No one is having more fun on Halloween than families who coordinate group costumes. Take it from someone who spent many a trick-or-treat night galavanting around the neighborhood as a solo Charlie Chaplin, Sherlock Holmes or some other nondescript character that no one "got" — a collective costume pays off. You get the benefit of both solidifying just who you're dressing up as (can you imagine Mario without Luigi?) and making some seriously sweet memories. Plus, it's a lot less intimidating to go out in public in a leotard and tights when your kids and spouse are doing it, too.
But with every family Halloween costume comes one major dilemma: getting all members on board with the same idea.
When Little Suzie wants nothing more in this world than to be Barbie, but Little Johnny is gunning for Ghostbusters, compromise can be hard to come by. It's no easy feat to find something that will make everyone happy. So we've rounded up some of the most original family Halloween costume ideas to help you and yours avoid the trick-or-treat impasse.
From re-envisioning classic toys and games to embodying your favorite foods, here are 10 unique ideas you can bring to the next family meeting.
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Credit: Sugar and Cloth
As far as board games go, nothing brings on the nostalgia quite like Hungry Hungry Hippos. You can buy already-made costumes, but I'm seriously obsessed with this DIY version from Sugar & Cloth (and would probably wear those hats outside of spooky season). You'll need to break out some felt and your hot glue gun for this, but the finished product is so worth it.
Trolls
Credit: Amazon
Another blast from the past, the '90s version of Troll dolls were (and still are!) all the rage. The great part about this idea is that everyone gets to pick their own hair color, pattern and accessories. You can find completed costumes for the whole gang online (this kid-size one is particularly adorable), as well as characters from the Trolls movie.
Credit: Our Fifth House
Party Animals
What do you get when you mix party hats with big cats? Party animals, baby. This manifestation from Our Fifth House lays out the perfect blueprint. All you need are a couple of DIY animal masks (or store-bought ones, if that's more your speed), some animal-print shirts, and lots of party crowns and pompoms to make this costume a reality. Don't forget the noisemakers!
Breakfast
Credit: Amazon
Who doesn't love breakfast? With this scrumptious idea, you and your gang can go out as the most important meal of the day. Each person gets to choose their favorite breakfast item to be: Bacon and eggs? Pancakes? Doughnuts? The possibilities are endless — and available on Amazon.
Circus Troupe
Credit: This Sweet Happy Life
The circus is an iconic motif that is full of possibilities every family member can get behind. Whether you all dress up like a clan of clowns or assemble different performers such as fire breathers, trapeze artists and sword swallowers (as This Sweet Happy Life did), you'll be the stars of the show.
Wild West Family
Credit: Amazon
Take a trip back in time with this Western-inspired look. Deck out your family in cowboy hats, suspenders and boots — and don't forget about the mustaches and bandanas. If you want to go all out, you can even add some old-timey toys such as a lasso or a set of spurs. But nothing beats the Dad in the inflatable horse.
Frappuccinos
Credit: Amazon
Starbucks lovers, rejoice! Show your coffee pride with these super-cute Frappuccino costumes. You can easily pull off the look with felt and some glue (thank you, First House of Finn, for the DIY), but already-assembled outfits are also available. Designate at least one member of the fam to be the barista and top off the look with caps, aprons and a name tag.
The Price is Right Contestants
Credit: Amazon
What screams quality family time more than being on The Price is Right? Throw on some brightly colored shirts and grab these faux podiums from Amazon to make sure everyone in your group looks like an official contestant. You can even have someone dress up as the wheel!
Goldilocks and the 3 Bears
Credit: A Beautiful Mess
This classic storybook tale is always a good option for the family that likes to stick to tradition. You can find a lot of pre-made costumes online for both Goldilocks and the bears, or you can get crafty and make your own with just some papier-mâché (this tutorial on A Beautiful Mess has all the details). I can't decide whether those masks are scary or cute — but either way, I am here for it.
Cave People
Credit: Amazon
If you and your family are looking for a unique Halloween costume, this one takes the Paleo cake. All that's needed is some faux fur, a few props such as spears or scrolls (think: whatever the Flintstones would use), and some hairspray to give yourself the perfect caveman 'do. But if you're not up for a DIY, there are prehistoric options on Amazon for the whole gang.
