Halloween is Saturday, and it's estimated we'll spend billions for the holiday. (How much exactly?) How will Americans spend all that dough? Costumes and candy galore, pumpkins, decor, haunted houses and more.
Costumes:
Top sellers are witches, princesses, pirates and superheroes, but
pop-culture costumes are also hot. The biggest trend is bloody obvious,
and here are some ways to get in touch with your inner vampire. Think Michael Jackson gloves
or
Kate Gosselin wigs. Or get some video inspiration for a
shiny, floating parody.
Candy: Chocolate is by far the most popular Halloween treat, but kids also love prank candy, themed
lollipops and, well,
gross gummies. This year
a dark variation on a Valentine's favorite is a big seller.
Creative carving: The old eyes-nose-mouth triangles have given way to complex and beautiful pumpkin designs. Get creative with
free templates and tips.
Spooky décor: Make a do-it-yourself gravestone or hang
ghostly apparitions in the trees. If you're willing to put a little effort into it,
this electronic creep is frighteningly good.
Haunted houses: Most every city has pay-per-scare haunted houses.
This one in
New Hampshire and
another in
Pennsylvania are popular, but
this horrifying home in
Baton Rouge consistently gets top ratings.
Boo you: Have you ever
been BOO-ed? It's a cute way to spread Halloween spirit from house to house.