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1. Whether you lean toward creepy or cute, getting your home decked out for Halloween is part of the fun leading up to the big day. At Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique, there are all manner of pumpkins to choose from. The black plastic Laser Weave Pumpkins feature lacy cut-out accents adding a more delicate look to your decor. They’re available in two sizes: 5-1/2 inches tall ($6) and 9-1/2 inches tall ($10). Or opt for a little rock ’n’ roll with an eight-pack of Mini Studded Pumpkins ($6). The set includes a mix of black-and-white, 2-inch-tall foam pumpkins accented with silver glitter and metallic silver and purple spikes. Available at Target stores or go to target.com. — E. Clarke Reilly
2. As a kid, trick-or-treating was always a thrill for me. Sure, getting suited up in costumes was a big deal, but for my friends and me, the main goal was candy, candy, candy. Then we’d go through the haul to trade the “good” candy (everyone’s favorites) and separate out the undesirables (I’m looking at you, Mary Jane chews and tiny raisin boxes). Now that my trick-or-treating days are a thing of the past, I’m more inclined to attend a Halloween party where bringing a festive hostess gift is more appropriate. See’s Candies delivers with its darling Halloween Cat Box packed with four lollipops (two chocolate and two butterscotch), jack-o’-lantern milk chocolate balls, a milk chocolate ghost and two 3-ounce bags of sour grape and tangerine jelly beans. The box is $9 at See’s Candies stores in Ala Moana, Kahala and Pearlridge malls or online at sees.com. — E. Clarke Reilly
3. The Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is related to Halloween by proximity on the calendar and a shared fascination with skulls. But where Halloween is orange and black in tone, spooky and gory in spirit; Day of Dead explodes with color and centers on brief, joyful reunions with deceased relatives. Stop by a Ross Dress for Less and, amid the Halloween paraphernalia, it looks like death has broken out all over, in the happy Mexican way. Depending on which location you visit, you may find Day of the Dead rugs, blankets, tablecloths, placemats, dishware, towels (beach, bath, hand or kitchen), coasters, candles, oven mitts and more, starting at $1.99. This selection: a ceramic mug ($3.99), skeleton plate ($4.99) and accent rug ($4.99). Cuddle up on the rug with cookies on the plate and hot cocoa in the mug, and you’ll be set to greet your dearly departed. — Betty Shimabukuro
4. As a longtime lover of Halloween, spotting these glasses made me want to immediately replace all of my glassware. I resisted the urge (partially because of financial constraints, partially because I don’t want to worry guests when they come for a visit). Whatever your poison or potion of choice, this ghostly double Old-Fashioned glass from Williams Sonoma is fitting for any spirit while celebrating All Hallows’ Eve. The hand-etched skull on its side subtly hints at the macabre in a classy way. A perfect accompaniment if you plan to spend an evening reading a classic horror tale or binge-watching “Lucifer” on Netflix. The durable glass is 3-1/2 inches in diameter and 3-3/4 inches high. Each is $14.95 at Williams Sonona at Ala Moana Center or go to williams-sonoma.com. — E. Clarke Reilly
5. If dressing up and making a spectacle of yourself spooks you, it doesn’t mean you have to be a bore. Get a holiday shirt and start celebrating, like, now. At Old Navy, you don’t even have to break the bank. Women’s Halloween graphic tees are tagged at $14.99, men’s versions at $16.99. But the thing is, items there rarely go for regular price. When I went shopping with a coupon, for instance, the women’s “Team Spirit” tee, already on sale for $10, dropped to $6! On another trip, masked Snoopy cost me $11. Go to your nearest Old Navy store, or visit oldnavy.gap.com, and see what ungodly deals await. — Joleen Oshiro
Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. The information presented represents the authors’ opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing creilly@staradvertiser.com.
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