Tricks aside, Halloween is full of treats. Haunted houses, spooky corn mazes, pumpkin spice galore and, of course, candy, candy and more candy! But, let’s be honest, the most thrilling part of celebrating All Hallow’s Eve is the costumes. For just one night annually, trick-or-treaters can dress up as anything their hearts desire. For people with disabilities, however, shopping for adaptive Halloween costumes can be a little daunting, right?
Well, here’s some “boo-tiful” news… adaptive Halloween costumes have become much more accessible. In fact, Target recently released adaptive costumes by Hyde and EEK! Boutique, available online only. The line proved to be wildly popular and Target quickly sold out of select Hyde and EEK! Boutique items. “We’re amazed and truly humbled by our guests’ initial response,” Julie Guggemos,Target’s senior vice president of Owned Brand Management and Product Design, said in a press statement. “And our team’s moving fast to restock before Halloween so more families can get in on the fun.”
This isn’t Target’s first shot at adaptive clothing. In August 2017, the company debuted sensory-friendly pieces within their Cat & Jack brand. The garments feature side and back snaps, zip closures, hidden openings for abdominal access and more. And, earlier this year, Target launched Pillowfort which features sensory-friendly home décor.
Adaptive Halloween Costumes Available at Target.com
1. Pirate Costume
Cost: Costume $25 | Pirate Ship $45
This Halloween option has two components: a pirate costume and a pirate ship for sailing the seas on All Hallow’s Eve. The back opening of the costume allows it to be easily accessible for wheelchair users; plus, the roomy pant openings will let your child dress the part with shoes on. The ship itself can be cut to fit many wheelchair sizes, and it stays in place with hook-and-loop closures. [photo above]
2. Princess and Carriage
Cost: Costume $20 | Carriage $45
Like the previously mentioned costume, this adaptive option is also a costume combo… but fit for royalty! With the sides of the chair displaying intricate designs, onlookers will be dazzled by the whimsical princess rolling by. It includes matching wheel covers and a crown. The dress shines a bright pink through the gray and purple carriage.
3. Sensory-Friendly Shark
Cost: $25
You know the song… “Baby Shark…doo doo doo doo.” Along with flat seams and tag-free features, the hood, tail and fins of this sensory-friendly costume can be detached to suit your child’s special needs. The plush costume is sure to make a splash on Halloween!
4. Universal Unicorn
Cost: $25
This majestic costume is similar to the design of the Shark but, naturally, with wings and a horn. The wings can be detached if needed to let your child play more freely.
Homemade Adaptive Halloween Costumes
Sometimes the one-of-a-kind look you desire can only be achieved with homemade customization. Here are some homemade adaptive Halloween costume ideas:
1. Finding Nemo
Nemo, the beloved clown fish from Disney’s Finding Nemo has an impaired fin. For Nemo fans that also have limb impairments or amputated arms, check out this Nemo and Dory pair.
2. Tigger
Everyone loves the energetic pal bouncing on his tail from Winnie the Pooh, right? Check out Josh Sundquist and his wife, Ashley. Josh, a Paralympic ski racer and motivational speaker, uses one leg as Tigger’s tail (below). He actually describes himself as a Halloween costume enthusiast; check out his other costume designs here.
3. Steampunk X-Men
The famous team can go out in style with Professor X.
For more ideas, check out this Bored Panda article and this Halloween.com article.
Don’t Let Cost Scare You from Halloween Fun
If your child has always dreamed of an awesome wheelchair costume that’s out of your budget, applying for costume creation assistance through Magic Wheelchair, a nonprofit that makes costumes at no charge! The founder, Ryan Weimer, launched the effort in 2008 after making a pirate ship for his son who has spinal muscular atrophy.
Check out this video about Magic Wheelchair:
Feature image credit: Target
