Costumes make great Christmas gifts. Any kind of costume is fun for the child who enjoys playing dress up but you can make Christmas even more special for your children by giving them costumes that match the toys on their Christmas list. Costume SuperCenter has a selection of costumes that match some of the most popular toys for girls and boys for Christmas 2011.
According to internet sources such as BestToysGuide.com and ToysRUs.com, here are some of the best-selling toys for girls and boys, along with the corresponding costumes.
- Lalaloopsy – Lalaloopsy dolls are whimsical and magical dolls that come to life then the last stitch is sewn. Each doll has her own special personality. Lalaloopsy is the biggest craze for young girls. We have the officially licensed costumes for three of the dolls: Spot Splatter Splash, Pillow Feather Bed and Mittens Fluff ‘N Stuff. The costumes fit most girls from age 1 to 7.
- Monster High – For girls that are older than the Lalaloopsy set, Monster High dolls are glamorous, like Bratz but with a twist of horror. Monster High costumes for girls were very hot for Halloween. The costumes include Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Cleo DeNile, Lagoona Blue and Frankie Stein. They fit girls from size 4 to 14.
- Beyblade Metal Fusion Battle Tops Ryuga and Gingka – Toys R Us lists Beyblade as one of the hottest toys for boys this Christmas. The toys are high performance spinning tops that are based on the characters in the video game and cartoon. You can get the Beyblade Ryuga costume and Beyblade Gingka costume so your son can wear it while playing with his Metal Fusion Battle Tops. Beyblade costumes fit boys sizes 4-6, 8-10 and 10-12.
- Transformers – These always popular toys have costumes for most of the characters such as Bumble Bee, Optimus Prime, Ironhide, and Megatron. Playtime can be truly interactive with your child dressed in his favorite transformer costume while playing with his favorite toys. Transformers costumes come in small, medium and large to fit boys sized 4-12
Additional costumes that you can find to match your children’s favorite toys include Disney princesses, Cars 2, Thomas the Tank Engine, Elmo and many more. So this Christmas, consider costumes as Christmas gifts and get them at Costume SuperCenter.
If you are wondering what the most sought after Halloween costumes are this year, look no further. Costume Supercenter has the top 5 girls Halloween costumes and the top 5 boys Halloween costumes. The new breakout licenses for 2011 are Angry Birds and Monster High with the the Red Bird and Frankie Stein, respectively, coming out on top. Other costumes from both of these licenses are also among this year’s best sellers.
Top Girls Halloween Costumes
- Smurfette costume – This adorable outfit can be enhanced with a blond Smurfette wig and blue makeup, sold separately
- Frankie Stein from Monster High costume – Frankie is just one of the grouping of Monster High costumes including Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, Lagoona Blue, and Cleo de Nile.
- Strawberry Shortcake costume – a timeless classic as sweet as can be
- Pink Power Ranger Samurai costume – now girls can have ninja power. Power Rangers always top the list
- Girls Twister costume – its an interactive dress in the pattern of the famous party game, Twister
Top Boys Halloween Costumes
- Angry Birds Red Bird costume – These costumes are overwhelmingly in demand. Additional inventory is coming.
- Stealth Ninja costume – Ninja costumes rule this year.
- Red Power Ranger Samurai costume – Power Rangers continue to evolve making them best sellers since the early 90s.
- Muscle Chest Captain America costume – one of the best movies of the summer, this is the updated version of the all American superhero costume.
- Ghost Busters Stay Puft Marshmallow Man costume – who ya gonna call when the Stay Puft monster is on the loose? Costume SuperCenter, that’s who!
In addition to those mentioned above, expect to see lots of zombies on both boy and girls. Disney continues to dominate with Cars 2 costumes and Rapunzel Tangled costumes being among the newest and hottest. This year, give kids what they want and check out our top costumes for kids at Costume SuperCenter. While you are shopping, don’t forget to shop for your adult Halloween costumes too.
Steve Jobs’ contribution to the world ranks up their with Einstein, Ford and Edison. As I sit here with my iPod on, I am directly across from two of our web artists, working on giant screen Macs. My iPhone is in my purse. So much more than toys, these devises revolutionized the way the world functions today.
My child, being very naïve, asked me this morning Job’s passing meant that Angry Birds and her apps would no longer be available on her phone. Of course I explained that just because someone is no longer here doesn’t mean the contribution they made to the world ends with them. Angry Birds is, in fact, going to live on and catapult in a field of pigs in Apple products for many more generations. Who knows, in 5 years Apple may release a device that can play these games not only in 3D but in life-sized virtual reality simply by wearing a pair of iGlasses. Jobs paved the way for others to develop technologies far beyond our imagination, just like he did.
On behalf of this blogger and all of us at Costume SuperCenter, we are saddened by the loss of such an innovator and are truly amazed at how his presence is all around us. How we take it for granted. Every day, nearly every one of us touches something that wouldn’t exist without him. We rely on him for work, entertainment and communication. Just like the inventors of the car and the lightbulb, their body may be gone but your legacy is ever present.
