Unique baby names are hard to come by these days, but parents looking to stand out from the Emmas and Jacks are looking for inspo everywhere resulting in some truly original and sometimes crazy names. In fact, you probably don't know anyone with these trending names of 2020 but that may soon change.
Soon you may see Falcon and Williston on friends' birth announcements or maybe your own? (This one from Minted is super sweet.)
We browsed through Nameberry's most unusual baby names for boys and girls and here are 16 rare, exotic - dare we say crazy? - baby names that are among the hottest so far for 2020.
Hanan, up 1000 Percent: Think of Hanan, which means graciousness, as the modern version of Hannah. It's up a whopping 1000 percent in July 2020.
Williston, up 1000 Percent: Not just an oil town in North Dakota, this fresh take on William is taking the maternity ward by storm. Willis (as in) is also up there with a 36 percent rise in July.
Flavio, up 702 Percent: This Latin name for "yellow" or "blond" is gracing birth certificates of blondie babes across the U.S.
Massey, up 603 Percent: This unisex name is on the rise for girls and boys. You could also mix it up with variants like Massie, Masey, and Masie.
Messiah, up 301 Percent: This bold name is trending for girls and means "expected savior or deliverer." Basketball star Allen Iverson likely started the trend with his little one.
Rosaria, up 218 Percent: The Spanish name for "rosary" is trending hard and we like it for a twist on the classic Rose.
Cricket, up 168 Percent: This unisex name is becoming hugely popular for boys. We like it for babes with summer birthdays!
Callen, up 90 Percent: This unisex Gaelic name is trending for girls and means "rock." Yay for strong girl names!
Bruin, up 90 Percent: Whether you're a sports or nature fan this name could be for you. Of English/Dutch origin, the name means "bear or brown." Bear as a boy's name is also up, thanks to celeb moms Alicia Silverstone and Kate Winslet, who both have Bear cubs.
Sabien, up 87 Percent: Move over Damien, there's a new baby name in town. You can also go for the French variation Sabin for a tres chic twist.
Falcon, up 81 Percent: Give your bird a cool name like Falcon and who knows how far she'll soar. Eagle is also up (61 percent) for boys and girls.
Rani, up 81 Percent: For boys, Rani means "my song, my joy" and for girls it means "queen, she is singing." Cute for your little dancing queen!
Lyrical, up 81 Percent: More than 1,000 girls and boys are named "Lyric" each year in the U.S., but this longer musical number is topping the charts this month.
Bas, up 76 Percent: Consistently in the top 10 in the Netherlands, this cool twist on Sebastian is trending for boys in the U.S.
Gem, up 66 Percent: Meaning "precious stone," this shorter version of Gemma is looking strong for short and sweet baby names.
Rorke, up 66 Percent: Meaning "illustrious and mighty" this Irish name is having a 2020 moment and we're loving it.
Does your baby have a distinctive name? Share it with us @BritandCo!
This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find adorable birth announcements for your baby.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Photos via Shutterstock)
You can't deny it: One of the most fun parts of having kids is dressing them up in adorable Halloween costumes, like a baby Dory or a roly-poly BB-8. Even if you don't have a big brood, don't fret! There are plenty of creative ways for you and your fam to play dress up, even if you're pregnant and need an easy maternity costume.
Keep scrolling forover 60 fabulous family costumes for you and your entire family to rock, no matter what Halloween looks like this year.
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Let the wild rumpus start with this ferociously adorable costume. Your little Max will be regal in the cutest way possible and you'll be the cuddly momster who keeps him safe from whatever he's afraid of.
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The Lion King is a nostalgic kids movie that touches our hearts every time we watch it. If you can quote every line Mufasa said to Simba, it's only right you embrace one of the cutest family Halloween costumes in our roundup.
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Go for a punny pop culture costume with this playful look at Queen Beyoncé and Blue Ivy when she was an infant.
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This year, we’re really digging this mommy and me version of Edward Scissorhands and the dinosaur bush. ‘Cause cuteness overload.
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Don't get sick of us because this is easily our favorite costume and the most effortless one to put together thanks to our Halloween BFF, Amazon Prime.
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Dress your little one as Danny Zuko from Grease while you don this Sandy Olsson costume. The matching red Converse are a must, and you can wear them all year long! Plus, you can add one of these leather jackets to your outfit to complete the full look.
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Bring *all* the good luck with your very own team of trolls! You can take turns singing solo songs or have your own dance party before you go trick or treating.
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ICYMI, David Bowie was in a fantastical movie in the ‘80s and you need to see it ASAP. It’s creepy, strange, and beautiful all at the same time. Kind of like these costumes.
