If this is your first time taking a little one trick-or-treating, you probably have a hundred questions. What should they wear? How do they carry candy? Is it too cold? What if they get scared? Take a deep breath — Halloween is supposed to be fun, and with a little preparation, it will be the kind of night your kids talk about for months.

Start with the Costume — The Most Important Decision

The right costume makes everything else easier. It should be easy to put on, comfortable to walk in, and something your child actually wants to wear. The Spooktacular Creations Little Mermaid costume is a proven favorite for little girls — it includes the dress and tail, fits sizes 4-6, and has 872 reviews with a 4.7-star rating. For little superhero fans, the officially licensed Optimus Prime muscle costume transforms any kid into their favorite character in seconds.

Don’t Forget the Candy Carrier

A good trick-or-treat bag is just as important as the costume. The JOYIN pumpkin plush tote bucket is soft, adorable, and easy for small hands to carry. It matches any costume and doubles as a decoration when not in use. For older kids who plan to collect serious candy, the ATFUNSHOP large canvas tote bag holds more and has a comfortable handle. Either way, make sure it has a wide opening — fumbling with a small bag on a dark doorstep is no fun when excitement is high.

Add Face Paint for Extra Magic

A little face paint turns a good costume into an unforgettable one. The Drawdart 20-color face painting kit is non-toxic, washable, and comes with brushes and stencils. Paint a cat nose and whiskers for the mermaid, or spider webs on the cheeks for the superhero. It adds that extra touch that makes your kid feel truly transformed. With thousands of happy customers, these paints are parent-approved.

Keep Them Comfy with Halloween Pajamas

After a long night of walking and candy-collecting, your kids will crash. Make the evening complete with Halloween-themed pajamas from The Children’s Place. They come in seasonal patterns that get everyone in the spirit — and they make for adorable before-bed photos. Plus, wearing them while sorting candy is a tradition in itself.

A great costume, a reliable candy bag, a touch of face paint, and cozy pajamas to end the night — that is all you need to create a first trick-or-treating experience your family will treasure forever.

Ready to prepare your little ones? Browse all costume ideas →