Kids love costumes. In fact, many kids will say that Halloween is their favorite time of year, simply because they get to dress up and receive free candy. But many parents find that investing in a kid's Halloween costume to be pretty expensive for one or two nights? worth of wear. Sometimes a younger sibling or friend could wear the costume next year, but that is not always the case. If you are among these parents, here are some ideas for Halloween costumes that can be worn over and over again during playtime.

Superheroes

It seems that the popularity of superheroes, like the superheroes themselves, just never dies. Plus many of the characters that you yourself enjoyed as a child are making a comeback. Superman, Batman, and Spiderman have all enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks to recent blockbuster hits.

The great thing about superhero kids? costumes is that they are not strictly Halloween ? they can be used for dress up activities any time of year. You can encourage your child to have hours of make believe time rescuing dolls from distress or ?flying? around the playground showing off their superhero skills. And if you don't mind, why not have Superman show off his skills by helping you unload the groceries or push the cart at the store?

Historical figures

Historical kids? costumes also have numerous uses outside of Halloween. Take Renaissance costumes, for example. Many kids enjoy the opportunity to be a princess or a king. These Halloween costumes can be great if you attend your town's annual Renaissance fair or if you put on your own rendition of Romeo and Juliet. Cowboys and Indians are also other Halloween costumes that have great applications in play.

Fantasy

Fantasy kids? costumes leave much available to the imagination, and so are probably the easiest to adapt to everyday play. Whether your child wants to be a butterfly princess, Peter Pan, or a pint-sized Harry Potter these kids? costumes can lead to hours of play even after Halloween is over. Are they stumped for ideas? Consider having your kids reenact portions of their favorite fairy tales while wearing their Halloween costumes.

Career

Every Halloween there are plenty of career-oriented Halloween costumes which can also be used for make believe play. You child can dress up as a doctor or nurse and take care of a friend, a doll, or a stuffed animal. Chefs can dress up in children's Halloween costumes to cook in the play kitchen or help mom to bake cookies. Cheerleaders and football stars can lead the cheers at a sibling's sports game.

With a little imagination, any kid's Halloween costume can be used after Halloween. By encouraging your child to use their imagination and play with their costume you are not only making sure that you get your money's worth out of your investment but also that they are having a chance to use their imagination instead of relying on the television or video games for play. Halloween costumes can be a great way to add fun to everyday activities.