ML Interest Tag: costume

NYC’s Best Halloween Costume Shops for Kids

by Mimi O'Connor

These pop-up shops and “spirited” year-round storefronts are our top picks for where to buy your child’s Halloween costume this year

It might seem early, but smart NYC parents know it’s time to start thinking about, and acquiring, your kid’s Halloween costume. Not only are there dozens of local Halloween events positively begging for attendees to arrive in disguise all month long, but things sell out fast in this city. Wondering where you can get a cool getup without spending a fortune? Need a highly specific, hard-to-find item to take your kiddo’s ensemble to the next level when it comes time to trick or treat? We can help. From spots to get gently-used, discounted costumes to huge stores that specialize in Halloween to empty storefronts now infiltrated with Spirit Halloween pop-ups, you’ll have no trouble finding an Elsa cape, a Minecraft mask, or a Bluey costume before the aisles start to get picked over.

Spirit Halloween
Invading empty storefronts throughout the five boroughs (seriously, every single one) Spirit Halloween is a convenient place to hit up for Halloween costumes for both kids and adults. The seasonal chain stocks full costumes, accessories, masks, makeup and more—and has more than a dozen locations throughout the city, although most are located in Manhattan.

Multiple NYC locations
Online: spirithalloween.com

Related: Your Fall NYC Family Must-Do List

Abracadabra NYC
Abracadabra NYC is another Halloween costume store that’s open year round (and, hence the name, also specializes in magician supplies). Whether you need a single item like the perfect hat, wand, or pair or fake teeth, or a full-on, out-of-this-world head-to-toe getup for your child, this bi-level Flatiron District superstore has got you. Our advice: go early in the season, because it gets very crowded here as Halloween grows near.

19 W. 21st St.
Flatiron District
Online: abracadabranyc.com

Beyond Costumes
Be prepared for your mind to be blown. For a next-level spot that also serves Broadway, television, and movie productions, head north to Beyond Costumes. They recently moved, and at their new location, you can opt to either rent from the store’s extensive costume selection or shop its retail collection. Customize your look with Beyond Costumes’ offering of accessories including wigs, hats, props, masks, make-up, recreational prosthetics, and jewelry. Need more intel? The store has an excellent FAQ section on its site.

145 Saw Mill Road, Suite 31
Yonkers
Online: beyondcostumes.com

Related: The Best Pumpkin Patches Near NYC

Village Party Store
To support a local NYC small business (and stock up on all the party supplies you could need), head to the Village Party Store. Originally located at the corner of Greenwich Avenue and 10th Street, the Village Party Store moved to its current Eighth Street spot after a tragic fire in 2010. There, it continues to serve both the party decor and Halloween costume needs of New York City families and beyond. Make a note for you next big bash: this spot is a great place for balloons and balloon arrangements of all kinds.

13 E. 8th St.
Greenwich Village
Online: villagepartystore.com

Related: Fall In! Where to Pick Your Own Apples Near NYC

Frank Bee Costume
One of the titans of the Halloween costume retail business is also a hometown hero. The Frank Bee Costume Center brick-and-mortar HQ is located in the Bronx, and it’s got all the hottest licensed characters, including Star Wars costumes and loads of Thomas the Tank Engine costumes, for sale. In fact, they claim to have the largest selection of costumes in the . . .  universe! Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Bronx: the store offers most products online as well.

3435 E. Tremont Ave.
Bronx
Online: frankbeecostume.com

Your Neighbors
Sure, this isn’t a shop, but we can reasonably guarantee that there are lots of costumes in your vicinity right now just itching to get back on the street for a night of fun. (Hint: they’re in your neighbors’ closets.)

Check out your local parenting Facebook group this time of year, and you’ll likely find multiple costumes either for sale for cheap or just plain free. (We’ve already seen quite a few listed in our neck of the woods.) Not sure where to look first? These are few of the most popular parenting online groups to try: Hudson River Park Mamas Group, Park Slope Parents, West Village Parents, Lower East Side and East Village Parents, or Bronx and Westchester Moms.

—additional reporting by Wai Sze Zara

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events for LA Kids & Parents

by Andie Huber

The ultimate list of Halloween events in LA so you can find the perfect Halloween haunt for every superhero, witch, and goblin in your family

Spooky season is in full swing—and with that, the hunt to find Halloween events near me and discover some new ones that are worth the drive are top of mind. From not-so spooky ghostly haunts to scare fests that come with an age-minimum, luckily, there’s something frightfully fun for everyone. Check out our list of must-go list of Halloween events in Los Angeles—from babies and toddlers to tweens and beyond—there’s a fun Halloween event your family is sure to love. Add a pumpkin patch in LA, some apple picking near Los Angeles and a free event or two happening around LA this month and your October is one for the memory books.

