How Kids Pick Out Halloween Costumes

In the Beginning, There Was Elsa

Ever since she saw the movie Frozen, my daughter had her heart set on being Elsa, which was perfect because she already had two Elsa costumes and all the accessories. My son had decided he also wanted to be Elsa, though I was not holding my breath on that one — he's only 3, and I was also pretty sure that daddy was not going to let that one go.

Source: Instagram user helloiamjen

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Then Came the Chasing Fireflies Catalog

I handed the newly delivered Chasing Fireflies catalog to my children because I thought they would enjoy looking at it. Rookie move. What was I thinking? Suddenly both had decided on two elaborate costumes costing a small fortune. I knew there was no chance either of them would wear their chosen item for longer than five minutes, tops.

Source: Chasing Fireflies

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Then Came the Ninja Turtles

Luckily the fancy, pricey costume phase was short-lived, and, much to my husband's delight, my son eventually decided against Elsa and declared he wanted to be a Ninja Turtle for Halloween. This was perfect because he already had the costume. And Elsa was still on for my daughter. Score for mommy! Both kids' costumes were set and ready to go, and it was only August!

Source: Flickr user TimnCJ

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Except Then My Daughter Wanted to Be a Ninja Turtle, Too

Per my request, my sister made my son an amazing Ninja Turtle hat to go with his costume — and she lovingly made an extra for my daughter.

Very sweet, except guess who then wanted to be a Ninja Turtle for Halloween, too? Yup, my daughter. The same daughter who has been obsessed with Elsa for over 10 months. The same daughter whose costume was already complete. She'd said, "I want to be a TMNT so baaaaaaaaad mommy! Pleeease." So I started the search for the girl turtle costume (which by the way, I had no idea even existed). It was finally settled; they were both going to be Ninja Turtles. Problem solved — and I was even over the loss of Elsa.

Photo: Denise Stirk

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Then, Out of Nowhere, Came the Power Rangers

And then, as if on cue, the Party City Halloween catalog arrived in the mail. Somehow my kiddos got a hold of it before I could hide it in the trash. And after much deliberation, both children decided they want to be Power Rangers. Power freakin' Rangers. I didn't even know Power Rangers were still a thing, but my daughter informed me they watch them on Netflix all the time. (Note to self: must be better about monitoring what my kids watch on Netflix.)

Source: Flickr user Kimco Realty

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So We Headed to Party City

I read them the rules as we walked into the store, "You guys are going to be Power Rangers. Do you understand me? If I buy these costumes, you HAVE to be Power Rangers for Halloween! No more changing!"

And then it happened: the pink (girl) Power Ranger was sold out. My daughter completely lost it in the middle of the costume aisle and went into a crazy rage. She haphazardly decided on Super Girl even though she actually didn't want to be that, she just wanted to leave the store with a costume in hand. The concept of just ordering the girl Power Ranger costume online was completely lost on her. My son left with his costume, and my daughter left with nothing but a really bad attitude.

Source: Flickr user RustyClark (hottnfunkyradio.com)

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Mighty Mama, It Is a Power Ranger Halloween!

After we got home, I sent both kids to their rooms. Our "fun" Party City trip went downhill fast after the sold-out fiasco. I did end up ordering the pink Power Ranger costume for my girl, and I gave it to her once she showed me she could be more patient. When all is said and done, they are the two cutest Power Rangers I've ever seen, but I'll tell you what, I am not looking forward to doing this all over again next year.

Photo: Denise Stirk

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