The spookiest time of the year is almost upon us and people aren’t holding back with theirdecorations. Many startedshoppingbefore October already and retail experts say spending is set to reach $11.6 billion, in the U.S. alone. The vast majority of those polled in a recent survey gave a resounding “yes” when asked whether they’d be celebrating Halloween this year.Bored Pandahas scoured the net to find the most spooktacular selection of houses that scream Halloween. From those covered in spider webs, to witches perched on the roof, some families have left their neighbors spellbound with their creepy and creative exterior decorations. Keep scrolling for some thrilling inspiration on how you can turn your home into a true house of horrors. And don’t miss the chat we had withWalletHub’s financial writer and analyst, Chip Lupo, about how to keep your spending in check during this time.This post may includeaffiliate links.
The spookiest time of the year is almost upon us and people aren’t holding back with theirdecorations. Many startedshoppingbefore October already and retail experts say spending is set to reach $11.6 billion, in the U.S. alone. The vast majority of those polled in a recent survey gave a resounding “yes” when asked whether they’d be celebrating Halloween this year.
Bored Pandahas scoured the net to find the most spooktacular selection of houses that scream Halloween. From those covered in spider webs, to witches perched on the roof, some families have left their neighbors spellbound with their creepy and creative exterior decorations. Keep scrolling for some thrilling inspiration on how you can turn your home into a true house of horrors. And don’t miss the chat we had withWalletHub’s financial writer and analyst, Chip Lupo, about how to keep your spending in check during this time.
This post may includeaffiliate links.
The witches, skeletons and ghosts come out to play on the last day of October every year. Halloween has become a fun and freaky tradition over the years, for both young and old. According to the National Retail Federation, most people spend around $104 each celebrating the occasion. Almost half of those polled said they started shopping before October. They’re mainly forking out money oncandy, home decorations, and of course,creative costumes.“For the exteriors of their homes, Americans often spend on Halloween-related items such as pumpkins, lights, inflatables, and themed decorations that create a spooky atmosphere,” said Wallethub’s financial analyst and writer,Chip Lupoduring our interview. “One key statistic worth noting is that 52% of people plan to decorate their homes for Halloween, which makes it an integral part of the holiday’s projected $11.6 billion in spending for 2024.”
The witches, skeletons and ghosts come out to play on the last day of October every year. Halloween has become a fun and freaky tradition over the years, for both young and old. According to the National Retail Federation, most people spend around $104 each celebrating the occasion. Almost half of those polled said they started shopping before October. They’re mainly forking out money oncandy, home decorations, and of course,creative costumes.
“For the exteriors of their homes, Americans often spend on Halloween-related items such as pumpkins, lights, inflatables, and themed decorations that create a spooky atmosphere,” said Wallethub’s financial analyst and writer,Chip Lupoduring our interview. “One key statistic worth noting is that 52% of people plan to decorate their homes for Halloween, which makes it an integral part of the holiday’s projected $11.6 billion in spending for 2024.”
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Lupo added that consumers should watch their spending carefully in the run-up to Halloween. “It’s wise to prioritize purchases that bring the most enjoyment while avoiding unnecessary splurges for expensive items such as single-use costumes,” he said, adding that DIY options for costumes and decorations can help save money. Lupo suggests that people stick to a budget so that “the fun of Halloween doesn’t turn into financial stress.“According to the expert, many people fall into the trap of wasting money on Halloween. “Pricey store-bought costumes, especially those with face-covering masks that children often discard because they’re uncomfortable are among the biggest Halloween money-wasters,” he said.He again stressed that making your own costume at home with materials you already have not only costs less, but allows for more creativity and family bonding. “Other common money-wasters include excessive decorations or items that are only used once and discarded, such as intricate inflatables or expensive themed décor that doesn’t get reused,” added Lupo.
Lupo added that consumers should watch their spending carefully in the run-up to Halloween. “It’s wise to prioritize purchases that bring the most enjoyment while avoiding unnecessary splurges for expensive items such as single-use costumes,” he said, adding that DIY options for costumes and decorations can help save money. Lupo suggests that people stick to a budget so that “the fun of Halloween doesn’t turn into financial stress.”
According to the expert, many people fall into the trap of wasting money on Halloween. “Pricey store-bought costumes, especially those with face-covering masks that children often discard because they’re uncomfortable are among the biggest Halloween money-wasters,” he said.
He again stressed that making your own costume at home with materials you already have not only costs less, but allows for more creativity and family bonding. “Other common money-wasters include excessive decorations or items that are only used once and discarded, such as intricate inflatables or expensive themed décor that doesn’t get reused,” added Lupo.
I made this back in 2018 for a Harry Potter-themed Halloween party. It took a few weeks to complete, and I eventually sold it to a shop in Italy called the Lucky Pot. It’s still there today.
Halloween is meant to be a night of fun but it does come with risks. “One of the biggest concerns is child pedestrian safety, as Halloween sees a fourfold increase in pedestrian fatalities among children,” cautioned Lupo. He suggested that parents dress their children in reflective clothing, make sure they stick to well-lit areas, and stay in groups. “Adult supervision is crucial for younger children,” he said.Another risk is fires. “790 Halloween-related fires cause an estimated $14 million in property damage every year,” revealed Lupo. “Using battery-operated lights instead of candles in decorations, especially in pumpkins, can help prevent accidents.“And of course, in this day and age, parents might want to inspect their children’s candy to ensure it’s safe to eat. Lastly, Lupo warned those celebrating to practice common sense. “With 45% of Halloween night motor vehicle deaths involving drunk driving, it’s important to plan for sober transportation when attending parties. Taking these steps will help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone.”
