Not all parents love Halloween (insert shriek of horror). The deluge of candy, the inappropriate costumes being advertised to their kids, the demonic imagery ... It’s not all pumpkins and scarecrows.
If you’re one of “those parents,” like I am, finding kid-friendly Halloween costumes can be, well, tricky.
When in doubt, opt for the old standbys—the costumes that kids have been wearing for generations.
The Scarecrow
Overalls, jeans, and a rustic flannel shirt adorned with hay make for a super simple scarecrow. Add some patches and a straw hat, and you’re in business.The Witch
Black clothing, a black witch’s hat, and a broom will have your daughter cackling around the neighborhood.The Pumpkin
Take an oversized bright orange shirt and paint or sew a jack-o'-lantern face on it. Add a green hat for the stem, and if you’re fancy, sew on some leaves around the collar.The Angel
All white clothing, a halo, and a pair of wings will turn your little one into an angel, if just for a day.The Hobo
Rough up and patch some old jeans and a flannel shirt. Tie a blanket to a stick. Add a hat and some facial scruff (I remember kids using shoe polish for this), and you’ve got a bonafide, old-fashioned hobo.The Black Cat
It’s easy enough to make: all black clothing, cat ears, and drawn-on black nose and whiskers.The Pirate
Tie a bandana around the head and add an eyepatch. A striped shirt and, perhaps, a hook or sword fortify the license to talk like a pirate all day. Bonus points for a stuffed parrot on the shoulder, matey!
