Halloween Costume Ideas, Shops, and Tips
Coordinating Halloween costumes for a family with young children is no small task. Whether you're looking to DIY or buy, this round-up puts all the info you need in one place.
Whether Halloween sneaks up on you or you just prefer the homemade look, there are many costumes you can pull together on your own, even at the last minute.
The simplest costumes aren't so much homemade as home assembled.
Comb through the closets, dress up clothes and craft supplies and have fun. Approach the costume making process with a slapdash philosophy, and favor strategic styling over sharp needles, tangled thread and sticky glue.
Styling Tools to Have on Hand:
Between Halloween festivities, class plays, and events like Book Character Dress Up Day, the school year offers many opportunities for your kids to channel their favorite fictional characters. Opt for a popular classic or reference a lesser known character that is sure to generate some great book chats.
These costumes can be pulled together at the last minute from everyday clothes and craft supplies. Don't sweat the details -- dressing up should be fun, and focusing on the key elements will achieve the desired effect.More »
Many families enjoy choosing a theme and dressing up together, but it often takes a little creativity to please everyone. What to do when one kid wants to be a princess, another a pirate? Take a look at these costumes from Pottery Barn Kids, which easily mix and match with other store-bought and homemade looks.
Pottery Barn Kids' costumes are especially great for families with young kids, as even the "spooky" options are hardly frightening. Big Brother gets to be a skeleton, without sending Little Sis running in fear.
Prefer to DIY? Let this round-up costumes serve as an inspirational jumping off point.More »
In the market to buy a Halloween costume? These shops showcase a variety of looks for kids, from sweet to scary.
When shopping for Halloween costumes, keep comfort in mind. Don't forget to factor in the temperature -- a thin leotard might not be the right thing to wear trick or treating in colder climates, and those fluffy fleece suits could have your child ready to turn back without candy if it's warm out.
Also consider long term wear. If possible, steer your kids toward costumes that they'll want to play in throughout the year. Happy hunting and haunting!More »
For kids, Halloween is all about the look, but parents know that costume safety is essential. The trick is finding a costume that checks all the right boxes.
Here's where to begin:
Click through for details and more tips.More »
1. DIY Halloween Costumes
Whether Halloween sneaks up on you or you just prefer the homemade look, there are many costumes you can pull together on your own, even at the last minute.
The simplest costumes aren't so much homemade as home assembled.
Comb through the closets, dress up clothes and craft supplies and have fun. Approach the costume making process with a slapdash philosophy, and favor strategic styling over sharp needles, tangled thread and sticky glue.
Styling Tools to Have on Hand:
- String
- It's amazing what you can do with a bit of string. Look around your house for ribbons, spools of twine, leather cording, even shoe laces can be used to belt an oversized top into a knight's tunic and turn flats into ballerina slippers.
- Tape
- Fashion or craft tape is handy for tasks like shortening pant legs and securing straps. Sturdy electric or duct tape will can alter the look of clothing and props.
2. 13 Last-Minute Children's Book Character Costumes
Between Halloween festivities, class plays, and events like Book Character Dress Up Day, the school year offers many opportunities for your kids to channel their favorite fictional characters. Opt for a popular classic or reference a lesser known character that is sure to generate some great book chats.
These costumes can be pulled together at the last minute from everyday clothes and craft supplies. Don't sweat the details -- dressing up should be fun, and focusing on the key elements will achieve the desired effect.More »
3. Friends and Family Halloween Costumes
Many families enjoy choosing a theme and dressing up together, but it often takes a little creativity to please everyone. What to do when one kid wants to be a princess, another a pirate? Take a look at these costumes from Pottery Barn Kids, which easily mix and match with other store-bought and homemade looks.
Pottery Barn Kids' costumes are especially great for families with young kids, as even the "spooky" options are hardly frightening. Big Brother gets to be a skeleton, without sending Little Sis running in fear.
Prefer to DIY? Let this round-up costumes serve as an inspirational jumping off point.More »
4. 5 Halloween Costume Shops
In the market to buy a Halloween costume? These shops showcase a variety of looks for kids, from sweet to scary.
When shopping for Halloween costumes, keep comfort in mind. Don't forget to factor in the temperature -- a thin leotard might not be the right thing to wear trick or treating in colder climates, and those fluffy fleece suits could have your child ready to turn back without candy if it's warm out.
Also consider long term wear. If possible, steer your kids toward costumes that they'll want to play in throughout the year. Happy hunting and haunting!More »
5. Halloween Costume Safety Tips and Tricks
For kids, Halloween is all about the look, but parents know that costume safety is essential. The trick is finding a costume that checks all the right boxes.
Here's where to begin:
- What's the occasion? Nightime trick-or-treating necessitates more extensive safety measures than a party at school.
- Is the costume age-appropriate? Safety includes avoiding suggestive attire.
- Watch the fit. Pay special attention to masks and legs -- visibility and mobility are especially important.
Click through for details and more tips.More »
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