Halloween is days away, your kid has changed their mind twice, and you need a costume that fits, looks like something, and survives a night of running from door to door. If they are 10 or 11, the cute toddler options are out and the adult ones are too big.
Cheap costumes let you down in the same few ways. The bag holds a top and nothing else, so you still need a mask and props. The size chart stops before your tall 11-year-old. The care tag says spot clean only, so one spilled drink ends it. Or it needs batteries you don't have at 6 p.m. on the night.
We compared five very different kids' costumes, from a glow-in-the-dark skeleton to a blow-up T. rex. One gives a full look in one package, comes in sizes up to ages 14 to 16, can be hand washed, and needs no batteries. Delivery times change this close to Halloween, so check the date Amazon shows for your address before you order.
Not sure? Let us pick for you
What kind of costume does your kid want?
Our pick for you: #1Spooktacular Creations Halloween Ninja Costume
The ninja kit comes with everything in one bag, from mask to foam weapons, in sizes from 3T to XXL.
A black ninja jumpsuit with an attached hood, plus a face mask, belt, gloves, two foam daggers, a foam sword and other foam props. The listing says it is for boys and girls, comes in sizes from toddler (3 to 4) up to XXL (14 to 16), and can be hand washed in cold water.
Full look in one bag: jumpsuit with hood, mask, belt, gloves and foam weapons
Sizes from 3T up to XXL (14 to 16 years), so it fits tall 10 to 12 year olds
Hand wash cold and line dry, per the listing
Nothing to plug in or power
Hand wash only; the listing does not say it can go in the washing machine
Spooktacular Creations Astronaut Costume with Helmet
Sizes up to age 14 listed
No batteries needed
A white full-length jumpsuit with an embroidered logo and USA flag patches, plus a space helmet with a tinted visor that moves. It has a front zipper and comes in sizes from 3T (3 to 4) up to X-Large (12 to 14). The listing says the logo design may vary.
Jumpsuit and helmet in one package
Sizes from 3T up to X-Large (12 to 14 years)
Front zipper makes it quick to put on
No batteries needed
Sponge clean only, per the listing, and white shows dirt
Logo version is random, so it may not match the photo
Sincere Party Kids Skeleton Costume Glow in the Dark
Washable, not spot-clean only
No batteries needed
A black one-piece outfit with white glow-in-the-dark bones printed on the front, plus a separate hood and a pair of bone gloves. You lay it under a light for a few minutes and the bones glow in the dark. It closes with Velcro at the back.
Outfit, hood and bone gloves in one package
Glows after sitting under light; no batteries
The listing says the glow lasts even after hand washing
Size chart by height, from 38.5 inches up
Largest size is 12 to 13 years (58 to 62 inches), so it stops short of 14
The glow fades unless the costume gets light first
A set of four different satin superhero capes, each with a matching felt mask, so brothers, sisters or friends can dress up as a team. The capes have an adjustable buckle at the neck and are made for ages 4 to 12.
A blow-up T. rex suit with a hat and an air pump. A small fan blows it up in a few seconds and keeps air flowing while your kid wears it. It comes in child sizes 2 to 3, 4 to 6 and 7 to 10 years, by height.
Big, funny look that stands out at a party or parade
Suit, hat, pump and instruction sheet included
Waterproof polyester, per the listing
Fan needs 4 AA batteries or a power bank, not included; the listing suggests spares for long wear
Kids' costume sizes are by age range, but a tall kid needs the next size up. Check the height chart on the listing. The ninja runs to 14 to 16 years; the inflatable stops at 7 to 10.
Check what's in the bag
Some listings show a full look but ship only the top. Read the package contents. The ninja and skeleton include headwear and gloves; the capes are cape and mask only.
Look for washing instructions
Halloween is messy. Hand wash is fine. Sponge clean only, or no care instructions at all, means one spill can ruin it.
Batteries and comfort
Blow-up costumes are funny but need a fan and AA batteries. Costumes with nothing to power are simpler, and they're easier for kids to move, sit and climb steps in.
Questions about Halloween costumes for kids
What are good Halloween costumes for 10 year olds?
Look for a full outfit in a size made for them, like the ninja (Medium is 8 to 10, Large is 10 to 12) or the astronaut. Skip toddler-style onesies. Check the height chart, since many 10 year olds need the next size up.
What size costume should an 11 year old wear?
Most listings put 11 in a 10 to 12 Large. If your kid is tall, or will wear a coat underneath, go one size up. The ninja runs to 14 to 16; the skeleton stops at 12 to 13.
What's a funny Halloween costume for kids?
A blow-up T. rex gets laughs fast. It needs 4 AA batteries or a power bank for its fan, so buy those too. The largest size listed is for ages 7 to 10.
Will a costume arrive before Halloween?
We can't promise that. Delivery dates depend on the seller and your address, and they change close to Halloween. Check the date Amazon shows at checkout before you order.
Bottom line: the best Halloween costumes for kids
For most kids, the Spooktacular Creations ninja costume is the one to get: a full look in one bag, sizes up to 14 to 16, hand washable and no batteries. Choose the astronaut for a classic look, the glow-in-the-dark skeleton for spooky but not gory, the InPoTo capes for siblings or a group, and the blow-up T. rex for laughs.
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