Halloween costume tips for parents

Posted by citiYellow

Saturday, 21 January 2012 07:34

The season of tricks and treats is fast approaching and with it the need for fun Halloween decor, playful party essentials and the all-important costume.

As kids and teens decide on what creature or character they'll be this year, parents too should prepare for the season by making smart shopping decisions.

Here are five costume-shopping tips to help ensure a frightfully fun Halloween:

1. Keep costumes age appropriate. It's true that virtually anything goes these days when it comes to Halloween costumes, but some options are more age appropriate than others. For example, it's probably fine for teen Halloween costumes to be scarier than what you would put on your elementary school-aged child. Likewise, a pumpkin theme may be appropriately adorable for toddlers and preschoolers but not in line with the styles favored by preteens. Consider your child's age when making purchases and by all means, talk to them about what they feel is appropriate for this season's costume.

2. Think through sizing needs before you buy. The size costume you'll need will depend on more than just how big your child is. You need to factor in extenuating circumstances like weather. For example, if you live in a region where chilly temperatures will warrant a jacket or sweater under a costume, you'll need to buy a larger size to accommodate that extra layer. Don't forget that kids Halloween costumes are sized similarly to clothes, which means the size label 7/8 is not an age range.

3. Don't be afraid of buying online. If your child wants something really unusual, it may be hard to find it in person - even if you go to a costume store. If you costume shop online, be sure to comparison shop for price, factor in shipping to the overall cost of the costume, and order early so that your order arrives in time for the holiday.

4. Be the early bird! The biggest mistake parents make is waiting too long to purchase or plan their child's Halloween costume. The best costumes will sell out fast, both in stores and online. So shop early. If you suspect your child will have grown between the time you buy and the time she'll wear the costume - and that can happen with infants - buy the size you anticipate the child will be on Oct. 31.

5. Keep safety in mind. Never sacrifice safety for the sake of a cool costume. Fortunately, so many great costume options are available that you don't have to give up fun and style in order to stay safe. Look for costumes made of fire-retardant materials. Avoid masks that obstruct vision or breathing.

With a little bit of planning, you can ensure the holiday is a treat for you and your child.