How does the National Retail Federation come up with their list of popular Halloween Costumes a month before Halloween happens? They take into consideration what is popular at the movies, on TV, in Music and world news. They always throw in a few of the perennial favorites that have been around for years – Princesses, Vampires, Witches, Fairies and Disney Characters.

Popular Teen Costumes tend to fall into the Gothic sub-culture. Skulls, black and darkness are predominant. These costumes from the darker side of Halloween range from Vampires/Witches to Fallen Angels/Demons.

Baby Costumes are most often sweet and cute. Popular choices are Disney Characters and Animals. TV, Movies and Cartoons tend to influence the choices of young children. Their costumes range from Princesses/Fairies to Pirate/Star Wars/Power Rangers.

Adult costume choices are sometimes influenced by whether or not they need to be a couples costume or not. The choices are more limited if you choose to go in couples costumes. Being creative can help you pair up 2 seemingly unrelated costumes. Online costumes shops have some great choices if you need to go as couples – Bowling Ball and Pin, Matador and Bull; Plug and Socket, Vampire and Vampira.

You don’t need to be a seamstress in order to make your costume. Creativity is an asset, but if you lack creativity do some research online and get ideas. Check your closet to see if you have any old clothes that would ideal for a costume. Use items around the house for costume accessories and choose makeup instead of a mask. If the costume is for your child, get them involved.

The safety of your children while they are trick or treating is very important. Stitch some reflective material around the cuffs and ankles of their costumes. If your child has a mask as part of their costume, ensure that they can see where they are going. Using makeup instead of a mask is always a good solution. I also advise my children to not eat any of their goodies until they reach back home. Adults should inspect the loot before children start to eat.

Pets are a member of our families, so they should be dressed up for Halloween as well. There are many costumes available online to choose from. Little trick-or-treaters will be delighted to see your pet greet them at the door in their costumes. Halloween is for the entire family.

If you know what costume you want, you are ahead of the game. If not, do some research – stores, catalogs and online. There are thousands of costumes available, but order early so that you aren’t disappointed. Popular costumes and specialty sizes will sell out quickly. You don’t want to be still looking for a costume on October 30th.

Before you select your child’s costume be sure to check out Popular Halloween Costumes and Popular Costumes.