The short answer
The most popular kids Halloween costumes in 2026 are Spider-Man, generic superheroes, princesses, witches and ghosts, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). On top of those classics, the big trend picks this year are KPop Demon Hunters, Toy Story 5 characters, Power Rangers and video game looks like Fortnite. Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026, so you have 11 days left to plan as of October 20.
- Most popular overall: Spider-Man, worn by an estimated 4.6 million kids (NRF)
- Biggest 2026 trend: KPop Demon Hunters (Rumi, Mira, Zoey and the Saja Boys)
- Best for ages 4–7: Buzz Lightyear, Woody or Jessie from Toy Story 5
- Best for ages 8–12: Power Rangers, Fortnite or a Greek warrior
- Best for teens: a HUNTR/X group costume or a Halo Spartan
- Safety must-haves: a flame-resistant label, reflective tape and face paint instead of a mask
$1.5B
Expected spending on children’s costumes in 2026
4.6M
Kids expected to dress as Spider-Man
2.2M
Kids expected to dress as a princess
49%
Halloween shoppers who start in September or earlier
In this article
Kids Halloween costumes are the outfits children wear for trick-or-treating, school parades and parties on October 31, and in 2026 they are a $1.5 billion business in the US alone, according to the NRF Halloween survey. That number covers everything from a store-bought Spider-Man suit to a cardboard robot built at the kitchen table. For the bigger picture, including decorations, treats and movies, see our complete Halloween 2026 guide.
This guide brings our old kids and teen costume lists together into one updated page. First, you will find the most popular picks and the 2026 trends. Next, we sort more than 50 ideas by age (little kids 4–7, big kids 8–12 and teens 13–17) and by theme. After that, we cover easy DIY options, sibling and family groups and, finally, the costume safety rules that pediatricians and federal regulators actually recommend.
For every idea, we list the key pieces you need, a difficulty rating (Easy, Medium or Advanced) and a rough budget band. Here, $ means you can mostly use clothes you already own, $$ means one or two bought pieces, and $$$ means a full licensed costume or a larger build.
What Are the Most Popular Kids Halloween Costumes in 2026?
Spider-Man is the most popular kids Halloween costume in 2026 in the NRF data, with an estimated 4.6 million children planning to wear it. Generic superheroes, princesses, witches and ghosts round out the top five. The NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics surveyed 7,889 US consumers from September 1 to 9, 2026, and published the results on September 22.
| Rank | Kids’ costume | Estimated kids (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spider-Man | 4.6 million |
| 2 | Superhero (any) | 2.3 million |
| 3 | Princess | 2.2 million |
| 4 | Witch | 1.6 million |
| 5 | Ghost | 1.6 million |
Meanwhile, the trend picture comes from the retailer side. In its 2026 trend report, Spirit Halloween, the seasonal retailer that runs about 1,500 pop-up stores, named Toy Story 5, KPop Demon Hunters, Spider-Man, Power Rangers, Greek mythology, high fantasy, Fortnite and Halo among its top costume themes. Notably, Spirit says it sells kids versions of the Toy Story, KPop Demon Hunters, Spider-Man and Power Rangers looks, so those are easy to find in children’s sizes.
What are kids searching for? Google Frightgeist 2026
Google search data tells a different story from the survey. In fact, Google’s annual Frightgeist costume tracker, as reported by Fox Television Stations on October 15, 2026, ranks Dolly Parton, Ella Langley, Dumpling, Shakira and Ash Ketchum from Pokemon as the top five searched kids costumes this year. However, these rankings measure searches, not costumes actually bought or worn, so treat them as a guide to what is buzzing rather than a sales chart.
