Halloween 2026: Costumes, Decor and Party Picks for the Whole Family
Halloween Central is one page with every pick a family needs for Halloween: costumes for women, men, kids and the whole family, porch and table decor, party supplies, games, and last-minute finds under $25. Each section links straight to the right shelf, so planning takes minutes, not a whole weekend.
What’s on this page?
| Section | Best for |
|---|---|
| Costumes for women | Trending looks, easy DIY, plus-size and glam |
| Costumes for men | Quick kits and partner costumes |
| Costumes for kids | Sorted by age, with gentle options for little ones |
| Family and mom-daughter | Matching sets and group themes |
| Decor | Porch, indoor and table |
| Party essentials | Hosting a party at home |
| Games and activities | Keeping kids busy before trick-or-treat |
| Last-minute | Under $25, fast shipping |
Americans are expected to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2026, and 74% plan to celebrate, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey.
What are the best Halloween costumes for women?
The best costume is the one you’ll actually wear all night. This list mixes four that are trending right now, four easy no-sew ideas you can pull together from your closet plus one or two pieces, two plus-size picks that fit properly, and two glam looks for a party with a dress code. Classics still win, too: witch is the most popular adult costume in the country this year, with vampire close behind.
What are easy Halloween costumes for men?
Most men want a costume that goes on in under five minutes and doesn’t need a fitting. Start with a graphic tee or hoodie kit, add one prop, and you’re done. You’ll find quick kits here, a few trending characters, and three costumes designed to pair with a partner’s look, which is the easiest way to look like you planned ahead.
What are the best Halloween costumes for kids by age?
Kids’ costumes are sorted by age band: 0-2, 3-5, 6-9 and 10+. For babies and toddlers, look for soft fabric, easy diaper access and nothing that covers the face. For preschoolers, sturdy and comfortable beats detailed. At least five picks in this section are not scary at all, for little ones who’d rather be a pumpkin than a monster.
Live nowHalloween 2026
Halloween costumes for girls
Princess gowns, favorite characters and fun looks, from toddler to big kid. Order soon so costumes arrive before Oct 31.
Princess gowns 5
PrincessYellow princess gown setTiara, wand & glovesSee today’s price →2Amazon
PrincessPink princess gown setTiara & accessoriesSee today’s price →3Amazon
PrincessArabian princess setWig & accessoriesSee today’s price →4Amazon
PrincessBlue & yellow princess gownTiara, bow & wandSee today’s price →5Amazon
PrincessIce princess gown setTiara, wand & braidSee today’s price →Favorite characters 6
CharacterHermione Granger costumeRobe with crestSee today’s price →2Amazon
CharacterBluey costumeToddler sizesSee today’s price →3Amazon
CharacterBingo dress costumeToddler sizesSee today’s price →4Amazon
CharacterSuperKitties costumeOfficially licensedSee today’s price →5Amazon
CharacterStitch dress costumeToddler sizesSee today’s price →6Target
CharacterJessie costumeDisney Toy StorySee today’s price →Pop idol, cowgirl & more 6
CowgirlCowgirl dress with hatSee today’s price →2SHEIN
Pop idolGold pop idol stage outfitSee today’s price →3Walmart
CowgirlPink cowgirl tutu dressSee today’s price →4Walmart
Pop idolHolographic pop idol set8-piece setSee today’s price →5Walmart
SpaceMetallic alien dress & glovesSizes 5–11YSee today’s price →6Macy’s
ClassicNutcracker dress costumeSee today’s price →Witches, dinos & little ones 4
ClassicFairytale witch costumeHat & broomSee today’s price →2Amazon
FunInflatable dinosaur ride-onSee today’s price →3Amazon
Little onesPink dinosaur jumpsuitSee today’s price →4Amazon
Little onesRed polka-dot dress with earsToddler sizesSee today’s price →Swipe each row · Prices change; the price you see on the retailer’s site is the one that counts. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
How do you pull off matching family and mom-daughter costumes?
Pick a theme first, then a costume. A theme gives everyone a role, so a toddler, a teenager and the dog can all join in without wearing the same thing. Mom-daughter sets work best when the colours match even if the outfits don’t. This section has five mom-daughter looks and five full-family or group themes, and pets are welcome in every one.
What Halloween decor makes the biggest difference?
Lighting does most of the work. A porch with warm string lights and two or three pumpkins looks finished; ten mismatched pieces don’t. Start at the front door, because that’s what trick-or-treaters and photos see, then add one indoor focal point and a simple table. The 15 picks here are split evenly: five for the porch, five for indoors and five for the table.
What do you need to host a Halloween party at home?
Keep the list short: themed plates and napkins, a candy bowl that looks good on camera, treat bags or favours for the kids, string lights, and one or two themed snacks. Everything here can be set up in an afternoon. If the party has a costume theme, say so on the invite so guests come dressed for the photos.
What Halloween games and activities work for kids?
The hour before trick-or-treating is the hardest one to fill. Craft kits, a simple party game and a pumpkin you can decorate without a knife keep kids busy and calm. You’ll find no-carve pumpkin kits for younger children, carving sets for older ones, and games that work for a small group at home or a classroom party.
What can you still buy at the last minute?
Everything in this section costs under $25 and ships in about two days or is available for store pickup. Accessories carry a last-minute costume: a hat, a cape, face paint or a headband turns everyday clothes into a costume. Check delivery dates at checkout before you buy, because shipping times change in the final week.
What comes after Halloween?
Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8 this year, and the Couture & Beyond Gift Guides go live the same day, covering Christmas, Secret Santa, hosts, mom, dad, teachers and kids. Shop by store any time on the store pages.
Diwali CentralShop by storeChristmas CentralFrequently asked questions
When should you start shopping for Halloween?
Earlier than most people think. 49% of shoppers start in September or earlier, so popular costume sizes often sell out by mid-October. If you’re shopping late, the last-minute section above sticks to items that ship in about two days.
How much does the average family spend on Halloween?
The National Retail Federation expects shoppers to spend an average of $115.14 each on Halloween in 2026, up from $114.45 last year. Costumes are the largest category at about $4.4 billion nationwide.
What are the most popular kids’ costumes this year?
Spider-Man leads, followed by superheroes in general, princesses, witches and ghosts, based on NRF’s 2026 survey of 7,889 consumers.
Are there Halloween costumes for kids that aren’t scary?
Yes. The kids’ section includes at least five gentle costumes, such as animals, pumpkins and storybook characters, that suit toddlers and children who don’t like spooky looks.
What’s the easiest last-minute adult costume?
A witch. It’s the most popular adult costume this year, and a hat, a cape and dark clothes you already own are enough. A graphic tee kit is the quickest option for men.
We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Source for all statistics: National Retail Federation, Halloween survey, September 2026 (7,889 consumers surveyed September 1–9, 2026).