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Unlike the wild outfits most kids insist on for their daily dress, New York’s youngest inhabitants actually tend to lack in imagination when it comes to Halloween costumes. Wayne Baker, owner of Frank Bee Costume in the Bronx, gave us the scoop on what’s hot this Hallow’s Eve. “Some are the same every year: Spider-Man, Batman, Star Wars, Harry Potter. Then there are others we’re taking a chance with this year: High School Musical and Hannah Montana.” Imaginative or not, finding that perfect alter ego can prove to be a challenge. Check out the five hottest costume shops in NYC.
Abracadabra Superstore
Like most Halloween shops in the city, Abracadabra prides itself on its unbeatable selection. In addition to its impressively stocked Chelsea location, the shop offers all of its costumes online. Historically savvy kids can pick out a musketeer costume or medieval princess getup ($35-$65 for all kids costumes). And if your kid is still hung up on the summer’s Simpsons blockbuster, they’ll find a range Homer & co. costumes. 19 W 21st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-627-5194, abracadabrasuperstore.com).
New York Costumes/ Halloween Adventure
This one-stop mega-store is the place for superhero enthusiasts. Character costumes are available for adults, kids and even dogs. While securing a Spider-Man outfit, you might also spot a Knicks player or some other local celebrity doing his costume shopping. 104 Fourth Ave at 11th St (212-673-4546, newyorkcostumes.com).
Frankie Steinz
At her by-appointment store, designer Frankie Steinz provides one of the few children’s costume-rental services in the city; rentals run $55–$150. For a little bit more ($100 and up), she’ll custom-make something based on your kid’s vision—the wackier the better. In past years, she has translated the solar system, a fireplace and a refrigerator into costume form. 580 Broadway between Prince and Houston Sts (212-925-1373, frankiesteinz.com).
Rubie’s Costume Company
The Queens headquarters of this international costume shop sports classic Halloween fare such as witches and zombies, as well as almost any Harry Potter character imaginable. Parents of toddlers have plenty to choose from as well: Infant options include a chili pepper and a frog prince. Kids’ prices tend to fall in an affordable range of $25-$45. Most costumes are kept behind the counter, but expect the long wait to pay off in personalized service. 120-08 Jamaica Avenue, Queens (718-846-1008, rubies.com).
Frank Bee Costume
This family business, which promises the “largest selection in the universe,” has been at the same Bronx location since 1957. Their huge stock includes every pop-culture character you can think of including American Idol getups. Every Saturday and Sunday from mid-September until Halloween, families can stop by for kid-geared entertainment, including balloon artists, magicians and face painters. 3435 East Tremont Ave at Bruckner Blvd, Bronx (718-823-9792, frankbeecostume.com).
