He has been Superman for Halloween two years in a row. And no – it’s not because he loves superheroes. It’s because he would NEVER abide any kind of “costume” that involved head gear, make up, heat trapping fabrics or accessories that must be held or clipped on. Basically – he wouldn’t wear costumes. Of any kind.
So I tricked him.
Target sells pajamas that look like superhero outfits. Superman was the only one that didn’t necessarily look like jammies though (the detachable red cape that he only noticed and ripped off 50% of the time was a nice touch). So Superman it was!
That was my solution. It was a win-win for all. I had a cute little costumed toddler/preschooler and he got to be comfortable.
It was such a success that we even suited up George (18 months younger than Oliver) in the same pjs last year.

Not sure what we’ll do this Halloween… Now that he’s four, Oliver likes costumes, and comfort may not be as much of an issue.
He’s pretty big – so I could possibly dress him up as the Incredible Hulk.
I wonder if he’d let me paint him green. Probably not. But maybe if I let him paint himself….

This post is part of Better in Bulk’s Give Me Your Best Shot! Friday. Lolli is another founder of Moxie Media and organizer of Around the Blogosphere in 5 Days.


Halloween is always a challenge when you have a kid who doesn't like to be brushed, glittered, zipped, buttoned, covered, tied, or painted. But the self painting… that's genius.
Now there's an idea! Green paint! No costume needed. Ahaha! Love the costume pajamas. They seem to be all over the place today!
You can have one of my costume ideas: I bought one of those insta-light style logs, tied it to me with a string so it was hanging at butt level, and called myself a "bump on a log". No fuss. No muss. :)
Super cute! Molly once went as a pissed off 2 year old b/c she refused her unicorn costume.
You're brilliant.
And also, I've been debating all day….super heroes, super hero
or
superhero, superheroes
I think it's supposed to be together, like you have it…and I still split it up in my post.
Isn't that such enthralling news?
Great idea! I got our baby a chicken costume off ebay, 'cause there are few things I like better than babies in embarrassing animal costumes. But I have NO idea whether she'll actually wear it without a fit.
Then again, the other joy of the chicken costume is that I get to reenact my favorite line from Househusbands of Hollywood (seriously, a surprisingly great show, and it's on Hulu — go now!) and ask her repeatedly, "WILL you or WILL YOU NOT wear the chicken suit?"
Great idea! I have no idea what LM is going to be this year.
Go green. Green is in!
Seriously I never had that much fun growing up. You're a cool mom.
Ya know, I am kinda with Oliver on this one. I am not much on Halloween and definitely don't dress up in anything that "involved head gear, make up, heat trapping fabrics or accessories that must be held or clipped on…" :) It just doesn't feel…. comfortable… I guess is the best way to put it!
Happy Friday! :)
Perfect!!! My son looked just like the Joker last year when he mouthed a red Sharpie. Maybe I should let me do that again…
Hugh Hefner seems to like wearing his PJ's all day too.
Admittedly, a very bad role model.
OK, that shot of both of the boys with their "costumes" is just the best! LOVE it. And good trickery! I'm going to have to keep that idea in my back pocket for sure. ;D
We absolutely did those same Superman pajamas for my oldest son when he was that age, and when he was ready for it, we bumped him up to the Hulk, too! This post reminds me I need to venture downstairs soon and dig out costumes to see what still fits. It might actually *be* paint for us here!
It's all a matter of approach, isn't it?! If they can get away with 'making a mess' then the more likely they are to help out!
I love the pj idea. And as for painting your son green – we may have a similar scenario over here – my husband wants to dress our boys as oompa loompas…
OMG so adorable! Mine are 15 months apart and that might just be a good idea with the jammies!
That is so cute. I'm sure if you let him, he'd paint himself (and others) green no problem.
What handsome little guys!..love your shots!
So clever. We have many pictures of my son sobbing in a shark costume.
He is too cute.
My son used to have Superman PJs!
The title alone was brilliant :))
The PJs were a great idea! How cute!
Great idea! Both my kids between the ages of 0-4 HATED Halloween costumes and had to be bribed to wear them long enough to have pictures taken. We have several pics of crying kitties and cowboys. The P.J idea is priceless!
I can only wear pajamas when in doubt? uh-oh. Well they i will have to live my life doubting everything
When in doubt, wear pajamas…that's always been my motto.
All I can see after looking at the green hands and fingers and face and table is that nice…clean…wall behind him.
:D
My son sported pajamas at Halloween a few years ago when he wanted to be Darth Vader.
What's the point of having kids, if you can't paint them green every now and then? ;-)
Cole has those same Superman jammies!!! He loves the cape and he tries to convince me to let him sleep with it on but I'm always freaked out that he'll choke in his sleep. I'm so paranoid.
All my kids went as Superheroes last year and I was hoping to do a group theme again this year but they all want to be completely different things this year. I'm totally bummed!
I think you should try to get your son to go as the Incredible Hulk…that would be awesome!! And I bet the added bonus would be letting him paint himself green!
Cutie Superman's! My son used to wear his Superman "wupper" (cape) everyday from his jammies. I had to attach it to his clothes every morning, and he would spend the day dashing about….
Good memories….
You are a clever mama.
My son is weird about clothes too; he won't wear long pants or things with zippers and buttons.
my son isn't really into costumes either-
I'm going to try pjs :)
Cute!!! That's a great idea about the jammies. What is it about kids in capes?
I have done the PJ costumes, too!
I am almost afraid to ask my boys what they want to be this year…it get more and more elaborate every Halloween!
I think it would be adorable if you painted him green… or the colors of your favorite professional or college team. He could go as a drunken fan!