Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more.
Despite pumpkins popping up on neighbors’ porches and spooky skeletons all over storefronts, Halloween has a tendency to sneak up as a holiday. If you procrastinate like me, it can be a harrowing monster hunt to find a costume—in stores, the Halloween clearance has started just as October begins. If you’re in the same boat, read on for the best Halloween costumes to order just in time for all the parties, parades, and trick-or-treating fun.
What to consider when buying a Halloween costume online
When shopping for Halloween costumes, especially for kids, think about a few things before you hit “add to cart”:
Age and size
When choosing a costume for a baby or toddler, you should consider purchasing a costume that doesn’t obstruct their view and makes it easy to maneuver them in and out for a quick change. Onesies are a great choice, and costumes that can double as PJs are even better. As children grow older, check their masks to make sure they can see out of them, and hem or cut costumes that drag on the ground, making it easy to trip while trick or treating.
Some costumes are sold as one-size-fits-all, and others may have measurements slightly larger or smaller than clothing sizes. To avoid disappointment, check any garment's measurements before purchasing it.
Visibility
As mentioned above, a potential pitfall of costumes that come with masks is that wearers cannot see. Halloween is typically chaotic during trick-or-treating hours, and dusk (and, of course, night) can greatly reduce visibility. Among the tips given by the global nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide include giving children flashlights, glow sticks, or even adding reflective material on the back of your child’s costume.
Comfort
Not all Halloween costumes are created equal in terms of comfort. If you know your child (or you) will wear their costume throughout the school day and night, make sure they are comfortable. Check to see that the costume doesn’t fit too tightly anywhere and that they can easily remove it if needed; some one-piece costumes are made of fleece, making it easy to get overheated.
Our picks for the best Halloween costumes
Top Halloween costumes for kids
I love a great homemade costume. However, if you don’t have the time or talent (or, in my case, both) or your kids want to buy their own, there are plenty of choices from spooky to cool and everything in between.
Super Mario Bros. Mario Costume
You loved the game, your kid loved the new film, and everyone can get on board with this cute costume. A jumpsuit, hat, and even his iconic mustache are all you need to level up this Halloween.
Nintendo Super Mario Brothers Boys Mario Deluxe Costume
Bluey
This puppy costume will keep your toddler or younger child snug, thanks to its one-piece zippered suit, complete with an adorable (and useful for warming cold heads) hood that can go up or down, with cuffs around the feet and hands, so it doesn’t cause slips or keep them from carrying their treat bag. Note: It’s also sold as a PJ, but with an oversized hood, it may work best as a Halloween costume for younger kids versus sleepwear.
Bluey Ready for Adventure Boys Halloween Costume Pajamas Cosplay
Barbie, Pink Power Jump Suit
There are hundreds of ways to dress up like Barbie on Halloween. The pink power jumpsuit from the Barbie movie is a great choice for kids who want to opt for fun, not frights, on Halloween night.
Kid's Pink Power Jumpsuit - Barbie the Movie by Spirit Halloween
Harry Potter Witches and Wizards
A reboot of the classic coming down the pipeline from Max (formerly HBOMax), so reintroduce your kids to the magical world of Harry Potter with these costumes—it was impossible to pick the best one!
Harry Potter Witches and Wizards
Glow In The Dark Dino Skeleton
When my kids were little, they loved glow sticks, stickers, and anything dinosaur-related. This costume combines these two passions into one super cool look.
Glow In The Dark Dino Skeleton
Ghost Face
While I wouldn’t let my kids watch the film, this iconic scary mask was a hit during the latter elementary school years. Wear it alone or with a black robe or clothes for a super spooky effect.
Charizard Costume
Catch all the candy when your kid dons this cute Charizard costume from the zany word of Pokemon. A one-suiter, it’ll not only capture your kid's imagination, it’ll keep them warm.
