Dressing up is a way to encourage a child’s creativity while playing and having fun. Dressing up helps them to build their own identity by confronting their fears and embarrassments during play time and expressing their feelings. And if they disguise themselves as a group, it is also a way of socializing and learning different values such as friendship and generosity, respect, tolerance or teamwork.
Choosing the right costume is not trivial. Kids will be able to put themselves in someone else’s shoes while they play. From imitating day-to-day people like dad or mom and feeling like adults, to recreating scenes dressed as superheroes capable of facing whatever is in front of them. Therefore, it is good that they choose their disguise freely.
As a result, parents are increasingly aware that costumes are as educational as a book or a toy.
Now that everyone is crazy about Christmas presents, we think giving away a costume is a good idea. If, moreover, the little one has already included this costume in his or her letter to Santa Claus, when they receive it, they will welcome it even more enthusiastically.
That’s why we’ve prepared this article that covers the trends in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe in children’s costumes to give away at Christmas to the youngest. Which are the most desired ones? Which ones are trending? Which ones are the most successful characters? Keep reading and pay attention!
How to choose the best costume for kids?
Not only is the theme of the costume important. It is also necessary to consider its own characteristics.
When it’s not a homemade disguise, you must check the fabric and the manufacture materials, the size, the price…
For many it may seems silly, but when it comes to children, extreme caution must be exercised when making textiles and costumes are not exempt. Here are some tips:
- Check that the disguise (mask, wig, make-up…) includes the CE marking, warnings of use, list of materials…
- It is forbidden for costumes for children under the age of 7 to include cords in the neck area or to be longer than 7.5cm for those over that age, as there is a risk of suffocation.
- Masks should have ventilation holes in the eyes, nose, and mouth area.
- As for the complements (toy weapons, hats, headbands…) they must not have small or sharp pieces.
As far as sizes are concerned, we recommend that you always check the manufacturer’s or seller’s information on them. At Funidelia you can find a size guide in each product, in addition to small “tips”, that will help you to choose the most appropriate to the age of the child for whom the costume is intended.
Regarding the price, it’s a more subjective question. It depends on the budget, the quality of the costume and whether it is an official licensed product or not.
At Funidelia, we also have our own manufactured product which allows us to have a better control of the process and the quality of the final result, being able to offer a lower final price. If, despite this, you don’t find the disguise that fits your “pocket” we also have a section of cheap costumes in which you are sure to find an economical alternative to the costume you are looking for.
What are the preferred themes for children to dress up in?
In general, movies and cartoons are the reference for children. The adventures of Ladybug, Harry Potter and the “Heroes in Pajamas” of PJ Masks were some of the favorite themes of the youngest to choose their costume from last year and they continue to be.
Disney Princesses, Star Wars characters and superheroes (Marvel or DC Comics, indistinctly) are “classic costumes” that are never missing in TOP10.
But it’s not just characters from films or television that inspire children. More general themes such as animals (lion, chick, cow, monkey or tiger) or medieval costumes (knight, prince and princess) are also on their list of most desired costumes.
Ladybug & Cat Noir’s costumes have been kids’ favorites for a couple of years now. And it is that they gather all the ingredients to be a success: in the cartoons format, they are superheroes with their alter-ego in adolescence and the protagonists are girls and boys, so that both boys and girls can feel identified.
But the taste for Ladybug & Cat Noir also extends to adults. Not only to disguise as a family with the little ones but also for the wide cosplay culture that has been around these two superheroes.
In addition, there are different versions of these costumes: from the most classic costumes “full body” tighter to wider and warmer versions (ideal for the winter), the onesies, as comfortable as a pajama.
And, of course, accessories cannot be missing: Ladybug’s characteristic blue wig, her earrings and her magical yo-yo or Cat Noir’s blonde wig with his cat ears… and, of course, the masks (essential to go unnoticed).
Although it’s been several years since the last film from J.K. Rowling’s original magic saga was released, Harry Potter costumes are among the most in demand by children. And the new “Fantastic Beasts” films help to keep the magical world on everyone’s lips.
The Harry Potter phenomenon isn’t just about wearing your Hogwarts House cape. More and more children and adults are asking for Harry Potter merchandise as a Christmas present to increase their collection of “magical objects”: from T-shirts to backpacks and school supplies, characters wands, Hogwarts Houses scarves… but also more exclusive items such as an invisibility cape, Advent calendars or a display case with Harry Potter’s golden snitch.
J.K. Rowling’s Magical World is a “wishing well” for any potterhead!
And if there’s anything even more fun than dressing up, it’s doing it as a group, where everyone plays their part. That’s why PJ Masks costumes are so popular with kids because they can dress up with their friends and play for justice.
This cartoons reflect a series of important values for kids, such as friendship or showing that although each one has their own abilities, they can work as a team for the common good.
