Let’s be honest: your Halloween prep probably looks like hot-gluing a costume together at 10 PM, hiding the good candy from yourself, and praying the kids’ “last-minute idea” doesn’t require a trip to three different stores.

So the last thing you need is a Halloween faux pas on top of all that.

Good news! Someone online put together a list of Halloween rules everyone should follow, and honestly? They make some solid points. (A few are worth ignoring at your own risk, but we’ll let you be the judge.)

The Costume Rules

1. Don’t Guess What Someone’s Costume Is

We’ve all been there. A kid shows up at your door and you confidently say, “Ooh, a pirate!” Only to watch their little face fall because they’re clearly a ninja.

If you’re not 100% sure, just ask. “Who are you supposed to be?” is a perfectly good question. It also lets the kids show off, which they love.

2. Skip the Offensive Costumes

Even if it’s “just a joke,” an offensive costume is a risky move. Good Housekeeping’s list of costumes to avoid is worth a quick scroll before you commit.

And the same goes for political costumes. They can suck the fun right out of a party, because someone in the room won’t be laughing.

3. Remember: Nothing Is Private Anymore

If you do go the offensive route anyway, don’t act shocked when the photos end up on social media.

Everyone has a camera in their pocket. Your coworkers, your kid’s teacher, and your mother-in-law will all see it by Sunday morning.

The Office Rule

4. Keep Your Desk Decorations PG

A little spooky is fun! A severed hand dripping fake blood next to the stapler? Maybe not.

Not everyone loves gore, especially before their first cup of coffee. Save the bloody stuff for home and keep the cubicle cute.

The Trick-or-Treating Rules

5. Teach Your Kids to Say “Thank You”

This one’s a mom favorite. Make sure your kids say thank you at every single house, even if they just got handed a box of raisins.

Pro tip: practice a polite “thank you” face at home before you head out. You know the one.

6. Consider a Teal Pumpkin

If you’re offering allergy-safe treats or non-food goodies (think stickers, glow sticks, or bubbles), set a teal-colored pumpkin on your porch.

It’s a signal to families dealing with food allergies that your house has a safe option for them. You can learn more about it through the Teal Pumpkin Project from FARE.

The Decorating Rule

7. Be Classy With Outdoor Decorations

Go big! Go scary! Go full haunted mansion if that’s your thing. But if you’re expecting little trick-or-treaters, don’t go so overboard that you’re the reason they’re sleeping in your bed for a week.

Quick checklist for kid-friendly spooky:

• Animatronics that jump out? Maybe turn them off during peak toddler hours.
• Blood and gore? Keep it out of eye level for the little ones.
• Spooky sounds? Totally fine. A little creaky door never hurt anybody.

Bonus Rule: Leave the Neighbors Out of It

And finally, if you’re putting fake tombstones in the yard, please don’t use the real names of neighbors you can’t stand.

We have so many questions about why this one needed to be said. But here we are.

(Full list originally spotted on DoYouRemember.com’s Halloween rules roundup.)

Your Turn!

Okay, be honest: which Halloween rule do YOU see broken the most in your neighborhood? And are we missing one? Head over to our Facebook and Instagram and tell us your #1 Halloween pet peeve! 🎃