Cindy Lou Who
Christmas comes early when you trick or treat as Cindy Lou. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, Grinch-themed characters go a long way at your kid’s Halloween parade. Snuggly and simple, it’s an easy, cute costume.
Cindy Lou Who
Top Halloween costumes for men
Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice is back in theaters in 2024—and hitting the streets this Halloween. Comfortable, creepy, and easy to wear, this men’s costume is hauntingly good fun.
Beetlejuice
Albus Dumbledore
Resurrect Professor Dumbledore and delight trick-or-treaters with this silvery shimmering robe, a classic pillbox hat, and a hanging tassel. You’ll need to buy the wig, beard, and wand separately to truly emulate the greatest wizard of all time.
Albus Dumbledore
Astronaut
If you’ve got the right stuff, this one-piece flight suit is for you, complete with a belt and NASA-like patches. Easy to take on and off, you don’t need a lot of accessories for this one unless you have a space helmet.
Haorugut Astronaut Spaceman Costume for Mens Space Explorer Jumpsuit Flight Suit Adults Astronaut Cosplay Costumes Orange S
Ted Lasso
“You say impossible, but all I hear is 'I'm possible.”—Ted Lasso. If you enjoy Ted Lasso, this is a great costume score for Halloween. The get-up includes everything (even a whistle) you need to go out and win the game. Grab your kid’s soccer ball and the outfit is complete.
Ted Lasso
Werewolf of London
Sometimes you don’t need a full costume on Halloween, just a scary mask. If you’re handing out candy to little trick or treaters and want to get into the holiday mood, this mask (a throwback to a 1981 hit film) is for you without being too terrifying.
Adult's Werewolf of London Mask
Jurassic World’s Blue Raptor
If you don’t mind bulk and don’t get claustrophobic easily, this huge (all-covering) inflatable costume allows you to roam wild as Blue, the raptor from Jurassic World. It will surely be a hit with kids and probably scare all the dogs in your neighborhood.
Adult's Jurassic World Blue Inflatable Costume
Top Halloween costumes for women
The Corpse Bride
Tim Burton’s characters are extra chilling during Halloween. Whirl, twirl, and dance like the dead as Emily, aka the Corpse Bride. The costume comes with a dress, veil, and fingerless glove, but the wig is sold separately.
The Corpse Bride
Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus Costume
This trio of sister witches rose again from the grave in Hocus Pocus II in 2022, so your kids can enjoy the same Salem scaries as you did in the ‘90s during the first one. The only downside to this costume is that the wig and cape are sold separately— a trick rather than a treat. Winifred was the scariest of the Sanderson sisters, but you could choose from any of the three.
Adult Winifred Sanderson Costume - Hocus Pocus by Spirit Halloween
Unicorn
If you plan to take your little one trick or treating for hours on end, you may get chilly and this is where a onesie costume comes in. This rainbow-striped hooded unicorn option feels like pajamas and can get you in the spirit for Halloween.
Adult Onesie Unicorn Pyjamas Halloween Costume Cosplay Colorful Medium
Roaring Twenties Beauty
Sometimes you want to go glam instead of ghoul on Halloween Night. This 1920s-inspired dress is great on its own or add a mask (I’m partial to these gorgeous peacocks) if you’re headed to a masquerade ball.
Roaring Twenties Beauty
Skeleton Poncho
This could be part of a larger costume or simply thrown over a black t-shirt for minimal fuss. If you take young kids out on Halloween night, less is more when juggling their treat bags and keeping track of your little monsters. This poncho is spooky and cool, and while it won’t keep you warm, it’ll help you get into the Halloween spirit.
Women's Skeleton Poncho Costume
Butterfly
Another great choice if you want to dress up without going all out. These beautiful butterfly wings act as a costume and cloak, with a wingspan of 98 inches tip to tip. It’s lightweight and can be thrown on over a black t-shirt and leggings and for an instant beautiful Monarch butterfly costume.