| Frightgeist kids rank | Costume | Easy way to pull it off |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dolly Parton | Blonde wig, rhinestone or fringe jacket, toy guitar |
| 2 | Ella Langley | Cowboy hat, boots and a denim or fringe outfit |
| 3 | Dumpling | Puffy white hoodie stuffed with batting, a pleated felt top |
| 4 | Shakira | A sparkly stage outfit and a toy microphone |
| 5 | Ash Ketchum (Pokemon) | Red-and-white cap, blue vest, a toy Poke Ball |
| 6 | Hannah Montana | Blonde wig, sparkly top, microphone |
| 7 | Spider-Gwen | White hooded suit with black and pink accents |
| 8 | Michael Jackson (Thriller era) | Red jacket, black pants, one sparkly glove |
| 9 | Pomni (The Amazing Digital Circus) | Red-and-blue jester outfit and hat |
| 10 | Grogu | Tan robe, green face paint and felt ears |
Quick picks: the top 10 kids Halloween costumes for 2026
| Costume | Best age | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man | 4–12 | Easy | $$ | No. 1 in the NRF survey and sold everywhere |
| Rumi, Mira or Zoey (KPop Demon Hunters) | 6–17 | Medium | $$ | The hottest character costume of 2026 |
| Buzz Lightyear or Woody | 3–8 | Easy | $$ | Toy Story 5 made both instantly recognizable again |
| Power Ranger | 5–12 | Easy | $$ | Bright colors are naturally visible at night |
| Princess or queen | 3–10 | Easy | $–$$ | A top-three costume that kids can reuse for dress-up |
| Friendly witch | 4–17 | Easy | $ | Works at every age with a hat and a cape |
| Fortnite skin | 8–15 | Medium | $$ | Gaming costumes are a named 2026 trend |
| Greek god or warrior | 8–17 | Medium | $–$$ | Mythology is a 2026 trend and is simple to DIY |
| Glow-in-the-dark skeleton | 4–12 | Easy | $ | Spooky, cheap and highly visible |
| HUNTR/X trio (group) | 10–17 | Medium | $$ | Perfect for three friends or siblings |
Which 2026 Costume Trends Are Kids Asking For?
KPop Demon Hunters and Toy Story 5 are the two biggest new costume trends for kids this year, while Spider-Man, Power Rangers and Fortnite carry over as dependable favorites. Here is what each trend involves and how to pull it off.
1. KPop Demon Hunters: Rumi, Mira and Zoey
KPop Demon Hunters is the animated Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation film about HUNTR/X, a K-pop girl group that secretly fights demons. Because it has been reported as Netflix’s biggest movie to date and a sequel is already planned for 2029, interest has not faded, and Spirit Halloween lists kids Mira and Zoey costumes this season.
- What you need: stage outfit in the character’s colors, a long braid (Rumi), a high ponytail (Mira) or space buns (Zoey), and a soft foam prop
- Difficulty: Medium
- Budget: $$
- Why it works: it lets three friends or siblings coordinate instantly
- More ideas: our full KPop Demon Hunters costume guide
2. KPop Demon Hunters: Saja Boys and Derpy the tiger
The Saja Boys are the film’s rival demon boy band, led by Jinu. For younger kids, Derpy, the goofy blue tiger, is a cuddly alternative that is not scary at all.
- What you need: a black suit or black jacket and pants with a sash for the Saja Boys; a blue hoodie, tiger ears and stripes for Derpy
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $–$$
- Why it works: it gives boys and younger siblings a way into the year’s biggest trend
3. Toy Story 5: Woody, Buzz and Jessie
Toy Story 5 opened in theaters on June 19, 2026, became the highest-grossing Toy Story film, and started streaming on Disney+ on September 23. As a result, Spirit Halloween names Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and Slinky Dog among this year’s top looks.
- What you need: Woody needs a yellow plaid shirt, cow-print vest, jeans and a cowboy hat; Jessie needs a cow-print outfit, red hat and a braid; Buzz needs a space suit
- Difficulty: Easy (Woody, Jessie) to Medium (Buzz)
- Budget: $–$$
- Why it works: every age group recognizes these characters, including grandparents
4. Spider-Man
Spider-Man tops the NRF kids list for 2026 and also appears in the top five for adults, which makes it an easy parent-and-child match.
- What you need: a licensed suit, or a red or black hoodie with a painted web pattern
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $$
- Why it works: it comes in every size, and Miles Morales and Spider-Gwen versions add variety
5. Power Rangers
Spirit Halloween lists Power Rangers alongside Spider-Man in its 2026 superhero trend, with kids versions available.
- What you need: a colored jumpsuit or matching T-shirt and leggings, white gloves and a helmet or painted face
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $$
- Why it works: bright solid colors stand out on dark streets, and siblings can each pick a color
6. Fortnite and Halo
Spirit Halloween’s “Level Up Your Look” trend covers Fortnite and Halo costumes. Fortnite is a battle royale video game and Halo is a sci-fi shooter series, so these looks usually suit older kids and teens who play them.
- What you need: a character costume, or a homemade outfit plus a llama, pickaxe or Spartan helmet made from foam
- Difficulty: Medium to Advanced
- Budget: $$–$$$
- Why it works: gamers love being recognized by other players at school
7. Greek gods and fantasy heroes
Spirit Halloween is also leaning into mythology and high fantasy this year, with Greek-inspired armor, cloaks, dragon accessories and rogue adventurer looks.
- What you need: a white sheet or tunic, gold ribbon or a laurel crown; a cloak and a stuffed dragon for a dragon rider
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Budget: $
- Why it works: it ties in with school mythology units and is cheap to make
What Are the Best Costumes by Age?
