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The spookiest time of the year is almost upon us and people aren’t holding back with their decorations. Many started shopping before October already and retail experts say spending is set to reach $11.6 billion, in the U.S. alone. The vast majority of those polled in a recent survey gave a resounding “yes” when asked whether they’d be celebrating Halloween this year.

Bored Panda has scoured the net to find the most spooktacular selection of houses that scream Halloween. From those covered in spider webs, to witches perched on the roof, some families have left their neighbors spellbound with their creepy and creative exterior decorations. Keep scrolling for some thrilling inspiration on how you can turn your home into a true house of horrors. And don’t miss the chat we had with WalletHub's financial writer and analyst, Chip Lupo, about how to keep your spending in check during this time.

#1

Shortly After I Posted My Coven Display "Weekend Of Witches,"  It Was Purchased By A Private Art Collector And Then Since Been Stored In A Climate Controlled Facility

Shortly After I Posted My Coven Display "Weekend Of Witches,"  It Was Purchased By A Private Art Collector And Then Since Been Stored In A Climate Controlled Facility

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The witches, skeletons and ghosts come out to play on the last day of October every year. Halloween has become a fun and freaky tradition over the years, for both young and old. According to the National Retail Federation, most people spend around $104 each celebrating the occasion. Almost half of those polled said they started shopping before October. They’re mainly forking out money on candy, home decorations, and of course, creative costumes.

"For the exteriors of their homes, Americans often spend on Halloween-related items such as pumpkins, lights, inflatables, and themed decorations that create a spooky atmosphere," said Wallethub’s financial analyst and writer, Chip Lupo during our interview. "One key statistic worth noting is that 52% of people plan to decorate their homes for Halloween, which makes it an integral part of the holiday’s projected $11.6 billion in spending for 2024."

Lupo added that consumers should watch their spending carefully in the run-up to Halloween. "It’s wise to prioritize purchases that bring the most enjoyment while avoiding unnecessary splurges for expensive items such as single-use costumes," he said, adding that DIY options for costumes and decorations can help save money. Lupo suggests that people stick to a budget so that "the fun of Halloween doesn’t turn into financial stress."

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According to the expert, many people fall into the trap of wasting money on Halloween. "Pricey store-bought costumes, especially those with face-covering masks that children often discard because they’re uncomfortable are among the biggest Halloween money-wasters," he said.

He again stressed that making your own costume at home with materials you already have not only costs less, but allows for more creativity and family bonding. "Other common money-wasters include excessive decorations or items that are only used once and discarded, such as intricate inflatables or expensive themed décor that doesn’t get reused," added Lupo.

#3

Full-Sized Aragon I Built For A Harry Potter Party

Full-Sized Aragon I Built For A Harry Potter Party

I made this back in 2018 for a Harry Potter-themed Halloween party. It took a few weeks to complete, and I eventually sold it to a shop in Italy called the Lucky Pot. It's still there today.

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Halloween is meant to be a night of fun but it does come with risks. "One of the biggest concerns is child pedestrian safety, as Halloween sees a fourfold increase in pedestrian fatalities among children," cautioned Lupo. He suggested that parents dress their children in reflective clothing, make sure they stick to well-lit areas, and stay in groups. "Adult supervision is crucial for younger children," he said.

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Another risk is fires. "790 Halloween-related fires cause an estimated $14 million in property damage every year," revealed Lupo. "Using battery-operated lights instead of candles in decorations, especially in pumpkins, can help prevent accidents."

And of course, in this day and age, parents might want to inspect their children's candy to ensure it’s safe to eat. Lastly, Lupo warned those celebrating to practice common sense. "With 45% of Halloween night motor vehicle deaths involving drunk driving, it's important to plan for sober transportation when attending parties. Taking these steps will help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone."

#6

House I Saw Earlier Today. Note To Self Don’t Walk Here At Night

House I Saw Earlier Today. Note To Self Don’t Walk Here At Night

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Kylie
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For some reason out of all of these, this is the one that spooks me the most.

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If Google trends are anything to go by, the most popular Halloween costume of 2024 is going to be the Beetlejuice Shrunken Head Bob. But the number two spot might come as a surprise. People are apparently scrambling to dress up as none other than the Australian breakdancer, "Raygun". In case you missed it, Rachael Gunn, who goes by the stage name "Raygun", almost broke the internet with her Paris Olympics routine this year.

