School costume parades are sure to create fond memories for both proud parents and their kids who participate. As a parent, you want your child to garner the attention of the audience and perhaps borrow the spotlight away from their classmates. So here's a list of some top-notch costume ideas for school parades and what makes them so especially appropriate:
1. Fuzzy Animals - A small child dressed as a giant fuzzy animal is an undeniably cute sight. If the child is young enough that they can wear it without feeling embarrassed in front of their friends, then dressing as a furry or fuzzy animal is guaranteed bring your kid a lot of positive attention.
2. Recent Popular Movie Characters - When a movie is fresh on everyone's mind, it's pretty easy to pull off a good costume with a movie character that everyone has been raving about. Think comic book movies like Iron Man and The Dark Knight or TV shows that have made it to the big screen like High School Musical. If for some reason that doesn't work, base the character off a recent animated Pixar or Dreamworks film and people will surely pay attention.
3. Classic Popular Movie Characters - For a costume that the parents may appreciate even more than the kids themselves, bring back a figure from a few decades ago. The Star Wars, Grease, and A Nightmare on Elm Street films along with Zorro and legendary Disney characters all fit the bill here
4. Cultural Costumes - Promoting cultural diversity is always a positive lesson to teach children. Dressing in a foreign disguise can serve two purposes in this situation. Kids can learn about other cultures and nationalities while having fun in costume. There's no need to stick to your actual family heritage, but that works too. Japanese Geisha Girl, Roman Gladiator, or Native American Indian are a few suggestions for outfits that will simultaneously instruct and impress.
5. Deluxe/3D Costumes - Finally, one of the best types of costumes for parades are those that don't simply cover the child's body. Instead, they are costumes that have additions that stick out from the body making them look three dimensional. For example, your child can dress up like a train, and have an engine that sticks out from their chest. Many of these are humorous and unique - check out the Wheaties Box, Whoopie Cushion, Pea Pod, and Unicorn for a few ideas that will "stand out" from the pack.
Costume parades are enjoyed by parents and kids alike. Discuss with your youngster what costume you'd like them to wear, what outfit they'd choose, and find a happy medium that everyone can be proud of. Then, when it comes time for the big show, both adults and children will have their heads held high and cameras will click away, preserving cherished moments in time.
The mad scientist costume has been popular since the early days of Frankenstein. Because of its many accessories and zany props, kids and even adults alike have enjoyed this costume for Halloween after Halloween. Since there are so many varieties of this costume, the chances you run into someone dressed the same is highly unlikely, that is unless you shop at the same store.
Mad Scientist Costume
The whole mad scientist thing was made even more popular in the 80's from the song "She Blinded Me with Science." It included a video where a whacky looking guy with crazy hair and a lab coat worked diligently in a lab and was overcome by the beauty of a woman. Later in the 80's, the movie "Weird Science", heightened the costumes popularity when a couple of kids with fancy computers and science gear created a sexy woman of their dreams.
One cool thing about the mad scientist costume is that it has many different styles. Most kids dress like vampires and werewolves, and with each one, it is hard to look different. With a mad scientist costume, you can have several different looks. You can use a bald wig with glasses and look like Ben Franklin, or buy a crazy, white wig and look like Albert Einstein. There's so much you can do with these costumes that you will never run out of ideas.
Crazy Scientist Wig
The accessories are what make the costume. You can purchase the outfit from the store, which mostly consists of a large lab coat and perhaps a wig. You can add a pocket protector and some pens to add some "nerd" to the costume. If you're attending a party, you can bring along some beakers filled with colored water for a cool prop. Because the mad scientist is known for being zany, you can carry that attitude over to the party and be the center of attention. Not everyone can pull it off, but if you have the personality, then this costume is for you.
When you're at a crossroads this Halloween and you can't figure out whether to dress up as a vampire or a werewolf, forget them both and choose the mad scientist costume. For one thing, it will be more unique than most everyone else, and secondly, it will allow you the ability to freely roam about the room without hiding behind a mask. Enjoy the night and make sure this Halloween you blind everyone with your science!
1. Snake Eyes Costume for Kids: Our vote for best costume 2009. This silent assassin is every kids favorite member of the G.I. Joe team. Your child will be the envy of all his friends while fighting off Cobra's evil army in this sleek ninja suit.
2. Optimus Prime Child Costume: Your child will transform his or herself into the leader of the Autobots to protect their friends from the evil Decepticons in this cool new costume.
3. USA Cheerleader Child Costume: Your daughter will look adorable while showing her spirit and patriotism in this cute red, white, and blue cheerleader jumpsuit.
4. The Fairy Child Costume: This costume is a true eye catcher. Your daughter will be glowing (literally) in this beautiful winged get up.
5. Wolverine Costumes for Kids: Everybody's favorite X-men tough guy is popular again this Halloween. Your child will absolutely love this costume. Its always fun to be the tough superhero.
6. Vampiress Deluxe Child Costume: Your little cutie will have a "fang-tastic" time in this frighteningly adorable costume.
7. Star Trek Costume for Kids: Your young ones can "live long and prosper" as a member of the star fleet in this authentic uniform from the new Star Trek film.
