Happy Halloween! To help get the costume all set for Halloween, Cozi and Target got together to spark your costume creativity and offer tips to make the night a success.

You’ve just settled into the new school year when a chill runs down your spine. Slowly, you turn to look at your calendar. Your eyes open wide and your pulse quickens - it’s almost Halloween!

Over half of Cozi families say they start planning Halloween one month ahead of time, but even if you're a last-minute kind of family a fun and imaginative Halloween costume for your little ghoul is still easily within reach. 

Keep It Simple

Sit down with your kids to talk about costume ideas without the distraction of television, video games, etc., so they can exercise their own imagination. For your own sake, guide them towards ideas that are interesting and easy to execute. (Of course, if you look forward to making homemade costumes all year long, then go all out!)

Avoid a last minute dash to the costume store by explaining clearly that the choice made today will stick on October 31st!

Collect Ideas

To come up with ideas, ask your child about their favorite movie, book or cartoon character - those you can usually get at the store.

Looking for something different? Suggest silly and unexpected ideas related to your child’s interests or combine some of their favorite things (fairy-kitty-princess!).

If your kids still aren’t sure what they want to be, there are tons of fun ideas on the trusty internet. Pinterest is a great place to start - pin ideas to a Halloween costume board as you go and come back later to make the final decision.

Halloween Costume Ideas from Cozi Families

Superheroes
Kitty cat
Ninja
Lego figures
Zombie
S'more (great for coordinating costumers)
Fairy/Tinkerbell
Princess
Mario
Pirate
Star Wars character
Football/soccer/basketball player
Characters from Harry Potter
Characters from The Hunger Games
Family of Avengers
Bucket of popcorn

Halloween Costume Tips

• Have the costume ready a week or the weekend before Halloween so it can be worn to pre-Halloween events. Ensure your child can breathe, see, move and walk while wearing the costume.
• If the costume is going to be store-bought, start looking now while selection is best. 
• Alternative costume resources: thrift store, dollar store, hardware store, or plan a costume swap with friends.
• Gather an assortment of accessories like wigs, gloves, jewelry, weapons, face paint, hats, and fun glasses. Even if you don't use them this year, they're fun for dress up all year 'round.
• If your child will be outside, keep her warm and dry without covering up her costume. Get a clear rain poncho or make sure you have layers she can wear underneath.
• Don’t forget the trick-or-treat bag! Make sure it’s sturdy and big enough to hold his Halloween haul.
• You can never have enough flashlights, reflective tape or glow sticks. Safety first!
• Have fun!

We'd love to know: What is your family dressing up as this year? Tell us in the comments!