 

Best Halloween Events in Los Angeles for Babies & Toddlers

Boo! at the LA Zoo
Oct. 1-31: Babies love looking at the animals, and bringing your adorable costumed little monkey for a photo op with the real monkeys is a memory you’ll treasure always. There are activities for kids of all ages, and you can always just watch animals munching on their Halloween treats. Event details.

Carved at Descanso Gardens
Oct. 7-31: Carved is a family-friendly event for all ages (not just toddlers but this age group will get an absolute kick out of the various installations, sculptures and treats along the way. For three weeks in Oct., thousands of carved pumpkins will line a 1-mile walk through the Camellia Forest and Oak Grove. Along with pumpkins, there will be exciting new oversized sculptures made of sticks and other natural materials. Pumpkin carving demonstrations, the ever-popular pumpkin house, a hay maze, and themed food and beverage will all help to create a fun harvest festival ambiance. Event details.

Halloween at Kidspace
Oct. 1-31: It’s pumpkin time! And as our special treat, Kidspace Children’s Museum is hosting the most adorable Halloween event ever for you and your little pumpkin. Everyone is invited to march, dance, and strut the catwalk in our fanciful Halloween parade—costumes encouraged! Plus, there will be pumpkin decorating (for a modest additional charge), mask making, and up-close visits with some not-too-scary animal friends. Event details.

Bob Baker's Halloween Spooktacular
Sept. 24-Oct. 31 (Sat. & Sun. plus additional showtimes): In this hour-long, family friendly boo-sical revue, over one hundred spirited puppets rally to unearth ghastly things on strings. From whirling witches, to the soulful laments of Dracula and Vampira, to a bone-rattling soirée of glow-in-the-dark skeletons in a hidden cabaret, Bob Baker’s Hallowe’en Spooktacular whisks you to the place where imagination lurks. Event details.

Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge
Oct. 1-31: Time to get spooky at Great Wolf Lodge Southern California as it gets ready to kick off one of its famed seasonal celebrations, Howl-O-Ween! Fa-boo-less fun awaits all month long as the lodge is decked out with fall leaves, pumpkins, and other festive décor to celebrate the color-changing season. This year’s event will also include the family favoriteTrick-Or-Treat Trail, a Halloween-themed version of Great Wolf Lodge’s Yoga Tails, Monster Bash Dancy Party, Howl-O-Ween trivia and crafts, and more. Event details.

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort
Oct. 1-31: Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort brings guests of all ages under its spell, with spook-tacular experiences themed especially for the season. Halloween magic will enchant guests at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park as favorite experiences are transformed into dreadful delights. With seasonal attraction overlays, Halloween-themed décor and food and beverage offerings, plus encounters with dastardly Disney villains, happy haunts seem to materialize around every corner. Event details.

 

Best Halloween Events in Los Angeles for Preschoolers

Arachnids Come Alive at the NHM
Now through Nov. 27: What's creepy, crawly and has eight legs? Spiders of course! And the Natural History Museum has dozens of them on display for you to view and learn about. From fangs and eyes to webs and burrows, find out why we could never live without our arachnid friends. See the spectacular spiders and their magnificent webs in this unique, open-air experience. Event details.

LEGOLAND's Brick-Or-Treat Monster Party
Every Sat. through Oct.: The frighteningly-fun Monster Party begins the moment guests enter the Park with Instagrammable photo spots, LEGO Monster Character Meet & Greets, a scavenger hunt and the Monster Security Checkpoint Street Performers checking that only “real monsters” are entering the party! Treat stations themed to each spooky zone featuring an assortment of candy can be found throughout the Park, with friendly ghoulish stilt walkers passing through to say “Boo!” Along the way, guests can collect themed pop badges and a commemorative Brick-or-Treat brick. All guests are encouraged to join the festivities in costume and get ready for a howling fun time. Event details.

Nights of The Jack
Sept. 30-Oct. 31: This immersive experience showcases intricately hand-carved and illuminated jack o’lanterns, Halloween wonderland featuring a live pumpkin carver, gift shop, top LA food trucks, a "Spookeasy Bar" and tons of other “Instagrammable” moments for all to enjoy. Event details.

Haunt-O-Ween Immersive Experience
Sept. 30-Oct. 31: Go trick-or-treating in the Town of Haunt O' Ween, wander through the streets of Ghoul City, visit the Farm House, venture into the Hidden Hollows. At this immersive experience, you can explore over 200,000 square feet. full of performances, games, decorations, photo ops, rides, and more. Event details.

Discovery Cube

Spooky Science at the Discovery Cube
Oct. 1-31: Stop by the science lab for fun and educational activities, let your toddlers jump on the tractor rides. take the Pumpkin Tetris Challenge, go on a scavenger hunt throughout the science center. Event details.

