Because if you’ve got it, haunt it. This Halloween is predicted to be record-breaking, with an estimated $13.1 billion in consumer spending. While it’s always been my favorite holiday, what about this year makes Halloween seem more relevant nationwide?
To say that fun is “in” right now sounds quite asinine, but it might be the case. Social norms shifted post-pandemic, and social media took over most aspects of life. However, Millennials and Gen Z have been working towards a resurgence of what made the early 2000s seem so special: quality time with friends and family, less social media pressure, party culture, and, of course, classic holiday traditions. Because what the world needs right now is some good old-fashioned fun.
Decorating for Halloween is one of the best parts. Retail seems to be celebrating “Summerween” this year, with Halloween decorations and merchandise hitting the shelves in August for some stores, causing anticipation surrounding the holiday to begin. In stores, vintage-inspired pieces are the “thing” this year. Beistle Halloween designs and classic sheet ghosts are everywhere, making decorating more timeless and comforting. If you’re into the scary stuff, though, vintage carnivals and clowns are big this year too; still classic and timeless, just horrifying. Animatronics are becoming more popular; between the Freddy Fazbear Five Nights at Freddy’s animatronic at Spirit Halloween and Skelly, the 12-foot skeleton from Home Depot, it looks like it’s gonna be spooky in the neighborhood this year.
Dressing up for Halloween is the name of the game. Major media events from 2026 will be shaping the costume pool. Movies like The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Michael, and Obsession will be inspiration for many people. In homage to the icons that we lost this year, Catherine O’Hara’s Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Curry’s Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Dolly Parton in all her glory might be trending costumes as well. It is becoming increasingly popular to create a costume from items you already own, as opposed to buying one at the store. More people are creating “concept costumes” and hoping that they get the idea across just enough to make it count. This makes for a more sustainable and cost-efficient celebration, which in turn means easier participation and more enthusiasm.
Halloween can be scary or cute, wholesome or crazy; it’s what you make of it. And this is the perfect year to make something of it. Halloween falls on a Saturday night, and Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 AM on Sunday, November 1st. This means if you’re up late enough on Halloween, you get an extra hour to celebrate…or to sleep it off.
Happy Halloween! 🎃
Maya is the Client Services Coordinator at PromoCorner. New to the promotional products industry, she previously studied English Literature and Communications at the University of Rhode Island. She combines her passion for writing with her excitement for her professional journey as she navigates the promo world.