As the BBC reported, the 37-year-old university lecturer failed to score any points in all three of her competition rounds in Paris, “with a routine that included unorthodox moves, such as the sprinkler and the kangaroo hop.” There were memes aplenty following her performance. And some even accused her of making a mockery of the sport. Nonetheless, "Raygun" was controversially ranked the world's number one breakdancer in September this year. And we should expect to see many versions of her walking (or hopping) the streets come Halloween.

#7

I Made Skeletons Riding Vultures

I Made Skeletons Riding Vultures

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Kylie
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally, a use for those pink flamingos that have faded.

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#8

Haunted Tree Fantasy

Haunted Tree Fantasy

Ever since The Wizard of Oz, I’ve wanted to have a spooky tree. Next year I might add a burl hole with an owl! I don’t have a lot of faith that this guy is sealed to the elements, but the season will tell.

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#9

The Season Is Upon Us! Starting A Little Early With The Webbing, Being A Little Time-Consuming, And All The Rest Will Slowly Make Their Way Out. Happy Haunting, Everyone

The Season Is Upon Us! Starting A Little Early With The Webbing, Being A Little Time-Consuming, And All The Rest Will Slowly Make Their Way Out. Happy Haunting, Everyone

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The third most-wanted Halloween costume this year goes to “Catnap” from Poppy Playtime. "Poppy Playtime" is a horror game of survival set in an abandoned toy factory. So it’s not too surprising that the characters are a hit for Halloween enthusiasts who are planning to dress up on the night.

#10

Her Name Is Wendy And She Is Made Of PVC, Trash Styrofoam, A Few Cans Of Expansion Foam, Black Plastic Bags, Sticks, And A Unicorn Skull From Joann's

Her Name Is Wendy And She Is Made Of PVC, Trash Styrofoam, A Few Cans Of Expansion Foam, Black Plastic Bags, Sticks, And A Unicorn Skull From Joann's

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#12

This Halloween Scarecrow Appeared Just Down The Street From Me. It Looks Even Creepier At Night

This Halloween Scarecrow Appeared Just Down The Street From Me. It Looks Even Creepier At Night

Jeff_AMS , Jeff_AMS Report

The National Retail Federation says America’s total spend on Halloween costumes this year looks set to total $3.8 billion. Like last year, adults are spending more to look the part, with an estimated total spend of $1.8 billion. Kids costumes come in at around $1.3 billion. The Federation’s research also revealed that 76% of adults already know what they'll be transforming into when they celebrate the occasion.

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#13

I’ve Spotted This Idea On My Bike Ride. These Guys Go All Out, So Thinking This Is Just The 1st Installment

I’ve Spotted This Idea On My Bike Ride. These Guys Go All Out, So Thinking This Is Just The 1st Installment

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#14

My Skeleton Legs Broke Off, So I Had To Improvise

My Skeleton Legs Broke Off, So I Had To Improvise

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Deson
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would talk to my neighbor across and street and collaborate, and have one half on one side of the street and the rest on the other. Next door neighbor also will work.

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#15

I Decorated My Parent's House For Halloween

I Decorated My Parent's House For Halloween

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Stephanie Chapman
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The creator is Christine McConnell, and she has a fabulous TV show on Netflix called "The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell". It is spooky, has baking, and puppets :)

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When it comes to what people will be wearing, the NRF’s findings were a bit different to the Google trends results. Most of them (5.8 million) plan on dressing up as a witch. 3 million are taking inspiration from shows like "Twilight" and want to turn into a vampire. Other popular grown-up costumes are a cat, Batman or a pirate.

#16

My Dad And I Made These Out Of Milk Jugs When I Was A Kid. Not As Good As His, But A Great Memory

My Dad And I Made These Out Of Milk Jugs When I Was A Kid. Not As Good As His, But A Great Memory

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The NRF says 2.6 million kids are going wild for Spider-Man. 1.8 million will walk the streets as a ghost. 1.7 million are toning down the terror, and have decided to go trick-or-treating dressed as a princess. We can also expect to see lots of little witches, and mini superheroes.

Fido isn’t missing out on the fun either. The NRF says the most costumes for pets include a pumpkin, a hot dog, a bat, a ghost and a bumblebee. If you're still unsure about what your furry family member will be strutting this year, we've gathered some inspiration for you right here.

#19

Neighbor Got The Giant Skeleton, These Guys Are Waving To It

Neighbor Got The Giant Skeleton, These Guys Are Waving To It

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#21

Build A Haunted Swamp House For Our Halloween Party. Turned Out Better Than Expected! Built Mostly From Old Pallets And Recycled Stuff I Had Already Sitting In My Garage

Build A Haunted Swamp House For Our Halloween Party. Turned Out Better Than Expected! Built Mostly From Old Pallets And Recycled Stuff I Had Already Sitting In My Garage

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When it comes to decorating their homes and gardens, Americans aren’t holding back. One Massachusetts man made headlines earlier this year with his elaborate “house of horrors”. While most people start decorating their space a few days or weeks before Halloween, Billy Gridley has been at it since August.