New Spider Pavilion at the South Coast Botanic Garden
Oct. 1 through Nov. 30: New arthropods will be calling the area home as hundreds of live spiders take over the pavilion. Guests (for an additional fee much like to see the butterflies) can enter the pavilion for 30 minutes to be surrounded by orb-weaving spiders. And while these spiders will be living freely in the pavilion, there will be some additional tarantulas inside glass cases. Check out the Spider Wall that will educate guests about the brown widow, which was “discovered” in Torrance in 2003 as an invasive species on the West Coast. Event details.

Spooky Fun & Painting at the Children's Gallery
Oct. 8: Go to LACMA for spooky fun and free painting! Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the art of brush painting with friendly and helpful staff who will introduce painting techniques, offer tips, and even provide high chairs for very young artists. No prior art-making experience is necessary. Event details.

Free Halloween Goo Craft
Oct. 13: Kids of all ages can get their hands into making some squishy Halloween slime-goo. The whole family can enjoy making a creative mess! Event details.

Go to a Faery Hunt Halloween Party
Oct. 23: On this unique event, join the faery folke on a fun and gentle immersive quest for the Fairy Royalty with A Faery Hunt interactive, musical performance. Come in costume, it is Halloween! Event details.

"Coco" at the Hammer Museum
Oct. 23: Young Miguel yearns to be a singer but, for reasons shrouded in mystery, his family forbids it. On Día de Muertos, he stumbles into the Land of the Dead where he must discover his family’s secret to heal the wounds of the past. This Oscar-winner from Pixar prefigures Encanto with its vibrant palette, buoyant rhythms, and whole-hearted celebration of family bonds, cultural traditions, and musical dreams. Free admission. Event details.

Halloween Carnival at Malibu Bluffs
Oct. 28: Includes bounce houses, carnival games, truck-or-treat, costume cat walk face painting and food are available for a nominal fee. Pre-registration required. Event details.

Boo-nion Station: Family Halloween Fest
Oct. 29 & 30: Boonion Station is back! The free, fiendishly fun event will transform the station’s South Patio into a mystical Halloween Village featuring activities for kids. The Hallowhuts will host performances, Halloween crafts, face painting, tarantula tattoos and puppet shows. Event details.

Scarium of the Pacific
Oct. 29 & 30: The Aquarium will celebrate its 23rd annual Scarium of the Pacific, a Halloween event for the whole family featuring costume and coloring contests, a vampire magician, underwater pumpkin carving, creepy critters, and more. Event details.

Trick or Treat at Westfield Topanga
Oct. 31: Trick-Or-Treating at The Village from 5-7 p.m. In addition to “window to window” trick or treating, the center will also be offering arts, crafts, games, music, face painting, and more! Event details.

Trick-or-Treating at Westfield Century City
Oct. 31: Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at LA’s chicest mall where little ones can enjoy a safe, fun, and festive trick-or-treating experience from 5-7 p.m. Event details.

Best Halloween Events in Los Angeles for Big Kids

Freaky Flora at the LA Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Oct. 1-31: Why was rosemary traditionally placed in funeral boquets? What flower was once used to preserve dead bodies? Which herb in the Middle Ages was believed to ward off evil spirits? Learn the answers to these questions discover eerier side of our collections as you enjoy a self-guided exploration of our “Freaky Flora” plant list. While weaving your way through the garden, look for little scarecrows tucked along the paths. Each scarecrow indicates a stop on the Freaky Flora list, and has a QR code connected to the full Freaky Flora route, along with fun, spooky facts about all 25 plants. Event details.

All Things Wicked & Wonderful at South Coast Botanical Garden
Oct. 1-31: From looking into the skeleton pasts of Diabolical and Misunderstood plantings in the Garden Graveyard to hundreds of creepy crawlers taking over their first-ever Spider Pavilion, there’s something for everyone, and every scare level. Head off on our Witch Hunt that may have you believing in sorcery as you search throughout our 87 acres for one wicked witch, with special sightings during the last four weekends of October, or bring your four-legged friend to our Howl-o-ween Costume Contest. Event details.

 Watch "Cruella" on the Rooftop  
Oct. 6 & 20: In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella. Event details.

Halloween Cinemalibu: "Ghostbusters"
Oct. 22: There will be food and treats with special guests: D'Amore's Pizza Truck, Kona Ice Truck. The movie begins at sunset and pre-movie activities take place an hour before sunset. Stay after the movie to participate in "Neon Night," a glow-in-the-dark candy hunt. Event details.

Halloween Aaahh-Archery at Terranea
Oct. 28-31: Experience the unique sport of archery at Terranea’s Beach Cove and enjoy sweeping views of Catalina Island along with Halloween-themed adventure – perfect for family fun. Skilled archery instructors will provide guests with a bow and arrow, along with expert instruction, followed by shooting practice and games featuring zombies, pumpkins, and other spooky targets. Event details.

Best Halloween Events in LA for Tweens, Teens & Parents

See "Hocus Pocus" at Rooftop Cinema
Various dates throughout Oct: Enjoy the ultimate open-air cinema experience tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city with mountain views, starry skies and ocean breezes. Doors open 60 minutes before the film, allowing plenty of time to grab your headphones, select a seat and enjoy the rooftop experience. Event details.

