Halloween is creeping up on us once again. Not only do we have to decide which parties to attend while we simultaneously figure out a strategy to win the fight against the dreaded Halloween candy consumption. But we are also faced with the super ginormous dilemma of choosing a bloody costume.
Do we go classic creepy and portray a witch or a vampire and if so, sexy or traditional? It may be retro-cool to pay homage to the slasher movies of the ’80s and don a Michael Myers or Freddie Krueger mask. It’s simple enough to throw together and guaranteed to creep the bejesus of everyone. Especially if you stay entirely silent throughout the night. Or do we fall into the pop culture rut and dress up like a teddy bear gyrating with a foam finger?
This is some real life decision-making people, and it is hard. We need all the help and inspiration we can get. Thankfully our fine city and the surrounding areas are home to many costume stores to provide you with all you need to get your scary on this Halloween season. Here’s just a few to wet your wicked whistle…
Amazing Party Store | 734 Dundas St. E
This store is my absolute favourite at this time of year. They cater to all budgets from the broke student looking for a challenge to the guy down the street who clearly spends his life savings turning his house into something that rivals the Halloween Haunt at Wonderland. They have ready-made costumes or alternatively they can provide you with all the pieces you need to come up with your own creation. They’ve got creepy contact lenses, buckets of blood, fake wounds, bald caps and every kind of makeup to ensure that even your most hardened of friends wince at the mere sight of you. This is your one stop Halloween shop but don’t leave it too late to get there because they do sell out of the good stuff closer to the big day.
Malabar | 14 McCaul St.
Celebrating their 90th Halloween, these guys have been the go-to costume house in Toronto since the 1950’s so they know a thing or two about playing dress-up. Their knack at storytelling through costume of course means that at this time of year they are eager to jump on the Halloween bandwagon and help your costume ideas come to life… or death as the case may be. You’re more likely to be picking up a rental here as to commit to owning one of their pieces doesn’t come cheap. They also offer movie ready prosthetics and makeup for those of you who really like to make an impression.
Candy’s Costume Shop | 685 Mt Pleasant Rd.
Another option for the whole family, Candy’s has gory costumes and accessories galore and even more available online at in case you’re too afraid to leave the house.
Spirit Halloween | 19 Bloor St.
This mega Halloween store has locations all over the GTA so should be able to meet everybody’s costume needs. Locations include Weston Road, Woodbridge, Scarborough and Mississauga so now there’s no excuse for not being able to attend your next door neighbours’ Monster Mash… sorry. Find out more about locations and extended opening times here.
So scream on and be scary folks. Unleash the beast within as we enter the witching hour together on October 31st. With a pumpkin ale in hand, we shall call on the souls of foodies before us to enter our world safe in the knowledge that we shall be adequately attired for their arrival. Happy Halloween!
