Halloween is just around the corner, and I was thinking of Halloween ideas for costumes, and realized that the one thing that has stood the test of time is the simple skeleton costume.

At first – it was about how well the skeleton costume was done – how detailed, how realistic etc. But then it extended out when you look at films such as Donnie Darko -  the Scream trilogy and The Karate Kid.  The costumes used in these movies were just as scary. Not so much for the realistic effect as for the anonymity (scream being a key example – the costume of the screaming man is so unrealistic and not scary – its just widely available and you keep thinking of the psycho underneath the skeleton).

I have to say – the fact that you never know who is under the skeleton costume is scary. I mean I know I’ll be thinking twice if I’m peering out my window and it’s an adult sized skeleton costume clad individual asking to be let in.  I might change my mind if they’re tiny – I mean I’ve seen some really cute kid Halloween costumes – including tiny little skeleton costumes, and one that includes sound and light, glow in the dark etc (also a great way to spot your child on a dark evening!). I also saw a skeleton costume for dogs with was truly adorable.

Actually I never realised the power of Halloween costumes – until I went on a pirate ship party. This one guy who was a teacher of ours turned up  and was actually truly scary. He was the same as everyone else – wearing a pirate outfit – which to be honest is not scary on it’s own. But he added skeleton to his pirate –so  his entire face was white skull and black sockets for eyes. I actually couldn’t look at him he was that scary looking – I don’t think I was the only one either!

Anyway, let’s hope that more people turn back to the icon that is Halloween instead  of seeing a million Harry Potter lookalikes roaming the streets.

Stuff all this Harry Potter craziness. Skeletons are a much more happening theme for Halloween. The are the true Halloween!

 

I think they're a little scary and I can educate my children on the human body at the same time! I don’t know any other costume that this can be done with.  Plus they are so very cute! No one is left guessing what my child is supposed to be dressed up as either :)

 

I’ve even got myself some excellent skeleton props and am going to have a Halloween Haunt at my home.

 

I'm planning to place various bones around the house and seeing who can find them with clues.

 

Another idea I had was make it look like there's a ghost rising from my table - I read up on this idea that you get a helium balloon and put it under your white tablecloth - add some eyes in the right spot and then you're done!

 

I think the kids are going to look great in their little skeleton costumes - they've even started asking me what all the bones are called (education and entertainment!).

 

As a family we are going to have pumpkin lanterns lighting up every corner of our room. I cant wait !

 

Anyway, please share other ideas you've got here!

 

Michael Jackson - what a terrible loss - and what great memories and music he left us. He was at his best when he was dancing. The Thriller album alone had 45million in worldwide sales, and is one of my classic memories was the best music video of all time. I watched this when I was younger and was terrified - but it still scares me even today.

This video is now my inspiration for having a Halloween party with a difference.I've decided to host a Michael Jackson Thriller party where my family and friends will dress up in skeleton costumes or as zombies. This was the biggest selling album of all time (at the time) and the classic images from the film clip still haunt me - so clever!

Both my boys have skeleton costumes, you know the ones that light up and make noises! I have yet to decide on my outfit. The 2 skeleton costumes that stand out for me are the Barnacle Bones pirate characters or the classic zombie. Actually thinking about it - I might just practice the moonwalk ,wear a pair of black trousers and get on the mic! The best bit is I know the music will be good.

I have just seen something totally adorable – Halloween costumes for pets. The one I saw that looked so cute is a skeleton costume for dogs. It just makes total sense – if you’re doing a whole Halloween themed party for example, but you have a gorgeous looking golden retriever or tiny shitsu running around looking anything but scary – it kind of interrupts things.

 I guess you could try and make your dog look like Stephen King’s Cujo… Ok maybe not. I mean that is seriously bad taste. My cousin has a phobia of dogs having been bitten in the past – and I think this would really freak her out – in a bad way.  But skeleton is ok – and very cute in fact. I think it will become a talking point. And given I’ll be wearing a skeleton costume this year myself, we’ll look good together!

It’s funny – my parrot already looks Halloween as he’s a parrot and could sit on anyone’s shoulder and turn them into a pirate. And African gray parrots have that skeleton look to them – being gray and white.

Now on to wonder how to make the fish look zombie like!