After a year full of blockbuster films, celebrity scandals, and surprising headlines, retailers are stocking up on a number of topical and timely costumes for the 2010 Halloween season. While some of these costumes--such as Shrek outfits and Mad Hatter costumes--have been around for years, their popularity and demand has risen this year thanks to new pop culture interest, and have in some cases been revamped and updated. Other costumes, on the other hand, are brand-new to the market and will make their Halloween in 2010, including Avatar costumes and BP oil spill-themed outfits.

Any of these costumes can be purchased from costume shops in local communities, or online. Or, people who are interested in trying their hands at crafting, all of the costumes can be fashioned at home.

Avatar -

2010 is the first Halloween since the blockbuster James Cameron movie was released in theaters. For those who are willing to go blue, and perhaps a bit scantily clad, Jake Sully and Neytiri costumes are likely to be popular.

Alice in Wonderland -

Alice in Wonderland characters have often been the staples of Halloween costume shops, but this year after Tim Burton's major motion picture release of the 3D "Alice", Mad Hatter costumes, Alice costumes, Queen of Hearts costumes, and more will be in stock and updated to coordinate with the film's costuming.

Shrek -

Kids in particular may take an interest in Shrek costumes since the final film debuted this year. While the old standbys are likely to be available, such as Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and the Gingerbread Man, some new characters appeared this year, including Rumpelstiltskin and the ogres.

Iron Man 2 -

Iron Man himself is a common costume stemming from the sequel which was in theaters in 2010.

Toy Story 3 -

In addition to the traditional characters like Woody, Buzz, and Jessie, several new costumes may be available, or can be made, for Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear, Big Baby, and Ken.

BP Oil Spill Costume -

The mass-marketed costume that has been promoted across several costume sites on the Web is a green workman's jumpsuit with the letters BP on it, and covered in "oil" stains. Homemade ideas have included mermaids and fish caught in the oil spill.

Lindsay Lohan Jail Costume -

The celebrity diva was in the headlines for going to jail this year, and now many costumers may try to dress up as Lohan, complete with ball and jain and striped (or orange) jumpsuit.

Illegal Alien Costume -

As a satire of the Arizona immigrant ID laws and the ensuing controversy, costume makers have released an "illegal alien" costume that includes a brown martian alien mask, an orange prison jumpsuit stamped with the words "ILLEGAL ALIEN", and a giant laminated green card.