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.
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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.
Keep an eye on your housemates with a few of these lining the buffet table.
A little retro-Halloween style for your throwback-themed abode.
We have a sneaking suspicion that the line is ... dead.
Light the way, in the darkest way possible.
This bat on a mat is just cute, and that's that.
Haunted dinner party vibes, but make it glam.
The skeleton menagerie grows every year. This year, we're kind of smitten with this surprisingly pleasant pig.
Ever have the feeling you're being watched? This glow-in-the-dark doormat will inspire that feeling.
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.
A good gift for the friend who likes her drinks chillingly cold.
For opening your witches' brew, of course.
A scene-stealing skeleton that's destined to be this year's most coveted yard decoration.
Add a few scoops of orange sherbet to your punch for the perfect pumpkin hue.
A dreadful, dramatic damask that'll inspire more than a few double-takes.
The best way to honor a witch's favorite familiar.