Creepy costumes are a part of Halloween, and can be just as wonderful as cute costumes (and are arguably better suited to the holiday, some might say). Creative costumes are best of all… especially those that make you think or laugh.
This is not about those costumes.
Some were probably intended as funny but fall flat. Others can't help but force awkward moments at the front doors of neighbors. One or two are funny in the same way that those unfortunate old family photos get laughs years later. Others should necessitate counseling (I'm only half joking here).
Here are a few of the weirdest - and not in a good way -- Halloween costumes for kids.
Non-Decapitated Marie Antoinette
It's supposed to be a fairytale dress for a very lucky little girl. Undoubtedly, the costume is gorgeous. However, instead of calling it "French Queen" or something similar, they went with "Marie Antoinette." Granted, she was a beautiful and influential woman, and the costume is brilliant (I love the enormous wig), but images of beheadings can't help but spring to mind with this one. While it's Halloween, and we expect a fair amount of fake gruesomeness, I can't help but wonder at the irony of a costume that comes with the warning, "Choking Hazard" (the choker contains small parts).
Billion Dollar Baby
I get the whole concept of puns. On Halloween, they make for some hysterical costume options. However, the phrase "billion dollar baby" doesn't spring to mind as much as does "baby for sale" when you see this baby costume, further emphasized by the large, prominently-placed dollar sign. On the one hand I can see how baby costumes are usually adorable by virtue of the little angels wearing them. On the other hand, this one could look like door-to-door solicitation (hence the creepiness).
Toddler-Eating Muppet
Except for the part where Elmo is eating this child's head, the Frilly Sesame Street Elmo Toddler Costume is pretty cute. I can think of plenty of little girls (and big ones, for that matter) who would love to own a frilly red tulle dress. However, it's a bit creepy to see zombie Elmo at work, chewing on some kid's brain. Admit it: now that you've seen it, you can't un-see it... and the little kid down the street probably won't forget it, either.
Toilet Costume
This falls into the category of jokes that fall flat.
There's nothing quite as charming as answering the door to a kid dressed like a loo. The most I can say about the Toilet costume it is at least it's clean. It even comes with a realistic blue water effect "inside" the can for that extra detail. Not only that, but a handy "toilet paper dispenser" is also included, for kids who want to take their TP duties seriously in the event that they aren't satisfied with their haul and feel like causing a little mischief.
Pine Fresh Children
Hard to believe it's been discontinued when you think of the multi-season appeal of a pine-tree-shaped air freshener baby costume. On the one hand, it's certainly original. On the other hand… well, you're dressing your little one like a cheap air freshener you might find hanging in a cab.
Pimp Child Costume
Some things, though, should simply never be created in any context in which kids are involved. The "Mac Daddy Pimp Costume" with fake money and hat (cane shown in picture not included) is an example of a costume that should never have been made, much less marketed to children. This costume is neither cute nor appropriate… it's creepy and sad, on a number of levels.
Fortunately, there are countless wonderful costume ideas out there, many of which parents can make at home with a little creativity and teamwork. Last year, for example, my daughter dressed as an elephant, using one of her daddy's big grey t-shirts and a few pairs of my old heavy, slouchy ankle warmers. One year I dressed as a tourist using my many years as a Sunshine State resident and lots of free travel brochures as inspiration.
I love seeing the costumed kids each year and I'm excited to see every princess, ninja, and Jedi-ladybug who comes to our door. I'm just hoping to avoid any awkward encounters with walking toilets if I can help it.
This is not about those costumes.
Some were probably intended as funny but fall flat. Others can't help but force awkward moments at the front doors of neighbors. One or two are funny in the same way that those unfortunate old family photos get laughs years later. Others should necessitate counseling (I'm only half joking here).
Here are a few of the weirdest - and not in a good way -- Halloween costumes for kids.
Non-Decapitated Marie Antoinette
It's supposed to be a fairytale dress for a very lucky little girl. Undoubtedly, the costume is gorgeous. However, instead of calling it "French Queen" or something similar, they went with "Marie Antoinette." Granted, she was a beautiful and influential woman, and the costume is brilliant (I love the enormous wig), but images of beheadings can't help but spring to mind with this one. While it's Halloween, and we expect a fair amount of fake gruesomeness, I can't help but wonder at the irony of a costume that comes with the warning, "Choking Hazard" (the choker contains small parts).
Billion Dollar Baby
I get the whole concept of puns. On Halloween, they make for some hysterical costume options. However, the phrase "billion dollar baby" doesn't spring to mind as much as does "baby for sale" when you see this baby costume, further emphasized by the large, prominently-placed dollar sign. On the one hand I can see how baby costumes are usually adorable by virtue of the little angels wearing them. On the other hand, this one could look like door-to-door solicitation (hence the creepiness).
Toddler-Eating Muppet
Except for the part where Elmo is eating this child's head, the Frilly Sesame Street Elmo Toddler Costume is pretty cute. I can think of plenty of little girls (and big ones, for that matter) who would love to own a frilly red tulle dress. However, it's a bit creepy to see zombie Elmo at work, chewing on some kid's brain. Admit it: now that you've seen it, you can't un-see it... and the little kid down the street probably won't forget it, either.
Toilet Costume
This falls into the category of jokes that fall flat.
There's nothing quite as charming as answering the door to a kid dressed like a loo. The most I can say about the Toilet costume it is at least it's clean. It even comes with a realistic blue water effect "inside" the can for that extra detail. Not only that, but a handy "toilet paper dispenser" is also included, for kids who want to take their TP duties seriously in the event that they aren't satisfied with their haul and feel like causing a little mischief.
Pine Fresh Children
Hard to believe it's been discontinued when you think of the multi-season appeal of a pine-tree-shaped air freshener baby costume. On the one hand, it's certainly original. On the other hand… well, you're dressing your little one like a cheap air freshener you might find hanging in a cab.
Pimp Child Costume
Some things, though, should simply never be created in any context in which kids are involved. The "Mac Daddy Pimp Costume" with fake money and hat (cane shown in picture not included) is an example of a costume that should never have been made, much less marketed to children. This costume is neither cute nor appropriate… it's creepy and sad, on a number of levels.
Fortunately, there are countless wonderful costume ideas out there, many of which parents can make at home with a little creativity and teamwork. Last year, for example, my daughter dressed as an elephant, using one of her daddy's big grey t-shirts and a few pairs of my old heavy, slouchy ankle warmers. One year I dressed as a tourist using my many years as a Sunshine State resident and lots of free travel brochures as inspiration.
I love seeing the costumed kids each year and I'm excited to see every princess, ninja, and Jedi-ladybug who comes to our door. I'm just hoping to avoid any awkward encounters with walking toilets if I can help it.
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