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If your kid has already changed their mind about their Halloween costume twice this month, you’re not alone — but a few themes are clearly winning this year. Here’s what’s actually trending for 2026, broken down by age, so you can shop before the popular sizes sell out.
Quick tip: Layer-friendly costumes win in Minnesota. Look for ones with room for a hoodie or thermal underneath — nobody’s having fun trick-or-treating in 35°F wearing just a costume.
The Hottest Kids’ Costumes This Year
1. Bluey & Bingo (toddler/preschool)
An easy win for the youngest trick-or-treaters — instantly recognizable and comfortable enough for a toddler to actually tolerate wearing. Pairs well with a sibling in a different costume rather than a matching set.
2. Gabby’s Dollhouse (toddler/preschool)
Another reliable pick for the littlest kids — soft, familiar, and easy to layer under.
3. KPop Demon Hunters — Rumi,, Derpy, or the Saja Boys (elementary/tween)
One of the biggest costume trends this year, with expanded product lines to match the demand — good option if your kid wants to be “what everyone’s wearing.”
4. A Minecraft Movie characters (elementary/tween) Chicken Jockey, Steve, and Creeper are great choices
Right behind KPop Demon Hunters as a top trend this season — good for a group costume if your kid’s friend group is into it.
5. Toy Story 5 — Woody, Buzz, or the full crew (family/sibling set)
Expected to be a top family/group costume this year following the movie’s summer release — works well for siblings or cousin groups without needing to match exactly.
6. Pokémon — trainer or a specific Pokémon (elementary)
Try Pikachu, Charizard or Squirtle. The franchise is as popular with kids right now as it’s ever been, and there are options whether they want to be a trainer or the Pokémon itself.
7. Super Mario Bros — Mario, Luigi, or Peach (elementary, group-friendly)
A strong pick for duo or group costumes with siblings or friends.
8. Wicked — Elphaba (tween)
Green face paint, black dress, and a pointed hat — one of the most-searched family costume themes this year, and easy to DIY if you’d rather not buy a full costume kit.
Classic Picks That Never Really Go Out of Style
If your kid isn’t chasing a trend, these reliable categories are worth keeping in your back pocket — plus they tend to be easier to size up as reusable dress-up pieces after Halloween:
- Animals and dinosaurs
- Princess and fairy-tale
- Superhero and knight
- Spooky classics — witch, black cat, bat
- Real-job costumes — police officer, firefighter, astronaut
Before You Buy
- Check the actual size chart, not just the age label — costume sizing varies a lot between brands, and most brands stop around age 8–10.
- Have your kid try on the full costume once beforehand, shoes included, so there’s time to fix anything uncomfortable.