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Halloween Costumes for Kids Buying Guide

Halloween is a day that is loved by many children. Who doesn't enjoy dressing up as their favorite character and getting lots of candy?  Even though Halloween is fun and exciting, finding the right costume  can be a chore.  We are here to help you know what's in and how to find it!  Read on for ideas and tips!

Hot Right Now

One look at the movie theater marquee should give you a hint about some of the popular costumes  for this year.  Keep an eye on your child's favorite television shows or movies  for costume ideas! 

Star Trek Costumes 

The newer release of Star Trek  has brought forward a whole new generation of fans.  With a sequel in the works, this will be a popular pick for years to come.  Captain Kirk,  Nero,  and Spock  are sure to be a hit this year. 

Hogwarts Students Costumes 

Even Muggles love dressing as Harry,  Ron  and Hermione.  Don't worry about the lack of other character costumes--there are plenty of robes  and capes  out there, and with the right wig  your kids can be any witch or wizard they want. Broomsticks  and wands  are great accessories.

Transformers Costumes 

Transformers have been a trendy costume for Halloween since the first movie  release in 2007. This 80's classic cartoon has boys everywhere wanting to dress up like a robot. Optimus Prime,  Bumblebee,  and Megatron  are all popular choices.

Star Wars Costumes 

If the force is strong in your family, look for Jedi robes  and a light saber  for your child. Girls might also go as Padme Amidala  or the perennial favorite, Princess Leia.  Boys might choose Luke,  Anakin,  Obi-Wan,  Han,  Chewbacca  Jango Fett,  or the infamous Darth Vader.  Look for little Yoda  costumes for the smallest Jedi in your family. 

Disney Costumes

As an icon that has been around for decades, Disney has released costumes to coordinate with all of its movies.  Girls will want to look for their favorite princess  or character from High School Musical,  and boys may want to check out Buzz Lightyear  or Lightning McQueen.  

Hot Costumes for Girls

Dora the Explorer Costumes 

Dora is one of the top characters right now for little girls. A monkey  and a backpack  are the only accessories you need!

High School Musical Costumes 

Unless you live in a cave, you know that Disney has created a loyal fan base with this movie.  Most girls will want to be Sharpay,  which is an easy costume to create!

Disney Princess Costumes 

With so many to choose from, your little girl is sure to find one she likes. The most popular ones are Snow White,  Cinderella,  Sleeping Beauty,  Ariel,  Belle,  Jasmine,  Pocahontas,  Mulan,  etc.

Super Hero Costumes 

Who said super heroes were just for boys?  It's time for girls to sport their muscles too!  Look for Wonder Woman  or Batgirl  this year.

Hannah Montana Costumes 

Hannah Montana  has come to be a favorite among young girls; it's a trendy idea with plenty of outfits  to choose from.  Options include fun dresses, jackets, tights, skirts, tops etc. 

Hot Costumes for Boys

Superman Costumes 

He's the only one that can actually fly on his own, making him super-popular every year.

Spiderman Costumes 

Is your Spidey Sense  tingling? The hit movies  are more than enough to keep our favorite angsty hero  at the top of the list.  Try a costume with muscles  built-in!

Batman Costumes 

Who could resist the lure of the bat?  With the latest movie  racking up awards, looks for Joker  costumes as well as varieties of the Dark Knight. 

Indiana Jones Costumes 

All of those fancy moves and rope-wrangling skills are sure to earn your child some extra candy.

G.I. Joe Costumes 

This beloved 80's cartoon has another batch of young fans thanks to a summer movie release. Trendy costumes include Duke,  Cobra Commander,  Snake Eyes,  and Storm Shadow. 

Classics

Classics for Girls

Witch Costumes 

Try sorceress  if you're feeling extra-powerful. Don't forget the hat  and broom,  which are often sold separately.

Vampiress Costumes 

Don't forget the fake blood capsules  and the vampire teeth.  Capes  are a great accessory and will keep you warm on chilly October nights.

Angel  and Devil Costumes 

Most people pick one or the other, but you can be a little of both  if you want.

Fairy /Princess Costumes 

You can be a fairy,  you can be a princess, or you can be both.  

Ghouls Costumes 

Spooky and traditional. Don't forget the white face paint  to be a ghost or try out the Monster Bride  costume for a different look.

Classics for Boys

Vampire Costumes 

The vampire works for boys or girls. As before, don't forget the fake blood capsules  and the vampire teeth. 

Mummy Costumes 

Team up with a sibling or friend dressed as Nefertiti.  Mind your manners and no cursing!

Skeleton Costumes 

No bones about it, this classic works for boys or girls. White face paint  completes the outfit (for older children).

Frankenstein's Monster Costumes 

A green makeup palette  and some stick-on bolts  are must-haves for this costume, but you don't need much else.

Werewolf Costumes 

Aaaaooooooooo. Who can resist this scary hairy beast?

Animals

Mammals

Bear Costumes 

Your tot will be bear-y happy to have such an adorable costume.

Cat Costumes 

Mrow!  This disguise is great for a more mysterious child.

Dog Costumes 

No one can resist a cuddly puppy, especially when there's a cuddly kid inside.

Gorilla Costumes 

Is your tyke ready to be the king of the forest?  Then look no further.

Lion Costumes 

Let your little one rule the pride and you might get candy in exchange.

Pig Costumes 

What could be cuter than his or her curly tail?  (and don't forget the ears! )

Leopard Costumes 

This is great for when being a regular cat just isn't exotic enough.

Penguin Costumes 

Once he or she has the costume, then it's time to perfect the waddle.

Rabbit Costumes 

There are tons of bunny costumes around--now to choose one.

Zebra Costumes 

The prettiest horse there is!  Your child will love standing out from the crowd.
 

Other Animals

Bird Costumes

These costumes are our favorite for twick or tweeting! 

Sea Life Costumes

Undersea creatures are perfect for those who want to bring back the days of those summer beach adventures.

Creepy-Crawlies Costumes

These costumes are ideal for chilly autumn nights when most creatures should be tucked up in a cocoon. 

Professions

Health Care Costumes

These costumes can be the perfect fix for those who need a quick ensemble when running out of time!

Public Safety Costumes

When your little ones have the desire for power, these are the costumes for them! 

Armed Forces Costumes

A great way to honor our heroes, these costumes are timeless and easy to create.

Academia Costumes

Put a new and creative twist on the typical school clothes! Kids can dress up in zombie or traditional versions of these professions! 

Hospitality Industry Costumes

These picks will have children serving up something good for Halloween! 

Religious Costumes

Test their faith with these religious picks.  Satirical versions are also available! 

Sports Costumes

For any sports fans under your roof, these costumes are sure to be winners! 

Miscellaneous Costumes

There are so many costumes out there, it's hard to categorize them all.  Take a look at these other popular picks. 

Infants and Toddlers

Looking for something more specific?  Check out our guides to find the cutest costumes  for your tiniest of trick-or-treaters. 

Halloween Costumes for Babies

Halloween Costumes for Toddlers

Related Guides

External Links

  • Stretcher.com: The Dollar Stretcher offers tips and ideas for saving money on costumes.
  • RobinsFYI.com: Check out this great list of costumes to make at home.
  • Budget101.com: This site provides make-up recipes to create scabs and blood, as well as party ideas and fun Halloween games.
  • AmazingMoms.com: Read on for ideas on "no sew" costumes.
  • CityOfLA.org: The L.A. Fire Department provides some Halloween safety tips to print out.
  • TheHolidaySpot.com: Get into the spirit with some spooky Halloween music.