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'Summerween' is here! The trick? Treat yourself to the best Halloween decor now
Secure Skelly the Skeleton — back in stock — plus more coveted items before they sell out.
October may be a few months away, but big companies like Home Depot, Target and Disney have already begun dropping their Halloween collections. This time of year, Halloween die-hards clamor to scoop up traditionally scarce decor items (like the ever-so-popular Skelly the Skeleton, now with his own canine companion) to start the celebration early — or at least secure their favorites — before all the good stuff is gone.
Home Depot's Skelly the 12-foot Skeleton
Home Depot's Animated 13-foot LED Jack Skellington
Target's "Lewis and Friends" Giant Light-up Fixtures
Bath & Body Works' 3-Wick Candle Holders
Pottery Barn's Ghost-Shaped Pillows
West Elm's Ed Emberley Spider Pillow
Amazon's (Joyin) 5-foot Hairy Spider
Walmart's Glowing Witch Trio
Grandin Road's Glowy Wreaths
Disney's Lit Pumpkin Decor
If you think it's a little early to start stocking up on fright-themed fall picks — think again. According to Halloween fanatics on Reddit and social media, the spooky season officially starts on July 5th. Affectionately dubbed "Summerween" by TikTokers and decor-obsessed influencers, the term is now used as permission for Halloween enthusiasts to start getting into the spirit as soon as the last Independence Day firework goes off. For many, that also means shopping early for the coveted items that tend to sell out by Labor Day.
Curious as to what the hype is all 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 Williams Sonoma, Inc. brands. What that means is, I know a thing or two about the items that tend to go quickly — and aren't likely to come back in stock. Keep reading for some of the most sought-after decorations to return for this Halloween season, along with some new products we have a sense will go fast. (We suggest you add to cart quickly, as history tells us these products won't last.)
First up: no other than Home Depot's Skelly, the 12-foot skeleton. This item has created pandemonium over the years for being one of Halloween's most iconic — and least attainable — decor items on the block. It's big, it's scary and, despite being released in summer, it has already sold out once this season. Scoop it up now when it's back in stock. One of the lucky people who managed to nab one last year? Opt for a companion with Home Depot's new, also-likely-to-go-fast Skelly dog.
Home Depot's 13-foot talking Jack Skellington is captivatingly creepy, with a sinisterness and charm unmatched by any other Halloween motif. My brother put one of these on his front lawn last year ... his house became an instant hit with all of the trick-or-treaters who dared to get near. We expect the brand's LED Jack Skellington and Wednesday Addams blowups to be very popular this year.
For a slightly less commanding, yet still appropriately terrifying outdoor decor item, meet Lewis, Target's ever-so-popular, likely-to-sell-out 8-feet-tall pumpkin ghoul. His face and hands light the night. He speaks to trick-or-treaters (sayings include "Happy Halloween, my little ghouls") as they walk by. Oh, and he comes with his own entourage: Consider springing for skeleton ghoul Bruce or pumpkin rocker Billy for even greater impact and bigger front yards.
Bath & Body Works released their Halloween collection a few weeks ago and many of their beloved candle holders, which tend to sell out every season, are already gone. Last time we checked, the adorable "Dancing Skeleton" and haunted "House Luminary" were still available, but with thousands added to carts, we don't expect them to be for long. (See also: the brand's "Spooky Hearse" and "Jack O'Lantern" fragrance plugs for sprinkling in some Halloween flair throughout the home.)
Get into the spirit with Pottery Barn's bestselling ghost-shaped plushies: Ghost-Shaped Pillow, Gus the Ghost, Gus the Ghost with Pumpkin and (new this year!) Doug the Ghost Dog. I used to work as a copywriter for Pottery Barn, and everyone there knew that if you wanted any of their ghost-themed offerings, especially the pillows, you couldn't afford to wait. The brand's new "Wednesday" collaboration and Lit Mirror Door (pictured below) are also worth a look for "The Addam's Family" and "Harry Potter" fans.
New to West Elm's Halloween lineup this year is the Ed Emberley Spider Pillow, providing spiders can actually be kind of cute in the right shape — and when they're stitched in cuddly velour. Get it while you can to complete the cozy scene (we particularly love this for kids' rooms). We also like the brand's returning Curiosity Plates and Ceramic Skulls for more peculiar objects that add intrigue.
Like with everything else, Amazon has no shortage of Halloween decor items. Though, few have managed to stand out quite like this giant, all-too-realistic spider. The Amazon No. 1 bestseller stands tall at 5 feet, with long legs, fuzzy details and beady red eyes. It requires little assembly, no electric source and can be used both outdoors or inside. (These floating LED candles are another Amazon favorite for those who want a little entryway flair.)
Create some "Hocus Pocus" with these light-up, voice-activated witches, which are waterproof, can be controlled from afar and stick right in the ground. They were a hot commodity among Halloween enthusiasts 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 a deal.
When it comes to wreaths, few enchant more than those from Grandin Road. We're currently enamored with the Pre-lit Black Twig Wreath (shown and selling fast!) for a simple sparkle, the brand's 600-light Halloween Wreath for more ambiance and the new Slithering Snake Wreath (inset) for more sinister allure. The brand's animated offerings are also among our favorites for surprising and delighting guests once they walk through the door.
Can't make it to Mickey's epic Halloween party this year? Capture some of that Disney magic right inside your home with the brand's limited-edition lit decor. The charming Mickey Mouse Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Votive Candle Holder, which has a special Halloween message on back, and playful Stitch Light-Up Pumpkin, suitable for indoors and outdoors, are among new, adorable Disney items we anticipate selling out well ahead of fall.
