As scary as it is to think about, Halloween shopping in 2024 is booming, with total spending expected to reach $11.6 billion in the US.

This year, nearly half of consumers started shopping before October, a sign of the growing popularity of early preparations and general Halloween mania. Popular items include costumes, candy and decorations, average spend per person estimated at $104, ANALYZES estimates.

Some retail analysts say Halloween has overtaken Thanksgiving and some even say it’s closing in on Christmas. Maybe so, but it’s not there yet. While that $11.6 billion in Halloween spending is impressive, it’s still well below Christmas, where US holiday sales are expected to top $1 trillion in 2022.

Halloween sees higher spending on costumes, decorations, candy and parties, especially because it caters to both children and adults. But while Halloween spending is on the rise, Christmas still dominates with much higher sales thanks to gifts, decorations, food and travel. Christmas involves several industries and often includes personal traditions and religious significance that Halloween lacks.

The costumes are less edgy, more family friendly

Costumes are a big focus, with top retailers such as Amazon, Spirit Halloween and Party City seeing strong sales. However, Amazon captures the largest share of online costume sales due to its lower prices compared to specialty stores.

Decorations such as inflatable pumpkins and solar-powered green lights are also very popular as consumers look to create spooky yet energy-efficient displays. Additionally, there is a noticeable shift towards less “sexy” costumes and a greater focus on family and DIY options.

Shoppers are increasingly turning to discount stores and online platforms to find affordable options as rising costs lead many to prioritize budget-friendly purchases. Healthier candy alternatives and creative home decor items are also trending, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability and creativity in Halloween celebrations, according to National Retail Federation.

Retailers are responding by extending sales through the end of October and ensuring clear delivery dates to accommodate last-minute shoppers, especially with Halloween falling on a Thursday this year.

Keeping kids safe on Halloween

To keep kids safe this Halloween, parents can take several precautions to ensure a fun and safe holiday. Here are key tips to consider:

Suit safety

• Visibility: Make sure costumes are bright or reflective. Adding reflective tape to suits or trick bags increases visibility in the dark. Glow sticks or flashlights can also help children be seen by drivers.
• Fit and comfort: Make sure suits fit properly to avoid tripping hazards. Long capes or baggy pants can cause children to trip. Avoid masks that obstruct vision; use face paint instead.
• Flame-resistant materials: Choose flame-resistant costumes and accessories, as Halloween decorations may include candles or open flames.

Safety for trick or treating

• Adult supervision: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children should trick-or-treat in groups, stay in familiar neighborhoods, and have a set route.
• Check Candy: Inspect all candies and candies before consumption. Throw away any unwrapped, homemade or suspicious-looking snacks.
• Use safe routes: stick to well-lit streets, cross streets at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks, and remind children to look both ways before crossing.
• Road Awareness: Teach children to avoid crossing yards or driveways and to be cautious when walking near parked cars.

Street and traffic safety

• Walking rules: Remind children to walk, not run, between houses. Avoid distractions such as using phones while walking. Encourage children to stay on sidewalks, if available, and use crosswalks.
• Driver Awareness: If you are driving, take extra care as children can throw themselves into the streets. Drive slowly in residential areas and watch out for pedestrians.

Pumpkin and decoration safety

• Avoid open flames: Use battery-powered LED candles inside pumpkins to avoid fire hazards. Keep pumpkins and decorations away from foot traffic to prevent tripping.
• Indoor decorations: Make sure any indoor decorations, such as lights or inflatables, are securely mounted and do not present electrical or tripping hazards.

Communication and planning

• Emergency contacts: Make sure children know their home phone number or have an emergency contact number in case they get separated.
• Plan ahead: Set clear rules for older children who can go out without an adult. Set boundaries, a regular check-in time.

Why all the goblins?

Pumpkins as a Halloween decoration are understandable – fall harvest and all. But why goblins? What is a leprechaun anyway?

Well, a leprechaun is a mythical creature from European folklore, often depicted as mischievous or malevolent. Goblins are usually small, grotesque creatures with magical abilities and are known for causing trouble.

Their personalities vary greatly in different stories, but they are often depicted as greedy, cunning, and cunning creatures who enjoy playing pranks or stealing.

In some traditions, goblins can be dangerous, preying on people, especially children, or guarding treasure. In others, they are more playful shenanigans. They are common in fairy tales, mythology and fantasy literature. Depending on the culture, goblins may be related to other creatures such as fairies, elves, or trolls.

The exact origins of goblin mythology are unclear, but they appear in various forms throughout Europe, particularly in English, French and German folklore, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.