Bored Panda has scoured the net to find the most spooktacular selection of houses that scream Halloween. From those covered in spider webs, to witches perched on the roof, some families have left their neighbors spellbound with their creepy and creative exterior decorations. Keep scrolling for some thrilling inspiration on how you can turn your home into a true house of horrors. And don’t miss the chat we had with WalletHub’s financial writer and analyst, Chip Lupo, about how to keep your spending in check during this time. “For the exteriors of their homes, Americans often spend on Halloween-related items such as pumpkins, lights, inflatables, and themed decorations that create a spooky atmosphere,” said Wallethub’s financial analyst and writer, Chip Lupo during our interview. “One key statistic worth noting is that 52% of people plan to decorate their homes for Halloween, which makes it an integral part of the holiday’s projected $11.6 billion in spending for 2024.” According to the expert, many people fall into the trap of wasting money on Halloween. “Pricey store-bought costumes, especially those with face-covering masks that children often discard because they’re uncomfortable are among the biggest Halloween money-wasters,” he said. He again stressed that making your own costume at home with materials you already have not only costs less, but allows for more creativity and family bonding. “Other common money-wasters include excessive decorations or items that are only used once and discarded, such as intricate inflatables or expensive themed décor that doesn’t get reused,” added Lupo. Another risk is fires. “790 Halloween-related fires cause an estimated $14 million in property damage every year,” revealed Lupo. “Using battery-operated lights instead of candles in decorations, especially in pumpkins, can help prevent accidents.” And of course, in this day and age, parents might want to inspect their children’s candy to ensure it’s safe to eat. Lastly, Lupo warned those celebrating to practice common sense. “With 45% of Halloween night motor vehicle deaths involving drunk driving, it’s important to plan for sober transportation when attending parties. Taking these steps will help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone.” As the BBC reported, the 37-year-old university lecturer failed to score any points in all three of her competition rounds in Paris, “with a routine that included unorthodox moves, such as the sprinkler and the kangaroo hop.” There were memes aplenty following her performance. And some even accused her of making a mockery of the sport. Nonetheless, “Raygun” was controversially ranked the world’s number one breakdancer in September this year. And we should expect to see many versions of her walking (or hopping) the streets come Halloween. Fido isn’t missing out on the fun either. The NRF says the most costumes for pets include a pumpkin, a hot dog, a bat, a ghost and a bumblebee. If you’re still unsure about what your furry family member will be strutting this year, we’ve gathered some inspiration for you right here. “My son and I have an advent calendar counting down the days (to) when we start decorating for Halloween,” revealed the dad. “I started putting this up the last weekend in August. I use September for my decorating, so by the time it’s October 1st it’s 90%, if not all, done.” Gridley has been into his displays for many years but said he became a bit obsessed after the birth of his son in 2015. Gridley’s doorbell camera alerts him when anyone enters his property. “I get a notification if someone is walking through the yard, so I can actually, by push button, activate different animatronics,” he said. As CBS reported, the decorations fill his whole home, front yard, and even spill out onto the street. He has “rigged a solar light to power lights hooked up inside of a sewer drain. The lights illuminate a Pennywise mask hidden under the sewer grate. There is a corresponding animatronic ‘It’ child above the grate.” Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