See "Ghostbusters" at the Drive-In
Oct. 1 & 20: LA's longest running Pop-Up Drive-In now in Glendale. Watch outdoor movies inside or outside your car, delicious food and great times await! Brought to you by the Electric Dusk Drive-In in Glendale in the Old Sears Parking Lot. Event details.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal
Select nights now through Oct. 31: Summon your scream squad to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights with 8 haunted houses, the Terror Tram, scare zones, a live show and exhilarating attractions. Whether you’re a superfan, here for the snacks or selfies, scared of everything or skeptical of everyone, remember, never go alone. Event details.

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Lick-or-Treat! Pet Costumes Just in Time for Howl-oween

by Kate Cartia

Don’t leave your furry (or feathery) family members out of all the Halloween fun! We’ve got all the best pet costumes right here.

We made sure the kiddos’ Halloween costumes covered, and have parents taken care of, too. Now we’re onto furbabies! We can’t forget our precious pets, especially since all they want is to be included (even though they didn’t technically ask to be dressed up). These Halloween pet costumes are some of the best we’ve seen this year, and we’ve seen a bunch (maybe we look them up in our spare time just for a mood-booster…).

It’s Lick-or-Treat Season and we’re celebrating! (We definitely don’t recommend costumes for pets who get upset, anxious, or uncomfortable. We want them to be as happy as they make us! If you’ve made sure your furry friend is comfy dressing up, keep reading!)

Elephant Booty Suit

Dog wearing an elephant bodysuit

As if their tails could get any cuter, this hilarious take on an elephant also means they don't have anything over their heads or faces. This one is a tusk have.

Elephant Booty Suit ($20) Here

BarkBoxed Franzia Wine Costume

Dog wearing a Franzia boxed wine costume

Ah, yes. A full and furry-bodied red is perfect for the season. Keep it classy with an easy velcro closure and included spout, er, snout.

BarkBoxed Franzia Wine Costume ($20) Here

Mythical Mutt

black and grey dog wearing a unicorn horn and wings

We weren't fully prepared for this level of majesty, but the wing and horn unicorn set can also double as dog toys (not that they weren't going to, anyway)!

Mythical Mutt Costume ($14.99) Here

Beauty & the Beast

Beauty and the Beast dog costumes

It's a tail as old as time. The story of the Beast and Princess Belle gets an upgrade in the most adorable way! 

Belle Costume (starting at $29.99) Here

Beast Costume (starting at $34.99) Here

Beetlejuice

He's a bit mischievous, maybe a bit of a prankster, and you can't help but love him. The wig really is the icing on the K-9 cake!

Beetlejuice Costume (starting at $24.99) Here

Winifred Sanderson

Dog wearing Winifred Sanderson costume

We've never minded a bunch of Hocus Pocus! If your dog is already a pro at casting smells, this is the costume for her!

Winifred Sanderson Costume ($31.95) Here

Monster Dog and Cat Costume

cat and dog in monster costumes

Hairy? Yes. Scary? Not so much (and we like it that way!). This sweet and silly monster costume even has a matching kiddo costume (sold separately)!

Monster Dog and Cat Costume ($12.99) Here

Toddler Monster Candy Pouch Halloween Costume ($25.00) Here

Caterpillar

dog in caterpillar

Creepy and crawly may not describe your pet, but very hungry just might! This caterpillar costume is one they can relate to.

Caterpillar Costume ($48.35) Here

 

Taco Dog and Cat

dog and cat wearing taco costume

Give them something to taco 'bout in this easy and fun pet costume! It even includes toppings because of course.

Taco Dog and Cat Costume ($13.00) Here

Pumpkin Pet Johns

If you'd rather skip a full costume, these pumpkin pet johns from Hanna Anderson's matching family pajamas collection are such an adorable alternative!

Pumpkin Pet Johns (starting at $17) Here

Family Matching Pumpkin Pajamas (starting at $17) Here

Pumpkin Microfleece Costume Hoodie for Pets

dog wearing a pumpkin fleece hoodie

Another great option that isn't a full costume and matches the fam! We're loving this one since it also keeps our waggers warm in the fall. 

Pumpkin Microfleece Costume Hoodie for Pets ($16.00) Here

Family Matching Jack-o'-Lantern One-Piece Costume ($46.00) Here

 

Starbarks Barista Apron

Even if they're not puppuccino fiends, this barkrista (sorry, we couldn't resist) apron is one of our favorites. As a bonus, it goes really well with family costume themes. 

Starbarks Barista Apron Costume ($14.99) Here

Vampire Pet Costume

Adorn your Catula in this hilarious vampire costume. We have to say, it's the bowler hat for us.

