This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep the site running. All opinions are my own. Written by Molly, mum of two. Last updated: October 2026.

Half term and Halloween land in the same week this year. Half term is 26 to 30 October for most of England, and Halloween is Saturday 31 October. That means everyone is buying costumes at the same time, and the popular characters in the popular sizes tend to go first. If you want your child to be what they actually asked for, now is the time to order, not the week before.

Here’s how I’d pick a costume by age, what’s likely to be popular this year, and the practical bits nobody mentions until you’re standing on the doorstep at 5pm in the dark with a cold toddler.

Quick picks by age

Babies and toddlers (1 to 3 years)

Keep it soft, warm and simple. At this age, the costume that wins is the one they’ll actually keep on. A onesie-style animal costume (a dinosaur, a pumpkin, a bumblebee) is usually the easiest, because it’s basically pyjamas. Avoid scratchy fabric, tight masks, anything near the face and anything with lots of small parts that could come off. Hoods with ears are usually fine, but check how the costume fastens and whether it will ride up or trip them when they walk.

Browse soft toddler costumes and baby Halloween onesies.

Little kids (3 to 5 years)

This is the “I want to be a character” age. They’ll have strong opinions, so ask them early, then buy quickly. Look for costumes they can walk, sit and go to the toilet in. A dress-up that needs a dozen steps to get into is going to be a problem. Capes, tunics and tabards over normal clothes are usually the most practical.

Browse superhero costumes and Pokemon costumes.

Bigger kids (6 to 10 years)

They’ll know exactly what they want, and it’ll probably be whatever their friends are wearing. Let them choose. At this age, they often like a “proper” costume with accessories, and are happier to wear a mask or wig, but check they can see and breathe comfortably.

Browse costumes for 6 to 10 year olds.

What’s popular this year

Pokemon is the evergreen one, and superheroes and classic Disney characters never go out of style. This year there’s also a lot of interest in characters from KPop Demon Hunters, so if your child is a fan, those costumes and wigs are the ones likely to sell out in the most popular sizes first. If you’re set on a particular character, buy it soon and check the return window in case the size isn’t right.

A safe bet that never sells out is the classic stuff: witch, wizard, ghost, skeleton, pumpkin, dinosaur. They’re also easier to layer under and easy to reuse for dress-up afterwards.

The practical bits

Plan for the cold. It will almost certainly be cold and dark. The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, so by the time Halloween arrives it’s dark from around 5pm. Buy a size up if the costume goes over layers, or pick one that’s loose enough for a thermal top underneath. A coat with a costume hood or a cape often works better than squeezing a coat over a tight costume. My winter gear guide has some ideas for the layers.

Be seen. Dark costumes are hard for drivers to see. Glow bands, light-up buckets, reflective stickers on the back of the costume and a small torch help a lot. I’ve written about this in more detail in my guide to hi-vis and reflective gear for kids. You can pick up glow sticks and bands and a light-up trick or treat bucket very cheaply.

Comfortable shoes. Trick-or-treating means a lot of walking. Plain trainers or wellies beat costume shoes every time, and long capes and trailing hems are a trip hazard on dark pavements.

Check the safety label. Costumes sold in the UK should carry the right safety marks. Be careful around candles and tealights in pumpkins, because dangling fabric and flames don’t mix, and choose a battery-powered light instead if you can. Do a patch test on a small bit of skin before using face paint, and avoid masks that block your child’s vision.

Budget or splurge?

Cheap and cheerful: a simple costume or accessories (a cape, hat or wand) and clothes you already have. Black leggings, a black top and a witch hat is a costume. So is a dinosaur onesie they already own. For ideas on a low-cost Halloween, my Halloween ideas guide has some crafts and party bits.

Worth a bit more: a better-quality costume that will last several Halloweens, get handed down to a sibling or become part of the dressing-up box all year. If you have more than one child, a costume that works for both is a real saving.

Half term and Halloween in the same week

If you’re planning the whole week, I’ve pulled together ideas for free and cheap things to do at half term, plus the rainy day activities that save you when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

FAQ

When is Halloween 2026?
Saturday 31 October. Most of England has half term the week before, from 26 to 30 October, though dates vary by council.

What age can kids start trick-or-treating?
There’s no set age. Lots of families start when their child is about three, usually with a few trusted houses or a local group. Always go with an adult, and stick to houses with a pumpkin or a Halloween decoration out.

What if the costume doesn’t fit?
Check the return window before you order, and keep the packaging until they’ve tried it on. Order early so there’s time to swap sizes.

How do I keep a costume warm enough?
Layer thermals underneath, go up a size, and use a warm coat or cape over the top. Hats and gloves can be part of the costume.

Are masks safe for young children?
Masks can limit vision and make it harder to breathe, especially for toddlers. Face paint or a hat is usually a better choice for little ones, and I’d avoid masks completely for babies.

Prices, sizes and availability change quickly, so check before you buy. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Mum Approved UK.