The year’s hottest Halloween costumes

One of the biggest Halloween questions I’ve been getting this year seems to be, “what’s in and what’s out?”

NRF’s latest Halloween survey found that the economy will play a role in how people celebrate, how much they spend and even their costume choice. According to the survey, many people will cut back on spending by reusing costumes from last year or making their own. There’s no doubt we’ll see the return of coffee grounds on people’s faces to mimic a beard, or the use of garbage bags or sheets for other homegrown costume ideas.

For those who have decided to splurge on a new costume this year, here’s a few things we hear retailers say are most popular:

• Anything and everything vampire! Thanks to a #1 best-selling Twilight book series and few television series that revolve around blood-sucking characters, vampire costumes and make-up are flying off shelves
• Michael Jackson – The King of Pop has had a profound impact on millions of people, as red jackets, fedoras and shiny white gloves are now in popular demand for Halloween costumes
• Kate Gosselin – What can I say? The reality TV mother of eight had enough of an impact to warrant her own costume (or at least, her own wig) in stores this year
• Hannah Montana – The teenage alter-ego continues her reign on NRF’s Top Children’s Costumes list, coming in at #13 this year
• Princess – For the fifth year in a row, princess topped our children’s costume list. Pink dresses, tiaras and sparkly shoes are in high demand
• Alice in Wonderland/Madhatter – In anticipation of what could be a blockbuster hit, large cartoon-style hats and little blue dresses are selling out everywhere
• Sometimes Halloween costumes just can’t be anticipated, and this year one completely unpredictable character may also make an appearance. After yesterday’s flying object in Colorado captivated people all over the world, don’t be surprised to see at least one Balloon Boy on your doorstep this Halloween.

Of course, traditional costumes like witch, pirate, cat, police officer and ghost still rank at the top, but one item didn’t make the cut this year. Politicians are off the list completely.