Halloween Novelty

I’m not one for plush, cuddly, and pinkish Halloween decor, but T.J. Maxx has a fun selection that’s colorful and works with either traditional or new-ish trends for October–or any time of the year–Halloween joy. Given the crazy tariff issues, I have my fingers crossed that suppliers overloaded on what they could before the costs kicked in, but I still fear we may see less Halloween and Christmas merchandise this year. I hope to be wrong. I especially look for smalls: those animated novelties or ghoulish decor (not cuddly or pink! well, maybe just a little) that you would have found in a Woolworth’s store, back-way-when. Last year was disappointing for those items, so I look forward to be surprised this year in a positive way. I mean, where did those those Pocket Screamers go? As for T.J. Maxx, the standout for me are the hands holding pumpkins candlestick holders. Now those are bewitching and cool (even with the pink cuffs that work so well with the green and orange).

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Halloween 2025 Sighted: T.J. MaxxRead More »

You got the Goth black and white all-over with Michaels; lawn-busting animatronics and decor at Home Depot; costumes galore at Party City; and colorful funky cool at Target: and blow-mold-like decor to boot! bringing that nostalgic kitsch vibe. Those doorbell ringers are killer, the large 3D hang ups awesome, and the colorful skeletons and cheeky animated smallies to die for. I love animated smallies! Target was still unpacking the Halloween merch as I snapped some picks (this is the first year they finally started putting the stuff out early), so I’m sure you will find more to love as the season kicks into high gear. But, for now, here are my favs.

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Halloween 2024 Sighted
At TargetRead More »

Just missing the creepy ambiance of Spirit Halloween, Home Depot still manages enough animatronics to keep the spirit of terror going strong each year. This year’s must have monster is, of course, Frankenstein’s creation. Here’s hoping HD keeps the theme going with Creature from the Black Lagoon and Dracula (Bela or bust!) I’ve snapped a few pics of my favs for you to oggle at while you dream of never-ending storage space.

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Halloween 2024 Sighted:
Home DepotRead More »

I was happy to see a Spirit Halloween store, by me, open up this early. Every year they do a nifty store display and carry a ton of merry terror merch to lighten your wallet and clutter up your living space. But such clutter! Along with the dark carnival theme for 2024, there’s more merch that would give Lurch a backache. One hot item for monsterkids, a Frankenstein’s monster bust, looks like it is selling out. I saw one lonely Frankie on the shelf. Where’s Dracula I ask? Here are highlights of what caught my eyes. …

Halloween 2024 Sighted:
Spirit HalloweenRead More »

I must say Spirit Halloween seemed a bit less spirited this year in dressing up the store. They usually go all out to create a creepy vibe to enhance your shopping experience, but the store I visited was lackluster. Still, an incredible amount of collectible coolness to adorn your man or girl or whatever you are (thanks Zacherley!) cave, boudoir, or hell, even the whole house. Here are some highlights, but they have a lot more to offer, if you dare. And, just for the record, I would have walked off with the Martian and Annabelle doll but my wife was with me. It gets tougher and tougher hiding stuff as you get older, you know. Nuff said on that. But I did manage to grab the Frankenstein and Black Cat masks. They are awesome.

This first highlight is one of me trying on this all-night sleeper for roominess. I do plan on taking it all with me.

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Spirit Halloween 2023Read More »

Michaels has become my bellwether for Halloween. They have so much variety in their offerings, you can't go wrong. There's the gothic decor, blow molds, creepy spooky smalls, skeletons galore, Lemax Spooky Town, oh my! And they bring it all out in August! Just when us diehards are giving our last gasp from the heat and sandy beach terrors of the summer, it all comes in the nick of time. Here are some highlights.

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Michaels Halloween 2023 SightedRead More »

Lowes' Halloween offerings for 2023 are going head to head with Home Depot's big is better theme. The smalls, which include some nifty animated and light up novelties, aren't shabby either. The life-size Haunted Mansion care-taker is a keeper (or screamer). The Jack o'Lanterns never looked so evil (you'd look like that too if people kept digging your guts out). And that scarecrow brings a little bit of the autumn harvest, but with bite, for those more traditionally inclined.

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Lowes 2023 Halloween Sighted!Read More »

It wouldn't be Halloween without visiting a Spirit Halloween store to get into the mood (and lighten your wallet). Here are some highlights to savor. I picked up a Billie Butcherson side stepper, just too cute not to. Had I storage space, I'd be picking up the mad monkey and more, too. Franchises to get the spirited treatment include Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus (enjoyed Hocus Pocus 2 by the way), Trick 'r Treat (dig that wonderful retro drunk by the lantern vibe), the usual monstrous classics, and rotten tots and assorted crazies galore. I usually avoid the spiders, though, they really creep me out. The devilish door knocker is a fantastic design with those light up eyes and paint job.

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Halloween 2022 Sighted
at Spirit HalloweenRead More »

All I can say is, if I had the room, that 12 foot evil clown would be coming home with me. It's awesome and makes a wonderful partner for your 12 foot skeleton from Home Depot. With both you'll have a giant Halloween, guaranteed. Aside from the usual plethora of costumes and accessories, here are some cool items to put a dash into your décor. The Yoga skeleton is rad.

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Halloween 2022 Spotted at Party CityRead More »

Home Depot has yet to disappoint with their larger offerings to adorn your lawn or liven up a Halloween party. You may need a bigger shed, though, to store all the wild stuff they dream up each year. I didn't see anything on the smalls side that was collectible for me, in particular, but that seems to be true for most of the places I'm visiting this year. 

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Halloween 2022 Spotted at Home DepotRead More »

They are almost done stocking the shelves with Halloween coolness, but I grabbed these shots of some of the offerings at my local Target. This year they are putting stuff out sooner than last year. Usually the return to school shelves are still packed, but maybe Target got some sense into their collective business noggins realizing that Lowe's already has their Christmas decorations out. So the selling cycle is getting earlier and shorter for sure. I can remember a time when I went to stores the day after Halloween to try and snag some bargains. Now, if you wait until October starts, you're a goner.  And damn you, Lowe's, what the hell? The candy isn't cold yet and you put out the ho ho ho, tidings of cheer merchandise? Don't snow on my parade, man!

I did pick up the skeleton bike rider, and will be going back for more (depending on how well I can sneak anything into the house before my wife catches me). Target always stocks fun items: some animated, some Day of the Dead, lots of skeletons, and a very neat crystal plasma skull this time around (okay, clear plastic, but the effect is still great) should be enticing to everyone (or maybe it's just me, already enticed and all).

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Halloween 2023 Spotted at TargetRead More »