Top-10 Most-Wanted Halloween Items

Year-Round Costumes and Novelties Scare Up Sales

By Julie L. Jones
January 2009

About 30 percent of 52 specialty retailers who spoke with TDmonthly Magazine in fall 2008 said they don’t carry specific stock for Halloween in their stores. Some focus only on Christmas while others avoid seasonal merchandise altogether. Even those who do carry costumes of some sort tend to consider them year-round dress-up instead of Halloween purchases. Dress-up certainly dominates the top-10 items below, highlighting the various companies retailers mentioned when discussing their boo-selling merchandise.

(No manufacturer paid to be included in this article. All products listed were chosen by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with ToyDirectory.com/TDmonthly Magazine.)

Small Miracles Construction Worker Dress Up by SCHYLLING

Complete with a bright construction vest and hard hat, this dress-up set also includes a screwdriver, hammer and construction flag.
— Nearly 10 percent of 52 specialty retailers named Small Miracles when asked in fall 2008 about brands that sell well for them in terms of Halloween merchandise. 12/10/2008 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Medieval Gown, Pink by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

This enchanting Medieval Gown (32425) makes little princesses’ fantasies come alive. The gown is made of rose and peony crepe satin, rose panne and silver mesh. The skirt has a stiff crinoline underskirt which gives it fullness and a soft lining to prevent scratching.
— Four of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in fall 2008 that costumes from Creative Education of Canada sell well in their stores, in terms of any merchandise related to Halloween. 11/12/2008

Poppin' Hopper™ Eyeball by TOYSMITH

Poppin Kids can flip this 2.25”-diameter Poppin’ Hopper inside out and watch it launch into the air.
— Three of 52 retailers mentioned Toysmith novelties when asked about popular Halloween items in their stores, in fall 2008. 12/10/2008

Frighty Night Halloween Zip Alongs by GUND INC.

This set of three frightful characters move along when their string is pulled. Each is between 4.5” and 5.5” tall.
— Three of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in fall 2008 that Gund items sell well for Halloween in their stores. 12/10/2008

Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Tattoos by DOVER PUBLICATIONS

Ghosts, pumpkins and black cats can be found in this spooky collection of six glow-in-the-dark tattoos.
— Three of 52 retailers named items by Dover when asked by TDmonthly about best-selling Halloween items in fall 2008.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that glow-in-the-dark tattoos were one of her Halloween bestsellers. 12/10/2008 (MSRP: $1.50; Age: 5 and Up)

Deluxe Batman Begins by RUBIE'S COSTUME COMPANY

Available in small, medium and large, this costume includes a muscle chest jumpsuit with boot tops attached, a headpiece, a cape, a belt and two Batarangs.
— Two of 52 retailers mentioned Rubie’s costumes when asked in fall 2008 about Halloween items that sell well in their stores. 12/10/2008

Mini Sorting Hat by ELOPE INC.

Mini Sorting Hat by ELOPE INC. This faux-suede hat featured patchwork detail and has an invisible string that secures behind the ears.
— Two of 52 retailers mentioned Elope when asked in fall 2008 about Halloween items that sell well in their stores, particularly for the company’s hats and Harry Potter accessories. 12/10/2008 (Age: 3 and Up)

Charmed Dress by A WISH COME TRUE

Charmed Dress by A WISH COME TRUE This dress features a panné velvet leotard and a glitter topskirt over the tulle and organza skirt. It is available in light blue and pink, and comes in four sizes: XSC, SC, MC and LC. Launch date: February 2009.
— Two of 52 retailers mentioned costumes and accessories from A Wish Come True when asked by TDmonthly about best-selling Halloween items in fall 2008. 12/12/2008 (MSRP: $60.00; Age: 3 to 14)