Worst Halloween Costumes for Kids

It's time to start thinking about Halloween costumes for the kids. For many parents, that means shopping online or crafting homemade creations that are sweet, funny and playful. But a handful of parents veer in the territory of the tasteless and tacky. Here's our advice for avoiding the worst Halloween costumer for kids. We've got three key categories to avoid: It's time to start thinking about Halloween costumes for the kids. For many parents, that means shopping online or crafting homemade creations that are sweet, funny and playful. But a handful of parents veer in the territory of the tasteless and tacky. Here's our advice for avoiding the worst Halloween costumer for kids. We've got three key categories to avoid:

Too Grown Up

Skip anything with any sexual connotations. Yes, we all like to make fun of the television show "The Jersey Shore." That doesn't mean it's funny to dress your daughter up like a "guidette" with acrylic nails, a hair bump and cleavage. Or to put tattoos on your son, give him a fake six-pack of abdominal muscles, and plenty of hair get. If I see any Snookie's or Situations at my door this year, I just may have to bring out the coal or organic beet juice to drop in the bags and give the parents a good talking to. Parents I beseech you. No little tarts or gigolos. Simply inappropriate.

Add hobos and bums to the list of the worst Halloween costumes for kids. With today's skyrocketing foreclosure rates, making a joke out of homelessness is simply crass and should be a taboo costume for any child. Stick with costumes that focus on the positive--like these dress-up dreams from Little Adventures.

Too complicated

There's an architect in Brooklyn that painstakingly crafts costumes for his kids every year. I.M. Pei, Frank Lloyd Wright-you name it and he's built a costume creation for his kids that involves a intricate building. The problem is, the costumes become far too precious and the evening becomes more about the daddy architect's talent than his child's enjoyment of trick or treating. Plus the creations get heavy and cumbersome.

While we applaud parents who rig up their own tin-man or robot costume out of boxes and silver paint we remind parents that it's about the kids. Involve them in the creation of the costume (we love this list of ideas from Parent's Magazine). Avoid showing off your grown-up talents. Same thing goes with moms who are sewing wizards. While adding another layer of ruffles and lace to a princess costume might suit you, don't get overly attached to the outfit-this holiday is meant to be about your children. If you're a frustrated costume designer volunteer at the next school play.

Too Scary

Dripping blood and gaping neck wounds are not appropriate for young children. We draw the line at second grade for any scary costumes. True Blood and Twilight may be all the rage with tweens and teens, that doesn't make a vampire costume right for a preschooler.

These scary costumes make our list of the worst costumes because they can frighten other children. While your child may be mature enough to handle the sight of fake blood, other more sensitive children might not have had exposure to this gore and will have nightmares for weeks. Scary costume we approve of? Skeletons, witches, spiders, mummies and bats (head to Chasing-Fireflies for a pricey but awesome assortment). Slightly creepy to be sure, but also playful enough to let kids get a scream free night of sleep after trick-or-treating.

With a little thought and guidance, you can give your child a magical Halloween. Focus on the make-believe and magical, and avoid our list of worst Halloween costumes for kids and you'll have a spooktacular holiday.