Start (Or Add To) Your Family’s Halloween Collection With These Cool Ideas

When my kids were young, I really enjoyed getting into the Halloween spirit by decorating the house with spooky displays.

Now that I have a young grandchild, I’m rediscovering the contents of my Halloween boxes, and adding to my collection of creepy and fun decorations, ornaments, party supplies and books.

Reusable Family Halloween Favorites

It’s fun to add new items to your Halloween collection!

There’s a satisfying nostalgia in unpacking and displaying the family’s collection of Halloween items, and watching the kids’ surprise and excitement as they see their old favorites again after forgetting about them over the last year (just like the cherished Christmas decorations!)

Choices Abound!

Whether you’re decorating for kids, teens or other adults, there’s an enticing array of Halloween paraphernalia available to help you create the kind of ambiance you’re after.

So, whether your going for a chilling, horror movie atmosphere, a family friendly environment, or anything in-between, let’s have some fun checking out the most compelling Halloween items you’ll enjoy year after year!

This Guide has 2 Sections:

Scary – *Not* for young kids (or those who have nightmares!)
Fun – a lighter look at Halloween, perfect for families and younger kids.

Scary Reusable Halloween Decorations

Warning: These items are not for young kids or the easily frightened!

Cut Off Head With Open Eyes

This one will be a conversation starter, and call for closer examination! This Cut off Head With Open Eyes is quite realistic with it’s latex detailing, solid interior construction and human scale.

Reviewers are very happy with this unfortunate fellow, and say he’s everything they hoped for, with many customers posting pictures of their new prized possession from every angle! One thrilled customer raved:

“Two BLOODY THUMBS UP for this pro prop, WAY UP!”

Crazy Bonez Skeleton – Bat Bonez

Why use a human skeleton, like everyone else? This 36″ wide bat skeleton is made of durable plastic, and has a moveable head, jaw, and wings.

Imagine Bat Bonez hanging from your chandelier!

You can hang it upside down on a tree outside, or from your light fixture in the house. The Bat Bonez is available in three sizes, so you can make a bat family display!

Scary Peeper Clown

For those who don’t enjoy getting a lot of trick-or-treaters (like my Dad – lol!), this life-like peeping clown with sparkling eyes will surely whittle down the number of knocks on your door!

Scary Peeper Clown (his name is Giggle, by the way) can be positioned on the outside looking in at your guests, or on the inside, looking out at anyone who dares approach your home!

Of course, if you’re creative, you’re already thinking he might look good peeking out under the shower curtain, or looking into (or out of) a darkened car!

Oh – the possibilities are endless, and then he’ll wait patiently in a box until next year!

Reviewers have given Giggle outstanding reviews, so he’s really doing his job well (whatever that is!).

One customer exclaimed:

“Wow! Looks as real in my home window as it does in the pictures posted here by the seller! It’s great watching neighbors walking their dogs do a double take. Can’t wait for Halloween!”

Zombie Head Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

Meet your new centerpiece! This Zombie Head Salt and Pepper Shaker Set has been individually hand-crafted from cold cast resin, and includes the glass salt and pepper shakers.

Reviewers unanimously love this guy! One reviewer said:

Wonderfully creepy-looking addition to my Halloween decor. I loved it so much, I bought one for my brother’s family, too!

So stick him on your dinner table, and enjoy!

Fun Halloween Decorations

The Pumpkin Express Train

This is exactly the kind of timeless treasure I enjoy adding to my collection! The Pumpkin Express Train is a 3-piece painted resin set that the whole family will enjoy!

This set is larger than it looks in the Amazon image: many reviewers have posted photos of the 6.5″ x 14″ long set, and it really creates a fun and charming Halloween display.

One pleased purchaser said:

“I wanted to buy something for my granddaughter that wouldn’t scare her to much. She is young. She enjoyed it and told her dad that she wanted it in her bedroom because she just L O V E D it. The ghosts all smile and it makes [her] happy.“

Halloween Glitter Window Clings (70 Pieces)

The kids will love decorating with this reusable 70-piece Halloween Window Clings Set!

The clings have a non-slip backing, and adhere to your windows using vinyl static-cling. They’re also water-resistant, so if you stick them outside, they’ll stay on through the rain.

In addition to windows, you can stick these on glass doors, mirrors, or any metal, tile or plastic surface (just make sure to clean the surface of dust or residue before application). With 70 clings, you’ll really be able to achieve that “drenched in Halloween spirit” look!

The package contains 10 sheets, with 70 stickers in total. After Halloween, just gently peel them off, and put them back on the sheets they came on. Store in a cool place, and they’ll be ready for next year’s decorating!

Halloween Town 550-Piece Puzzle

I’m a fan of activities that the whole family can enjoy together. This 550-Piece Halloween Town Puzzle from Vermont Christmas Company will become an annual family favorite, perfect for anyone 8 years and up (or younger, with help).

This is a durable puzzle on thick, high quality board, so you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.

Halloween Spooks Vinyl Placemats

Set your Halloween table tradition with these wipe-clean Halloween Spooks Placemats. These durable, non-fading placemats will set a tone of anticipation for Halloween, and can be used every year!

Boooo-Opoly Halloween Board Game

The Booo-Opoly Halloween Board Game is the Halloween take on the classic Monopoly game! 4-6 players travel the game board, landing on haunted houses and full moons, and learn interesting facts about Halloween as they go.

