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Childrens Halloween Costumes

Costume ideas for kids and teens

Most children and teens look forward to Halloween; thought goes into finding the perfect costume and they eagerly anticipate trick-or-treating or attending a party. When shopping for costumes, children consider the popularity of a costume and their personal tastes, but parents often consider the anticipated weather and the costume’s cost. With a little luck, and perhaps a lot of compromising, a costume can be found that both parent and child agree on.

Popular Childrens Costumes

While the selection of costumes is vast, Harry Potter costumes and Disney costumes are among the most popular. Disney costumes, particularly a princess or fairy costume, are popular with girls. Boys may opt for slightly scarier costumes, such as a monster or zombie, or for the more traditional pirate or superhero.

Perhaps the most important factor in choosing kids Halloween costumes is safety. Masks can transform your adorable child into an evil monster, but they can also make it difficult for kids to see properly, especially in the dark. Use washable, nontoxic face paint instead; it’s safer, and kids will have a great time putting it on.

Another important consideration for childrens Halloween costumes is fit. While you may want a costume roomy enough for your child wear a turtleneck or long-sleeved shirt under, oversized costumes can be a safety hazard. Children may trip on long skirts or pants, and excess material in the top or sleeves may get caught in doors, on gate posts, etc. On the other hand, too small a costume or too many layers may be uncomfortable and restrict movement. Work with your child to find a balance between comfort, warmth and safety.

Teen Halloween Costumes

The biggest concern when it comes to teen Halloween costumes is not safety or even comfort; teens’ biggest concern is being cool. Teens are more likely to choose costumes that are poorly suited for cool weather as long as they are socially “in.”

Teens often trick-or-treat in groups, so some may choose costumes that coordinate with their friends’ costumes. Groups of cheerleaders, rock band members and demons are not uncommon. Many teens enjoy gore and violence, so they are more likely to select scary costumes. Some teens also prefer costumes that have accessories or pockets convenient for holding a cell phone.

No matter the costume budget, personal taste or age of the child or teen, shopping for childrens costumes is part of the fun of Halloween, for both the parent and the child. Sometimes, children and teens know exactly the costume they’re going to get, but often, a costume just catches their eye and the final selection is made after they try it on and view their transformed appearance.

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