The best costume depends far more on age than on gender. Younger children need comfort and easy bathroom breaks, while teens care most about being recognized by their friends. So, use these tables as a starting point and let your child choose the character.
Quick picks by exact age: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 10 and 12
If you only need one fast answer for your child’s age, start here. Then, scroll down to the age-group tables for more options.
| Age | Top pick | Backup pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year old | Pumpkin or ladybug onesie | Bumblebee | Soft, warm and easy for diaper changes |
| 2 years | Elmo or a puppy | Bluey-style blue dog hoodie | No props, no masks, no long hems |
| 3 years | Jessie or Buzz Lightyear | Paw Patrol pup | Characters preschoolers know by name |
| 7 year old | Spider-Man or Miles Morales | Pikachu | Easy to move, play and trick-or-treat in |
| 8 year old | Power Ranger | Minecraft Creeper | Bright, sturdy and simple to recognize |
| 10 year old | Zoey or Mira (KPop Demon Hunters) | Fortnite character or Wednesday Addams | Cool enough for tweens, still kid-friendly |
| 12 year old | Saja Boys or HUNTR/X group look | Vampire or Backrooms explorer | Group and pop-culture looks win at this age |
Little kids (ages 4–7)
For this age group, choose soft fabrics, short hems and a costume that goes on over regular clothes. Also, skip anything with a full mask, since young kids are the most likely to trip.
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buzz Lightyear | Space suit or white and green outfit, wings made from foam board | Easy | $$ | Toy Story 5 is the big kids’ movie of the year |
| Jessie | Cow-print vest, red cowboy hat, yarn braid | Easy | $ | Mostly built from clothes you already own |
| Princess | Dress, tiara, comfortable flats | Easy | $–$$ | A top-three NRF costume and great for dress-up later |
| Pumpkin | Orange sweatshirt, green felt stem hat, black felt face | Easy | $ | Cozy, warm and impossible to get wrong |
| Dinosaur | Green hoodie with felt spikes, tail stuffed with fabric | Easy | $ | Kids can stomp and roar all night |
| Firefighter | Yellow raincoat, reflective strips, red helmet | Easy | $ | Reflective trim doubles as a safety feature |
| Mermaid | Sequin top, fabric tail skirt that ends above the ankle | Medium | $$ | A classic that stays popular, but keep the tail short |
| Pikachu | Yellow hoodie, felt ears with black tips, red cheek paint | Easy | $ | Pokemon is recognized by every age group |
| Ladybug or bumblebee | Red or yellow top, black dots or stripes, headband antennae | Easy | $ | Bright, warm and quick to make |
Big kids (ages 8–12)
By eight, most children have strong opinions about their costume, and many want something from a game or a show. At this age, they can also handle a few more props, as long as those props are soft.
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mira or Zoey (KPop Demon Hunters) | Stage outfit, ponytail or space buns, foam weapon | Medium | $$ | Spirit sells kids versions of both this year |
| Power Ranger | Colored jumpsuit, white gloves, helmet or face paint | Easy | $$ | Bright and highly visible after dark |
| Minecraft Creeper | Green box head with large cut-out eye holes, or a green pixel-print hoodie | Easy | $ | A long-running gaming favorite that is easy to DIY |
| Fortnite character | Licensed costume or a homemade skin plus a foam pickaxe | Medium | $$ | Gaming is one of Spirit’s named 2026 trends |
| Wizard (Hogwarts-style) | Black robe, house scarf, round glasses, wand | Easy | $ | Works in cold weather because it layers over a coat |
| Greek warrior | Tunic, cardboard shield, foam sword, cape | Medium | $ | Mythology is a top 2026 trend |
| Ninja turtle | Green shirt and pants, brown shell from cardboard, colored eye bandana | Medium | $ | A classic that siblings can split four ways |
| Astronaut | White coverall, NASA-style patches, a helmet without a full visor | Easy | $$ | Light colors are easy for drivers to see |
| Mario or Luigi | Red or green shirt, blue overalls, cap, mustache | Easy | $ | Perfect for a brother-and-sister pair |
What are good Halloween costumes for 10-year-olds?
Good Halloween costumes for 10-year-olds are recognizable pop-culture characters that feel a little grown-up, such as Zoey or Mira from KPop Demon Hunters, a Fortnite skin, Wednesday Addams, a Power Ranger or a Greek warrior. At this age, kids also start wanting to match with friends, so a trio theme often goes over better than a solo costume.
