Most popular Halloween costumes of 2016
This year, expect to see the usual ghosts and goblins on Halloween — but also, be on the lookout for politicians, Pokemon players and superheroes.
eBay data collected in September showed comic book characters, Star Wars, Pokemon and typical witches and vampires slaying sales. Party City is predicting the 2016 Election, Snapchat filters and new movies will also sway trick-or-treaters and party goers. But, don’t underestimate the power of superhero costumes either.
Rubie’s Costume, Co., Inc. in New York, advertised as the world's largest designer, manufacturers and distributor of Halloween costumes, told USA TODAY superhero and Star Wars costumes are topping its sales with the exception of Paw Patrol characters climbing to the No. 1 spot for toddlers.
Of course, don't discount the classics. Walmart reports Scooby Doo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Minnie Mouse, Monster High and Ariel from The Little Mermaid are still popular with kids. The retailer also said animal costumes (lamb, elephant, bear, lion) are also still a top seller among babies.
Children
Batman: Superheroes still triumph at New York’s Rubie’s Costume, Co., Inc. For boys, Spider-man comes in second and Superman flys into fourth. The dark side prevails on the shop’s list of most popular costumes for boys, with Darth Vader coming in at No. 3. Walmart also reported superhero costumes are strong pick for boys and girls — best sellers include Captain America.
Wonder Woman: A strong female character is Rubie’s top costume for girls, followed by characters Harley Quinn and Rey.
Princess: It's hard to resist a jeweled, puffy dress and a wand or crown, which is why princess costumes come in at No. 2 on the National Retail Federation list for top choices for children this year. The costume held a spot at No. 1 for the past two years, but was booted down because of action/superhero choices. Princess costumes are a top pick for female children shopping at Goodwill, and shoppers won't let Frozen go — Frozen-themed costumes are at No. 3 on Goodwill's top costumes for female children.
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Adults
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump: Party City said election season is spurring its shoppers presidential candidate choices. Devin Rubink with HalloweenCostumes.com said Trump costumes are outselling Clinton costumes by 30% on the site. The National Retail Federation has any kind of political costume pegged at third most popular choice for adults this year, behind witch and pirate.
Pokemon: Party City and eBay data show Pokemon Go-themed costumes have captured a lot of costume sales so far this year for those trying to catch 'em all.
Game of Thrones characters: Winter is coming, and so is Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen and Arya Stark, according to eBay.
Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad): Harley is an extremely popular pick for adults and children this year, showing up on several top lists. It's a costume that lends itself to DIY, a trend Goodwill reported as on the upswing this year. Plus, who can resist the pink and blue dipped pigtails?
Clowns: Costume chain Halloween Express reported sales of clown masks are up 300% since last year. Goodwill reports clown costumes are a top pick (coming in at No. 5) specifically for adult males. This year, people from more than 20 states reported seeing creepy clowns, some causing criminal activity.
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