We can almost hear the little trick-or-treaters! Halloween season is here, and like you, we want to make it the most memorable one yet for our kiddos. That’s why we asked our LS community for their very best (and maybe a little unhinged) Halloween tips for parents — no fluff, just the stuff that actually works.
Like always, they delivered with genius hacks that are about to make your October so much easier (and way more fun!). Consider this your VIP insider's guide to Halloween, straight from LS mamas who know all the spells and secrets of the season.
Making Halloween Magic at Home
Create cozy traditions
"We do a few trunk-or-treats before Halloween and then like to do a cozy Halloween movie night! I make boo baskets, decorate, Halloween jammies, make fun Halloween themed snacks and spend the night watching Halloween movies as a family!" ~ Kathleen W., VIP mama
Bring the neighborhood together
"Boo-ing your neighbor/friends, with a little basket or candy and your favorite Halloween goodies! You ring the doorbell and run so they can't guess what neighbor dropped off the treat. When you have been booed, you hang a little piece of paper with a ghost on it so everyone in the neighborhood knows your family has been hit. I looked forward to this as a kid so much." ~ Brittany K., VIP mama
Make magic for trick-or-treaters
"We do a Pixie Dust Path aka we sprinkle glow-in-the-dark stars (can be stickers or confetti) along our driveway or walkway so the kids feel like they're following Tinker Bell's trail to the candy." ~ Kelsey P., VIP mama
Try easy pumpkin carving
"We use the metal cookie cutters to help carve & design pumpkins! Makes it a lot easier and quicker especially with kiddos!" ~ Shelby J., VIP mama
Featured Print: Frightful Friends
Costume Ideas & DIY Hacks
Think outside the candy bag
"Creating a costume centered around our wagon so everyone stays safe, like a Jurassic Park theme with the wagon being a cage and the kids are dinosaurs." ~ Alexis C., VIP mama
Weather-proof your costumes
"Making sure we have a costume that's good for any type of weather! Little Sleepies are great for layering up a costume if it's cold or cool enough to be the base of your costume. Last year we used the cow print!" ~ Makayla B., VIP mama
Use your Zippy as the base
"Make a costume using LS Zippy as the base so kiddos are comfy and warm and are already wearing their pajamas underneath!" ~ Lisa C., VIP mama
Get creative with baby carriers
"I haven't done it personally, but I saw costumes that go over a baby carrier recently! So cute!" ~ Madalyn B., VIP mama
Managing Sugar & Treats
Meet the Switch Witch
"The Switch Witch!! Kid gets to keep 10 pieces of candy; the rest goes to the Switch Witch who picks up at night and brings them a toy instead." ~ Isabella M., VIP mama
Try the Halloween Fairy
"I've seen people do the Halloween Fairy: they get to pick 5 pieces of candy then leave the rest out for the fairy; the next day, the rest of the candy is 'gone' and they have a toy or something waiting for them!" ~ Emily P., VIP mama
Set age-appropriate candy limits
"Kids get to eat as many pieces of candy as their age on Halloween night! My 5-year-old is psyched to choose 5 pieces on Halloween night, and my 2-year-old will be thrilled to have 2!" ~ Liz T., VIP mama
Featured Print: Halloween Haul
Trick-or-Treating Tips
Smart logistics that save the day
"Bring a stroller to carry the babies AND the candy!" ~ Shayla S., VIP mama
"We bring the wagon and a portable mini potty in the bottom of it trick-or-treating in case of emergency potty breaks!" ~ Brooklynn J., VIP mama
"Bring a backpack! Dump the candy from the bag/bucket if it's 'too heavy'. They get to keep going; you don't have to listen to complaints." ~ Shelley S., VIP mama
Skip the cooking chaos!
"We go out to eat after, so we don't have to cook." ~ Shayla S., VIP mama
"We do pizza before! A lot of pizza places have pumpkin shaped pizza so there's no grumpy hungry kids!" ~ Rachel G., VIP mama
"I make dinner in the crockpot, so we have something to eat immediately post trick-or-treating and when I am passing out candy!" ~ Victoria H., VIP mama
The ultimate bedtime boogie
"We also wear our Sleepies under our costumes so when we get home, we can go right to bed." ~ Shayla S., VIP mama
"Jammies under the Halloween costume so we can get ready for bed ASAP after trick-or-treating." ~ Courteney B., VIP mama
Offer more than candy
"Put a teal pumpkin out and a sign, so people know we are safe for those with allergies!" ~ Emily K., VIP mama
"We pack extra candy that is safe to give my kiddos so they can eat safe candy as they trick-or-treat!" ~ Brittney E., VIP mama
"Juice boxes. I always dreamed of being the juice box house for trick or treating, and I'm living it. Always a huge hit!" ~ Amy A., VIP mama
"We give trick or treaters an option of a potato or candy. It's super fun to see what the kids pick. And the look on the parents' faces when their kids choose potatoes. My favorite is when the kid runs back screaming 'I GOT A POTATO!'" ~ Amber K., VIP mama
Featured Style: Jack-O'-Lantern Relaxed Tee
Safety & Comfort Hacks
Make costumes comfy!
"Have the kids try on their costume beforehand to make sure it's not too scratchy and they will actually wear it!" ~ Alivea S., VIP mama
Light 'em up for safety
"Glow sticks work great for seeing kids in the dark!" ~ Shayla S., VIP mama
"Reflective tape for night safety! Incorporate it into your kiddos costume somehow so it's fun!" ~ Jaycee B., VIP mama
"I incorporate a string of lights into my kids' costumes so I can see them easily as it gets dark." ~ Erin B., VIP mama
There you have it, LS fam! Your Halloween has officially been hacked. Our VIP group is always buzzing with the best parenting tips, sneak peeks of new drops, and real-talk mom support — no Pinterest-perfection required. Come find your village!
What's your best Halloween hack? Share your tips in the comments below for a chance to win a $50 LS gift card! We choose one lucky commenter each month.
