With October 31st right around the corner, you still have time to order a few Halloween decorations, toys, and gadgets that'll kick the mood and atmosphere up several notches -- especially if you take advantage of Amazon Prime.
Here are some of the more interesting ones we've found. If you know of any others, let us know about them in the comments!
1. Screaming Doormat
I can't think of a better way to scare trick-or-treaters than with a screaming doormat. It's subtle enough that kids won't suspect it and harmless enough that it won't cause PTSD or life-long phobias.
And for the adults, it's an excellent way to get a few laughs when friends come over for your Halloween party. Hide it under your regular doormat to catch them off-guard!
It's super cheap and only needs two AA batteries. This Pressure Sensitive Screaming Doormat is perfect for all uses.
2. Ghost Writing Book
If you're setting up a haunted house, or if you're bringing people over for a lavish Halloween party, this decoration will go a long way towards setting the mood. It might seem a bit cheesy right now, but it plays out much better in a dark room at night.
It uses a sound sensor and requires three AA batteries. This Ghost Writing Book a bit pricey for "just a decoration" but it's a great novelty item that you can use year after year.
3. Spider Box Prank
This prank box is awesome for three reasons: 1) you can leave the box out and curiosity will drive most people to check the box whether you goad them into it or not, 2) it's appropriate for most ages (but avoid arachnophobes), and 3) you can use it year-round.
And if it matters to you, every unit is handmade in the U.S.! If you want a prank that's both terrifying and hilarious, few things will be better than this Spider Box Prank.
4. Shaking Hanged Skeleton
Dazzling Toys Halloween Ghost Secret Ghostdom Shaking and Noise Making Ghost Skeleton, Holiday Party Decoration
BUY NOW ON AMAZON
I have to admit that I find hanging body props incredibly creepy -- doubly so if the body unexpectedly shakes and screams. That's what makes this Shaking Hanged Skeleton an excellent prop for haunted houses and Halloween parties. Its eyes glow while producing the cries of the damned.
It's relatively cheap and requires three AA batteries. But if you wanted to, you could put your DIY skills to use and make scary props like this one.
5. Light-Up Window Reaper
Scary Peepers Electronic Halloween Decoration - Realistic Peeping Tom Reaper with Light Up Eyes to Scare All Visitors - Easily Attaches to Any Window
BUY NOW ON AMAZON
For something a little less in-your-face, consider this Light-Up Window Reaper decoration. Just stick it on the inside of your window using the suction cup and let it look out at passersby. Its glowing red eyes make for a great visual gag. Unfortunately, they don't blink.
6. Zombie Garden Lamp
Private Label `Dead Rising` Zombie Holding Lantern Solar Powered Garden Light Lamp
BUY NOW ON AMAZON
Need a way to frighten up your lawn? This Zombie Garden Lamp is a fantastic option. Not only does it look awesome, but the solar-charged lamp helps bring more attention to it and provides a bit of light for better safety when kids pass by.
It comes with a rechargeable AA battery, but note that it's somewhat smaller than it may look in the photos -- only about a foot tall and a foot-and-a-half long.
7. Motion-Activated Candy Bowl
I've been scared by this before, and I found it hilarious. Fill up this Motion-Activated Candy Bowl with your Halloween treats and leave them out for kids -- as soon as they reach for one, the hand activates. It comes with three AA batteries, candy not included.
It's just one of the many ways in which motion detectors and sensors can improve your life. Who doesn't love pulling a harmless prank now and then?
8. Horror Sound Machine
Few holidays are as sound-effect-centric as Halloween. Witch cackles, wolf howls, chilling screams, groaning zombies, and moaning ghosts -- that's just the tip of it. A Halloween without terrifying sound effects is Halloween Lite at best.
That's where this Horror Sound Machine comes into play. It has 16 individual buttons, each one tied to a different sound. The recordings are better than you'd expect for a device like this, as you can hear in the video above. It's fantastic for setting an ominous mood!
9. Fog Machine
1byone Halloween Fog Machine with Wired Remote Control, 400-Watt Smoke Machine for Holidays, Parties, Weddings, Black
BUY NOW ON AMAZON
What's the most effective way to Halloweenify your party? Fog it up! Even without any other Halloween decorations or props, the fog alone can turn any mundane party into a memorable one. And it's cheaper than you'd think!
This Halloween Fog Machine can fill up two garage-sized rooms without the use of any fans. It also comes with a wireless remote and a hose drain. If you need more fog coverage, it comes in models that are 3x and 4x more powerful.
Note that you'll also need to get some compatible water-based fog juice!
10. LED Strobe Light
Roxant Pro Mini LED Strobe Light with 24 Super Bright LEDs With Variable Speed Control - ROX-ST1
BUY NOW ON AMAZON
If you're using a fog machine, you should also consider a strobe light. On its own, a strobe light can be harsh and even tacky. Combined with some diffusive fog, though, and a strobe light can terrify.
What's nice about this LED Strobe Light is its built-in knob for controlling the flash frequency. The LED bulbs use very little energy and provide enough light without heating up at all.
And when Halloween is over, you can use it for more practical reasons -- like scaring away pests and rodents in attics, garages, and basements.
What Kind of Halloween Decorations Are You Preparing?
Props and Halloween decorations are great and all, but it's only one of many ways to prepare for a ghoulish night of horror and mischief. If you need costume ideas, check out these Halloween makeup ideas. If you're throwing a party, try some of these creepy and disturbing recipes.
And, of course, don't forget to check out these terrifying TV shows and these perfect-for-Halloween horror movies, most of which are available on either Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
Have you come across any other cool Halloween decorations and gadgets? Tell us about your Halloween plans! We'd love to hear about them in the comments below.
We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! MUO has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.
About The Author