It might feel a little early for Halloween decorations to hit the shelves, but as the character Carol Anne Freeling once proclaimed: "They're heeere!"
You may not have heard of Summerween, but true Halloween lovers have seen the rise of this term/celebration that's gained steam on social media over the past several years as retailers drop their creepy collections earlier and earlier, giving shoppers more time to browse, buy and plan for their fall displays.
What is Summerween?
Summerween is a way for those who can't get enough Halloween to incorporate the holiday into the hotter months, as well. Content creators like Jade the Libra have been using the phrase for years now, but 2024 has seen the trend explode in popularity via channels like TikTok and Instagram.
"When it comes to most social trends, it’s hard to know why one thing resonates and another doesn’t," Valerie Ott, Editorial Director at JOANN, told "GMA" in an email, "but our hypothesis for why Summerween has really exploded in popularity is that the very word gives people permission to celebrate their favorite season earlier."
Ott said, like what "sweater weather" did for fall and Christmas in July, "Summerween" gives those who love Halloween "the green light to put their pumpkins out, despite the summer temperatures."
The Summerween aesthetic includes traditional motifs like ghosts, skeletons, tombstones and more, but usually done in brighter colors like hot or pastel pink, blue, greens and more -- and you can expect disco balls to make an appearance in several 2024 collections. Celestial themes are also popular, as they can lend a less seasonal but still witchy vibe to your home.
One fan of the style is HomeGoods Featured Finder and lifestyle influencer, Keiko Lynn, who said of the trend:
"Halloween is my favorite time of year, but traditional orange and black doesn’t go well with my very pink decor. Instead, every year I shop for Halloween at HomeGoods to grow my pink Halloween collection," a move that complements her style without clashing with the existing decor.
HomeGoods has been a favored destination of Halloween hunters for many years now, but the store stopped selling their products online in October 2023 in order to focus more on their physical locations. However, there are plenty of influencers (such as "finders" like Lynn) and online Halloween communities that remain enthusiastic about the in-store shopping experience. This makes HomeGoods gift cards an easy choice for giving someone whose birthday falls in peak Halloween decor season at the store.
One of the biggest players in the Summerween game is Michaels, especially thanks to their viral Hippie Hallow line that has inspired countless TikToks and other social media posts thanks to its bold use of pink, orange, purple and other unorthodox Halloween colors and themes.
Everything from colorful, sparkly ghosts to tabletop skeleton hands showing off their flower spirit have rocked the Halloween collector world and given shoppers who can't wait until summer's end something to display right now.
Transitioning into peak Halloween season
Summerween pieces are fantastic for creating an early tableaux that pays homage to Halloween spirit without sacrificing summertime fun, but they're also easy to blend into more traditional decor setups once the weather starts to cool down.
ABC News Photo, Grandin Road, JOANN - Place & Time, Pottery Barn, T.J. Maxx
Early Halloween decorations to shop now
Ott was also forthcoming with her ideas on what will be trending as we get closer to the true Halloween season, pointing to "skeletons of all kinds and sizes" as a major player, but she mentioned crafters are continuing to create their own ghostly ornaments and tabletop decor while others nab vintage portraits and landscapes so they can paint in their own cute ghouls -- a trend that had a huge TikTok moment last year.
"GMA" also spoke with the Director of Trend and Design at Michaels, Mandi Clark, who says the retailer aims to "incorporate the latest trends in fashion, pop culture, and design across distinct styles to inspire every kind of Halloween fan."
In addition to the bright, retro vibes of Hippie Hallow, Michaels has now launched three more collections for the 2024 season: an all-white and witchy line called Haunted Forest, a more traditional and child-friendly line called Hocus Pocus and a dark, eerie collection called Midnight Moon featuring beloved Halloween characters like Dracula and the store's annual light-up witch print -- a prized collectible for many customers.
If you tend to go big for Halloween and want to get a head start on your outdoor setup, plenty of retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot are also already on it with the animatronics, blow-ups and more.
As you'll see below, Lowe's is leaning into a seafaring theme with skeletal divers, haunted ship captains and more.
Home Depot has already released their ultra-popular 12-foot skeleton but given him a canine companion for 2024 in the form of Skelly, a jumbo dog who sold out quickly alongside his towering owner -- but fret not, as there's still time and potential for a restock!