- Gamers: Minecraft Steve or Alex, a Fortnite llama or a Roblox avatar made from a box head and blocky clothes
- Movie and TV fans: Wednesday Addams, Rumi, Woody or Spider-Gwen
- Slightly spooky: vampire, werewolf or a glow-in-the-dark skeleton
- Funny: a bag of jelly beans, a hot dog or a raccoon
Teens (ages 13–17)
Teens usually want a costume that feels clever rather than cute, and many prefer to go as a group. So, the ideas below lean on pop culture, games and group themes, and all of them stay school-appropriate.
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUNTR/X trio | Coordinated stage outfits for Rumi, Mira and Zoey, wigs or hairstyles | Medium | $$ | The best group costume of 2026 |
| Saja Boys | Black suits or black jackets, sashes, styled hair | Easy | $–$$ | A sharp group look for friends who skip makeup |
| Halo Spartan | Green armor built from foam, helmet with clear vision slot | Advanced | $$$ | A rewarding cosplay project for gamers |
| Backrooms explorer | Yellow hazmat-style coverall, gloves, flashlight | Easy | $$ | An internet horror trend Spirit named for 2026, without gore |
| Varsity athlete or hockey player | Jersey, varsity jacket, eye black | Easy | $ | Spirit’s “Varsity Swag” trend, often bought from thrift stores |
| Y2K pop star | Low-rise jeans, butterfly clips, tinted glasses, microphone | Easy | $ | Spirit’s 2026 “IT Girl” trend works for any teen |
| Dragon rider | Cloak, boots, leather-look vest, stuffed dragon on the shoulder | Medium | $$ | Taps into the 2026 high-fantasy trend |
| Vampire | Cape, white shirt, plastic fangs, pale face makeup | Easy | $ | Ranked No. 2 among adults, so it reads as grown-up |
| Pop group from another era | One look per member, such as the Spice Girls, plus a microphone | Easy | $ | Great for four or five friends |
Pro tip. If your teen is heading to a school event, check the dress code first. Many schools ban masks, face coverings and realistic props, even when a costume is otherwise fine.
What Are the Best Kids Halloween Costumes for Boys?
The best kids Halloween costumes for boys in 2026 are Spider-Man, the Saja Boys from KPop Demon Hunters, Power Rangers, Buzz Lightyear and gaming characters from Fortnite or Minecraft. For boys who want something darker, a vampire, zombie, ninja or Venom costume adds a spooky edge without heavy gore.
| Costume | Best age | Scare level | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man or Miles Morales | 3–12 | None | Suit or red/black hoodie with a web print |
| Saja Boys (KPop Demon Hunters) | 8–17 | Low | Black jacket, black pants, a sash and styled hair |
| Venom | 8–14 | Medium | Black suit with a white spider logo; skip the full mask and use face paint |
| Captain America, Iron Man or Hulk | 4–12 | None | Licensed suit, or a colored hoodie plus a cardboard shield |
| Jack Skellington | 5–12 | Low | Black pinstripe suit, bat bow tie, white face paint |
| Vampire | 6–17 | Low | Cape cut above the knee, white shirt, plastic fangs |
| Zombie | 7–17 | Medium | Old clothes, gray face paint, a few rips |
| Ninja | 5–12 | Low | Black sweatsuit, belt, headband instead of a full hood |
| Knight | 4–10 | None | Gray sweatshirt, tabard, cardboard shield, foam sword |
| Dinosaur or T. rex | 2–8 | Low | Green hoodie with felt spikes, or an inflatable suit |
Villain costumes: Joker, Venom and Deadpool
Villain and antihero costumes are popular with older boys; however, the Joker and Deadpool come from PG-13 and R-rated movies, so they suit tweens and teens better than young kids. Also, keep the makeup cartoonish rather than bloody if your child is going to a school parade.
Boys XL and husky sizes
Many licensed kids costumes run small, so check the retailer’s size chart by height and chest rather than age. If XL or XXL kids sizes are sold out, an adult small often fits older boys, or you can build the costume on a hoodie in the right size instead. For broader size advice, see our guide to plus-size Halloween costumes.
What Are the Best Kids Halloween Costumes for Girls?