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This mommy and me costume is elemental, to say the least. Your baby's cloud onesie can be a testament of the stork that braved a thunderstormto bring little one to your home.
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Real talk: Who has time to make more than one costume? It’s okay because your mini will lose their minds when they see the life-like Elmo ‘fit in person! Totally worth it.
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Are there cuter creatures than the Ewoks from Star Wars?! We don't think anyone will agree once they see you and your family dressed like them.
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Dress the whole fam in your fave marine creature cast! Dory, Hank, and Nemo FTW!
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Live your most creative life when you and your babe match in these adorbs DIY costumes. Now it’s time to paint the town red!
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Of course Frida’s signature unibrow is an essential part of pulling off this look — for both mommy *and* bb.
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Dress your littlest one as Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, Vizzini, or our personal fave pictured above — a R.O.U.S. (rodent of unusual size).
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It's a "whole new world" with these Aladdin costumes. You and your besties can choose who'll wear the Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and Abu the monkey costumes. Seriously, can you think of a cuter family trio?
Tell Love and Party
Here’s one family’s take on what the future holds for us. They’re way more stylish than The Jetsons.
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Pay homage to your favorite childhood video game and dress up as the original royal princess, complete with a tiny toad companion. It’s also the perfect excuse to try on the most outrageous princess dress you can find.
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This goldfish is completely DIY while the Cat in the Hat costume can be purchased online. The perfect balance of buy and DIY.
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Who doesn’t love the sugar-filled snacks at the circus?! We know your family does so have dad dress as a bag of peanuts, while you hold a bag of popcorn in your cotton candy costume. And if someone requests gum drops a lot, have your daughter show everyone she knows how to have a great time.
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These two pieces are easy to find at most costume stores or on Amazon if you don’t have time for a shopping trip. Finish the whole look off with a very stern donut-loving look and you’re good to go.
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Before there was the song "Baby Shark," Katy Perry and her dancing large blue fish have to be one of our favorite pop culture memories of all time.
Brit + Co
This is the perfect family costume for a family of any size since there are endless characters to choose from.
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The usher look is simple and a great last-minute costume — black skirt, white button-down, and bowtie. For the popcorn, grab your baby carrier and a handful of safety pins. That’s right — this is a totally temporary piece!
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Willy nilly silly old bear and his best friends make for the cutest family Halloween costumes. Your neighbors won't stop smiling once they see your little girl dressed as piglet.
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Larry, Curly, and Moe won many hearts throughout the mid-20th century. This goofy trio makes for the perfect (read: easy) kooky family costume. Get your giggles ready and pull out every suit piece you own to create these outfits.
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Not only is this one easy, but it’s also perfect for all those Pixar fans (hello, everyone). There’s nothing quite like a superhero family united in the service of justice.
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A group of Russian nesting dolls is the perfect group Halloween costume for families of all sizes. The key is to dress every member of the family the same and include a piece with an intricate pattern.
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If you’re looking for a night full of undersea adventures, treasures, and dinglehoppers, this costume will definitely do the trick. Your little crab’s costume is as easy as a red onesie, a red headband, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes.
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This mommy and kiddo Star Wars costume is so good we’d rock it year-round.
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Maverick? Check. Iceman? Yep. Goose? Obvs this little goose makes the perfect Anthony Edwards. Grab your aviators and get ready to teach your mini-me to fly.
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We know George loved the Man in the Yellow Hat, but your curious infant loves you. Make an exception to this character by becoming the zookeeper who has a special bond with her little monkey.
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’90s lovers, it’s time to introduce your little ones to everything magical about this nostalgic TV show. Mom jeans, leftover ’80s hair, and really large cordless phones. (via Brit + Co)
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This one is a show-stopper! The trendy hot sauce can finally give you an excuse to turn your mini into a teeny tiny taco!
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If you've been singing a mixture of "Rain, rain go away," and "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," to your baby, you've already found the family Halloween costumes that'll work for you. What's a better way to honor your little sunshine than by pairing up as your mini’s rainbow?!
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These days we can all agree that Starbucks is pretty much a part of most family traditions. Recreate everyone’s favorite Starbucks drinks as a group Halloween costume!
Image via Costume-Works
There’s no cuter Halloween trio than this loving tribute to Back to the Future.
Image via Say Yes
Fall down the rabbit hole this Halloween and hit the town with a pint-sized Red Queen. Scour your local thrift store for a blue skirt and white blouse and put your own spin on the lovely Alice.