The player pieces include a cat, pumpkin, candy apple, ghost, and witch’s hat.

Everyone will be asking where you found this cool Halloween game!

Halloween Ceramic Cauldron Lantern

This Halloween Ceramic Cauldron Lantern is made out of stoneware with a matte glaze finish. You can use this stunning tea light holder as a spooky lantern or a neat spider web candy dish.

The cauldron measures 6.5″ Round x 6.75″ H, and can be used indoor or outside.

You can also this cauldron as cool candy dish!

This cauldron has excellent reviews, with one happy purchaser saying:

“Oh my gosh this piece is so awesome!! It’s large enough to be the centerpiece of a Halloween tablescape and small enough to be, well, on the table lol. I lit it the minute I got it. We take Halloween seriously in this house so instead of rushing summer we just start early.

You can use tealights (battery or flame) but I dropped a 3 inch candle into a glass votive for extended burn time. When the room is dark the cauldron’s web and bat cutouts reflect on the walls and the bats “fly” a little as the flame flickers eeeeee!

I want this burning 24/7 lol so I have to get battery operated tealights for when I’m not home. So glad I found this on Amazon!! And yes it really does complement my farmhouse decor; I’m keeping this piece out all year. So pleased with this purchase.”

Jack O Lantern Halloween Wreath

Jack O Lantern Wreath With Candy Corn and Bows

If you’re not planning to make your own Halloween door wreath (and not all of us -ahem- are crafty types), then this Jack O Lantern Wreath is just what you need to make your entrance fun and welcoming!

This eye-catching wreath features a sparkling Jack O Lantern, surrounded by a colorful base, featuring black and white striped ribbon, glittered candy corn, pumpkins, and ornaments. It comes complete with a hook on the back, ready to hang on your door right away.

The wreath is made of metal and plastic, and measure 16″ in diameter. The manufacturer, Collections Etc, offers a hassle free 60 day money-back guarantee, so you’re sure to be pleased!

Halloween Mugs

Don’t get me wrong – disposables definitely have their place; but it’s nice to have items which can be part of your family tradition (and collective memory). I’ve found that it’s often the little things that my girls remember about happy times, including Halloween.

Why not make sure each family member has their own Halloween mug? You can start using them at the end of September to build the excitement for Halloween every time you serve coffee, hot chocolate, or a cup of soup!

After Halloween, put them in your Halloween box until next year. Trust me – they will be a delight to see again next fall!

Here are some suggestions:

For Mom: 3D Rose Halloween Greetings Mug

I love this 11 oz. vintage style Halloween Greetings Mug by 3D Rose. It’s classy and festive, and just right for the lady of the house!

For Dad: Skeleton on Bike Boo! Mug

This dishwasher-safe Boo! Mug features a friendly Day of the Dead style skeleton carrying a pumpkin on his bike. The inside of the mug yells Boo! and the handle is “bone”.

For Kids – Set of 3 Hand Painted Halloween Mugs

This Set of 3 Halloween Mugs offer a style for each kid (and if you don’t need 3, you’ll have an extra to give as a gift or keep as a spare). Hot chocolate, anyone?

Halloween Books

Finally, we get to Halloween books! There are so many wonderful books to choose from, and as you may know, trying to find Halloween books at the library at Halloween time, is mission impossible.

Have your own set of curated Halloween books to bring out every year! If your kids are small, start with books you’ll enjoy reading together. Later on, your kids will enjoy reading the old favorites on their own!

You can add a couple of new books to your collection each year, and when the kids have outgrown them, save them for the grandkids, or donate them to your local school library.

Suggested Halloween Books for Kids

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson (kids 3-5)

“The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand!

Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there room on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?”

There are over 1,100 fantastic reviews for this book; it’s sure to be a hit at your house!

At The Old Haunted House by Helen Kettemen (ages K to gr 2)

At the old haunted house
In a room with no sun
Lived a warty green witch
And her wee witchy one.

There are all kinds of creatures in the house: a big Ma monster and her wee monsters two, a scrawny black cat and her wee kittens three, a green Pa goblin and his wee goblins four, and more! Count along as the creatures prepare for the Halloween Fright.

The text, written in the pattern of the popular poem “Over in the Meadow,” makes reading aloud fun, while the cinematic illustrations set the scene for an unforgettable romp through the old haunted house. Trick or treat!

Scary Halloween Stories for Kids (a 10-story collection) by Arnie Lightning (for kids 8+)

Read these 10 bone-chilling Halloween stories from the best-selling author, Arnie Lightning! These Halloween short stories are quick and easy to read and enjoy. You and your children will enjoy the spooky tales!

This book is especially great for campfires, traveling, and reading aloud with friends and family!

Story List:

Night Landscape
The Phone
The House Party
Under the Bed
The Thing in My Dreams
Behind You
The Man in the Dark Blue Suit
Do Not Look
Don’t Believe in Ghosts
A Familiar House

Kids and children can practice their reading skills and enjoy a few great stories all at once! These spooky short stories about Halloween will give you chills up and down your spine!

Final Thoughts

I had a lot of fun writing this article, and I hope you’ve been inspired with some ideas for your family’s Halloween collection!

Let me know what you think about my recommendations, and what kind of Halloween traditions or items your family enjoys!

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