The best kids Halloween costumes for girls in 2026 are Rumi, Mira and Zoey from KPop Demon Hunters, Jessie from Toy Story 5, a princess, a witch and Wednesday Addams. In addition, girls who want something scary often choose a vampire, a zombie cheerleader or a skeleton.
| Costume | Best age | Style | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rumi (KPop Demon Hunters) | 6–17 | Trending | Stage outfit, long purple braid, soft foam prop |
| Zoey or Mira | 6–17 | Trending | Space buns (Zoey) or a high ponytail (Mira) and a matching outfit |
| Wednesday Addams | 7–17 | Spooky | Black dress with a white collar, two braids, a pale face |
| Jessie (Toy Story) | 2–8 | Cute | Cow-print vest, red cowboy hat, yarn braid |
| Ice queen or Elsa | 3–10 | Princess | Light blue dress, braid, snowflake accessories |
| Witch | 3–17 | Classic | Hat, short cape, striped tights, broom |
| Vampire girl | 8–17 | Spooky | Red-and-black dress, cape, fangs |
| Zombie cheerleader | 9–17 | Scary | Cheer uniform or skirt and top, gray face paint, pom-poms |
| Queen of Hearts | 6–14 | Storybook | Red-and-black dress, heart crown, playing-card details |
| Harley Quinn | 12–17 | Villain | Red-and-blue pigtails, baseball tee; better for teens |
| Kuromi | 5–12 | Cute | Black hoodie with jester ears and a pink skull |
| Little Red Riding Hood | 3–10 | Storybook | Red hooded cape, basket, plus a wolf sibling |
Wednesday Addams stays popular because the Netflix series, a dark comedy about the Addams Family daughter at a boarding school, has a third season in production. Meanwhile, the look is cheap to put together from a black dress and two braids.
What Are Good Scary Kids Halloween Costumes?
Good scary kids Halloween costumes are classic monsters that look creepy from a distance but do not need gore or a full mask, such as a grim reaper, a werewolf, a headless costume, a skeleton or a mummy. For older kids, horror characters like Michael Myers, Ghostface or a creepy clown are popular, but these suit ages 12 and up.
| Costume | Scare level | Best age | Safety note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grim reaper | Medium | 8–17 | Hem the robe above the ankle and carry a short foam scythe |
| Werewolf or wolf | Medium | 6–17 | Use face paint and fur gloves instead of a pullover mask |
| Headless costume | High | 9–17 | Check that the viewing panel gives clear sight before walking |
| Skeleton | Low | 3–17 | Glow or reflective bones keep a dark outfit visible |
| Mummy | Low | 4–12 | Tuck fabric strips in tight so they do not trip |
| Devil | Low | 3–12 | A red sweatsuit, horns headband and a short tail |
| Ghostface (Scream) | High | 13–17 | From an R-rated franchise; push the mask up when crossing streets |
| Michael Myers | High | 13–17 | R-rated character and a full mask; teens only |
| Creepy clown | High | 12–17 | Some events ban clown masks, so check the rules first |
Watch out. Scary masks limit vision and breathing. So, for any full-head horror mask, follow the AAP and CPSC advice in our safety section below, or switch to face paint.
Which Kids Halloween Costumes Work Best by Theme?
Superheroes and princesses remain the safest bets because they appear high in the NRF rankings every year. However, animal, gaming and gently spooky costumes give kids more room to be creative. Here are our favorite kids Halloween costumes, grouped by theme.
Superheroes
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wonder Woman | Red top, blue skirt or leggings, gold belt and tiara | Easy | $$ | A strong superhero option that pairs with Batman |
| Batman | Gray or black top, bat logo, cape cut above the knee, cowl or face paint | Easy | $$ | Ranked No. 3 among adults, so parents can match |
| Miles Morales | Black hoodie, red web print, red sneakers | Easy | $ | A fresh spin on the most popular costume of 2026 |
| Invent-your-own hero | Bright T-shirt, felt logo, short cape, mask painted on | Easy | $ | Kids love naming their own power |
Princesses and fantasy
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice queen | Light blue dress, braid, snowflake accessories | Easy | $$ | Light colors are easy for drivers to see |
| Unicorn | White hoodie, felt horn, rainbow yarn mane | Easy | $ | Cozy and cute for younger kids |
| Fairy | Tutu, wire-and-tulle wings, flower crown | Easy | $ | Easy to layer over leggings on cold nights |
| Knight | Gray sweatshirt, cardboard shield, foam sword, tabard | Medium | $ | Pairs well with a dragon or princess sibling |
Animals
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black cat | Black clothes, ears headband, tail, painted whiskers | Easy | $ | Add reflective tape so a dark costume stays visible |
| Raccoon | Gray hoodie, striped tail, black eye makeup | Easy | $ | A funny, less common pick that teens also like |
| Shark | Gray hoodie with a felt fin and teeth on the hood | Easy | $ | Big kid appeal with zero scare factor |
| Owl | Brown top with felt feather layers, cardboard beak headband | Medium | $ | A great craft project for a weekend |
Spooky but not scary
Classic Halloween characters still dominate; in fact, witches and ghosts are both in the NRF kids top five. To keep them friendly for younger trick-or-treaters, go cute rather than gory.
