‘Toy Story’ and Care Bears: Here are some 2026 costume trends in Minnesota

As the 2026 Halloween season approaches, specific costume trends are emerging across various regions of the United States. In Minnesota, reporting from MPR News highlights that 'Toy Story' characters and Care Bears are among the top trends for the current year. This interest in specific characters is mirrored in other regions, as News12 Bronx reports that 'Toy Story' costumes and 'Off Campus' themes are currently among the top picks for those preparing for the holiday. These patterns indicate a widespread preference for both cinematic icons and collegiate-themed attire as consumers select their outfits for October. Several major media outlets and retail sources are focusing on these seasonal shifts. The Hollywood Reporter has released a list identifying the ten best TV and movie Halloween costumes of 2026, while The New York Times has provided a guide of costume ideas intended to reflect the specific spirit of the current year.

Retail data is also driving the conversation, with WFSB and Scripps News both reporting on the top costume trends for the season as revealed by Spirit Halloween. These outlets emphasize a mixture of pop culture references and retail-driven popularity that defines the current fashion landscape for the holiday. Understanding the current landscape requires looking at the influence of established franchises and seasonal retail disclosures. The prevalence of 'Toy Story' and Care Bears suggests a trend toward nostalgia-driven costumes that appeal to a broad demographic. The inclusion of 'Off Campus' costumes in the Bronx suggests a parallel trend toward lifestyle or situational attire. Because Spirit Halloween has released its internal trend data, as noted by Scripps News and WFSB, the market has a concrete benchmark for what is being purchased and demanded by the general public during this specific window of 2026.

Moving forward, the focus remains on the implementation of these trends as the holiday date nears. Coverage from News12 Bronx and MPR News indicates that these preferences are already manifesting in local markets. Observers should monitor whether the top ten list from The Hollywood Reporter aligns with the actual sales data provided by Spirit Halloween throughout the remainder of the month. Because the New York Times is actively suggesting ideas that 'scream 2026,' further updates on evolving preferences may emerge as the final weeks of October progress and more consumers finalize their costume choices.