Call: 800-722-7731
Text: 617-777-0072
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Halloween is creeping closer. This is a great time of year for children and adults alike to dress up in costumes, enjoy festive parties, and head out for a night of trick-or-treating. If you are thinking that Halloween is just a bunch of hocus pocus, you may not have considered the opportunity that this spooky season presents.
Adoptions With Love always keeps an eye out for opportunities to spread awareness about adoption and the “modern family” today. You see, there is no longer a “norm” for families – nowadays, we see families in all shapes and sizes, from all different backgrounds and make-ups. Single parents, same-sex parents, step-parent and grand-parent adoptions, interracial families, and more. This year – and every Halloween – we celebrate all of the unique family stories that many costumes and characters present.
There are many popular characters that have roots in non-traditional or “blended” families (and you may see many of them running around this Halloween season!) Previously, we discussed the always-popular costume of Superman, who was adopted by the Kent family.
We also covered some of the many other superheroes who were touched by adoption in some way. You might be surprised by this list. In addition to Superman and Supergirl, other beloved adopted superheroes include Quicksilver, Ironman, Black Widow, and the Ninja Turtles! Check out our full list of adopted superheroes here.
Looking for even more last-minute costume inspiration for your child? Here are some of the popular Halloween costumes for 2024 that also tell of a unique family background:
1. Spider-Man
Just like Superman, Spider-Man is always a popular costume. The quintessential Marvel character has a unique story, just like many families touched by adoption. Spider-Man is Peter Parker’s alter ego. Peter is a teenage boy being raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben in New York, after his parents were killed in a plane crash. Although a super hero, he is spared none of the struggles of ordinary life; he experiences difficulties with friends, family, sweethearts and employers. His super powers enable him to do good, but not to improve his own lot in life. His simple humanity has earned him millions of devoted fans over the years, of many generations.
2. Maleficent
Fans of the 2014 Disney film “Maleficent” can find meaning in the development of this classic villain’s story. The unique twist on “Sleeping Beauty” tells the story of how the fairy turned toward the dark side before putting Princess Aurora in a death-like sleep. The most surprising outcome of this version – spoiler alert! – is that Maleficent watches Aurora grow up, and therefore comes to love her like a daughter. In fact – another spoiler alert! – Maleficent is the one who ends up breaking the curse with her “true love’s kiss” on Aurora’s forehead. The sequel, “Maleficent 2”, delves even deeper into this beautiful adoption story. This makes for the perfect costume for any child. Plus, the costume is pretty cool!
3. Batman
Here is another superhero with a dramatic beginning. Bruce Wayne had a tough start to life, witnessing his parents’ murder at a young age. This inspires the vigilante to swear vengeance against criminals, an oath tempered by a sense of justice. Kids of all ages love dressing up as this classic DC Comics star. Pair your little caped crusader with Catwoman and the Joker to complete this family costume theme!
4. Frozen’s Kristoff
Parents, “Let it Go,” the craze over these Disney characters is not going anywhere. Kristoff, the man Anna meets on her way up the north mountain, has a unique family story, as well. When he was young, he was an orphan and taken in by trolls, who raised him as adoptive parents. This costume would pair perfectly with other popular “Frozen” characters, such as Elsa, Anna, and Olaf to complete a family costume.
5. Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker
Star Wars is always a popular choice for Halloween. Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, well-loved siblings from the iconic franchise, are two that also have a unique family story to share. Princess Leia was adopted and raised by the royal Organa family, while Luke Skywalker was raised by his aunt and uncle. Their birth mother was Queen Amidala of Naboo, who passed during childbirth. Each grew up to be heroes in their own way, with Leia becoming a princess, politician, soldier, and leader, and Luke becoming the brave protagonist who always fights for the good side. A great brother-sister Halloween costume idea!
6. Harry Potter
Harry Potter is one of those family Halloween costumes that we do not anticipate going away. He, a storybook hero and skilled wizard, also grew up in a unique family situation. His parents were killed when Harry was just a baby, and he was placed into a kinship adoption – to be raised by his aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, his family life was full of neglect and isolation. Because he was a child of magic, his aunt and uncle saw him as different than their other children. When he is sent to Hogwarts, however, he flourishes despite the adversity he faced as a young boy. He is able to find hope and meaning by learning more about his biological family history, as well.
This is a popular Halloween theme for blended families. Family members can be Hogwarts students from different houses, while others can dress as magical creatures like house-elves, owls, or even Hagrid. This theme represents coming from different backgrounds but sharing the same magical bond.