“…Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.” – Steve Jobs Stanford commencement speech , June 2005
This weekend in Boston, MA the International Steampunk City Festival kick off. For those of you who do not know about Steampunk, it is an alternative movement that mixes Victorian dress with and an Industrial, futuristic (in the eye of the Victorian age) look. Think of a Victorial time traveller and that will sum it up. The festival will take place at The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham on May 7th and 8th. The are expecting up to 10,000 to attend over the weekend with 3000-4000 die-hard fans dressed in Steam-punk costumes.
Steampunk is fantasy. Forget everything you know about modern technology and envision what a Victorian citizen would have considered modern technology, like the items you would find in a late 1800’s inventor’s laboratory. Much of a Steampunker’s vision comes from the pages of Jules Verne’s and H.G. Wells’ books in addition to their own imagination. Goggles, gears, gadgets, utility belts, pocket watches, top hats and leather mix in varying combinations to create a variety of unique costumes. There is no right or wrong with steampunk and no one particular character to emulate. Rather, it is a personal expression of style.
Fans of this genre go all out with some spending thousands of dollars on one-of-a-kind creations. However, more and more costume manufacturers and getting on the steam punk bandwagon and coming out with their own collections.
This sounds like a fun event that has a purpose too. Proceeds will go to repairing flood damage at the museum. If you live near the historic city of Waltham, Massachusetts, check out the International Steampunk City Festival May 7th and 8th. But first, head over to your grandparents’ garage or attic and see what you can find to add to your own pseudo-Victorian mechanical costume or check out your favorite costume seller for ideas.
Taylor Swift’s brother, Austin must really love his big sis to pose for this family picture she tweeted recently. Apparently, she took a trip to Germany and thought her brother would just love a German costume for his birthday. Happy birthday little bro, I bought you some lederhosen…probably not what he was expecting but what a good sport to pose for this picture, stein in hand. Ooompah!
Even Taylor Swift got in on the German costume theme dressing in an outfit reminiscent of a Bavarian girl. I just love the expression of her looking up at her brother. Perhaps this photo was his idea since Austin, 19, is an aspiring photographer. In any case it really shows their mutual affection for one another. Taylor and her brother are very close. He has been her date to several red carpet events and I think she is very lucky to have a brother like him. If I told my brother that I wanted to take a picture of him in lederhosen and tweet it to over 6 million followers he would probably kill me!
Costume SuperCenter is busy getting ready for the 2011 Halloween Season. This year will prove to be our best ever, especially in the area of licensed costumes. We will reveal sneak peaks and teasers as the year progresses so that by the time the buying season begins you’ll know exactly what you want. This year, you’ll have to act fact because our hot new costumes will go fast.
This is our first preview. Again, the Halloween costumes below are just a drop in the bucket. The complete line of new costumes will become available as we get close to Halloween.
Disney’s Tangled - This delightful animated film featuring Rapunzel, the princess who spent her live in a tower and falls in love with a handsome bandit. The Rapunzel costume is exclusively for girls. There is a classic and deluxe version. Her trademark long hair and tiara are sold separately.
Thor The Mighty Avenger – Thor is a powerful and arrogant warrior who is cast out of the mystical realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth. It is there he becomes a brave and strong defender of the human race. The Thor costume features a muscle chest and metallic graphics. Thor’s hammer will be sold separately.
Cars 2 – This exciting new Pixar film will bring us three creative costumes for boys. The costumes are still in development so we don’t have complete details yet for the Lightning McQueen costume, Finn McMissle costume or the Tow Mater costume but we know this will be the hot ticket for Halloween 2011. The movie takes them on an International adventure were they go up against some of the fastest cars in the world. Children’s sizes only.
Pirates of the Caribbean 4 - As Jack Sparrow and Barbosa set sail to find the fountain of youth they cross paths with Blackbeard and Angelica, a beautiful woman from his past. The Angelica costumes, Syrena costume (she’s a mermaid) and the Blackbeard costume and a new, plus there is an updated Captain Jack Sparrow costume. Will be available in kids, adults and plus size.
More details on these and other hot new movie costumes are coming soon. Stay tuned to our blog for the latest Halloween costume news.
If you live on the east coast you are probably still digging out from the nearly 30 inches of snow that fell the day after Christmas. In other parts of the country there has been rain and flooding. It is no fun at all and everyone is longing for spring to bring the warm weather, the sun in their face, flowers blooming and children playing outside. In the meantime, everyone is cooped up inside, dreaming of spring. Costume SuperCenter has some fun suggestions for the whole family for curing cabin fever in costume:
- Pop a Disney movie into the DVD player and dress the kids in matching Disney costumes. Encourage them to act out the movie as they watch it. Have your own video camera ready to film their performance. After the movie they can watch their own production.
- Make a blanket fort in the family room and turn it into whatever the kids desire. It can be a princess’ castle, a superhero’s fortress or a wild animal’s cave. Put the kids in costume according to their whim. A fort is always a big hit.