Vampire Pet Costume ($12.95) Here

Dragon Guinea Pig

guinea pig wearing a dragon costume

What, you thought we were going to leave your Guinea Pig out? Give them wings in this darling dragon costume!

Dragon Guinea Pig Costume ($12.99) Here

Frog

bird wearing frog costume

Flying frogs are probably a thing, right? We didn't actually look it up, but this frog bird costume is epic!

Frog Bird Costume ($11.99) Here

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Unbelievably Creative Halloween Costume Ideas for Toddlers and Babies

by Aimee Della Bitta

Wait until you see the McDonald’s french fry toddler Halloween costume!

There’s no doubt your little pumpkin will look adorable in any costume, but if you’re eager to flex your creative spirit this Halloween and pull out all the stops for that must-have photo op, you’ve come to the right place. From stunning and elaborate to creative and hilarious, we’ve narrowed our top picks for the cutest and most clever toddler Halloween costumes. We can almost hear the “oohhs” and “awwws” now!

Teal, Yellow and Pink Butterfly

If you’re looking for a unique, show-stopping costume, this butterfly flutters to the top of the pack. To make this exact costume you’ll need Martha Stewart paints, stencils, and plenty of cardboard. Head over to Tell Love and Party for all the details.

Cabbage Patch Doll

The beauty of this toddler Halloween costume is that you can order it! Now, will they keep the wig on long enough to hit the trick-or-treat circuit? That’s another question all together.

Circus Animal Cookie

This circus animal cookie costume hits all the right notes. It’s colorful, cozy, and completely original. Visit A Joyful Riot for all the details on how to re-create this sprinkled-covered costume. Although this tutorial was technically designed for a baby, you can easily adapt it for a toddler or big kid. Just buy bigger clothes and be prepared to cut out a few more circles—it’s that easy!

Related: Family Halloween Costumes That Are a Freakin’ Delight

BB-8 & Rey

Halloween costume inspo is bubbling over on Lauren Mancke’s Insta feed. The talented designer highlights a costume (or three) a day throughout October. Mom to twin girls and a son Fox, she motivates everyone to scratch that creative itch and go big this season! She also offers tons of great ideas on family costumes, like this deep sea Odessey your whole crew will love.

Pretty Peacock

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHBqKaMhqce/

It may not feel like it, but the amount of time you’ll get to dress your kids up for Halloween is finite. So why not go all out while you can? This Peacock costume is stunning and will make for the most beautiful photos. Use this image as inspiration or follow this step-by-step tutorial to create a similar look.

Carousel Horse Toddler Halloween Costume

Save those amazon boxes! This DIY costume uses the most versatile material around—cardboard. Find all the details on A Joyful Riot, including a template that will get you on your way to replicating this amazing Carousel horse for your sweet trick-or-treater.

McDonald’s French Fry Box

The cutest fast food order we’ve ever seen. Even better, the accessories you’ll need can be picked up with a quick trip through the drive-through!

 

Astronaut Jetpack Costume

Sure you can find an astronaut costume online, but if you want to shoot for the stars you can create your own. Check out Bravery Magazine for all the details on how to make this out-of-this-world costume.

Related: Deceptively Easy Baby Costumes Made with a Onesie

Treasure Chest

Ahoy, me hearties! Why not turn your biggest treasure into a pirate’s booty this Halloween? Use this costume by Wild Ink Press as inspiration to turn that cardboard box into a golden treasure chest. Even better, you can play along by dressing up as a pirate yourself. Family costume, complete!

Awesome Octopus

Sewing skills are required for this adorable octopus costume, which comes complete with soft, squishy tentacles for your little one to play with. If you’ve got the skills and some time, the final result is so worth it. Check out the project at Mermagblog.

Army Guy

Halloween only comes around once a year! So if you don’t mind going through lots of green spray paint, this costume will turn heads and make your little soldier the talk of the town. Check out the full tutorial here. 

Rainbow Wagon

Incorporating a wagon into your toddler’s costume is brilliant for so many reasons. So, when we saw this rainbow weather costume from Studio DIY, we instantly fell in love. Use the wagon as a base, toss your little cloud in, and you’re guaranteed a night of trick-or-treating that doesn’t need to end early! There are tons of options for turning it into a family weather costume, like the sun and rain you see here or even a snowflake or lightning bolt for siblings.

Baby Owl Toddler Halloween Costume

Toddler Halloween Costume
The Love Notes Blog

Whooo is the cutest child around? Yours, of course. This DIY costume takes a little time and patience, but it’s worth it to see your baby owl looking cute—and feeling comfortable—in the final result. For step-by-step instructions, go to The Love Notes Blog.

Birthday Cake Costume

A birthday cake for Halloween! Yes, please. This sweeter-than-sugar costume is just what you need to flex your creative spirit and give your little one a costume they’ll never forget. A Subtle Revelry shares all the details on how to make this dreamy fit.

