SeeCalifornia.com

In 2019 consumer Halloween spending is predicted to be around $8.8 billion, down slightly from $9 billion last year, according to National Retail Federation.

While the top costume selections for boys, girls and adults are relatively the same year after, social media is influencing decisions to create costumes and come up with fresh ideas, according to the organization.

If entering a costume contest, you might consider creating something unique, original and compelling, such as past winners shown at Los Alamitos Racetrack annual kids competition.

My best receivedHalloween costume ever was put together at the last minute and it didn’t cost anything. It was popular due to my convincing act. I wore my dad’s old suit, an outdated tie and a Clark Kent-style hat with the sign, “REPORTER” on it. I was a photojournalist by trade and took my professional camera with flash attached. I also had a notepad and each time I took photos of people at a party, I asked their names and wrote down photo identifications, part of what I normally did in my career. By doing what comes naturally, everyone wanted to know if I was for real or just acting.

Top Costumes 2019

Children

Princess 7.9 percent
Superhero 6 percent
Spider-Man 5.2 percent
Avengers character (excluding Spider-Man) 3.9 percent
Batman 3.5 percent
Witch 3.3 percent
Ghost 2.8 percent
Vampire 2.2 percent
Frozen (Elsa, Anna) 2.2 percent
Pirate 2.1 percent

Adults

Witch 8.9 percent
Vampire 3.6 percent
Superhero 3.1 percent
Pirate 2.7 percent
Zombie 2.5 percent
Ghost 2 percent
Avengers character (excluding Spider-Man) 2 percent
Princess 1.9 percent
Cat 1.8 percent
Spider-Man 1.7 percent

Pets

Pumpkin 9.3 percent
Hot dog 7.2 percent
Superhero 7.2 percent
Bumble Bee 3.9 percent
Cat 3.2 percent
Witch 2.5 percent
Lion 2.2 percent
Dog 2.1 percent
Devil 2 percent
Shark 1.7 percent