Pumpkins glowing outside of each home, crisp leaves line the sidewalks and streets. She was never letting go of that candy bucket. Grasping it so tight that her hands started to turn purple. She would double check every other minute to make sure all her candy was still in there, and the amount was getting bigger, not smaller. She would ask me if she could eat it right then, with a smile from ear to ear. She sprints from door to door, yelling, “Trick-or-treat!” not really knowing what that means, but seeing everyone else doing it for the sweet reward at the end makes it all okay.

Once summer is over, it seems like the only thing that’s on our kids’ mind is Halloween. And why shouldn’t it be? A free unlimited supply of candy, bedtime extended a little later than usual, and of course the greatest costumes ever.

With a toddler in the home, you want to make Halloween as exciting as possible. Their imagination is still young and free, and I think, at this age, Halloween is the best time of year. Seeing them light up and smile while dressed up in their favorite character is so thrilling as a parent. Truly, these are memories that will last forever.

At the same time, you don’t want to break the bank trying to configure a Halloween costume that will please everyone. You need one that’s warm enough to keep the parent’s mind at ease, but also one that has all the gadgets for your little one, and roomy enough to let them run. One that will make them stand out. This can get difficult, especially if you have more than one child. 

Do you do a theme for the whole family? Or let each child pick? Do you make them by hand, or buy them at stores? All great questions, and ultimately up to you and your kids, and what you think you can afford.

Family Costumes:

Look for movies that have come out recently. Stores will stock up on big box office hits.

  • The Incredibles – suits a family of five
  • Star Wars – unlimited Characters
  • Toy Story – unlimited characters
  • Frozen – two girls
  • Moana – daughter & dad
  • Monsters Inc. – unlimited characters
  • Inside out – five characters
  • Glow in the Dark stick figure family
  • Rock and Roll family
  • Farmer & farm animals

If you’re like me, and you don’t have one single ounce of craftiness in you, look at stores and online. Start early, look for little items here and there, and find the best sales. Stores like Target, Costco (yes I know, Costco truly has everything), Walmart, and Halloween City. If you break it up, little by little, it won’t seem like you’re spending a huge amount all at once.

DIY Ideas:

If you are crafty, or want to try a homemade costume this year, Pinterest will be your best friend. Search for “easy” costume ideas. Now is probably not the time to take on a challenging and difficult costume. Keep it simple for not only you, but also your little one.

  • Homeless person
  • Ghost
  • Lumberjack
  • Cotton Candy
  • Lego Man
  • Superman/Clark Kent
  • Jelly Bean Bag
  • Painter

Check out fabric and craft stores as early as possible. Such as: JOANNs, Hobby Lobby and Michaels. Try to find some big sales before its crunch time. Give yourself some credit, and don’t get too hard on yourself if it doesn’t turn out perfect. Your children will still receive candy, and I’m sure still get a lot of compliments.

Regardless of their costume, I would encourage all parents to teach their children to say, “Thank-You” once they get their candy, and to teach them to only take one piece (unless told otherwise.) Not only is it good practice to say please and thank you, it’s also teaching your children proper manners.

Halloween is a time for memories, and letting our kids be kids! So have fun with them, as you see them smile from ear to ear.

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