The 20 best toddler fancy dress costumes perfect for birthdays, Halloween, and beyond!

Best toddler fancy dress costumes

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

Dressing up is fun at any age, but there's something extra magical about toddler fancy dress costumes. Maybe it’s seeing your little one look absolutely adorable as their favourite character, or maybe it’s the pure joy on their face when they slip into their costume. Most likely, it’s a bit of both.

Unlike adults, it's perfectly acceptable for kids to wear their fancy dress costumes anytime. Whether it's Halloween, World Book Day, their birthday, or even a trip to the supermarket, who wouldn't enjoy being dressed up as a fairy princess or Spider-Man?

Best toddler fancy dress costumes at a glance:

For kids, toddler fancy dress outfits are fantastic because they encourage imaginative play and help develop social skills. As children act out stories and scenarios in their costumes, they often engage in dialogue with friends or family members. And it's this interaction that helps improve their language skills, foster their imagination and teaches them how to communicate more effectively. They also provide a chance for children to express their personalities and interests in a fun, interactive way. So we think toddler fancy dress costumes on one of the best gifts you can give a three year old (and beyond, for that matter.)

Best Toddler Fancy Dress Costumes
Best Toddler Fancy Dress Costumes ©Credit: Hannah Carroll

As a mother of three, we've tried just about every costume out there. My kids have gone through all the phases, from Bing and Paw Patrol to Hulk and Minecraft. That's why I've put together this list of the best toddler fancy dress costumes on the market, including some that my family has personally tested.

The best toddler fancy dress costumes 2024:

Best toddler fancy dress costume overall

Melissa & Doug Kids Astronaut Costume Role Play ToysCredit: Melissa & Doug

Rrp: £37.99

Price: £29.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$41.74View offer

Are you raising the next Albert Einstein or Marie Curie? Does your little one have a passion for science or space? Then this astronaut costume, is perfect for your little brain box's growing mind. We love this costume because it's great for World Book Day, a fancy dress party and everything in between

Most adorable toddler costume

Flounder Baby CostumeCredit: Disney Store

This cosy, soft yellow-and-blue costume transforms your baby into Ariel's most loyal (and cutest) fishy friend, Flounder complete with adorable fins. We love that this costume has buttons, so it's practical for nappy changes or toilet breaks.

With this outfit, your little Flounder will swim through the day with ease, charming everyone with their oceanic cuteness.

Best Spider-Man costume

Spider-Man is arguable one of the most popular superheroes in the toddler world. This Disney costume is premium quality and we love the gloves and mask can be worn separately from the costume ( you know, for when your little one wants to dress down.)

Best Pirate toddlers fancy dress costume

Spooktacular Creations Baby Pirate CostumeCredit: Amazon

This pirate fancy dress costume is perfect for little adventurers ready to sail the high seas. It features a classic striped shirt, black trousers, and a mock vest with gold accents for an authentic swashbuckling look, as well as a trusty parrot friend, of course. Ideal for imaginative play, this pirate costume will have your child feeling like the captain of their own ship, whether at a party or during dress-up at home.

Doladola Unisex Kid's & Toddler's Costume OutfitCredit: Amazon

This ROARsome costume is perfect for your little dino enthusiast! Your toddler will look like an adorable cutesaurus in this charming green dinosaur outfit. But if they aren't a fan of green, we love that it comes in four different colours, and online reviews mention it's premium material is soft, comfortable and incredibly spacious.

URAQT Elsa DressCredit: Amazon
Price: £19.99

Complete with shimmering blue fabric, a snowflake-covered cape, and of course, the iconic gloves, this costume is perfect for any toddler ready to "Let It Go." With twirl-worthy elegance and the power of Arendelle at their fingertips, your tiny ice queen will be ruling the kingdom (or at least your home) in no time.

Best Star Wars toddler costume

Rubie's Official Disney Star Wars The Child CostumeCredit: Amazon
Price: £37.26

Whether you're a big Star Wars fan or just love the cuteness of this Baby Yoda costume, it's sure to draw lots of compliments. We love its simplicity and how effective it is. This official 'The Child' costume, better known as Baby Yoda, is instantly recognisable, making it our top choice for fancy dress parties.

Best Harry Potter toddler costume

Childs Kids Officially Licensed Dobby Book Day Week Fancy Dress CostumeCredit: Amazon

For Harry Potter fans, it doesn't get better than this Dobby costume, perfectly capturing everyone's favourite house elf. Whether your little one is brave and loyal like Dobby or has a touch of mischief, we’re sure they’ll rock this look. Some toddler costumes are a true delight for parents, and this one tops the list!

Best Bluey toddler costume

Bluey Fleece Onesies for Kids Boys Girls PyjamasCredit: Amazon

Rrp: £37.99

Price: £31.99

Your little one will transform into everyone's favourite Aussie pup, ready for a day full of imaginative play, adventure, and cheeky giggles. With Bluey’s signature blue fur and a playful tail, your kiddo will be bounding around like they’re in their very own episode What we love most about this costume is it double's up as a onesie, so the fun doesn't stop at the end of the day.