Seasonal retailer Spirit Halloween is also one to watch, especially since their grand opening at the company's flagship store in New Jersey is set for Aug 1! The event will be open to the public and draws in thousands of Halloween fanatics from all over the country each year, creating an unofficial kickoff to the season for many a Spirit devotee.
To help you get a head start on everything Halloween 2024, we've rounded up plenty of early buys from stores like Grandin Road, JOANN, Michaels, Pottery Barn and more so you can order your favorite pieces before they sell out.
But make sure to check back in the lead-up to the season as we'll be adding in tons of new products as they drop, plus quotes from Halloween influencers and crafters, small business recommendations, exciting launches from big-name stores and plenty more.
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Summerween picks seen on 'GMA'
Did you like the Summerween finds you saw on the show? Shop them here!
JP GLASSWARE 2pk Ghost Luster Sipper Glasses
Price: $12.99 · From TJ Maxx
Martha Stewart 2pc 32in Led Hanging Skeletons
Price: $24.99 · From TJ Maxx
Candy Cane Lane 13in Frankenstein Candy Bowl
Price: $34.99 · From TJ Maxx
23" Bright Ombre Skeleton Wall Décor by Ashland
Price: $16.99 · From Michaels
Assorted Bag of Flocked Skulls by Ashland, 6pc.
Price: $7.99 · From Michaels
15.25" Pink Skeletal Hand Heart Melamine Tray by Ashland
Price: $19.99 · From Michaels
Assorted 11" Sparkly Standing Ghost by Ashland
Price: $14.99 · From Michaels
7" Orange Floral Pumpkin Tabletop Décor by Ashland
Price: $16.99 · From Michaels
Halloween Cookie Cutters - 5 pieces Cookie Cutters Shape - Pumpkin, Bat, Ghost, Cat and Witch Hat Shapes for Halloween Food Party Decorations
Price: $6.99 · 12% Savings
From Amazon
Original: $7.99
Ice Cube Tray 3D Skull Ice Mold-2Pack
Price: $9.99 · 9% Savings
From Amazon
Original: $10.99
FUNNYB&G Pumpkin Carving Tools Kit Halloween - 16 PCS
Price: $19.99 · From Amazon
Pineapple Corer, [Upgraded, Reinforced, Thicker Blade
Price: $9.97 · 23% Savings
From Amazon
Original: $12.98
Paring Knife with Cover, Paring Knives Set of 4
Price: $9.49 · 26% Savings
From Amazon
Original: $12.99
Halloween Inflatable Cooler
Price: $15.99 · From Amazon
Fablinks White Puka Shell Necklace
Price: $11.95 · From Amazon
Needzo Skeleton in Pool Float Figurine
Price: $29.88 · From Amazon
The Dreidel Company Halloween Pumpkin Inflatable Decorations
Price: $8.99 · From Amazon
Tovolo Zombie Popsicle Molds (Set of 4) - Mess-Free Silicone Ice Pops with Reusable Sticks for Freezer Snacks / Dishwasher-Safe & BPA-Free,Green/White
Price: $15.99 · From Amazon
More Summerween favorites
Halloween Pink Skeleton by Place & Time
Price: $8.99 · 40% Savings
From JOANN
Original: $14.99
In addition to the neon coloring reminiscent of Halloween in the nineties, this 16-inch skeleton is flocked in a soft, velvety material -- a big trend that has only grown stronger in 2024 collections.
14" Ghost with Flowers Pillow by Ashland
Price: $24.99 · From Michaels
One of the cutest renditions of the ever-popular ghost pillow is this sweet little gal, complete with big eyes and a flower crown. Bonus: Use code JULY30OFF to save 30% on regularly priced items this month!
5" Halloween Light Pink Skull Succulent by Happy
Price: $4.19 · 30% Savings
From JOANN
Original: $5.99
Who knew succulents and skulls go together so well? Add a pop of festive color to your plant table.
Dancing Skeletons on Pink Halloween Cotton Fabric
Price: $7.49 · 25% Savings
From JOANN
Original: $9.99
Take matters into your own hands for Summerween and sew a fun pool coverup, some new curtains or anything your heart desires with this pink skeleton fabric.
16.5" Pink Velvet Spider Wall Décor by Ashland
Price: $9.99 · From Michaels
What a sunny web you'll weave with this hot pink, velvet beauty in your collection. It's oversized and features hilarious googly eyes, so it's cute enough that even arachnophobics can't deny being charmed.
