Creating Memorable Moments with the Best Halloween Costumes

Ask anyone about their favorite Halloween and they will not describe the candy. They will describe a costume: the year Dad was a banana, the toddler shark who refused to take the fin off until Thanksgiving, the group of cousins who all showed up as Spider-Man by accident. Costumes are how the night gets remembered. Here is how we think about choosing ones worth remembering.

Why the costume matters more than you think

A costume changes how a kid moves through the night. A shy child in a mask gets brave. A parent in a ridiculous tunic gets to be silly in public with permission. The best costumes are not the most expensive or the most accurate; they are the ones that let the person wearing them have more fun than they would in regular clothes.

Start with a theme, even a loose one

You do not need matching costumes, but a shared idea helps everyone decide. "Things with teeth" covers a shark, a dinosaur, and a vampire. "Space" covers Star Wars, an astronaut from the closet, and an alien. "The grocery store" covers every food costume we sell. Our Group and Couples Costumes collection is the place to browse for sets built to go together, and most of our themed collections filter by age so you can check a theme covers the whole household.

Popular picks by age

• Babies and toddlers: Grogu, Bluey, sharks, and food tunics. The Toddler Grogu Costume (soft robe and fabric headpiece, 3T-4T) is our single most popular toddler costume. See Toddler Costumes.
• Kids: Spider-Man, the Mandalorian, Minecraft Steve, Mario and Luigi, and inflatable dinosaurs. Value versions with a jumpsuit and mask run around $30 at time of writing. Browse Boys Costumes and Girls Costumes.
• Teens: Marvel and Star Wars in kids' large (12-14) and adult small, plus food costumes for the friend group.
• Adults: anything funny. The Adult Banana Costume (lightweight polyfoam bodysuit, one size fits most) is in our Top Sellers collection. See Adult Costumes.
• Dogs: hot dogs, Captain America, Grogu, and shark fins, sized by weight.

DIY or store-bought?

Both, usually. Buy the piece that is hard to make (a character costume, a headpiece, a mask, an inflatable) and make the rest (props, signs, a cardboard accessory). A store-bought costume will survive a school parade, a party, and trick-or-treating; a homemade one is perfect for a single night and a lot of photos. If you are torn, buy the costume for the kid who will wear it for months and DIY for the adult who will wear it for three hours.

Standing out without spending more

The costume people remember is rarely the fanciest. It is the one with a joke, a prop, or a commitment. A banana who hands out bananas. A shark who only speaks in "chomp." A family of hot dogs with a real squeeze bottle of mustard. Add one small bit to any costume and it becomes the one everyone talks about.

Safety on the night

A few rules keep the memories good ones. Hems above the ankle for kids. Fabric masks or face paint instead of rigid full-face masks for anyone under ten, or headpieces that leave the face open. Reflective tape on the treat bag and a flashlight or glow stick per kid. Comfortable shoes you already own. And a trial run at home a few days before, which is when you find out the headband pinches.

Timing and ordering

Popular sizes sell out in mid-October every year. Order by the first week of the month: during September through December, processing takes 24 to 72 hours and ground shipping usually arrives 3 to 5 business days after your order ships, and orders over $99 ship free with standard shipping. Unopened costumes can be returned within 30 days with prior authorization, so keep the packaging until sizes are confirmed.

Making this Halloween one to remember

Take the photo early, before the first house. Let the kids pick, even if you have a better idea. Say yes to the ridiculous adult costume. The whole point of dressing up is to make memories and create smiles, and the costume that does that is the best one, whatever it is. Start browsing in All Costumes. Prices are accurate at time of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Halloween costumes right now?

For kids, Spider-Man, the Mandalorian, Grogu, Bluey, and Minecraft Steve. For adults, food costumes like the banana and hot dog, Star Wars, and inflatables. Dog costumes sized by weight round out family themes.

Is it better to buy or make a Halloween costume?

Buy the pieces that are hard to make well, such as character costumes, headpieces, and masks, and make props and extras at home. Bought costumes hold up to repeated wear; homemade ones are ideal for a single night.

How do I make a Halloween costume stand out?

Add one small bit: a prop, a joke, or a matching accessory for the whole group. A banana who hands out bananas gets remembered longer than the most detailed costume at the party.

When should I order Halloween costumes?

By the first week of October. Peak-season processing takes 24 to 72 hours, ground shipping typically arrives 3 to 5 business days after shipping, and popular sizes sell out by mid-month.