walmart (costume area)
-a hat store in your area
-make one out of poster board in a cylinder shape or use a coffee can then make the stripes out of red & white felt strips

Did you try Party City? They have a child size for $4.99. I don't know how close this is to you, but this is the one they're showing for Ft. Worth.

Overton Park Shopping Center
4826 SW Loop 820
Fort Worth, TX 76109
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Good luck!!