With Halloween right around the corner, most parents are rushing to find the perfect costume and plan the perfect party for their little goblins and ghouls. When there are so many themes to choose from, how do we decide? Have no fear; we are here to help you again! We have lots of suggestions and a few great sites to help you with these tricky and treat-filled choices!

Costumes are typically the first decision of the season. What will our little one decide they want to dress up as this year? Do we want to buy something or make it? Will there be a mask or make-up? These are all things we need to consider but ultimately, it comes down to what junior wants. Womens-Place has some links to great costume shops on our shopping page where you can order that great costume! Come shop with us. Not only can you save time and money, but you can help support your community at the same time!

Another important thing to consider when choosing a costume is safety! We have to make sure that our little monster will be safe while out gathering their treats. From reflective patches and flame-retardant materials to kid-friendly accessories and curfews, there are many issues to consider. Here is a link with Halloween Safety Tips to help you make sure your kids return home from their night of fun unscathed.

Since we're on the subject of safety, don't forget to make sure all your candle-lit jack-o-lanterns are in safe areas, and that all outside corded and lighted decorations are in good working order. The last thing anyone wants on Halloween night is a visit from the fire department! And it just so happens that the month of October includes Fire Prevention Week. Check out that site for all kinds of great fire safety tips. They're important all year but especially during this time when candles seem to be more abundant!

For those of you who aren't too keen on letting your kids run around outdoors on Halloween night, how about a party at home? You can turn your home into a wonderland of spooky delights for all the kids in the neighborhood! Check out this site for some great Games for Goblins, and this one for more Halloween Games for Kids. And here are some great sites with Halloween Recipes and Halloween Crafts to make your party extra special.

For the really ambitious parents, here is a site that will show you How To Make Your House Haunted For Halloween. That will surely win you big points with all the kids! Or if you'd rather let someone else do all the work, here is a site with a listing of Haunted Houses by state.

And because sometimes the scariest thing about Halloween for parents of children with food allergies are the treats that are brought home, here is one last site with helpful tips for parents who want to keep their kids safe from the Spooky Allergies. This is a good read for everyone. It can't hurt to have some allergy-friendly treats on hand for the kids who might need them. I'm sure every parent of a child with allergies will be thrilled to visit your house if you have a safe treat available for them!

We hope that all these sites and tips will help you and your family have a safe and happy Halloween! This is one of the most fun times of year for our kids and we want everyone in our community to enjoy it to the fullest!


~Julie is a freelance writer, a wife and a Mother. She also works at home as a Jr. Editor for a mystery shopping company. She has recently relocated to Southern California with her husband and two sons.