The favorite costumes are those of the three protagonists: Catboy, Owlette and Gekko (especially the first two). But there are also children who have a predilection for villains and prefer Night Ninja or Romeo fancy dress.
Unlike other European countries, British children preferred animal costumes (mainly chick and dog costumes) and, in contrast to the “Disney Princesses” trend, there was a greater predilection for “the children of villains”, with the Mal costume being one of the favorites last Christmas. The Star Wars characters also made room, the Stormtrooper and Darth Vader, are undoubtedly the favorites.
What other characters do children like?
Although kids are clear about which licenses “monopolize” their tastes, cartoons are always a source of inspiration for the youngest and characters such as the puppies of Paw Patrol or Masha and the Bear are a safe bet for the youngest.
Chase and Skye costumes are favorites for Paw Patrol fans. The police puppy and the flying dog are the favorites of Adventure Bay Town.
The little blonde girl from Russia and her friend The Bear are other winning cartoons among the younger audience. And it is because the mischiefs little Masha does, that boys and girls have a great time. That’s why giving a Masha and the Bear costume is synonymous of success.
But kids don’t have a predilection for current cartoons only. The classics never go out of style and that’s why Dragon Ball or The Smurfs fancy dress are some of the chosen ones by children when it comes to having fun and letting their imagination run wild.
Which superheroes do kids like the most?
One of the great unknowns of the human being… especially if it is about a child. Deciding if you prefer to fly like Superman or Spiderman’s agility, Flash speed or Hulk’s strength… is very complicated! But there is always a reason why they prefer a Superhero costume and why they want to dress like them.
Generally speaking, Spiderman, Batman and Captain America are the favorites by far among the small ones of the house.
But Superman “the Man of Steel”, Thor the “god of thunder” or Flash, the fastest superhero, are also really likeable.
Wonder Woman is the only woman superhero that has a place on this favorite superheroes list.
Other “teamworking” heroes such as the Ninja Turtles and the Power Rangers also have their place among the youngest.
Which ones are the favorite Princesses?
Deciding which Disney Princess is the prettiest or who wears the prettiest dress is just as complicated as choosing the best superhero. But in the same way, all girls have their favorite. And in most cases, it is the same thing: Elsa or Anna from the movie “Frozen”.
Arendelle’s sisters are undoubtedly the first to be chosen in most European countries. Although “classic” Disney Princess costumes such as Snow White, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty are still the favorites, “new princesses” with strong convictions and more independent personality like Moana or Merida from Brave have also room among the most desired Disney Princesses.
Which side of The Force are the littles ones on?
Along with Harry Potter, Star Wars is one of the most attractive licenses for kids among cartoons, superheroes and princesses. Let’s face it, Star Wars is a film phenomenon that has been attracting fans since the first movie was released in 1977.
We are convinced that The Force is powerful in the Star Wars costumes of both classic characters (Leia, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader …) and more recent (Rey, Kylo Ren, Finn …) and therefore attract both young and old.
But here is a very important question for every follower of this galactic saga: Whose side of The Force are you on?
The nice thing would be to answer without hesitation “the light side”, but we have discovered that young padawans are more inclined towards “the dark side”. Why is that? Do they like their suits better? Is it because of the helmet? Is it the color of the laser swords?
In the TOP 5 children’s Star Wars costumes we find the charismatic Darth Vader, the Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren. And although there are many characters from the Light Side throughout all the episodes, it is Rey’s and Jedi’s disguise that the little ones prefer.
But how is this result by country? Which countries have been “seduced” by the Dark Side?
Funidelia’s bet for this Christmas
With so many options available, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose which kids costume to give away for Christmas. That’s why we have two clear winners: Frozen and Star Wars.
As we’ve already mentioned, these are themes that are always among the favorites of young children and with the premieres of “Frozen 2” and “The Rise of Skywalker” so close to Christmas, giving away Elsa and Anna’s costumes or Kylo Ren and Rey’s is a good idea.
Many girls will want to update their wardrobe with new Elsa and Anna dresses – even Kristoff looks different in Frozen 2!
Their dresses are in the same color range that define each of the sisters but is adapted to the new adventure of Elsa and Anna. Elsa is still the favorite of the two, but Anna and Olaf are also beloved characters. These are the Frozen 2 fancy dress:
Episode IX is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. A great outcome is expected for one of the most epic sagas in the history of cinema. Knowing the origin of the Rey, defeating Kylo Ren, discovering old characters that resurface… Many unknowns that adult and small fans expect to be revealed.
And so, with the “fan phenomenon” so close to Christmas, there is a lot of expectation. The kid’s desire for their Christmas gift to be Kylo Ren’s costume could only be surpassed by the desire to attend the premiere of Episode IX dressed as their favorite character.
As you’ve seen after this review, dressing up is a great way to play with imagination. So, let him or her disguise! Have fun!
Methodology
For the compilation of the information proposed in the article we have used data from Funidelia’s sales in November and December of 2018 in different European countries.