October may still be a few months away, but major companies like Home Depot, Target, and Disney have already started releasing their Halloween collections. This time of year, diehard Halloween fans scramble to get their hands on traditionally rare decorations (like the ever-popular skeleton Skelly, now with his own canine companion) to start the festivities early—or at least secure their favorites—before all the good stuff is gone.
If you think it’s too early to stock up on spooky items for fall, you’re wrong. According to Halloween fans on Reddit and social media, the spooky season officially begins on July 5. Affectionately dubbed “Summerween” by TikTokers and decoration-obsessed influencers, the term is now used as permission for Halloween fans to get into the Halloween spirit as soon as the last Independence Day fireworks go off. For many, that also means stocking up early on coveted items that tend to sell out on Labor Day.
Curious what all the hype is about? Want to get your hands on some of the hottest Halloween items before they sell out? Today I shop for a living, but I used to work as a copywriter for the brands of Williams Sonoma, Inc. That means I know a thing or two about the items that go fast—and probably won’t be back in stock. Read on to learn about some of the most coveted decorations returning for this Halloween season, as well as some new products we think will go fast. (We recommend you add them to your cart quickly, because experience tells us these products won’t be around for long.)
Home Depot
First up: none other than Home Depot’s Skelly, the 12-foot-tall skeleton. This one has caused quite a stir over the years for being one of the most iconic—and least available—Halloween decorations. It’s big, it’s scary, and even though it was released in the summer, it’s already sold out once this season. Grab it now when it’s back in stock. Were you one of the lucky ones who managed to snag one last year? Opt for a companion with Home Depot’s new, also likely fast-selling, Skelly dog.
$299 at Home Depot
Home Depot
Home Depot’s 13-foot-tall talking Jack Skellington is enchantingly spooky, with a level of evilness and charm that no other Halloween theme can match. My brother put one of these on his front lawn last year… his house became an instant hit with any candy collector who dared to approach it. We expect the brand’s inflatable LED Jack Skellington and Wednesday Addams figures to be very popular this year.
$399 at Home Depot
Goal
A slightly less imposing but still appropriately terrifying outdoor decor item is Lewis, Target’s all-time favorite, probably sold-out, 8-foot-tall pumpkin ghoul. His face and hands light up the night, and he talks to children passing by collecting candy (saying, among other things, “Happy Halloween, my little ghouls”). Oh, and he comes with his own entourage: Consider opting for Skeleton Ghoul Bruce or Pumpkin Rocker Billy for even more impact and to create larger front yards.
$180 at Target
Bath & Body Works
pottery
West Elm
New to West Elm’s Halloween range this year is the Ed Emberley Spider Pillow, because spiders can actually be quite cute in the right shape – and when they’re sewn from cozy velour. Get it while you can to complete the cozy scene (we especially love it for kids’ rooms). We also like the brand’s returning Curiosity Plates and Ceramic Skulls as even more peculiar objects to add excitement.
$45 at West Elm
Joyin
As with everything else, there’s no shortage of Halloween decorations on Amazon. However, few have managed to stand out like this giant, all-too-realistic spider. The #1 best seller on Amazon stands 5 feet tall, has long legs, fluffy details, and red button eyes. It requires little assembly, doesn’t need a power source, and can be used both outdoors and indoors. (These floating LED candles are another Amazon favorite for anyone who wants a little flair in the entryway.)
$12 at Amazon
Walmart
Create “Hocus Pocus” with these light-up, voice-activated witches that are waterproof, can be controlled remotely, and can be easily stuck into the ground. They were a hot seller among Halloween fans last year and are sure to be a real crowd pleaser. Last time we checked, Walmart had one of the most competitive prices for those who like to find a bargain.
$38 at Walmart
Grandin Street
Disney