"My son and I have an advent calendar counting down the days (to) when we start decorating for Halloween," revealed the dad. "I started putting this up the last weekend in August. I use September for my decorating, so by the time it's October 1st it's 90%, if not all, done." Gridley has been into his displays for many years but said he became a bit obsessed after the birth of his son in 2015.

#24

It Looks Better In Person Because The Camera Is Not Being Nice To The Coloring. These Are Pallet Boards I Cut Ghost Eye And Mouth Holes On

It Looks Better In Person Because The Camera Is Not Being Nice To The Coloring. These Are Pallet Boards I Cut Ghost Eye And Mouth Holes On

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Gridley’s house is no doubt the spookiest on his street, and it pulls crowds every October. The dad claims he went through 40 gallons of candy last year, with around 200 people rocking up at his door. Not one to disappoint, he goes all out. And we aren't only talking about decor.

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Gridley's doorbell camera alerts him when anyone enters his property. "I get a notification if someone is walking through the yard, so I can actually, by push button, activate different animatronics," he said. As CBS reported, the decorations fill his whole home, front yard, and even spill out onto the street.

He has “rigged a solar light to power lights hooked up inside of a sewer drain. The lights illuminate a Pennywise mask hidden under the sewer grate. There is a corresponding animatronic ‘It’ child above the grate.”

#27

I Am Incapable Of Growing Any Edible Plants, So These Tombstone Plant Markers Would Be Awesome

I Am Incapable Of Growing Any Edible Plants, So These Tombstone Plant Markers Would Be Awesome

InspiredGargoyle Report

We don't expect everyone to be as elaborate as Gridley and some of those featured on this list. But we would love to hear your plans for Halloween. What are you wearing? How have you decorated your home? Or are you planning to skip the celebration altogether? Let us know in the comments.

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#30

It's A Halloween Wreath For Now, But I Think I'm Going To Keep It Up Year-Round

It's A Halloween Wreath For Now, But I Think I'm Going To Keep It Up Year-Round

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#32

First Attempt At Monster Mud. I Like It, But I Need To Play With The Formula A Bit

First Attempt At Monster Mud. I Like It, But I Need To Play With The Formula A Bit

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#33

This Guy’s Halloween Decoration

This Guy’s Halloween Decoration

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Dogcat vet (retired)
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can buy it now at Home Depot: 8.5 ft. Giant-Sized Animated LED Knight Dullahan and its on sale now for $189

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#37

Halloween Decor. It's 3D Printed And In Front Of My Friend’s House

Halloween Decor. It's 3D Printed And In Front Of My Friend’s House

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#38

Some Of My Favorite Photos Of Our Display So Far This Season

Some Of My Favorite Photos Of Our Display So Far This Season

OakLaneCemetery Report

#41

My Yard Display. My Oldest Son Had The Idea Of Having Skeletons Running Away From A Skeleton Riding A Giant Spider. I Think His Vision Came Up Pretty Decently

My Yard Display. My Oldest Son Had The Idea Of Having Skeletons Running Away From A Skeleton Riding A Giant Spider. I Think His Vision Came Up Pretty Decently

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#42

For People With Lovely Front Porches Like Our Home From 1912, May I Suggest An Idea For Halloween? I Love Our Monster House

For People With Lovely Front Porches Like Our Home From 1912, May I Suggest An Idea For Halloween? I Love Our Monster House

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#47

Spider Season. No Rails Or Upper Decking Harmed Here. There's A Hidden Frame Beneath Her With A Counterweight Resting On The Upper Porch Deck 

Spider Season. No Rails Or Upper Decking Harmed Here. There's A Hidden Frame Beneath Her With A Counterweight Resting On The Upper Porch Deck 

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#48

My Yearly Big Spiders

My Yearly Big Spiders

I was out this morning when it was still dark and the spotlights were on. The school bus stopped and muffled kid shrieks and laughter followed. When it’s dark, the light paints giant spider leg shadows all across the front of the house. I’ve managed to get five years out of these spiders. Totally worth it!

Suitable-Reading8236 Report

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#50

That Was A Ton Of Work, But So Happy With How It Turned Out. What Else Should I Add?

That Was A Ton Of Work, But So Happy With How It Turned Out. What Else Should I Add?

Kevinsonfire Report

Note: this post originally had 133 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.