Top Halloween costumes for teens
Wednesday Addams
Go as your favorite Goth girl, Wednesday Addams, in a costume from the Netflix hit show. There are a few great Wednesday ensembles but the Raven dance gown is one of the best.
Raven Dance Girl's Costume Dress
Taylor Swift-inspired Cheerleader (Shake It Off)
Grab your pom-poms and trick-or-treat bag. Swifties can have fun wearing this costume inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” video on Halloween—and maybe you can even add some Kansas City Chiefs flair to make it extra relevant this year.
Taylor Swift-inspired Cheerleader (Shake It Off)
Rollerblading Ken
Rock the rollerblades this Halloween with this vest and shirt combo, including a visor, shorts, and a pair of wristbands.
Rollerblading Ken
Hot Sauce
Celebrate Halloween dressed as your favorite condiment. Plus, it’s easy to slip on over clothes for an instant and eye-catching costume. The hot sauce was my favorite, but you could also go as mustard, ranch dressing, ketchup, or a bottle of BBQ. The costumes are one-size-fits-all for adults, so it's probably best for older teens.
Single Condiment Food Costume - Slip On Halloween Costume for Women and Men - One Size Fits All - Hot Sauce Bottle
Ellie from The Last of Us
Easy costumes for emulating Ellie from the popular series, “The Last of Us.” Just add jeans and one of these sets, and you’re ready to battle the undead and save the world.
The Last of Us Ellie Cosplay Costume Outfit Short Sleeve Shirt Pullover for Women Girls (Fuchsia, S)
Verycos Adults Ellie Williams Cosplay Anime Casual Sports Jacket Hooded Packable Green Top Crewneck Shirt Halloween Costume
M3GAN
If you’re worried about Chatbots, this will scare you. M3GAN, the AI, from the movie with its name, is another pop culture reference sure to be seen on the streets this Halloween. A blonde wig is not included.
M3GAN
Barbie Cowgirl
With so many Barbies to choose from this Halloween, this fun, hot pink cowgirl roped us in. Unfortunately, this bright two-piece doesn’t come with a hat, and your tween or teen may want a jacket to keep warm.
Spirit Halloween Barbie the Movie Adult Cowboy Costume - M | Officially Licensed | Cowgirl Outfit | Barbie Costume | Western Costume
Top Halloween costumes for babies
Baby Skeleton
Your baby can enjoy Halloween, too, in a skeleton onesie. Sizes go from newborn to 18 months; this costume keeps them cute and cozy all October. And parents will appreciate the easy snaps for when you need to do a quick diaper change without having to wrangle an actual costume.
Guodeunh Newborn Baby Boy Girl Halloween Costume Romper Skeleton Jumpsuit Outfit Skull Clothes with Hat (Skull- B, 3-6 Months)
Turkey
This turkey onesie in soft, fleecy material can be the perfect cozy costume on Halloween and trotted out again for Thanksgiving. Or, if you prefer, your little one could go as a cuddly skunk and be the cutest little stinker on the block.
Turkey
Baby Shark
You know the song, and if you don’t know, you will as soon as they hit preschool. This is another great choice for keeping your wee one warm (and adorable) on Halloween night.
Baby Shark - Daddy Shark Kids Costume
Pumpkin
This classic jack o’ lantern pumpkin suit has been around (with slight tweaks in design) for decades, and it is still one of my favorites for keeping babies looking cute and comfy on Halloween Night. This costume is one-piece with a zipper and a hood, and is easy to get on and off your little pumpkin.
Pumpkin
Lobster
New England vibes all around when you dress your baby as a red hot crustacean for Halloween. This lobster costume (onesie) has wonderful details, such as claws and antennae—and is sure to surprise and delight family and friends.
Lobster
Top Halloween costumes for families
Dinosaur Family
Mix and match your dinosaur family and go out together for a roaring good time. This collection of onesies for you and your kids might be a good fit if you have younger children going through their inevitable paleontology, aka dinosaur phase.
