The Surprising Reason You Should Shop For Halloween Early This Year
It may only be August, but if you're among those Americans already starting to think about your Halloween plans, you're not alone.
According to data from the National Retail Federation, Halloween-related sales — including costumes, decorations, candy, and greeting cards — experience a significant spike during election years. While the exact cause of this remains a mystery (ooh, spooky!), it's a pretty clear pattern that foreshadows US consumers dropping major cash on Halloween this fall.
Throw in a global pandemic on top of that and it's even more likely that families will be looking to Halloween hijinks to add some much-needed merriment to the year. The NRF found that 37% of consumers planned to start shopping for Halloween-related items before October this year — and with August flying by, we expect that trend to start any minute now.
Want to get a jump on your shopping and prepare to scare? Scroll on (if you dare) for some of our favorite Halloween decor picks that are available now.
Oriental Trading Co. Snake Eye Orbs, set of 9, $26
Oriental Trading Co.
Keep an eye on your housemates with a few of these lining the buffet table.
The Holiday Aisle Decorative Plaque, $28
Wayfair
A little retro-Halloween style for your throwback-themed abode.
Hyde & EEK! Boutique Spooky Victorian Telephone, $15
Target
We have a sneaking suspicion that the line is ... dead.
Oriental Trading Co. Skeleton Crew Lantern, $26
Oriental Trading
Light the way, in the darkest way possible.
Orange Olive Doormats Bat Doormat, $38+
Etsy
This bat on a mat is just cute, and that's that.
World Menagerie Halloween Sparkle Skull Napkin Rings, set of 6, $44
Wayfair
Haunted dinner party vibes, but make it glam.
Oriental Trading Co. Skeleton Pig Decoration, $20
Oriental Trading Co.
The skeleton menagerie grows every year. This year, we're kind of smitten with this surprisingly pleasant pig.
Pottery Barn Spooky Glowing Eyes Doormat, $39
Pottery Barn
Ever have the feeling you're being watched? This glow-in-the-dark doormat will inspire that feeling.
Home Accents Holiday LED Skeleton Fortune Teller Crystal Ball, $20
The Home Depot
This is probably not how the National Retail Federation predicts what trends will be big for Halloween this year ... but it might help you fake a convincing fortune telling act.
Williams Sonoma Skull Whiskey Stones, set of 2, $11
Williams-Sonoma
A good gift for the friend who likes her drinks chillingly cold.
Design Toscano Gargoyle Bottle Opener, $16
Wayfair
For opening your witches' brew, of course.
Home Accents Holiday Giant 12-Foot Skeleton with LCD Eyes, $299
The Home Depot
A scene-stealing skeleton that's destined to be this year's most coveted yard decoration.
Williams Sonoma Pumpkins Punch Bowl, $70
Williams Sonoma
Add a few scoops of orange sherbet to your punch for the perfect pumpkin hue.
Pottery Barn Skull Embroidered Cotton Damask Table Throw, $149
Pottery Barn
A dreadful, dramatic damask that'll inspire more than a few double-takes.
Entryways Black Cat Face Doormat, $30
Chewy
The best way to honor a witch's favorite familiar.