Halloween Style

Yes, Halloween is fast approaching - it is such a fun holiday for everyone but you do not want to be that parent who didn't plan ahead.  My husband thinks I am nuts to plan costumes ahead of time but as busy moms only get busier it really is best to plan ahead.  The stores are stocking Halloween stuff earlier and earlier, and let's face it the sales don't happen until after the big day - so get it now!

To keep costs down, I re-use costumes (for my sons and daughters) when they are really young.  So I always get something very gender neutral.  Some of my personal choices: pumpkin (this was ADORABLE when my daughter was just 4 months old), monkey (which was was my son's costume last year that my daughter will be wearing this year) and tiger.  Other options: mouse, cat, bear, really any animal, ghost, skeleton, farmer - when they are young you can really make the choice yours. 

Take lots of photos!  Aunts, uncles and grandparents love to see the little ones in costume - it's just too cute!!

If you live in a cooler climate (I do! - it has been known to snow around Halloween) find a costume that will be warm head to toe (again why I opt for the animal costumes - they are head to toe in warm fleece)

When they are little (like under 5) keep the make-up really really minimal.  They don't usually have the patience to have it applied or removed so don't bother!

So what are the top picks (by parents) for Halloween costumes?

Toddlers:
- Ladybug
- Fairy
- Animated Characters
- pumpkin (actually veggies are really popular for infants: pea in a pod and berries are popular, too)
- animals

Over the age of 5 but under 12
- Knight
- Ninja
- super hero
- vampire
- ghost
- Disney princess
- pirate
- witch


If you want to make your child's costume but aren't totally gifted when it comes to sewing - try making a gypsy costume with some of you clothing and maybe some of theirs' too.  Layer lots of costume jewellery, add a head scarf, look for a thick hip hanging belt, some boho skirts and tops, big hoop earrings, boots are great and some eye make up too.

For a lady bug or bumble bee, have your child dressed in all black, add some wire and Styrofoam balls to a head band, cut out bee/lady bug wings using cardboard and paint - so easy!

If you are buying be sure to get the children's version of the costume, not just for sizing but the adult version costumes can be a little too sexy for kids.


Some of my favourite stores for Halloween costumes:

Wal-Mart

HomeSense

Superstore

Cody Party Supply

Target