6.5" Pink Flocked Light Up Jack-O-Lantern by Ashland
Price: $14.99 · From Michael's
This pink pumpkin's joyful face is enough to inspire anyone to smile, and the light-up feature ensures you continue enjoying the warm glow well after sunset -- plus, there's that flocking we mentioned!
7in Halloween Neon Skull by Place & Time
Price: $10.79 · 40% Savings
From JOANN
Original: $17.99
Available in hot pink or neon green, this skull screams "memento mori but make it summer."
Pink Goth Decor Coffin Tray
Price: $25.99 · From Amazon
A baby pink coffin is a great Summerween decoration on its own, but this has the added benefit of helping you keep your bathroom counter or vanity organized.
2024 Halloween Viral Pink Ghost Blanket
Price: $29.99 · From Amazon
These ghosts are so cute you'll actually want a haunted house. Plus, it's reversible!
Halloween tabletop & mantel decor
Halloween 8.25" White Veiled Figure Tabletop Décor by Ashland
Price: $14.99 · From Michaels
Veiled figures offer a beautiful yet otherworldly vibe, and this one done in ghostly white is an instant way to up the creep factor on your mantel, table or shelf.
Twiggy Moonlight Crystal Ball
Crystal balls are commonplace for Halloween, and for good reason! But this unique take on the them makes for a stunning centerpiece in any setup, especially if you're running with a mystical forest theme or something similar.
Skeleton Taper Holder
Set the scene for an All Hallows Eve dinner party with these sophisticated taper holders that add dark ambience to any tablescape. These are well-crafted and meant to last many years so you can build an entire collection of enchanting skeleton serving pieces.
Skeleton Drink Dispenser
Serve up a blood-colored beverage like red sangria to up the Halloween mood when you're filling this eldritch drink dispenser with seasonal libations.
Halloween BOO Flip Top Box by Place & Time
Price: $7.79 to $17.99 · 40% Savings
From Joann
Original: $12.99 to $29.99
You can use this box to store off-season trinkets, help create multiple levels on a shelf to display your tabletop decor or store your Halloween goods in the off season. Choose from five different sizes, each featuring uniquely festive imagery.
Soirée Salad Plates, Set of 4
Witches on brooms are iconic Halloween mascots, and now you can enjoy their spine-tingling charm with gorgeous glazed stoneware plates that are perfect for celebrations but sturdy enough for daily use. They're dishwasher safe, microwaveable and the handcrafted quality makes each plate slightly unique from the next.
5" Halloween Felt Ornament by Place & Time
Price: $5.99 · 40% Savings
From JOANN
Original: $9.99
Felt ornaments started gaining steam last year and they're not going anywhere for Halloween 2024. JOANN is offering them in a ghost, bat or precious little Frankenstein, so grab all three to hang throughout the house or on your Halloween tree.
Illume Witch’s Brew Cauldron Candle
Add rustic beauty to your tabletop arrangement with this luscious warmth thanks to this hand-poured candle containing notes of wicked apple, crushed clove and cedar smoke. Best of all, you're left with a magical vessel after burning that can be used to make a new candle or transformed into a candy or key holder so you can bring it out year after year.
Creepy & kooky wall decor
15" 'Til We are Ghosts Wall Sign by Ashland
Price: $29.99 · From Michaels
Michaels does eerie romance well, especially with this vintage-inspired wall sign celebrating eternal love.
15" x 19" Halloween Bat & Skull Framed Art Print by Place & Time
GMA Deal: $29.99 · 40% Savings
From JOANN
Original: $49.99
Swapping your wall art for something gothic and eye-catching like this will immediately up the scare factor inside your home, especially if you place it in a focal point such as over a fireplace or in your entryway. Plus, the three-dimensional element adds depth and casts extra shadows for darker vibes.
Haunted House Wall Sign by Ashland
Price: $19.99 · From Michaels
To add an ethereal yet haunted look to your home, hang this sophisticated sign that has a fun edge thanks to its catchphrase: "Touch nothing and nothing will touch you."
Ghost Hologram Mirror
It might be early, but this mirror has been making waves in the Halloween community -- particularly on TikTok -- for a while now. It looks like regular, beautiful mirror while turned off, but 480 LED lights create an eerie specter when you turn it on. At $400, it's a Halloween splurge that can double as year-round decor, making the price tag seem more sensible.
