These 4 Halloween Essentials Always Sell Out Early

The debate rages on as to whether it’s truly acceptable to put out your Halloween decorations in August (we say if it makes you happy, go for it)—but whether if you’re putting out porch pumpkins during summer or not, there’s no denying that you should start stocking up on a few key items before October rolls around. 

If you’ve ever run out of candy for trick-or-treaters or missed out on your favorite fall decorations, you know exactly what we mean. To avoid high prices and snag some Halloween items for your home before they sell out, these are the top four Halloween essentials you should consider purchasing in August.

1. Seasonal Candies and Treats

Candies that are only available around Halloween usually sell out fastest, so try to get them as soon as they are released if you want to hand any out to trick-or-treaters this year. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins, Halloween M&M’s, or Kit Kat Witch’s Brew are all excellent examples of Halloween-themed twists on classic candies that often sell out quickly.

The same principle applies to other Halloween-inspired treats. Pillsbury Halloween cookies or Halloween Rice Krispies Treats are only available at certain times of the year, which means that they’re more likely to sell out at local retailers. Because these candies and desserts can last for a long time, it’s best to buy them well ahead of Halloween while they’re still available.

Candies that are available year-round are more widely available, but you’ll likely find that they still might sell out a week or two before Halloween, leaving you with limited options. If you have only a few stores that sell Halloween candy near you, you should definitely plan to stock up as soon as possible.

2. Outdoor Decorations and Inflatables

Halloween decor has been selling out faster and faster each year, prompting brands to start pushing out their best-selling products as early as June (hello, Summerween). It’s best to take advantage of these pre-season sales, as they’ll often be the only time you can get your hands on popular items. 

Take The Home Depot’s viral Skelly decoration, for example, which some customers claim took them years to purchase due to its rapid sell-out. Shopping around starting in August will leave you with the best options for outdoor decorations.

Let’s also not forget that October is when Christmas and other winter holiday decorations start to fill the shelves, meaning brands will stop restocking their Halloween items. You might indeed be able to snag a few outdoor decorations on sale at the end of the season, but it’s unlikely that your favorites will still be around by the time Halloween arrives. 

3. Party Supplies

Due to high demand, you can expect a significant price increase for Halloween party-themed items as we approach October. Nobody wants to run to the store right before a big Halloween party only to find that they’re out of napkins and paper plates. Stocking up now can help you save money in the future—and can prevent any potential hosting disasters.

As part of Summerween deals, brands might offer special promotions on Halloween-themed party products, such as tablecloths, decorative candles, or patterned plates, in August or early September. If you want to get your hands on party supplies and decor, this month is the time to do it. As the end of October approaches, you’ll find that stores restock Halloween party supplies less and less, causing them to sell out quickly.

4. Costume Pieces and Supplies

One of the first things to sell out year after year is, of course, Halloween costumes. High demand can inflate prices, decrease sales, and lead to delays in shipping times, so waiting too long to buy your dream outfit could result in a last-minute costume change. 

You should also consider that some thrift stores have a dedicated Halloween aisle that appears sometime in August; these items are minimal and sell quickly, so don’t forget to make your purchases this month if you’re planning on thrifting your costume this year.

Fabric and crafting supplies are also prone to selling out as people turn to sewing their costumes. Whether you’re making your own Halloween costume or need to replenish your fabric supply, doing so in August can prevent you from waiting ages for your local fabric aisle to restock.