Whether you are looking to channel Dora, a dinosaur or the Dark Knight himself, the Bay Area’s bevy of cool costume shops have you covered. A visit to one of these fabulous fantasy emporiums can be more fun than the big night its self, so we recommend bringing the kids and letting their imaginations run wild. Just be prepared for the last-minute costume swap, as these stores will surely inspire dress-up ideas for many Halloweens to come!

 

 

San Francisco

SF Party
Yep, it’s not just the go-to place for monster mash supplies. The SF Party store has tons of kids costumes as well as a bevy of boo-tiful accessories to gussy up those footy-pajamas-turned-bunny costume.

939 Post St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-931-9393
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Online: sfparty.com

 

Goodwill Stores
Just like Thrift Town, the Goodwill stores across the Bay Area will offer not only costumes ready-to-go, but also inexpensive items to create that signature spooky look. Goodwill frequently has still-in-the-package Halloween items like masks and wigs, too.  In San Francisco the Goodwill on Van Ness has the largest selection of kid’s costumes, but all Goodwills will offer you a wicked cool variety of options.

61 West Portal Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-7p.m.
Online: sfgoodwill.org

Other locations include Clement Street, Haight Street, and the Mission in San Francisco; San Rafael, San Anselmo, and Novato in Marin County; and San Mateo, Pacifica, and Burlingame on the Peninsula. Check out this link to find a Goodwill near you.

 

Photo: Mendel’s

Mendel’s
Not only does this store supply every arts and crafts project idea you could think of, you can also get wigs, hats, tails, and feathers year round. They really ramp it up around Halloween time. They have the best selection of fake fur in the Bay Area, and don’t miss the bins of bargain-priced fabric scraps, perfect for making costumes for those wee ones with 12-inch inseams.

1556 Haight St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-621-1287
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m .
Online: mendels.com

Fantasy Clothing Co.
This is the place to go if you want to impress your kids by showing up for trick-or-treating on Fair Oaks dressed like a giant shark (rented). If your plans are a little more low-key, you will find an awesome array of everything from tiaras to capes to masquerade masks.

1275 Folsom St., Ste. 100
San Francisco, Ca
415-556-9900
Hours: Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Online: fantasyclothingco.com 

Photo: Popofatticus via Flickr

Chloe’s Closet
Chloe’s Closet offers great prices and all items are in excellent used condition. Because it’s consignment, it’s dependent upon what others trade in so it is ideal for kids under 4 who might be a little more easily influenced about their costumes (uh, okay, under 2). Both locations are packed with great items, and they just opened a Berkeley store, too!

616 Irving St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-664-4611
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., every day

451 Cortland Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-642-3300
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

1545 Solano Ave.
Berkeley, Ca
510-900-6043
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., every day
Online: chloescloset.com

Costumes on Haight
This classic costume shop has modest square footage packed to the max with some of the best variety of hats, masks, and complete ensembles in the City. Their ever-changing and hyper-creative store displays will wow you before you even get in the door. Warning: it can get very crowded around Halloween time, especially on weekends, so if you want to bring the kids, try a weekday if possible or go early before the Halloween rush is on.

735 Haight St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-621-1356
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun., noon–6 p.m.
Online: costumesonhaight.com

Photo by Winnie L. via Yelp

Cliff’s Variety
This hardware store boasts an entire annex featuring a wall of wigs. At Halloween time, both the main store and the annex become a paradise for all your unique costume needs. With tons of awesome knick knacks and super cool accessories, there’s no better place to take your kid’s costume to the next level.

479 Castro St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-431-5365
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Online: cliffsvariety.com

East Bay

Grove Street Kids
This impressive consignment shop doesn’t only feature a spooktacular selection of kids’ clothes, but they also have some gently used costumes. Their selection is always changing, so if you don’t see something the first time, try, try again!

1385 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, Ca
510-843-5437
Hours: Tues.–Fri., 11 am to 5 pm; Sat., 11am to 3 pm; Closed Sunday and Mondays
Online: grovestreetkids.com

Costume Corner
If you’ve got any ballerinas in your household, this shop may already be on your it-list. In addition to selling pointe shoes and dancewear, this place is a costume emporium complete with wigs, beards, bunny ears, make-up, and face painting supplies. And shhh…no one will notice if you try on a new pair of yoga pants while you’re there.

