Pricewatch compares Halloween costumes

Smyths Toys three-piece witch outfit €9.99

HIGHS

Wonderfully garish, surprisingly heavy and the cheapest of the lot. It’s big and flouncy and comes with a velvety hat, full-length velvety hooped dress and a velvety belt with adjustable velcro strips

LOWS

Getting and keeping the kinks out of the plastic hoop was just a bit tricky

VERDICT

Excellent value *****

Dunnes Stores witch costume €14

HIGHS

The dress, with added sequins and lots of frills, is very good value for money and has long sleeves, with lining, so it’s the most practical of the lot for cold evenings

LOWS

While the see-through lace-effect spider’s web hat was nice to look at, we’re concerned it would not stand up to the rigorous handling of a toddler

VERDICT

Most impressive ****

Marks Spencer witch costume €24

HIGHS

The hat and bag are optional extras with this dress but were so cute we couldn’t resist. The ensemble is well made and the attention to detail, with all the little bats, stars and sparkles sewn on, is impressive

LOWS

It is expensive and we’d question whether you’d really need a costume to last from year to year

VERDICT

Top quality, top dollar ***

Scary Bugs by Copper Alley €16

HIGHS

This outfit has an elasticated bodice and sleeves so will better fit all shapes and sizes. The hat is sized properly but is a little flimsy

LOWS

The short see-through sleeves will need a vest underneath. While one label on the dress said it was for kids aged two to three, a second said it wasn’t suitable for under threes – odd

VERDICT

Comparatively dear **