Best Blippi toddler costume

Blippi Costume Credit: Amazon

So much to learn about, it will make you want to shout 'Blippi'. If you know every word of the Excavator Song and can easily spot the difference between a dump truck and a backhoe, this is the perfect costume for your mini Blippi fan. As one of the most popular characters in toddler TV (especially on YouTube), Blippi is instantly recognisable in his signature blue-and-orange outfit and statement glasses.

Best Gruffalo toddler costume

Expert rating:
4.0
Gruffalo Deluxe CostumeCredit: Amazon
Price: £88.85

With terrible tusks, claws, and teeth in their terrible jaws, your little one will look just like the infamous Gruffalo! This beloved character costume from Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo is a favourite among toddlers and parents alike. We especially love it for World Book Day but in our experience, it gets a lot of use for the whole year too. One thing to note is due to the Gruffalos head, it can be a little bit heavy leading to it falling down, to prevent this we recommend sizing up, so that the hood is a little bit bigger and less likely to fall down.

Best police toddler fancy dress costume

Cheerful Children Toys Kids Police CostumeCredit: Amazon

Some toddlers take rule enforcement to a whole new level—making sure everyone tells the truth, has the correct amount of screen time and stopping their siblings from jumping on the sofas. For these little peacekeepers, a police costume is the perfect fancy dress choice. They’ll look the part while keeping everyone in line.

Best Paw Patrol toddler costume

Expert rating:
3.5
Amscan Official Nickelodeon Ryder Costume 3-4Credit: Amazon

Leading on from the theme of law enforcement, Ryder from Paw Patrol is a natural choice. Toddlers love the leader of the pup rescue squad, who inspires them to try new things, think creatively, and always lend a hand. While we love the costume overall, we found the head mask isn’t as durable as we’d hoped. It may not withstand rough play and can break easily, but the outfit itself has held up well over the years.

Best hungry caterpillar fancy dress costume

Kids Officially Licensed the Very Hungry Caterpillar Tabard & Hat Credit: Amazon

Another firm favourite in the world of toddler literature is the very hungry caterpillar. I think most toddlers relate to the growing little one who eats and eats and eats. We love this costume because of the Velcro tags that keep the 'face of the caterpillar' in place even as your little one is playing out the story.

Best Mickey Mouse toddler costume

Mickey Mouse CostumeCredit: Disney Store

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, who doesn't love the most recognisable character in the whole world. Mickey first appeared in 1928 but thanks to the likes of Disney+, Disneyland and Disney World, Mickey is still a beloved character for toddlers.

This authentic Disney costume includes Mickey's signature ears on a comfortable head piece, a stuffed soft cord body suit and of course white Mickey Mouse gloves. We love the tabs at the bottom which makes it easier for toilet breaks, nappy changes and getting wriggly tots in and out of the costume.

Peppa PigCredit: Amazon

No toddler fancy dress list would be complete without the infamous Peppa Pig! Beloved by little ones, Peppa’s cheeky, sassy personality might even remind you of your own toddler. This costume is perfect for completing the look. Whether they’re jumping in muddy puddles or playing at home, your toddler will love bringing their favourite character to life in this adorable outfit.

Expert rating:
4.5
Lion toddler fancy dress costume Credit: Amazon

A lion fancy dress costume is a must-have for your little one’s wardrobe. Whether they’re roaring as a fierce lion for Halloween, channeling the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz, or just being a playful cub around the house, the possibilities are endless with this versatile outfit. It’s spacious, well-made, and durable—this costume survived three of my own kids, and it’s still going strong. Plus, it's the perfect outfit for turning any playdate into a wild adventure.

18.

Snow Queen Fancy Party Dress

Snow White has captured hearts since her debut as the first-ever Disney princess in 1937, and she remains just as beloved today. With the new Snow White costume scheduled to be released next year, we think it's a good time to get this costume before it becomes to of every toddlers must-have list. This classic costume, complete with Snow White's signature yellow skirt, blue bodice, and red bow headband, brings the magic of the fairy tale to life.

FAQS

Are the costumes comfortable for toddlers to wear?

Most toddler costumes are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft fabrics and easy closures. We have tried to ensure all of the toddler fancy dress outfits in our list are comfortable and easy for toddlers (and parents), to put on. However, one size does not fit all. So, avoid any restrictive accessories for extra comfort and we recommend sizing up, so the costumes have a longer lifespan.

How can I get my toddler to keep on their toddler fancy dress costume?

There are two secrets to getting your toddler to successfully keep on their costume. Firstly, comfort is key. If your child is fussy about wearing the costume, start by introducing it during fun activities or playtime to help them get used to it. Avoid anything that feels tight or scratchy. Secondly pick a costume that appeals to their interests as then they'll be much more likely to want to wear it. So, if they are are obsessed with Peppa Pig toys, opt for a Peppa costume over a Dobby one.

Hannah Carroll is our Senior Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.

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