Tiny Toadstool

Wispy House

This teeny, tiny toadstool makes an excellent sidekick for a mini Mario Bros or a fairy princess. Wispy House has all the info on how to make this magic mushroom.

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Deceptively Easy Baby Costumes Made with a Onesie

by Aimee Della Bitta

This genius Halloween costume hack can go in so many directions

Elaborate costumes aren’t always comfortable for the tiniest of tots, so choosing a baby costume for Halloween that is no-fuss yet still adorable is the way to go. Get inspired by these adorable infant costumes that center around what your newborn is happiest wearing—a onesie! From a precious Poké Ball to a little loofah, these simple do-it-yourself costumes will have your baby Halloween-ready in no time.

Pokemon Poké Ball

a baby dressed as a poke ball for a roundup of easy costumes you can make with a onesie
Say Yes

If your baby’s got a big brother or sister who’s obsessed with Pokemon, this Poké Ball idea from Say Yes can be a great sibling costume—all you need is a red long-sleeved onesie, white pants, and some black-and-silver felt to fashion a belt. Make an easy Ash Ketchum look for your big (there’s a great one at kidsactivities.com) and let them tote their little Poké Ball around the neighborhood to help catch ’em all!

Magic 8 Ball

Your baby is magic and so is this witty costume idea from And We Play. Start with a black onesie. Get the template designs for the “8” and the answer “outlook not good” here and strategically place the answer over the diaper area on your baby’s back. It’s, easy, comfy, and clever all in one!

Scuba Diver Baby

A black onesie gets transformed into a wetsuit in this easy-to-assemble scuba diver baby costume. Bonus: the accessories like swim goggles, a water or soda bottle, and a pacifier are all things you probably have on hand.

Strawberry

Pull off this sweet strawberry costume in no time. All you need is a long-sleeved red onesie, green hat, and felt. If you’re itching for an even craftier challenge, check out these slightly more complex (but still onesie-based) costumes by Morgan at Charleston Craft.

Loofah Baby Halloween Costume

Bath time is the best time! With just tulle, rope, and a needle and thread, Home of the Harvey’s shows how to make a baby loofah costume in less than an hour while only spending $8. Be sure to size up the onesie for this easy DIY.

Lifeguard Baby Halloween Costume

baby Halloween costume

Our friends at Primary, who make our favorite baby bodysuits, have shared a bunch of clever costume ideas and simple instructions on how to make them. We love this cute lifeguard baby costume (pictured above)—and its quick, no-sew directions. Here are some of our other faves:

Find LOTS more Halloween costume inspiration and DIY instructions at primary.com.

Pillsbury Doughboy

Here’s a poppin’ fresh idea the whole neighborhood will love. All you need for this DIY Pillsbury doughboy costume is a long-sleeved white onesie, white pants, and a chef’s hat. Then, use any piece of white fabric to make a simple scarf, print the Pillsbury logo, and glue it onto your little one’s hat. Baking skills not included!

Ketchup Bottle

Complete this adorable baby costume in no time with a red premium Onesie bodysuit, white peel-and-stick felt, stick-on letters, a green ribbon, and fabric glue. Looking for another costume for a sibling or friend? Relish the spirit of Halloween with a coordinating costume using a green onesie to make everyone’s favorite pickled condiment.

Baby Deer

This darling deer costume keeps your little fawn comfy and your workload light. Whether you choose to DIY your antlers or make it extra easy and purchase a headband from Little Bug’s Pretties via Etsy, this Halloween inspo from El Paso blogger Jeannie is hard to resist.

Where’s Waldo

In a chilly climate, you’ll appreciate the hat on this easy-to-identify baby Halloween costume. All you’ll need is a red-and-white-striped onesie (or cover a white onesie with red felt strips) and red-and-white fleece for the hat. Add jeans and round glasses (if you can’t find any, search for Harry Potter glasses at online retailers), and you’re all set. Make It & Love It has the tutorial.

Pac-Man Baby Halloween Costume

 

Calling all gamers! Start with a black onesie and glue on cut-out felt pieces of Pac-Man and dots (or order the perfect patches from JohnShopHj on Etsy!). In more of an add-to-cart mood? Pick up this cute onesie from SunshineDriveShop for a mommy-and-me costume where baby is the ghost to your Pac.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Forget about Christmas, Now You Can Get Ugly Halloween Sweaters

by Karly Wood

Need an easy costume? Try an ugly Halloween sweater

Christmas doesn’t have the market cornered when it comes to ugly sweaters. With Halloween right around the corner, the spook-tacular holiday is giving your Santa gear a run for its money! That’s right, ugly halloween sweaters are a thing. Who knew?

HalloweenCostumes.com is gearing up with tons of ugly Halloween sweaters that are pure autumn awesomeness. And bonus, now you can dress up without a full-on costume. Here are some of our faves so you can embarrass your kids while celebrating the holiday—and that is a win, win.