7. Fuller House Family
Whatever happened to predictability? Everyone’s favorite 90s TV family makes for a great throwback Halloween costume and pop-culture reference. More importantly, these classic characters share an important message for blended families. In the original series, Danny, the father figure, is assisted in parenting his three daughters with his brother-in-law, Jesse, and best friend, Joey. Together, this quirky group comes together to warm the hearts of Americans for many years to come. This one is perfect for both millennial parents who loved the first run of the show, AND their kids who watched the Netflix revival. It also helps to know that the 90s are back in fashion – think flannel and high-waisted denim – so putting together some DIY costumes for this look should be fairly easy.
8. Jon Snow
For all the Game of Thrones fans out there, Jon Snow – the heir of the Iron Throne – is another great Halloween costume idea that celebrates an “adoption” like story. While not formally adopted, Jon Snow was raised by his Uncle, Ned Stark. Throughout his childhood, though, Jon Snow believed Ned Stark was his father, and that he was born out of illegitimacy. For those who are up to date, we know that this is not the case. His true parentage is kept a secret until he is much older. Jon Snow is actually the biological son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, the late Prince of Dragonstone – he was raised (and protected) by Lord Stark after his birth parents were killed in war.
9. Edith, Margo, and Agnes (Despicable Me)
Do you have a trio of children at home? Are you hoping for a unique family Halloween costume this year? The Despicable Me characters are a great option for families. Edith, Margo, and Agnes are the three adopted daughters of Gru, the movie’s protagonist. Gru starts out as a supervillain and mastermind, but over time, becomes a friendlier and gentler character. How? The love from his three daughters, and becoming a father, is what changes Gru’s character.
10. The Chipmunks
Need another idea for a trio? Think no farther than the widely-known Chipmunks, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore! Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were adopted by their father, Dave Seville. Dave begins as the Chipmunks’ songwriter and producer, but over their relationship, begins to show a fatherly side. Dave decides to formally adopt Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, cementing the idea that they are family.
11. Starlord and Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy)
If you have a lover of Marvel Comics at home, consider dressing up as this duo for Halloween. Star-Lord, true name Peter Quill, is a Celestial-Human who was abducted from Earth and adopted by Yondu, the Centaurian leader of the Ravagers. Star-Lord is the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and develops a relationship with Gamora. Gamora comes from a similar background, only she was adopted by Thanos—one the movie’s (and Marvel Universe’s) most feared villains. Gamora has superhuman strength, great agility, and healing capabilities, making her a beloved character throughout Guardians of the Galaxy.
12. Wanda Maximoff
Wanda Maximoff (also known as the Scarlett Witch) is another character from the Marvel Universe with a unique family story. Wanda and her twin brother, Pietro, were adopted at a young age. This was revealed in the Scarlett Witch series, in which fans found out that their parents were actually their aunt and uncle. Wanda and Pietro’s biological mother was confirmed to be Natalya Maximoff, the previous Scarlett Witch. Wanda Maximoff, and specifically her identity as the new Scarlett Witch, will undoubtedly be a popular costume.
13. The Incredibles
Here is a costume idea that Pixar fans will appreciate. The Incredibles are a superhero family forced to pretend to live ordinary lives after all super-powered activities are banned by their government. The family is all about teamwork and celebrating their unique roles within the family. This is a great way to celebrate every member of a family – adopted or not. This is also a fun costume theme for those with a baby on board. We love to see Jack Jack sneaking into the candy on Halloween!
14. Toy Story
Another great choice for Disney fans – the Pixar film that started it all: Toy Story! Andy’s favorites come together to go “to infinity, and beyond!” These family Halloween costumes are perfect for blended families who may look different but share love, adventure, and friendship. Whether the members of your crew want to be Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bo Peep, or Forkie – everyone can come together to have some fun with this costume idea. It will be all smiles on Halloween night when trick-or-treating, knowing that no matter how the family was put together: “You’ve got a friend in me.”
Celebrating Halloween with Your Family
Halloween is fun for make-believe. However, it is also a great opportunity for families to bond over self-expression, creativity, and imagination. There is nothing quite like carving jack-o-lanterns and putting together clever costumes, like the ones above. You can spend Halloween walking through the neighborhood, making precious memories with your child. You can also use this time to connect with your child, and learn more about how he or she thinks and dreams, and possibly connect that back to his or her adoption story. With storied characters and heroes like these coming from unique family make-ups, it can be encouraging for your child to see that your family is truly special in its own way.
Happy Halloween!
To learn about Adoptions With Love or how to start the adoption process, call Adoptions With Love toll-free at 1-800-722-7731 today.