Halloween season will be here before you know it. I’m already seeing candy and costumes in the stores.
If you’re like me you usually get an invite to a Halloween party about 3 days before the party. So if it’s a costume party, you’re seemingly out of luck. By then the stores are usually picked over and you end up with some garbage cheap Halloween costume that everyone silently mocks.
The best costumes are unique, creative, memorable, and instantly recognizable. So while going as Fat Elvis is instantly recognizable and perhaps somewhat memorial… it isn’t unique. Anyone can be (or buy the costume for) Fat Elvis.
As with most things in life a little planning ahead of time can lead to some pretty incredible costume results — and at a cheap price, too. I’m not a huge fan of spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars for a costume I’ll wear once even if there is a contest for best costume.
Here are some Halloween costume ideas for you and your kids:
Halloween Costume Predictions For 2012
While zombies, vampires, and pirates will continue to be popular themes for Halloween 2012, there are some newcomers to the scene thanks to popular movies, TV, and Internet memes.
The Avengers and Batman – Two of the biggest box office hits of 2012 will likely spawn most of the costumes for this season. If you can get past the fact that Batman has no real superpowers, he makes for a pretty cool costume. The Avengers, of course, have many characters to choose from. Captain America, and his daughter American Dream, are favorites around our house.
Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games – Grab your boots, cargo pants, and green fatigues and you’re all set. This outfit is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to wear a mask or put on a bunch of makeup. It’s so subtle, you might get accused of not having a costume on at all. Of course, you could couple it with a bow and arrow quiver and there will be no mistaking it. I loved the first book and movie and I can see why many girls would want to be Katniss for Halloween. Don’t forget the Mockingjay pin.
Gangnam Style Psy – This is the biggest Internet phenomenon going right now. And the costume is easy. Find those blackout shade, slick back the hair, put on a bowtie and tacky sportscoat and you’re all set. The key will be practicing your Gangnam style dance moves.
Presidential Candidates – Talk about a couple of scary faces. It’s election season and these two costumes are sure to be out in full swing. All you need is the mask and a suit (or Mom jeans) and you’re ready to roll. Bonus points for making your kid go as one of these clowns. I’ve seen both the Romney and Obama masks available at Amazon for less than $15.
Olympic Athletes – There are so many great Olympic athletes to pick from this year. Unfortunately, you can’t exactly wear a speedo or leotard to go trick or treating in the neighborhood. Well, I guess you could, but your neighbors may not answer the door. A great idea is to wear a track suit and put about 50 gold medals around your neck, a la Michael Phelps.
Halloween Costume Predictions From Last Year
Nicki Minaj – File this in “things I wish I didn’t know”. Nicki Minaj is picking up where Lady Gaga left off last year. Like Gaga, her on-stage and on-video costumes make her a perfect fit for a Halloween time favorite. Pink wigs will be unstoppable this year. As will chants to Super Bass. Dang it if that song hasn’t been stuck in my head all day.
Angry Birds – Anyone with a smart phone or tablet has played the addictive game Angry Birds. In a way, it’s the new Tetris. I love it, but I’m too cheap to spring for the paid version. These make great group costumes because there are many different types and sizes to choose from. Plus, you get to run around bumping into things all night.
Morph Suit Guy – These full body stockings are surprisingly growing in popularity. You may have seen them at sporting events and other event marketing settings. Slightly creepy and revealing. But now that they are available in different patterns and prints, they will be more prevalent as Halloween costumes. If you choose this one, do us all a favor and wear some boxer shorts on top.
Charlie Sheen – “Winning” is kind of played out at this point. But this is such a low-maintenance costume that many will sport it (and the “winning” catch phrase) all night long at the Halloween party. Just don’t party too hard and get fired the next day.
Will and Kate – Feel like getting dressed in your best for Halloween? Why not bring your partner along and dress as the new royal couple. Going solo, just buy one of those funky hats that the royal family was sporting and wear a nice dress. You’re sure to impress. Bonus points if you talk in a British accent all night.
Maybe too soon to try and pull off? Amy Winehouse, Osama bin Laden (although Zombie Bin Laden might be kind of cool), and Casey Anthony (probably never a good idea to go as her).
Hi, I'm Philip Taylor. I'm a husband, father, blogger, and entrepreneur. I love learning to do more with my money and sharing it all here with you. Join in on the conversation and start improving your financial life today. 