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendly ghost | White hoodie and pants with felt eyes, not a full sheet | Easy | $ | A top-five costume, adapted so kids can see clearly |
| Witch or wizard | Hat, short cape, broom, green or purple face paint | Easy | $ | Works for any age and any budget |
| Glow-in-the-dark skeleton | Black clothes with bones made from reflective or glow tape | Easy | $ | Spooky and very visible |
| Mummy | White clothes wrapped with fabric strips, tucked in tight | Easy | $ | Light colors stand out to drivers |
| Friendly monster | Faux-fur vest, horns headband, extra googly eyes | Easy | $ | All the fun of a monster without the nightmares |
| Zombie | Old clothes, gray face paint, a few rips | Easy | $ | Good for older kids who want a little spook |
Gaming
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Steve or Alex | Teal or green T-shirt, blue pants, a box head with large eye openings | Easy | $ | Simple shapes that kids can build themselves |
| Fortnite llama | Purple and blue felt over a hoodie, cardboard llama head | Medium | $ | Instantly recognizable to every player |
| Sonic | Blue hoodie with felt spikes, white gloves, red sneakers | Easy | $ | Fast to make and comfortable to run in |
| Pac-Man ghost | Colored hoodie, felt eyes, a matching Pac-Man sibling | Easy | $ | A retro group idea for families |
Disney, cartoons and TV characters
| Costume | What you need | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluey or Bingo | Blue or orange hoodie, felt spots, ears headband | Easy | $ | A favorite for preschoolers |
| Paw Patrol pup | Colored vest, pup ears, a cardboard backpack | Easy | $$ | Each sibling can pick a pup |
| Minion | Yellow top, denim overalls, goggles | Easy | $ | Works for all ages and big groups |
| Lightning McQueen | Red hoodie with a 95 decal, or a box car | Medium | $ | A fun pick for car-loving toddlers |
| Pokemon trainer | Cap, vest and a Poke Ball | Easy | $ | Ash Ketchum is a top 2026 Frightgeist kids search |
| Harry Potter | Robe, round glasses, house scarf, wand | Easy | $ | Layers well over a winter coat |
Retro looks from the 70s, 80s and 90s
Retro costumes are cheap because most pieces come from thrift stores. For example, try a 70s disco star, an 80s aerobics kid with a headband and leg warmers, Michael Jackson in a red Thriller jacket, or a 90s look like Hannah Montana, a Power Ranger or a Spice Girl.
Light-up, glow-in-the-dark and inflatable costumes
Light-up and glow costumes look great and also make kids easier for drivers to see. Similarly, inflatable dinosaur and animal suits are a hit with younger kids, although they are bulky in crowds and need fresh batteries for the fan. You can browse light-up kids costumes and inflatable kids costumes on Amazon.
What Are the Easiest DIY Kids Halloween Costumes?
The easiest DIY kids Halloween costumes start with a solid-colored hoodie or sweatsuit and add felt, tape or cardboard details. This approach keeps kids warm, costs very little and avoids the long hems and big masks that cause most trips and falls. For more speed-run ideas, see our last-minute Halloween costumes guide.
Crayon
One of the fastest costumes there is, and a set of siblings can each pick a color.
- What you need: a solid-color shirt and pants, black tape stripes, a paper cone hat
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $
- Why it works: ready in under 30 minutes
Cardboard robot
Robots are a great family project, and kids enjoy decorating the buttons themselves.
- What you need: a box with arm and head holes, foil, bottle caps, reflective tape
- Difficulty: Medium
- Budget: $
- Why it works: the reflective tape adds visibility; keep the box short enough for stairs
Scarecrow
A classic fall costume that uses clothes from the back of the closet.
- What you need: plaid shirt, jeans, straw hat, felt patches, painted cheeks
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $
- Why it works: warm and comfortable for long walks
Bag of jelly beans
A funny, punny idea that older kids love explaining to neighbors.
- What you need: a clear bag with leg holes over clothes, colored balloons inside, a ribbon label
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $
- Why it works: always gets a laugh; keep the bag loose around the neck and never over the head
Labubu
Labubu, the toothy plush monster from Pop Mart, became a homemade costume favorite last year, and DIY remains the easiest route.
- What you need: a brown, pink or gray fuzzy hoodie or onesie, felt bunny ears, a felt face with a toothy grin
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $
- Why it works: it is cuddly, warm and fun for both toddlers and tweens
Jack Skellington
A Nightmare Before Christmas classic that works for boys, girls and toddlers.
