It is barely September, but the retail world has already prepared a new wave of scary faire for the 2018 Halloween season. Pumpkins, skeletons, bats, and more will soon be lining the aisles of everywhere from major chain stores to specialty boutiques (or would it be “boo-tiques?).
Let’s take a look at some of the unique items coming this Halloween season:
Spirit Halloween is the go-to Halloween retailer for the average person. Their animatronics often favor (relative) affordability over quality, but I am impressed with the look of this 5.8′ Sally animatronic. This officially licensed product plays Sally’s Song from The Nightmare Before Christmas while the eyes blink and arm motions. While the front view is very impressive, the plain design of the back of the dress does leave much to be desired. With the popularity of the IP, however, be prepared to see this in many yard displays this season.
There are many terrifying things below the water’s surface, but Halloween decor does not usually capitalize on this creepy theming. Grandin Road has an entire line of nautical knickknacks for a unique Halloween display. This Barnacle Bust is 100% resin and sturdy enough to display all year long.
I certainly have my eye on these creepy orbs from Grandin Road. These eyeball orbs range from 3″ to 4″ in diameter and can be used in a variety of ways to create a whimsical and curious display. Weighing about as much as a Christmas ornament bulb, you can arrange them in bowls, atop candelabras, or glued to props for an eye-catching display. Unlike many of the gory or realistic eyeballs you find at other Halloween shops, these stylized sketched eyes add whimsy and fantasy to your display.
Vintage Halloween imagery has made quite the comeback in the past few years. World Market blends new technology with an old aesthetic in this black cat & moon piece. This 10″ tall figure has LED lights that flash red and blue. It is a cute piece that rests fully in the “spooky” side of Halloween instead of scary.
I usually prefer decor that can be displayed year-round, but now and then it is worth mentioning just a fun little prop for a quick Halloween night scare. This is the most original plastic animated prop of the year – a bug blender. The blender lights up, has sounds of something not-quite-blending, and finishes with a creepy-crawly popping out of the lid. Have fun giving your friends the heebie-jeebies with this unique item.
Returning to more functional faire, Williams Sonoma’s Halloween Chef’s Knife is practical for year-round use. The elaborate Japanese-inspired skull design adds a subtle touch of macabre to your kitchen. The non-stick blade is 8″ long and the resin handle is 5/5″.
Bath & Body Works always has a strong autumn lineup. This year, the highlight of their fall collection is “Autumn Nights”. The exact mixture of smells is hard to pin down – and the description of “Friday Night Lights, Cool Air, and Varsity Leather Jackets” does little to help. It has a musky aroma with a tinge of what seems like it may be cedar. Both the lotion and pray are long-lasting and worth the price. Keep an eye out for sales (which happen pretty regularly) to snag three for the price of two.
Home Depot has stepped up their Halloween game in past years. Be the talk of your block with this fantastic mythical beast animated prop. The dragon towers 69″ tall, emits fog from its mouth, and glares with bright red LED eyes. The product includes a fog machine (be sure to stock up on fog juice), a power adapter, and 3AA batteries. Online reviews state that the dragon is sturdy and free-standing.
Happy Halloween shopping 2024! For over two decades now, the Halloween shopping season has been my main time for household and clothing purchases. Each year, I love to shop around
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Welcome to my home of all things horror & Halloween! The Horror of Being Emily showcases resources, creative projects, small businesses, and more related to my weird and wonderful Halloween & horror obsession.
