Almost every Halloween panic comes down to timing. Spread the decisions across October and the last week becomes easy.
Four weeks out: decide the costume
Ask your child what they want while there is still time to change their mind. Agree on one direction, take their measurements, and check the size chart before ordering.
Three weeks out: order everything together
Costume, accessories, face paint, and a treat bag in one go. Ordering early gives you room to exchange a size and avoids paying for express shipping later.
Two weeks out: try it on properly
Full dress rehearsal with the layers and shoes your child will actually wear. Note anything that needs hemming, a safety pin, or a warmer layer underneath.
One week out: fix and prepare
Do the small repairs, add reflective tape, test the face paint on a patch of skin, and check the torch batteries. If you are hosting, buy the sweets now and hide them well.
The day before: lay everything out
Costume, layers, socks, shoes, accessories, and bag in one place. Charge a phone and agree the route and the time you will head home.
On the night: keep it simple
Early dinner, get dressed with time to spare, take the photos before anyone gets tired, and leave while the excitement is still high.