Plague Doctor, $40

Headless Horseman, $40

Pastel Halloween Sweater, $40

The Nun, $40

Pennywise, $40

Annabelle, $40

Scooby-Do Glow in the Dark, $40

Care Bear Trick or Sweet, $40

Vintage Halloween Cat, $40

Pumpkin Spice Latte, $40

Neon Halloween, $40

Along with ugly sweaters for adults, you can also score a skeleton or pumpkin-themed pick for your child, too! While it’s not likely the littles will go for a sweater over a costume, they can show their holiday spirit and wear the “ugly” attire to school this fall!

—Karly Wood

All photos: HalloweenCostumes.com

 

RELATED STORIES

24 Halloween Games That’ll Are a Chillingly Good Time

All the Cool Cats Are Buying These Halloween Pet Costumes

Disney’s New Adaptive Costumes Make Halloween More Inclusive Than Ever

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Disney Just Released Their 2022 Halloween Costume Lineup

by Karly Wood

shopDisney has dropped Halloween apparel, home goods, costumes and more for 2022.

It’s August so there’s no time like the present to start gearing up for Halloween! When it comes to costumes, the sooner you lock your kids into their decision the better (fingers crossed they end up circling back to where they started because they WILL change their minds).

You can get a jump on all things dress up thanks to shopDisney’s Halloween shop that is locked and loaded for the spooky season. In addition to festive Mickey ears and apparel, there are tons of new costumes hitting the site already. From Lightyear-inspired getups to Mirabel from Encanto, stop shopping costumes for baby, toddler, big kid and adaptive styles now.

Baby & Toddler

Oogie Boogie

Coming Soon BUY NOW

Well, well, well! You'll have your own little boogeyman with this adorable costumes. It comes with a full jumpsuit and a separate headpiece that has a large opening so your little can easily see their way from house to house. Stay tuned––this costume is coming soon to shopDisney.

Sox

$25 BUY NOW

Lightyear's cutest robot cat is here for Halloween! Soft and comfy, this jumpsuit has a detachable tail, collar, Sox vinyl nametag and headpiece adorable ears and nose.

Grogu Hover Pram

Coming Soon BUY NOW

You've got your own little baby Yoda with this sweet costume. This set comes with a body suit, pram and separate headpiece to complete the look. Check back at shopDisney, this costume is coming soon.

Big Kids

Mirabel

$50 BUY NOW

Join the family Madrigal with this Mirabel costume. This authentic dress features scalloped edges, butterfly appliqués and all the bright colors Mirabel is known for. Green glasses not included!

Lightyear Space Ranger

$40 BUY NOW

Join Buzz as he blasts off to space! This Space ranger suit comes with a jumpsuit, built-out chest overlay, a Space Ranger hood, blank yellow name tag that kids can personalize, lower bodice muscle linking plus sleeve cuffs.

Mighty Thor (aka Jane Foster)

$60 BUY NOW

Move over, regular Thor. This mighty costume comes with a top, leggings, attached cap and of course the wined mask for the complete look Jane Foster rocks in the film.

Adaptive

Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Wheelchair Cover Set

$50 BUY NOW

Get ready for blastoff This Lightyear-inspired wheelchair cover set comes with spaceship art, plastic piping for stability and long hook and loop strips so that everything stays in place.

 

Black Panther Light-Up Adaptive Costume

$50 BUY NOW

King T'Challa's is ruling Wakanda! This padded Black Panther costume comes with a mask, light-up features and openings both in the front and back.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

These Back-to-School Pics Are Pure Comic Genius

by Erica Loop

These funny first-day-of-school pictures will have you laughing into your (cold) coffee

 

Forget about the letterboard back-to-school school pictures, one mama has a genius first-day photo tradition of her own and her idea will make you laugh.

Leslie Brooks started her fabulously funny first-day of school photo shoots back in 2013 when her daughters were elementary school-aged. Now that her kiddos are teens and tweens, she’s made the pics into an annual event.

Brooks’ photos celebrate the freedom that back to school-time brings to parents, with scenes we all kind of dream about. From a relaxing doorstep massage to floating in the pool (on a unicorn while drinking a Starbucks Frap), Brooks’ pics totally nail the first-day vibe—from the mom’s perspective of course.

She’s not the only one who looks forward to the annual event. Her IG followers and friends wait anxiously to see what kind of picture Leslie and her crew will display each year. One commenter said “The most anticipated Instagram post of the year. We all look forward to the “First day of school” pic. You never let us down. 😂😂😂😂. Those faces. 😂😂😂😂😂”

Related: This Mom’s Back-to-School Shirt Idea Is Pure Genius

 

So what do Brooks’ kiddos think of her annual photo shoots? The mom told Good Morning America, “The kids say to me all the time, ‘this is our awesome tradition.'” Brooks went on to add, “We have so much fun with it, they really have come to look forward to the pictures every year. They even started coming up with costume and prop ideas.” But is she really THAT excited to see them go? Not really. “I adore my children,” Brooks said. “Summers are awesome and I really don’t look forward to them going back to school. I miss them incredibly.”