Halloween is meant to be a night of fun but it does come with risks. “One of the biggest concerns is child pedestrian safety, as Halloween sees a fourfold increase in pedestrian fatalities among children,” cautioned Lupo. He suggested that parents dress their children in reflective clothing, make sure they stick to well-lit areas, and stay in groups. “Adult supervision is crucial for younger children,” he said.
Another risk is fires. “790 Halloween-related fires cause an estimated $14 million in property damage every year,” revealed Lupo. “Using battery-operated lights instead of candles in decorations, especially in pumpkins, can help prevent accidents.”
And of course, in this day and age, parents might want to inspect their children’s candy to ensure it’s safe to eat. Lastly, Lupo warned those celebrating to practice common sense. “With 45% of Halloween night motor vehicle deaths involving drunk driving, it’s important to plan for sober transportation when attending parties. Taking these steps will help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone.”
As the BBCreported, the 37-year-old university lecturer failed to score any points in all three of her competition rounds in Paris, “with a routine that included unorthodox moves, such as the sprinkler and the kangaroo hop.” There were memes aplenty following her performance. And some even accused her of making a mockery of the sport. Nonetheless, “Raygun” was controversially ranked the world’s number one breakdancer in September this year. And we should expect to see many versions of her walking (or hopping) the streets come Halloween.
Ever since The Wizard of Oz, I’ve wanted to have a spooky tree. Next year I might add a burl hole with an owl! I don’t have a lot of faith that this guy is sealed to the elements, but the season will tell.
The third most-wanted Halloween costume this year goes to “Catnap” from Poppy Playtime. “Poppy Playtime” is ahorrorgame of survival set in an abandoned toy factory. So it’s not too surprising that the characters are a hit for Halloween enthusiasts who are planning to dress up on the night.
The National Retail Federation says America’s total spend on Halloween costumes this year looks set to total $3.8 billion. Like last year, adults are spending more to look the part, with an estimated total spend of $1.8 billion. Kids costumes come in at around $1.3 billion. The Federation’s research also revealed that 76% of adults already know what they’ll be transforming into when they celebrate the occasion.
When it comes to what people will be wearing, the NRF’s findings were a bit different to the Google trends results. Most of them (5.8 million) plan on dressing up as a witch. 3 million are taking inspiration from shows like “Twilight” and want to turn into a vampire. Other popular grown-up costumes are a cat, Batman or a pirate.
The NRF says 2.6 million kids are going wild for Spider-Man. 1.8 million will walk the streets as a ghost. 1.7 million are toning down the terror, and have decided to go trick-or-treating dressed as a princess. We can also expect to see lots of little witches, and mini superheroes.Fido isn’t missing out on the fun either. The NRF says the most costumes for pets include a pumpkin, a hot dog, a bat, a ghost and a bumblebee. If you’re still unsure about what your furry family member will be strutting this year, we’ve gathered some inspiration for you righthere.
The NRF says 2.6 million kids are going wild for Spider-Man. 1.8 million will walk the streets as a ghost. 1.7 million are toning down the terror, and have decided to go trick-or-treating dressed as a princess. We can also expect to see lots of little witches, and mini superheroes.
Fido isn’t missing out on the fun either. The NRF says the most costumes for pets include a pumpkin, a hot dog, a bat, a ghost and a bumblebee. If you’re still unsure about what your furry family member will be strutting this year, we’ve gathered some inspiration for you righthere.
When it comes to decorating their homes and gardens, Americans aren’t holding back. One Massachusetts man madeheadlinesearlier this year with his elaborate “house of horrors”. While most people start decorating their space a few days or weeks before Halloween, Billy Gridley has been at it since August.
Gridley’s house is no doubt the spookiest on his street, and it pulls crowds every October. The dad claims he went through 40 gallons of candy last year, with around 200 people rocking up at his door. Not one to disappoint, he goes all out. And we aren’t only talking about decor.
He has “rigged a solar light to power lights hooked up inside of a sewer drain. The lights illuminate a Pennywise mask hidden under the sewer grate. There is a corresponding animatronic ‘It’ child above the grate.”
I was out this morning when it was still dark and the spotlights were on. The school bus stopped and muffled kid shrieks and laughter followed. When it’s dark, the light paints giant spider leg shadows all across the front of the house. I’ve managed to get five years out of these spiders. Totally worth it!
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I was able to teach my daughter some MacGyver tricks this weekend. With some flashlights, a fishing line, some painter’s tape, and some cutouts, we made some fun decor.
We’ve been doing a Ghostbusters theme for the last few years, ever since my son became a fan. I wanted to make some updates and ended up doing a complete overhaul with a new big inflatable stay puft, led rope lights, new printed cutouts, and a bunch of 3D printed mini stay pufts. I think it came together pretty nicely.
They had skeletons on sale at Home Depot, and I’ve always wanted one. Thought this would be fun to put up! Now let’s hope the homeowners don’t call telling me to take it down.
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I can’t leave stuff on the grass since I’m renting, so the porch is pretty much the only place I can decorate. But I’m happy with it. He’ll protect us from the ghouls and spooks out there this month.
I’ve been decorating the front of my house with monster faces for the past couple of Octobers. I’m planning on building it out a bit this year and adding some arms and hands to the decoration.
Working on a massive spider to go above the web. The web is attached to a skeletonized patio umbrella. Each spider is made up of 9 craft pipe cleaners. It took a few tries to get it right, but once we figured out the pattern, it was easy to replicate. Just trial and error until you get the look you want. It takes about 20 to 30 seconds to make one.
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