In talking to our new neighbors and other folks about town, we’ve learned that our street does Halloween in a big way. As in 1,300 trick-or-treaters if Halloween happens on a weekend. Soooo I’m figuring that we should probably decorate for the holiday this year. I want to make sure our decorations aren’t too scary, though.
I know from watching my own kid that trick-or-treating can be really overwhelming for little ones; there’s no need for it to be terrifying to boot. Here are some great finds I came across while shopping for my family’s Halloween decorations.
Halloween Lighted Signs
Lighted signs are fun in a window, or in a protected space outside to welcome your candy-craving visitors for trick-or-treat. There are all kinds of options available, from silly, spooky creatures to my favorite: marquee letter signs.
Mummies
These are so cute! (As long as your kid doesn’t ask any questions—like “what is a mummy?”) I love that they’re a kid-friendly craft that the family can work on together. They would be fun in a window, or placed on the porch or stoop for trick-or-treaters.
Caterpillar Pumpkin
Every fall I have the urge to BUY ALL THE PUMPKINS. What? Just me? Anyway, we can only eat so many of them, and I’m at a loss with what to do with them after we’re all pumpkined out. Fear not! I have the answer: you can paint them green and make a caterpillar. If you’re looking to be just wee bit scary, make your cute caterpillar into a snake.
Paper Lanterns
I was out shopping recently and the chocolate store I was in had the cutest paper lantern display hanging from their ceiling. Paper lanterns would be great dangling from the porch ceiling for trick-or-treaters, or even indoors if you’re having a party. I found some cute Halloween ones like these Halloween Paper Lanterns, here, here, Amscan Family Friendly Halloween Lanterns, and these Jack-o-Lantern Paper Lanterns. I also found some in seasonal solid colors and a fun modern design.
Yard Inflatables
In the “go big or go home” category, we have yard inflatables. I don’t know that I’m willing to go quite this big, but my daughter loves these things. Her current favorite is a dragon we see on display every time we go to the hardware store. There are tons of options out there if dragons aren’t your thing. I’ve seen a totally adorable spider inflatable, a dead tree with friends, a black cat with a moving head (my daughter has loved this one since she was two), Jack Skellington (if he’s good enough for Disney’s Halloween events…), and a wiener dog, just to name a few.
Luminaries
Luminaries are a fun way to light up your walkway. You can, of course, accomplish this with jack-o-lanterns, but luminaries require less effort and are reusable—two votes in their favor. Luminary bags and LED tea light candles are awesome, too.
Wreaths
I love wreaths. They’re a simple way to share a little bit of seasonal or holiday spirit. Check out some of the wreaths I found for Halloween: a hand-crafted non-spooky wreath, a beautiful hand-crafted burlap number, and a handmade black cat.
Garlands
Garlands are great inside draped over a doorway or on a fireplace mantel. They’re also fun outside on a porch railing for trick-or-treat or to welcome guests to a party. You know what else they’re good for? Hanging across your staircase when you’re done handing out treats for the evening, to keep folks from coming up on your porch even when your lights are off. (That’s a tip I learned from my neighbor, who says she strings up caution tape when they’re done. She likes how it adds to the Halloween creepiness.)
Well, now—there are enough links to keep you busy for a while. I hope you had as much fun shopping as I did, and that you’ll enjoy your decorating, too!