Halloween Costume Tips

So, will you have goblins and pumpkins around your home this year, or perhaps Chicken Little? Whatever you decide for your costumes for your Halloween party and trick or treat night, keep a few tips in mind when purchasing and/or making costumes for your trick o’ treaters ….

If purchasing costumes, wigs, beards, etc. make sure that they are labeled flame resistant. Although the label does not mean these items will not catch fire, the label does mean it will resist burning and extinguish quickly.

Avoid costumes with baggy arms, billowy sleeves, pontoon pants, and/or made out of flimsy material so that contact with candles will be minimal, You could avoid candles all together with glow sticks or battery operated candles. These glow sticks will fit in most Jack O’Lanterns and last for a few hours.

If you are going to have costumes with swords, shields, etc. make sure they are soft and flexible.

If using a mask, make sure the eyeholes are large enough for your child to see out clearly with full vision, and that it securely fastens around his head. Because masks can often block vision, you may want to consider using hypo-allergenic makeup instead.

Have kids go out in sturdy, comfortable shoes. High heels for the Cinderella costume is not a good idea.

Make sure that costumes are short enough so that the kids will not trip over them.

Make sure kids have flashlights on them for their trick-or-treat adventure.

Glow sticks are also quite popular, and are great for making kids visible, but they don’t replace flashlights in making sure that the kids have enough light to see.

Make costumes that are light and bright and can easily reflect light. Make sure that they are clearly visible to motorists as well. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and treat bags for greater visibility. The above-mentioned glow sticks are great for that!

Secure emergency ID on your kid, especially if you will not be going with him.