It's that time of year again. School supplies, school clothes and Halloween costumes. And pretty much in that order.

My kids always had me programmed to think that way. So, one year I decided to give them the Halloween party that they could only imagine. We decorated my grandparents' basement and turned it into a horror house. The basement was scary enough without decorations, but the added cob webs, skeletons and lit jack o'lanterns were sufficient enough to frighten any 10 year old out of their costumes.

When the parents received their invites, most wanted to know where to get the most affordable, scariest Halloween costumes for their kids. If it were today, I could have recommended Costume Cauldron. They have a long line of kids costumes as well as adult themes. They've got worldwide shipping and best of all, no sales tax!

Some of their best sellers are of course, the Batman themed ones.

Everybody wants to be the Dark Knight these days and defend Gotham City. We really could have cooked up a great themed party based upon the popularity of this movie alone. I would have just bought more flying bats to haunt the little kiddies.

My other favorite costume on the site was Cartman from South Park. Cartman is my favorite character on that show, so it was only fitting that I look for a costume made in his likeness.

There is a money back guarantee if you aren't satisfied with your purchase. Something all consumers like to hear.

Make sure you practice good halloween costume safety. Halloween is a time for kids and lots of fun. Ensuring that your young ones are safe this season should be a prerequisite. Be careful with any dyes or makeup you might use on your child's skin. Remember it is human skin here that is involved.

Oh, back to the party in the basement. You should have seen my niece trying to bob for apples in the dark, decorated dungeon I had prepared. Blindfolded, and hands behind her back, it was clear that she was not going to get an apple this way, so I let her off the hook and sent her with one of my ghouls. He politely handed her a newts eyeball as a consolation prize.

The mood music was just perfect as well. I had invested in a nice Halloween CD and put the player on repeat, so screams and vampirish sounds could be heard throughout the evening. It was clear the party was a success, as the kids all left with great prizes, lots of treats, and a safe time was had by all.