- Turn Dad into a human dart board. Our dart board costume has a foam tunic and velcro darts. The kids will love this game! To make it even more fun, dad can be a moving target.
- Put the kids to bed and put on a naughty costume for adults only.
Whatever you decide, try to get everyone away from the computer and the video games and up on their feet. Time goes by faster when you are active and interacting with others. Cabin fever is 100 times worse when you’re board so keep in mind that a bit of imagination and motion makes you healthy, happy and busy.
Tying our suggestions is easy because this time of year there so hundreds of costumes at clearance and discounted prices. They are fun for everyone. Costumes make great gifts and toys and they are the perfect cure for the winter doldrums.
Today is December 20th. We are in the homestretch. The last thing you want to be thinking about now is last minute Christmas shopping. The focus should be on party planning and the arrival of Santa Claus. Eleventh hour Christmas shopping is very stressful and often unnecessary. It puts are major crimp in your time, wallet and Christmas spirit.
Here are some tips to bypass the wasteful last minute trips to the mall as well as how to deal with last minute shopping if you have no choice.
- If you have not started shopping yet, shame on you! To make it less painful, make a list of everyone for whom you need to shop then list three things for each person. By listing three things, you won’t go nuts trying to find one specific item. It the first item on the list is sold out or not available in the color or size you need, move on to the next item.
- Take advantage of websites that offer last minute deals, discounted shipping and guaranteed delivery by Christmas. Any time you can dodge the mall, do it.
- Try not to come down with a case of the “might as wells.” Make a list, buy exactly is on it and then STOP! The “might as wells” can really kill your budget and usually, they are just silly things that people don’t want or need. At Christmas, think quality, not quantity.
- Buy a handful of “emergency gifts.” These are restaurant gift cards, department store gift cards, gift baskets, movie theater gift certificates and the like. Keep them handy along with a supply of greeting cards. The idea here is that you can give these to anyone you may have forgotten or who may show up at your door unexpectedly. They are the perfect emergency gifts because you can use of any cards you don’t give away.
If you still need to go, get moving, get it done and have a wonderful Christmas.
As you get ready to roast your Thanksgiving turkey and gather with family and friends, let us take a moment to reflect on the things for which we are most thankful. Costume SuperCenter would like to thank each and every one of our customers for your loyalty. This past Halloween costume season was our best yet and we couldn’t have done it without all of you.
Through Christmas and the entire New Year we will continue to offer you the very best costumes and accessories at low prices. Great new costume are still to come so the future looks bright. In the meantime, some of our favorites have been marked down after Halloween so remember, when you start your holiday shopping, that costume make great Christmas gifts for kids.
We wish you all the very happiest of Thanksgivings. May your turkey be moist and juicy, the pies be sweet and the company you keep be those you hold dearest.
Boo! Did I scare you? Hopefully I got your attention. Convince that I sometimes have holes in my brain it is necessary for me to make lists in order to remember anything. If you’re having a Halloween party the last thing you want is to forget the details necessary to make your party a complete Halloween spooktacular.
In order, you will need the following:
- Invitations – get some fun Halloween invitations that will match your party theme i.e. spooky, kid friendly.
- Decorations – This is the fun part. Inexpensive options are spider webs with plastic spiders and carved Jack-O-lanterns. Scene Setters are inexpensive wall décor that can completely transform your room for just a few dollars. More expensive decorations include things like life sized horror figures, lawn ornaments and spooky furnishings. Put most of the decor at the entry to the party so you set the mood immediately. Decor is like a Halloween costume for your home.
- Party supplies – This is all your paper goods, silverware, table covers and such. A combination of black, orange and purple will work for any Halloween party. Whether you make it fun or scary depends on the decor your choose. Party supplies also include prize ribbons for the costume contest and other prizes or favors.
- Mood setters – This includes spooky music and sound effects, eerie lighting, fog and animation. Motion sensor props scare the bajeezas out of people and create a delightfully spooky atmosphere. My friend Suzy has a life sized zombie that crawls from her living room into her foyer to greet people. Fog machines cast an eerie yet harmless smoke that hangs low to the ground. You can achieve the same effect with dry ice and water. Mood setters are essential. Even something as simple as dim lights and candlelight can make a big difference.
- Food – Its always more fun to eat food that matches the party theme. There are way too many ideas to mention here so we recommend you look at websites that feature spooky Halloween food. It can be super gross or yummy for everyone.
- Entertainment – good food, music and company are usually enough for a grown up party but you can always include some extras. A fortune teller is a great idea but if you’re on a budget you can play games such as the Creepy Feely Game or Pass the Gord.
- Costumes – sometimes its easier to see how your party planning evolves before choosing your costume but don’t wait too long. Always leave enough time to make an exchange. Websites like Costume SuperCenter have a Free Size and Exchange Policy. As long as you make an exchange either for a different costume or a different size, they pay the shipping for the return and the replacement.