Dinosaur Family
Green and Gold Dragons
If your kid doesn’t like dinosaurs, I bet they like dragons, and dressing up like these winged beasts is a fun way for families to take flight together on Halloween. Bonus: they’re to get in and out of (you can just wear your clothes underneath), and the wings and hoods with horns are great extra touches.
Green and Gold Dragons
Wizard of Oz
If you have a big family, there are plenty of parts to play when you choose ”The Wizard of Oz” as your Halloween theme. Dorothy, Cowardly Lions, Wicked Witches, the Tin Man and Scarecrow, and the list goes on.
Wizard of Oz
The Nightmare Before Christmas
We pretty much have this movie on repeat between Halloween and Christmas—it represents so many holidays! With costumes like these, you can trick or treat together in style.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Little Mermaid
Ursula, Prince Eric, Ariel, Sebastian, and all the other fish (and other creatures) in the sea are great together when you dress up as these characters from the classic film and beloved book by Hans Christian Andersen.
Prestige Ursula Women's Costume | The Little Mermaid Costume
Sesame Street
Big Bird, Elmo, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch (or any combination of them) can travel together when you dress up like our favorite neighbors on Sesame Street. Great for younger children who love the characters and parents who grew up watching, too.
Sesame Street
Scooby-Doo and Friends
It’s impossible to make a list of group costumes without including the original monster mystery hunters, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, and danger-prone Daphne. You can even choose to be the Mystery Machine when you browse this collection of costumes in sizes for toddlers and up. The list just doesn’t feel complete with this groovy group in the lineup for the best of Halloween.
Scooby-Doo and Friends
Top Halloween costumes for groups
Box of Crayons
Choose from nearly all the rainbow colors and then some when you and your friends or family travel as a box of crayons. Bonus points if someone carries a copy of “The Day the Crayons Quit” if you’re going to a school Halloween party.
Box of Crayons
Pins and a Bowling Ball
This is sold as a set for two, but add a few more pins, ask your dad to play The Dude, and you’ve elevated the whole outfit.
Pins and a Bowling Ball
Game of Thrones
The show may have ended, but the characters continue to delight. Will you be team Targaryen or decide simply to go as a dragon? Worried the theme is past its prime? Don’t worry. And it’s October, so it is true, “Winter is coming,” and these costumes still stand out in a crowd.
Game of Thrones
Emojis
With so many to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a group of emojis, and these easy-to-wear aprons let you flaunt your emotions together without fuss.
Emojis
The Justice League
These caped crusader costumes are available in adult or kid sizes, so no matter your age, you and your friends can enjoy going as your favorite superheroes from The Justice League. Wonder Woman, The Flash, Superman, Green Lantern, Batman, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter. Be a force to be reckoned with on Halloween.
The Justice League
Stranger Things
Grab your Dungeons and Dragons books and group (don’t forget about Eleven) together to battle Vecna (and yes, there is a costume for him, too) and other creatures when you travel together as characters from “Stranger Things.”
Stranger Things
Simple and easy to assemble, a deck of cards is one idea for groups with plenty of options for costumes. If you wanted to add a spin on it, you could be a deck of cards playing War, you could fake blood and army helmets, or you could go as a deck of cards playing Go Fish— and carry fishing poles.
Deck of Cards
See also: Best Dog Halloween Costumes>>>
How to stay safe on Halloween
Trick or treating is a fun way to celebrate Halloween but you want your kids to stay safe. Safe Kids Worldwide suggests the following:
- Choose facepaint over masks because the latter can impede visibility.
- Wear light colors or reflective tape on your costume.
- Drive slowly and carefully (or, better yet, not at all) when traveling in residential areas.
- Use headlights at dusk when younger kids might be out and about trick or treating
- Make sure costumes fit properly and won’t trip you up as you walk
- Consider the age and maturity of your child before you let them trick-or-treat alone
- Tell your tweens and teens to stay with a friend or group of friends, and travel to well-lit homes and familiar neighborhoods.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.