Image viaCupcakes and Cashmere
You and your S.O. can undoubtedly pull the necessary rugged clothes right from your closets, and all that’s left is finding your little one some sort of dino gear. We do love the half-hatched look, but if you’re out of time or are dealing with a cranky kiddo, just throw on their fave dino PJs.
Image via A Beautiful Mess
Harness that rebellious spirit as a whole family this Halloween. All you’ll need are some PJs, cardboard swords, and a Pan getup.
Say Yes
Channel your inner royal with this adorable, yet sophisticated, family costume. Even if you don’t have this exact getup, a few key pieces will make you easily recognizable — like the fascinator and blue knee socks. Prince William not required (but always welcome)!
Lovely Indeed
Pull out all of those striped shirts in your closet and pile on your wackiest accessories. Anything goes with these Waldo costumes.
Tell Love and Party
Take a little inspiration from the famous Munsters this All Hallows’ Eve. We’re sure your little mummy and bat will approve.
Say Yes
Okay, this one might be a little confusing to the kiddos, but just tell them you are practicing for that trip later this year.
Say Yes
The force is strong with this family costume. Bonus points if you turn your dog into Yoda.
Studio DIY
Rub a dub dub, the whole fam’s in the tub! This may sound familiar if your little one is used to taking baths with you.
Tell Love and Party
Everything about this costume just screams cuteness. We can’t decide which we like better: the cute lion or the strong little man.
Say Yes
If you haven’t seen this gem of a movie, it’s time. Once you’ve watched it we guarantee you’ll want to outfit the whole fam for Halloween.
Even if you’re not Palm Springs-bound, we think this desert-inspired duo is just the mama and baby costume to win that contest.
Rather than just playing bones, why not be the bones?! Your family will love seeing pictures of your family Halloween costumes if Dominoes is a staple at family gatherings.
See Vanessa Craft
Perfect for busy moms and dads, this tutorial is even no-sew, so you won't be up all night before trick-or-treating. Plus, a family in matching sweatsuits is a sight to behold.
Share your family Halloween costumes with us @BritandCo and join our newsletter for more creative ideas and inspiration.
This article has been updated.
The biggest baby name trends of 2019 include names from new sources around the world and in nature, trends reflecting modern spirituality and nonbinary ideals, an F and a U, and a goodbye to a longtime favorite group. Here are Nameberry’s predictions for the 12 leading trends shaping baby names in 2019, along with name examples for each trend.
1. Biggest Big Picture Trend – Global Names: As the world gets smaller, the pool of names becomes larger, with new names from ever-more-diverse origins entering the global lexicon. At Nameberry we’ve added thousands of new names from around the world: Maori names and Xhosa names, ancient Greek names and South American Indian names, Korean names and Israeli names. With the appetite for meaningful and unique names expanding all the time, parents are looking for original choices with deep roots.
Example names: Acacius, Aroha, Cyrene, Jedda, Kiran, Lautaro, Lior, Niabi, Sena, Walken
2. Newest Gender Bend – Nonbinary Names: Parents who want to raise their children free of gender stereotypes are looking for names that are truly gender neutral. That means no names that end in son like Madison and no names that were originally boy or girl names that have migrated to the other side, such as Charlie. And if the names also embody a gender-free ideal such as Justice, all the better.
Example names: Briar, Campbell, Finley, Journey, Justice, Laken, Revel, Robin, Royal, Story
3. Hottest Direction in Baby Naming – East: Names related to Eastern religions and non-European mythology have taken over from biblical names and saints’ names as spiritual favorites. The mainstreaming of yoga, meditation, and non-traditional spiritualism underpins the trend, along with a search for meaning that transcends the name’s surface qualities such as style and sound.
Example names: Asherah, Bodhi, Kali, Lakshmi, Manu, Osiris, Raiden, Rama, Tanith, Zen
4. Coolest New Color Names – Muted Hues: All color names for babies are, well, colorful, but we’re beginning to see a shift in tone as vibrant shades like Scarlett and Ruby and Poppy are giving way to softer pastels. Grey/Gray is starting to replace Blue as a first and middle color name du jour, while popular Violet has been joined by other vintage pale purplish hues. Another prediction: More Crayola names for boys.
Example names: Ash, Fawn, Grey/Gray, Ivory, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve, Moss, Olive, Sage
5. Richest New Nature Names – Rare Gems: For a long time, the most popular jewel names have been those usually assigned to girls — Ruby, Pearl, Amber — all of which came into favor at the turn of the last century, along with flower and other nature names. But one of the most interesting new areas to be mined is the more unusual gem names which can be not only for girls but also for boys (or sometimes both).
