October is upon us, and if the freezing Chicago temps weren’t enough to give you the fall heads up, the 3,000 pound candy packs at the store might just do the trick. And, as we worry about bundling up the kids in layers, their thoughts are turning toward that one important end-of-the-month moment: Halloween.
For those of us not crafty enough to scratch-make kid-size disguises, Pottery Barn Kids, The Disney Store and One Step Ahead make it look like we did with realistic touches sure to make little ghouls and goblins the talk of the block.
Cosotmot’s first annual Witchin’ Halloween Guide is kicking off with costumes so cool, you’ll wish All Hallow’s Eve came more than once a year.
Pottery Barn Kids is the definite leader when it comes to classic, handmade-look costumes (think Hamburger, Puppy, Spider, Flower and more), and focuses on high-quality construction, durability and more importantly, kids’ comfort, using wearable materials like picot, felt and super-soft polyester fleece.
Their Organic Banana costume is a popular pick, especially because it’s comfortable and easy for kids to wear right over their clothing. It also features a certified organic “sticker” stitched across the front, and its pulled-away peels are lined polyester tricot.
Coordinate a sibling or best friend in PBK’s Gorilla costume. Sewn from the softest faux fur and fully-lined, the matching headpiece features hand-stitched details and shining, plastic eyes. The included pants have an elastic waistband, and the tunic has a button closure in the back. Matching banana-themed treat bags complete the look (more styles are available to compliment other costumes – the ketchup treat bag is a hoot!) and can be personalized for an additional cost. Right now, all costumes and treat bags ship free.
When kids want to dress up like their favorite storybook princesses and movie characters (think Belle, Buzz Lightyear, Jasmine, Ariel, Winnie the Pooh, Nemo, Mickey Mouse and others), The Disney Store’s Halloween Bootique is a parent’s No. 1 resource for licensed selection.
Their Cinderella Deluxe Costume Collection offers little girls everything they need, including a Deluxe Cinderella costume made with rhinestones, satin brocade, and silver lame and braiding. The silver taffetta peplum has shimmering accents, and blue organza overskirt is covered with lots of sparkly silver glitter. It’s a little heavy, but with all the glitz and glam involved, little girls probably won’t notice. A Jewel Princess Cinderella tiara and light-up Jewel Princess Cinderella shoes complete the look, as does the light-up wand complete with Cinderella cameo on top. For something a little different, try the Shimmering Cinderella costume inspired by the Fairy Godmother’s legendary bibbidi-bobbidi-boo. Silhouettes of pumpkin coaches, Cindy, the Prince and others sparkle along the hem, making it super dreamy.
No matter which dress your little gal chooses, I highly recommend a pair of snug tights or socks to go with the shoes. Since they’re plastic, it’s best to try and avoid blisters while hoofing it around the neighborhood.
Toddlers can go for classic character with Minnie and Mickey Mouse costumes. The collection includes a pink satin polka dot Minnie Mouse costume with attached eyelet bloomers styled after her outfit in the popular Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV show, Ballerina Minnie Mouse Shoes and Minnie Mouse Ears with a bow. The boys’ Mickey Mouse version is made of soft stuffed plush and is easy to put on and take off, thanks to self-stick fabric closures. His signature white gloves are included. Save up to 40% on selected costumes, decor and accessories.
Even the littlest trick-or-treaters can get in on the dress-up fun with costumes from leading baby-and-toddler-gear expert, One Step Ahead.
Their extensive collection of infant and toddler animal costumes (think Zebra, Tiger, Cuddly Puppy, Baby Giraffe, Pony, Turtle, etc.) offer an amazing amount of detail like airbrushing, marble eyes, soft sculpture headpieces, matching mitts and shoe covers.
Their Triceratops costume turns little ones into the real thing (almost), with a detailed airbrushed jumpsuit that shows each dinorific detail, including plush, lifelike horns, an impressive stuffed frill, a long stuffed tail and colorful marble eyes. Gloves with plush “dinosaur claws” are included.
Traditionalists can opt for their Tigger costume that looks like it came straight out of the Hundred Acre Wood.The exceptionally warm, extra cozy costume is made of soft plush, has a stuffed tummy, and true-to character hood. Save 25% off on select Halloween costumes and accessories.
