Halloween is just a few days away and I am sharing some tips and tricks to make this the best Halloween yet. I get asked all the time how I put together our family costumes. Truthfully, it is a lot of work and planning but there are some ways you can get your family into the mood for dressing up. Follow along to get some of my tips on how to pull off the Perfect Halloween.
Do you love Halloween as much as we do? Check out our other Halloween posts!
Halloween is for the Kids
Letting your kids take the lead is the real trick. This year the girls absolutely fell in love with the Alice and Wonderland animated movie, so that became our theme. Picking a theme that is of interest and easily accessible is helpful. I’m not that great at sewing, so we often buy the larger parts of our costumes online.
Get the Kids involved in Halloween Decorating
Getting the kids into the Halloween decorations is another great way to get them involved and in the spirit. My girls love to stick these cool bats all over the house. They can drape the netting and spider webs , turn on the electric candles, and set out the signs and other safe decorations. Such a fun way for the entire family to chip in and enjoy the process.
Perfect Halloween Character
Though the themes may come easy, you still need to pick a character that fits each person in your family. Sometimes this takes some finagling. I would suggest thinking about their age, how easy it will be to find in their size, and how easily it fits into your theme. Sometimes you have to think outside the box. I originally planned to make one girl the Queen of Hearts but I knew she would have nothing to do with the big bulky dress. We looked at alternatives and settled for the white rabbit as the perfect Halloween costume for her.
Get the Kids in the Halloween Spirit
Have your kids practice playing in their costumes…everyday if they so choose. The more comfortable they are in their costumes, the more likely they are to feel comfortable on Halloween evening, therefore you’re more likely to get that perfect picture.
Have everyone in Costume early
Even if you don’t have the matching costumes, you can still get that beautiful family shot to keep for the memory books. Getting everyone dressed early is the key here and doing so while its still light out. Sundown is actually one of the best times to take pictures, so try to shoot for that.
Treats to Encourage Perfect Shots
I use little treats to get my kiddos to stop for a picture. If the photographer holds the candy I’m sure your kids will be more likely to look. You can see our bloopers here (which I think are still equally as cute). Just keep shooting, sometimes it takes a hundred shots to get that perfect one. Be sure to try and enjoy the process!
Non-Candy Halloween Treat Alternatives
This year we are trying to hand out as much “non-candy” as possible. There is already so much candy being passed out that I wanted to give something different, plus it is a lot healthier for us and the neighborhood kids.
Here are some great candy alternatives:
Bring in the Halloween Switch Witch
Not everyone is going to give up on passing out candy, which is why it’s time to get creative. Have you guys heard of the Switch Witch? Last year was the first year the Switch Witch visited us. The kids leave their candy for the Switch Witch when they go to bed and in exchange they get a present. This is a great way to get all the extra candy out of their hands. I do keep a couple pieces for special occasions but they willingly give it up for the special barbie they have been eyeing.
Donating the Extra Halloween Candy
Once we do the Switch Witch we will have all this leftover candy. I absolutely have to get it out of the house, otherwise I will eat it. In years past, we have decided to donate our leftover candy to the Treats for Troops. They will send all donated candy oversees to our men and women in service. I love this idea and I love that our candy could brighten a soldiers day.
Communicate with your Neighbors
If you are trick or treating this year in the neighborhood, be sure to download the Nextdoor app. It’s a great way for neighbors to communicate with one another. During Halloween they have a special trick or treating map. You can see what houses plan on passing out candy and which ones will be taking a break. This way you can be safe and efficient!
Pull off the Perfect Halloween
If you have some opt your own tips and tricks to help pull off a perfect Halloween, we would love for you to share.
Have a great costume? How about a unique craft or fun Halloween snack? We would love to see them all.