Example names: Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Jasper, Jet, Onyx, Opal, Peridot, Sapphire, Topaz
6. Latest Vintage Trend – Old-School Nickname Names for Boys: We’re seeing charming vintage boy nickname names like Archie and Alfie and Freddie beginning to join their sisters Millie and Maisie and Josie, but more surprising to us is the nascent revival of early 20th-century faves like Johnny and Jimmy and Billy on birth certificates, names which once were confined to comic strips and old radio and TV shows. Even more startling is the reappearance of some generic/badass appellations now appealing to the hipster sensibilities of celebs and others.
Example names: Ace, Billy, Buddy, Buster, Hank, Ike, Jimmy, Johnny, Sonny, Spike
7. Most Fashionable Consonant – F: For a letter that had been sitting quietly in the shadows for decades, F has suddenly rocketed forward, particularly for boys, and particularly for boys’ names of Irish descent. And then there’s the whole Family Fran, which started to take off after the election to the papacy of Pope Francis and led to the revival of several surprising half-forgotten Fran names. Fashion-forward names starting with F include the following.
Example names: Faye, Felix, Fern, Finnian, Flora, Florian, Frances, Frankie, Frederick, Frost
8. Coolest Vowel – U: U finally gets its turn in the spotlight this year. As a first initial, U is the least-used letter of the alphabet, and it hasn’t featured in any major baby name trends in… forever. But now u — and its “oo” sound — features in many newly stylish names. Is it the influence of little Prince Louis? His unexpected name may have simply upshifted the trend to major.
Example names: Eulalie, Hugo, Jude, Juniper, Louise, Luca, Luna, Reuben, Tallulah, True
9. Trendiest Name Length – Three Letters: Four letters might be a marker of name popularity, a la Number 1 Emma and Liam, but minimalist three-letter names are the sleek, sweet names of the future.
Example names: Hal, Ida, Jem, Kit, Koa, Liv, Lux, Rex, Rio, Van
10. Wildest Middle Name Trend – Animalia: Parents who want to add a touch of fierceness or individuality to more conventional first name choices are turning to the animal kingdom for the wild vibe. As in many other trends, celebs have led the way, starting with Mariel Hemingway’s daughter Langley Fox back in 1989 to the number of more recent starbabies bearing Bear as their middle name.
Example names: Bear, Falcon, Fox, Hawk, Koala, Lion, Lynx, Otter, Tiger, Wolf
11. Trendiest Trend-Related Trend – Celebrity Surname-Names: Celebrities have influenced baby names since the days of Shirley Temple, and surname-names such as Morgan and Carter have been rising since the conservative 1980s. Now those two trends have combined into one megatrend: Celebrity surnames for baby girls and boys. Goodbye, Shirley; hello, Temple.
Example names: Beckham, Bowie, Ellington, Hendrix, Jolie, Ledger, Lennon, Lennox, Monroe, Wilder
12. Trend Ready to Jump the Shark – Em- Names: We predict that baby namers are about to become all Emmed-out when it comes to baby names in 2019. After all, we had Emily in the Top 25 for 35 years, at #1 for 12 of them. Then came Emma, in the Top 25 since 1998, and still reigning in first place. A number of dueling Em- names followed in their wake, and we predict that the consensus is about to be that enough Em is enough.
Example names: Ember, Emerson, Emery, Emilia, Emily, Emma, Emme, Emmeline, Emmett, Emmy
What baby name trend is your fave? Share it with us @BritandCo.
This post was previously published on Nameberry.
(Photos via Getty)
One minute we're sitting on the beach, enjoying the sun beaming down on us, we close our eyes, and now, it's Halloween. Where did the time go? We know some of you have been planning your Halloween costume since last year, but the rest of us just realized the spooky night is, like, a day away.
Never fear! Your fellow procrastinators are here. There are so many last-minute, easy Halloween costumes you can create with the most basic of craft supplies. You may even have everything you need hanging in your closet, garage, or junk drawer. From '90s classics, oldies but goodies, punny, and star-studded fave costumes, here's a list of 45 last-minute couples costumes that will help you and your S.O. save face at your next pumpkin smash.
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Which of these last minute couples costumes might be a possibility this year? Get inspired with our creative B+C classes or join our newsletter for more ideas!
This post has been updated.
Halloween can be a whole lot of spooky fun for everyone. From creating the perfect DIY Halloween costume to updating your gallery wallto indulging in boo-zy Halloween cocktails all season long, it can be a very busy time of year, too. Here's a kitchen time-saver: no-bake Halloween treats! Tackle all your Halloween plans with these easy Halloween treats that are frightfully simple to make and fun for kids and adults alike – no oven necessary!