- What you need: a black suit or black pinstripe pajamas, a felt bat bow tie, white face paint with black eye circles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $
- Why it works: spooky but friendly, and it pairs with a Sally sibling
Minecraft Creeper or Roblox avatar
Box-head gaming costumes are quick to build and always recognized by other kids.
- What you need: a box painted green with pixel squares, or a box head decorated like your child’s Roblox avatar
- Difficulty: Easy
- Budget: $
- Why it works: cut extra-large eye holes so kids can see their feet
Quick and easy kids Halloween costumes you can make at home in 15 minutes
- Ghost: white hoodie and pants with felt eyes taped on
- Cat: black clothes, ears headband and whiskers drawn on
- Tourist: Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, a camera and a map
- Rock star: black tee, a toy guitar and messy hair
- Pumpkin: orange sweatshirt with a black felt face and a green beanie
- Mime: striped shirt, beret and white face paint
What Are Good Sibling and Family Group Costumes?
The best sibling and family costumes come from one story with several characters, so that every child gets a role they like. This year, Toy Story 5 and KPop Demon Hunters are the easiest themes because each has a large, well-known cast. Also, look at our group and family Halloween costumes for adult-friendly versions.
| Group theme | Who plays whom | Difficulty | Budget | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Story crew | Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog | Easy | $$ | Covers toddlers to grandparents |
| HUNTR/X vs. the Saja Boys | Rumi, Mira, Zoey plus Jinu and the band | Medium | $$ | Lets siblings pick a side |
| Power Rangers squad | One color per child | Easy | $$ | Each kid is easy to spot in a crowd |
| Greek gods | Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Hermes | Easy | $ | Made almost entirely from sheets and gold ribbon |
| Super Mario family | Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Bowser | Easy | $ | Good for mixed ages |
| Crayon box | Each family member in a different color | Easy | $ | The cheapest group costume on this list |
| Brother and sister duo | Woody and Jessie, Mario and Princess Peach, or salt and pepper | Easy | $ | A classic boy-and-girl pair |
| Trio for three kids | Rumi, Mira and Zoey, or three Pac-Man ghosts | Medium | $$ | Every child gets a lead role |
| Kid and dog | Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf, or a farmer and a cow-print pup | Easy | $ | Lets the family pet join in |
| Toddler with parents | Toy Story family, or Bluey with Bandit and Chilli | Easy | $$ | Parents dress up without much effort |
Where Can You Buy Cheap Kids Halloween Costumes?
Most families buy kids Halloween costumes at discount stores, specialty Halloween stores or online. In the NRF 2026 survey, 39% of Halloween shoppers planned to use discount stores, 32% specialty Halloween or costume stores and 27% online retailers. So, compare at least two of these before you buy.
| Where to shop | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Discount and big-box stores (Target, Walmart, Costco) | Cheap kids costumes and basics such as hoodies and tights | Shop in person so you can check sizing |
| Specialty Halloween stores (Spirit Halloween) | Licensed trend costumes such as Toy Story and KPop Demon Hunters | Popular sizes sell out first in the last two weeks |
| Amazon and other online stores | Wide size range, XL and XXL kids sizes, accessories | Check delivery dates before October 31, which is a Saturday this year |
| Etsy and boutiques | Handmade and high-quality costumes | Custom orders can take weeks, so they suit next year |
| Thrift stores and resale | Used costumes and retro pieces | Wash everything before wearing |
Kids Halloween costumes under $20
To keep a costume under $20, buy one hero piece and build the rest from clothes you own. For instance, a witch hat, cat ears or a cape covers dozens of looks, and a plain hoodie plus felt turns into a dinosaur, a shark or Pikachu. Also, check clearance racks on November 1 for next year.
Our Amazon shortlist for this week
- Kids Spider-Man costumes
- KPop Demon Hunters kids costumes
- Toy Story kids costumes
- Wednesday Addams kids costumes
- Power Rangers kids costumes
- Glow-in-the-dark skeleton costumes for kids
- Reflective safety tape for costumes
Pro tip. Halloween 2026 is on a Saturday, so standard shipping that arrives “next week” may miss it. Pick a costume you can buy in a store, or one that you can make at home, if you are ordering after about October 25.
How Do You Keep Kids Halloween Costumes Safe?
