Halloween is one of the most exciting events for kids. They get to enjoy the spooky decorations, the candy, and the late-night adventure. But for parents, it’s a little less fun and a lot more stressful.
If you’ve ever tried shopping for Halloween costumes with a picky 9-year-old or a young teenager, you know the struggle. Between last-minute requests, sizing issues, and your child’s indecision, it’s only normal to feel overwhelmed.
Here are five tips to help you survive your next Halloween costume shopping trip.
Start Shopping Early
The best shopping costumes usually sell out fast. Whether your kid wants to be a vampire, a pirate, or some trending game character, you’re more likely to find what you need if you don’t wait until the week before Halloween.
By October, many stores start selling out popular sizes, especially for boys fancy dress options like superheroes, animals, and classic monsters. And if your child wants to dress up as the most popular character, you better believe other parents would be rushing to get it.
Being early means you can get the best picks.
Focus on Comfort
Some costumes look great, but don’t feel as great. That Spider-Man costume your kid wants might have itchy fabric or weird zippers. Ignoring the fabric and material of a costume could lead to child tantrums later – and they can be scarier than ghosts.
Always check the inside seams and materials before buying. If your child is going to be wearing the costume for hours, it needs to be breathable, movable, and bathroom-friendly. It’s best to avoid full-face masks or anything too tight around the neck.
Double Check the Size Chart
Kids grow faster than you realise. One moment, they can barely reach the kitchen shelf, and the next, they reach your shoulders.
Make sure to look at the size guide, especially if you’re shopping online. Sizes in one brand could fit completely differently in another. If your child is in between sizes, always go one size up.
Getting a costume that’s a little bigger is far better than one that’s too tight. Kids can wear layers underneath.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
Some costumes come with add-ons, while others are sold separately, requiring you to purchase the accessories separately. Maybe the costume needs a sword, some wings, or face paint – anything that brings it together.
Many parents tend to forget the add-ons until it’s too late. A good way to avoid this is to make a checklist with your kid. It should include:
- The costume
- Shoes
- Props, if needed
- Makeup
- Candy bucket
Also, don’t forget to try the full costume on at least once before Halloween.
Have a Backup
Being prepared means being ready for mishaps as well. What if your child’s costume rips, gets stained, or your child has a sudden change of heart?
Keep a backup ready, even if it’s something simple like a superhero shirt, face paint, and a cape. It’s better to be safe than have nothing in case of an emergency. Even an old costume from last year can be a lifesaver if things go sideways.