Brit + Co
Nothing says 'Halloween' quite like a smattering of bite-sized blood. Shards of sugar make a super creepy cake topper for these tiny bites. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
What could be creepier than bone-inspiredjello shots? Let them float in a blood-red cocktail. Cheers! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Here's a crazy idea: combine summer's favorite treat with milk's favorite cookie and Halloween's favorite flavor. Yum, yum, yum. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Get ready to unleash your inner artist and freehand a mummy design with this delicious no-bake sponge cake recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Oreos. Jello. Are you sensing a theme here? These cookie shooters will scare your socks off! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
In case your local grocery store is all out of your favorite Halloween candy, you can make your own! (via Brit + Co)
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Take your favorite Halloween candy up a notch with some chocolate vodka. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Don't like creepy crawlers? Trap them in ice for the perfect Halloween cocktail garnish. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Since we can't enjoy candy corn year-round, let's go candy corn overboard this whole month. This no-bake Halloween treat doubles the fun with candy corn popcorn served in a tri-color waffle cone. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Let your partygoers shoot back these tasty shots of festive color and scary spirit. Pro tip: always make extra shooters! (via Brit + Co)
Servings: 12
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Salt & Lavender
This is basically pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting in a bowl — the way it was meant to be eaten. (via Salt & Lavender)
Half Baked Harvest
While you do need to heat up the maple syrup, honey, cream, and vanilla to make the caramel, all you have to do after that is dip some apples into the caramel, and drizzle with chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Jodi Levine
Supplies:
Instructions:
Mom on Timeout
Whip up these festive homemade candies for a treat that will put your actual Halloween candy to shame. Each bite is as buttery and sugary as the last! (via Mom on Timeout)
Something Swanky
Just in case caramel's not your thing! Plus, you can't ever go wrong with pretzels and PB! (via Something Swanky)
Epicurean Mom
The itsy-bitsy spider... ended up on your Halloween cheesecake (that you didn't have to bake)! (via Epicurean Mom)
Homemaking Hacks
Did you know you could make candy corn- and Oreo-filled brownies without using your oven? This is turning into the best Halloween ever. (via Homemaking Hacks)
Hungry Happenings
Our favorite thing about these ominous feline bites is that the cookies are pre-made and totally smothered in melted chocolate. Me-ow! (via Hungry Happenings)
A Bajillion Recipes
Here's another homemade (and more adult-ish) spin on one of Halloween's staple sweets. (via A Bajillion Recipes)
Marin Mama Cooks
It seems these candy bars only make an appearance come Halloween. But we're willing to bet the homemade kind will stick around all year. They're that good! (via Marin Mama Cooks)
Creme de la Crumb
These mummy truffle bites don't have a trace of “scary," thanks to the decadent pumpkin cheesecake filling. (via Creme de la Crumb)
Healthful Pursuit
Something tells us the word “healthy" never comes to mind when you're eating a Twix. That's all about to change with this no-bake vegan dessert. (via Healthful Pursuit)
Family Fresh Cooking
You're never too old for a helping of Cheerios. Especially when they're looking at you from this jack-o'-lantern tart! (via Family Fresh Cooking)
Finding Zest
These sweet desserts are about as no-bake as it gets. Plus, you only need four ingredients: candy eyes, candy melts, oil, and marshmallows. (via Finding Zest)
The Semisweet Sisters
Here, you'll use not just one, but two donuts per treat: one traditional donut and one donut hole for the creepy-crawly spider. (via The Semisweet Sisters)
Shaken Together
For this DIY Halloween dessert, all you'll need are sugar wafers, candy melts, chocolate sprinkles, and candy eyes. Yes, if you haven't gotten the hint already: you need to buy some candy eyes! (via Shaken Together)
Sugar Spice and Family Life
These layered cookie-and-pudding cups are to die for. See what we did there? (via Sugar Spice and Family Life)
Unicorn Hat Party
This kid-friendly DIY treat is only *kinda* creepy. It's also really cute, and a surprisingly healthy Halloween snack, made from apples, peanut butter, strawberries, corn, and — you guessed it — candy eyes. (via Unicorn Hat Party)
Inside BruCrew Life
It may be hard to believe, but these super-cool zombie eyeballs are simple to make. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare them before your big party. They'll need at least an hour or two to make, including chill time in the fridge. (via Inside BruCrew Life)
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Theresa Gonzalez and Meredith Holser. Previous reporting by Miranda Eifler and Maggie McCracken.
