Target Unveils Adaptive Halloween Costumes for Kids With Disabilities

Finding the perfect Halloween costume that your toddler will actually enjoy wearing can be challenging enough—but for children with disabilities, who have sensory and logistical needs to contend with, the hunt can be even harder. Which is why, with Halloween right around the corner, Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique is offering adaptive costumes for kids.

Target announced the collection of adaptive costumes in July, many of which sold out within days of the preorder going live. But don’t worry, the costumes are back in stock and live on Target’s website.

Of the four adaptive costumes, two include wheelchair covers: one in the form of a pirate ship, complete with a flag, and the other in the form of a purple princess carriage. Each cover attaches to the wheelchair with hook-and-loop closures for a secure fit and has a corresponding kids’ costume, sold seperately. The princess costume includes a hot pink dress with gold detailing and an opening in the back to make easier to put on. The pirate costume consists of a vest, pants, eye patch and hat, also with back openings for easier dressing and wide leg openings so the child can put the pants on without having to take off their shoes.

Image: Courtesy Target

The other two adaptive plush costumes—a shark and a unicorn onesie—include flat seams and no tags in an effort to make kids with sensory needs as comfortable as possible. The shark costume has a “teeth” coming out of the hood and back “fins” for fun, both of which can be removed to accommodate any sensitivities. The unicorn costume includes a shiny horn, glittery ears and wings, and a rainbow tail, which are also all removable. Both costumes also have convenient access to the abdominals, with a hidden opening in the front pocket of each.

“Every child deserves to bask in the fun of a special moment,” Julie Guggemos, senior vice president of owned brand management and product design for Target, said in a news release. “And at Target, we’re out to make sure even more kids get that chance this Halloween. …We hope these creations will spark some huge smiles—and bring a little extra joy to our guests’ everyday lives. With the announcement, shoppers found another reason to love Target (as if anyone needed one) and took to social media to express their gratitude. One person tweeted, “Way to go Target! This is FANTASTIC!” while another said, “I love this so much! Everyday we get a little closer to a truly inclusive world!”

Target is no stranger to creating adaptive clothing. Back in 2017, the retailer released Cat & Jack sensory-friendly clothing with heat-transferred labels instead of tags and flat seams to minimize any discomfort when in contact with skin, later expanding the collection to also include designs for kids with disabilities, such as a higher rise to accommodate older kids who may still need diapers.

Earlier this year, in April, Target also launched a collection with Pillowfort consisting of home decor that fits the needs of kids with sensory sensitivities, such as a rocking chair, a hideaway tent, and weighted blankets.