Related: 16 First Day of School Picture Ideas to Start the Year Off Right

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Target’s St. Patrick’s Day Collection Is Everything

by Erica Loop

It’s time to get your green on! Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with sweet St. Patrick’s Day outfits for kids at Target. The big red bullseye retailer has fab fashions for the pint-sized set at a price point you’ll adore. Get ready to shop because these festive finds are absolutely everything your kiddo (and you) needs to have some serious St. Patrick’s Day fun.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

My Family Shamrocks Onesie

$7 BUY NOW

Available in sizes newborn through 12 months, this adorable onesie is perfect for baby's first St. Patrick's Day.

Shamrock Slippers

$8 BUY NOW

These adorable slippers will keep lucky little feet warm!

Good Luck Charm Dress for Toddlers

$12 BUY NOW

This "lucky" dress is bright and cheery and available in sizes 12 months through 5T

St. Patrick's Day Two-Piece Outfit

$10 BUY NOW

If it's still cold where you live, this two-piece outfit is ideal for a cozy St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Shamrock T-Shirt

$6 BUY NOW

This cotton-blend t-shirt works for just about any kiddo! It's available in size XS-XXL.

Tie-Dye Shamrock Sweatshirt

$15 BUY NOW

Maybe your tween thinks they're "too cool" to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Drop this cool tie-dye sweatshirt on their bed and they'll be singing a different tune.

Star Wars St. Patrick's Day Hoodie

$37 BUY NOW

For your "Star Wars" obessed kid, this hoodie is the perfect blend of sci-fi and St. Patrick's Day.

Lucky Llama Socks

$4 BUY NOW

Okay, so maybe your dress code doesn't allow you to go all green. Put on these llama leprechaun socks, and you'll still be celebrating.

Shamrock Headband

$6 BUY NOW

Don't forget the headgear! Lucky little kids will enjoy sporting this fun shamrock headband.

Shamrock Earrings

$6 BUY NOW

Anyone with pierced ears can "shamrock" these earrings.

Inflatable Rainbow & Pot o' Gold

$141 BUY NOW

Are inflatables your thing? If so, this pot 'o gold at the end of the rainbow is a must.

Garden Flag

$15 BUY NOW

Fly your Irish pride! This fun garden sign is a great addition to your seasonal front yard decor.

Find the complete collection here.

—Gabby Cullen with Erica Loop

Featured image: iStock 

RELATED STORIES

Rejoice! Target’s Adding Returns & Starbucks to Its Curbside Service

The New Spring Line from Hearth & Hand Has Us Planning Our Next Target Run

Target’s Brightroom Is Here to Organize Your Life

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

How to Make a Zero-Waste Mardi Gras Mask

by Erin Feher

This colorful holiday is all about excess. But while we love all the buttery, sugary, deep-fried goodness that this epic celebration is known for, we aren’t huge fans of all the cheap, wasteful junk that passes as decorations this time of year. So we committed to making a Mardi Gras mask from things we already had around the house. From old costume jewelry, we haven’t worn in years to craft paints on the verge of drying up to a handful of colorful feathers, we pulled together a magical mask without making more waste. Party on!

 

What You'll Need

1. Creativity: All these materials are optional, and we recommend just looking through what's in your recycling bin, craft area and jewelry box for any items that will work. We used the following.

2. A sheet of yellow foam paper for the mask base. We were out of yellow paint, so this was the solution! Before we stumbled on this at the bottom of the craft box, we had sliced a rectangle of cardboard off the box that held the garbage bags.

3. Paint, markers or glitter glue. Traditional Mardi Gras colors are yellow, green and purple, but we promise, any colorful outfit will be welcome on Mardi Gras.

5. Feathers and glue.

6. 3-4 rubber bands connected into a daisy chain.

7. An old beaded necklace that we deconstructed.

Other suggestions: Colorful cereal, macaroni or other pasta, beans, glitter, googley eyes, sequins or gems. 

 

What to Do

1. Cut a mask shape out of your base. Leave a little extra space up top to hold plenty of feathers or other decorations.

2. Draw a simple diamond pattern. If you have paint, outline a simple diamond pattern (a traditional Mardi Gras motif) and have your child paint it in.

3. Decorate! Now that you have a simple, Mardi Gras-themed based, just go nuts! We used two layers of feathers for the top, then decorated with beads.

4. Use a hole punch or scissors to make two holes for the rubber band.

5. Don your mask and DANCE!

 

–Erin Feher

All images courtesy of the author

Feature image: Izzy Park via Unsplash

RELATED STORIES: 

10 Animal Masks You Can Easily Make in One Afternoon

35 Easy & Fun Paper Crafts for Kids

How to Make a Mask for Carnival

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement