My Favorite Places to go Halloween Hunting

This post was originally published in August 2017 and was updated in June 2022.

And my VERY honest answer is small businesses. There are SO many amazing creators online making Halloween decor year-round, and their items are always WAY more creative and unique than anything you’ll find in a big box store. Check out some of my favorites in this blog series. (More to come this Halloween season!)

But I know when I’m asked this question, it’s usually someone wanting to know which chain stores are my favorite. And yes, I do have a few. Today I’m rounding those up for you, sharing what makes them my favorites, and linking you to where you can find out when their decor will arrive. (Hint: it’s another blog post!)

My Favorite Places to go Halloween Hunting

At Home

At Home is a Halloween wonderland I am grateful to have. They’re usually one of the first stores in my area to get Halloween, and it’s a moment I look forward to every summer as the official countdown to my favorite holiday begins. I love wandering aisle after aisle of Halloween goodies.

See when Halloween arrives at At Home

HomeGoods

I think we can all agree HomeGoods is one of the most fun places to Halloween hunt. A lot of the items are unique and usually limited or one-of-a-kind. It’s frustrating when you’re hunting for something specific, but it’s also part of the fun for me—kind of like an adult treasure hunt.

See when Halloween arrives at HomeGoods

JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores

Craft stores tend to be my favorite haunts for Halloween because of the possibilities they hold. Not only are there endless aisles of decor, but there are endless ideas for DIY projects. I always love wandering JoAnn, looking for Halloween treats and ideas.

See when Halloween arrives at JoAnn

Michaels

Michaels is where I do most of my Halloween DIY and decor purchasing. They always have fun decor that fits my taste, a wide array of DIY supplies, and, best of all, the best deals. I watch their emails and app coupons like a hawk in September and October, waiting until I can get the best price possible on my Halloween treasures.

See when Halloween arrives at Michaels

Spirit Halloween

Honestly, there’s no way this list would be complete without Spirit. It’s the store we ALL get excited about when we see those black and yellow signs pop up. Sure, I can shop online with them all year long, but there is something special about walking into your first Spirit Halloween of the season, getting hit by that costume smell, and fully embracing Halloween.

See when Halloween arrives at Spirit Halloween

Target

I have a love/hate relationship with Target’s Halloween. There are some serious gems in their collection every year…but I also find myself frustrated with the lack of stock in stores. (And that was even before pandemic life.) I can’t deny, though, that there’s a certain air of excitement when the online collection drops in the summer and the seasonal back corner finally goes black and orange in the fall.

See when Halloween arrives at Target

Zulily

Finally, Zulily is a hidden gem that has become one of my recent favorites. It takes some digging and you have to be ready to buy as soon as you find a treasure, but the site is a treasure trove of Halloween goodness these days. (And a lot of it is there year-round!).

See when Halloween arrives at Zulilly

What are your favorite places to shop for Halloween?

I’d love to hear in the comments!

Happy haunting,