3820 San Pablo Dam Rd.
El Sobrante, Ca
510-222-9200
Hours: Tues.- Fri., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m; Closed Sunday & Monday.
Online: costumecorner.com

Party Heaven
Not only can you get all you need for a truly one-of-a-kind costume, odds are you can find a set of stickers to match. Not to mention yards of ribbons, party decorations, and a monstrously massive supply of cute little items to slip into those trick-or-treat buckets!

2570 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, Ca
510-540-7914
Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m. -6:30 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Online: partyheavenberkeley.com

 

Berri Kids Boutique
A newcomer in the kids consignment game, Berri Kids already has an abundance of items. A good place to check for Halloween scores (and maybe a fall sweater or two!)

A3037 Hopyard Rd. Ste. E
Pleasanton, Ca
925-399-7723
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; closed Sun.
Online: berrikidsboutique.com

Peninsula

Costume Bank
The Assistance League of Los Altos operates the year-round costume bank with extended hours for Halloween. Not only are the prices great, but every penny you spend goes toward the AL’s many worthy endeavors (including the Hug-a-Bear and HOME programs).

189 State St.
Los Altos, Ca
650-941-2610
Hours: Regular hours are Wed.-Fri, noon-5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Extended Halloween hours begin the week of Oct. 13th and include Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. through Halloween (shop is normally closed on Sundays). Beginning the week of Oct. 20, the store is open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m – 7 p.m.; Sat., 11-5 p.m. Closes at 5 p.m. on Halloween Day.
Online: losaltos-assitancelauge.org/costume bank

House of Humor
One of the biggest costume shops in the Bay Area, House of Humor is bursting at the seams with costumes for everyone in the family plus accessories, decorations, and props to boot. This place literally has everything that you could ever want to throw the perfect Halloween party or find a great costume idea. Most of their items are pre-packaged, but they sure do have a lot of them!

7 El Camino Real
Redwood City, Ca
650-368-5524
Hours: Mon., 10 a.m-6 p.m.; Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Online: thehouseofhumor.com

The Lovely Bump
Nestled in downtown San Bruno, this stroller-friendly shop has a kiddie play area, making the shopping that much easier. With great prices, you won’t worry about those inevitable chocolate smears or (fake) blood stains on the morning of November 1.

509 San Mateo Ave.
San Bruno, Ca
650-583-1159
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Online: thelovelybump.com

South Bay

Fun House Theatrical Costumes
The physical store is an absolute emporium of all things dress-up, and if you can’t make it there check out the online shop that serves the entire Bay Area.

120 East Fremont Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Online: funhousetheatricalcostumes.com

Photo bu Steven Depolo via Flickr

Natasha’s Attic
Right in the heart of San Jose, this great costume shop is a must-visit on your Halloween checklist. Natasha’s Attic offers a vast selection of costumes, wigs, makeup, and accessories. They also have a great staff who can help you put the perfect costume together for you and for your kids. On top of that, they also offer modest alterations on costumes that need a little nip and tuck.

1238 S. Bascom Ave.
San Jose, Ca
408-286-7368
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
Online: natashasattic.com

Marin County

Outgrown
Don’t miss this fabulous resale store this Halloween season for awesome deals and a huge selection. Be sure to dig around to find some amazing hidden gems and accessories to complete your kiddo’s costume. With such a great variety of items, you never know what you’ll find here!

1417 4th St.
San Rafael, Ca
415-457-2219
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Online: yelp.com/outgrown

Photo by Erin Feher

Play It Again Kids
This consignment shop has been locally owned and operated for more than 20 years, and the owners know what Marin Moms are looking to buy. Halloween is no exception. Head over soon to get first-dibs because it’s a hot-spot and the selection is limited.

783 Andersen Dr.
San Rafael, Ca
415-485-0304
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., every day
Online: playitagainkids.com

D’lynnes Dancewear
This sweet shop on 4th street is always on-point for your dancewear needs, but they also offer a great selection of wigs, costumes, and masks as well as professional quality make-up. They also have costumes for rent and are very willing to order something they might not have in stock.

1137 4th St.
San Rafael, Ca
415-456-4747
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Onlinesrdlynnesdancewear.wix.com

Where do you shop for kids’ costumes? Have a favorite store for Halloween costumes? Share with us in comments below! 

~Amber Guetebier, Erin Lem & Erin Feher

 

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