To keep kids Halloween costumes safe, choose a costume labeled flame resistant, make it bright or add reflective tape, use tested non-toxic face paint instead of a mask, and make sure it fits without dragging on the ground. These steps come straight from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Visibility matters most, because Halloween evening is especially dangerous for young pedestrians. For example, a 2019 study in JAMA Pediatrics that analyzed four decades of US crash data found that pedestrian deaths were 43 percent higher on Halloween evening, and children ages 4 to 8 faced a tenfold increase, as Wisconsin Public Radio reported.
| Safety check | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Flame resistance | Look for “flame resistant” on costumes, wigs and accessories; polyester and nylon resist burning | CPSC, AAP |
| Avoid fire-prone shapes | Skip big, baggy sleeves, large capes and billowing skirts near candles and jack-o’-lanterns | CPSC |
| Visibility | Choose bright colors, add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags, and carry a flashlight | CPSC, AAP |
| Masks | Prefer non-toxic makeup and hats; if a mask is used, the eye holes must allow full vision | AAP, CPSC |
| Makeup test | Patch-test face paint on the arm 24 to 48 hours ahead and check that colors are FDA-approved | FDA |
| Colored contacts | Never use decorative lenses without an eye exam and prescription; non-prescription ones are illegal | FDA, AAP |
| Fit and shoes | Hem costumes so they do not drag and use sturdy shoes that fit | CPSC, AAP |
| Props | Swords, wands and staffs should be short, soft and flexible | CPSC, AAP |
| Supervision | Always go with young children on their trick-or-treat route | AAP |
Watch out. A “flame resistant” label does not mean a costume cannot burn. According to the CPSC, it means the fabric resists burning and should go out quickly once removed from the flame, so keep kids away from candles and open jack-o’-lanterns either way.
Finally, plan for the weather. Since Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday, many kids will be out longer than on a school night. So, choose a costume that fits over a warm layer, or build the costume around a coat from the start.
Kids Halloween costumes for cold and hot weather
- Cold weather: onesies, wizard robes, astronaut coveralls, animal hoodies and anything that fits over a puffer coat
- Hot weather: T-shirt costumes, a superhero cape over shorts, tutus, Hawaiian tourists and face-paint-only looks
Our verdict
If your child wants to be on trend in 2026, KPop Demon Hunters and Toy Story 5 are the two costumes to beat, and both work brilliantly for siblings and friend groups. If they just want a guaranteed hit, Spider-Man is still the most popular kids Halloween costume in the country. Meanwhile, for a tight budget, a hoodie-based DIY idea like a skeleton, crayon or Minecraft character costs very little and is often safer than a store-bought suit.
Whatever your child picks, check for a flame-resistant label, add reflective tape and swap masks for face paint. Those three habits matter more than any character choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular kids Halloween costume in 2026?
Spider-Man is the most popular kids Halloween costume in 2026. According to the National Retail Federation survey published in September 2026, an estimated 4.6 million children plan to dress as Spider-Man, followed by a generic superhero at 2.3 million, princess at 2.2 million, and witch and ghost at 1.6 million each. Trend-wise, KPop Demon Hunters and Toy Story 5 are the breakout picks.
What are the trending kids costumes for Halloween 2026?
The biggest trending kids costumes for Halloween 2026 are KPop Demon Hunters characters such as Rumi, Mira and Zoey, and Toy Story 5 characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie. Spirit Halloween also names Spider-Man, Power Rangers, Fortnite and Greek mythology among its 2026 trends, while Google search data shows Dolly Parton, Dumpling and Ash Ketchum trending for kids.
What are good Halloween costumes for 10-year-olds?
Good Halloween costumes for 10-year-olds include Zoey or Mira from KPop Demon Hunters, Wednesday Addams, a Fortnite or Minecraft character, a Power Ranger and a Greek warrior. Tweens like costumes that feel a bit grown-up, so recognizable pop-culture characters and trio themes with friends work best. For a mild scare, try a vampire, werewolf or glow-in-the-dark skeleton.
What are good scary Halloween costumes for kids?
Good scary costumes for kids include a grim reaper, werewolf, skeleton, mummy, zombie or headless costume. These look creepy without gore and work with face paint instead of a mask. Horror characters such as Michael Myers and Ghostface come from R-rated films, so they are better for teens. Always make sure any mask allows full vision.
Where can I buy cheap kids Halloween costumes?
You can buy cheap kids Halloween costumes at discount stores such as Target and Walmart, specialty stores like Spirit Halloween, and online at Amazon. In the NRF 2026 survey, 39% of shoppers planned to use discount stores. To spend under $20, buy one key piece such as a hat or ears and build the rest from clothes you own.
Are Halloween masks safe for kids?
Masks are not the safest choice for kids because they can block vision and breathing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. If your child does wear a mask, the CPSC says it should fit securely, have good ventilation and have eye holes large enough to allow full vision, so remove it before crossing streets.