8. Power Ranger Child Costume: Help your kid morph into their favorite Power Ranger this October with this always popular child's outfit
9. Witch Lite-Up Child Costume: Teach her to cackle, give her your favorite broom and let her light up the night in this fun little costume.
10. Bobble Head Ghost Child Costume: Spook even the bravest trick or treater in this chilling mask and robe.
Michael Jackson Halloween costumes are going to be extremely popular this October. Inspired by the tragic loss of one of pop music's biggest legends, you are sure to see plenty of MJ's of all shapes and sizes paying tribute to their hero as they moonwalk the streets and show off their moves on house party dance floors.
The King of Pop has made a permanent impression on all of pop culture with his trade mark glittering glove, red leather jacket, black fedora hat, and long black hair. Michael Jackson is such an iconic figure with so many recognizable features, that creating a Halloween costume in his image presents many different variations.
The "Billie Jean" look is quite simple and requires black pants, black shirt and jacket, black shoes, and of course the famous jeweled glove, which you can either make yourself or purchase from most costume stores. This look can be dressed up with a black wig, aviator sunglasses, and a black fedora.
The "Thriller" look is one of the most recognizable MJ looks. Thrill your friends by wearing a red leather jacket, white t-shirt, black or red pants, and black shoes. Again, dress up this looks with a long black wig.
Another thing to keep in mind when putting your costume together is what you will wear that will make you stand out in case another Michale Jackson shows up to the same party. You might want to consider buying a professionally made costume online, which will undoubtedly blow away any homemade MJ costumes. Also, make sure you practice some of Michael's signature dance moves, as there are sure to be countless dance battles across the world this Halloween!
Ever since the first Bond movie, nothing has been as popular as wearing a James Bond costume for Halloween. While most kids are dressed as the same old vampire, werewolf, or zombie, the kid wearing the James Bond costume keeps it cool and original. Regardless if it's a boy or a girl wearing this costume, they are sure to look good trick-or-treating, or attending the Halloween party.
James Bond Costume
The really great thing about wearing a James Bond costume is that you really don't have to buy anything. If you have a nice black suit and tie, then you have a costume. Shine your shoes, slick your hair back, and add some sunglasses and you're already the character. If you need accessories, just wear a big wristwatch and pretend it's your secret agent device. You can make trick-or-treating even more fun by carrying a briefcase instead of a bag. Of course this may make you easily mistaken for a businessman, but it could be fun either way.
Kids enjoy wearing the James Bond costume because it lets them pretend they're all grown up. Of course when asked by the greeter who the trick-or-treater is supposed to be, replying with "Bond, James Bond" is always funny. Even adult men can't resist the urge to want this costume for Halloween. It's not just kids that enjoy the Bond catchphrase. Besides, men love looking suave and of course, this suit will always help their egos.
007 Halloween Costume
Mentioned above, a simple suit is all you need to make this outfit. They do sell them in stores, in which case it's nothing more than a simple white shirt and black jacket. Looking around, it seems the best way to go would be to make this outfit yourself. If deciding the James Bond costume is for you, then all you need is a free evening, the movie of your choice, and a notepad to write down what you need to make the costume complete.
These costumes will always be popular, and even though popular sounds common, don't expect that you will bump into someone dressed the same as you. Surveys suggest people tend to stick with the norm, which means a hundred vampires and zombies roaming the streets. So even though the costume is popular, it doesn't mean you'll meet someone with the same theme as yours. You should enjoy this Halloween, and if anyone asks who you're supposed to be, just tell them "Bond. James Bond."
1. Cartoon/TV/Movie Character
The easiest way to make a costume is to not have to make anything at all! The good thing about going as characters is that they usually wear clothes you can find in your children's closet. Well, don't encourage your kid to go as Bugs Bunny or something. Here are some characters you and your children will love:
Rainbow Bright
Everybody loves this cheerful ray of sunshine. And all you'll need is a brightly-colored skirt, an equally bright shirt, rainbow knee-high socks and you're all set! Oh, and don't forget the pigtails and the star sticker on your daughter's cheek.
Harry Potter/Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley
Okay. So a lot of kids might go as the famous kids from Hogwarts, but if your tiny tot insists on going as one, then good for you! All you'll need is a black toga (a black cloth will do), a wand and a pair of glasses for Harry. If your daughter is going as Hermione, just mess her hair up into tangled curls. If your son wants to be Ron, just get him an orange wig - if he doesn't already have red hair.
Ninja
If your kid is into karate, why don't you suggest a ninja costume for him/her? All you'll need is an all-black outfit and a black face mask (you can use an old knit hat and cut holes for the eyes and nose).
2. Animals
If your kid begs you to make an animal costume for him/her, don't fret. You don't have to sew an entire cow costume to make the kid happy. Use face paint instead to draw whiskers, snouts and other effects. And for floppy ears for your puppy? You can always find headbands with different kinds of animal ears on them. Or you could make some yourself out of cardboard and colored paper. For the body, dress the children in solid colors. All brown for your puppy, for example, white for the kitten.
3. Prince/Princess
Oh, you're lucky if your child wants to go as a Prince or Princess - it's the easiest costume! All you'll need is a frilly dress or a regular tux and a crown.