Wednesday Hologram Mirror
This is another piece that is more of an investment, but diehard fans of the show "Wednesday" will appreciate how special it is -- and the fact that it could easily be used in year-round!
Halloween pillows, throws and more
Midnight Moon Cat Lovers Throw Pillow by Ashland
Price: $34.99 · From Michaels
Cat lovers will fall in love with this beautiful pillow that has the magical touch of the season.
Doug the Dog Ghost Pillow
Pottery Barn's Gus the Ghost pillow has been popular for several Halloween seasons, but now he has adorable accomponiment in the form of Doug the Dog -- grab Ms. Gus to complete the family.
Wednesday Pillow
Price: $59.50 to $79 · From Pottery Barn
If you can't live in your own haunted Victorian mansion, you can at least bring the eerie vibes of one to your own abode with this charming pillow.
Theo the Teddy Trick-or-Treating Pillow
Recall your childhood memories of magical Halloween times with this adorable, snuggly plush pillow. Theo the Teddy is sewn from Pottery Barn's super-soft teddy fabric, making him a great companion when it's time to curl up on the couch for a scary movie night.
Beetlejuice Teddy Bear Bundle
Price: $41.60 · 20% Savings
From Build-a-Bear
Original: $52
In anticipation of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" being released this fall, pick up this adorable take on the ghoulish main character that's perfect for decorating or cozying up to for a re-watch of the original.
Tufted Ghost Throw
Price: $24.99 · From TJ Maxx
With its sublte yet adorable ghosts and neutral color scheme, this throw will look great no matter where you drape it for the season.
Outdoor decorations
Haunted Living 6-ft Haunted Harbor Talking LED Sea Diver Animatronic
Price: $349 · From Lowe's
Bring the horrors ot the deep sea to your front yard with this unholy diver, whose LED screen helmet lights up as he recites line after line of spine-tingling dialogue.
Haunted Living 6.5-ft Haunted Harbor Talking LED Servo Sea Witch Animatronic
Price: $379 · From Lowe's
No great Halloween setup is complete without a witch, and this devilish gal's wide grin will have trick-or-treaters on edge as they try to sneak past her while she calls out to them and reaches out with her glowing, claw-like hand.
2.5 Ft Cerberus Three Headed Dog Animatronics
Price: $129.99 · 35% Savings
From Spirit Halloween
Original: $199.99
Spirit Halloween's animatronics game is incredible each year, so while we wait for even more announcements in the lead up to their grand opening for the year, snatch up this on-sale Cerberus that will ward off any evil spirits from even thinking about trick-or-treating on your porch.
Animated Yard Skeleton
If you want an enormous skeleton but haven't snagged the Home Depot version yet, Grandin Road is the place to go. This 8-foot guy is just as creepy as his slightly taller cousin -- but more manageable for smaller yards and porches -- and he has the added benefit of being animated! Motion activation triggers him to terrify passerby with a selection of phrases such as, "Welcome to my home! Watch your step, I wouldn′t want you to break a bone. But if you do, you can borrow one of mine."
78 in. Touch Activated Animatronic Bride
Price: $99.99 · From Home Depot
Eerie and ethereal, this bride will send chills down anyone who wanders past her brokenhearted path.
Lifesize Wrapped Mummy
Mummies are often forgotten in the panopoloy of Halloween creepsters, but this lifesize delight is all wrapped up and ready to scare the neighbors from the comfort or your porch. It comes in two easy-to-assemble pieces for instant setup so you can pop it up and have your scary sentry on guard in minutes.
Small businesses to shop for Summerween
"GMA" asked content creator and co-host of Ghouls Night In, Midge Munster, if she had recommendations for small businesses specializing in Halloween or horror-themed goods to shop year-round. She was happy to toss out suggestions -- check out these highlights among them.
LadyMoonCompany 90's Witch Pin
Price: $24 · From Etsy
Combining a Polly Pocket vibe and Halloween is irresistible if you came of age in the nineties, and now you can wear that mashup right on your lapel with this cute-as-can-be pin. Just look at all those tiny details!
Altar Cloth Bandana: Halloween
Price: $24 · From Etsy
Whether you drape it across your altar or wear it as a neckchief, this Halloween bandana is the perfect way to add a touch of the autumn season anytime and anywhere you want it.
Leather & Jade Arts Vtg. Style Halloween Paper Dolls
Price: $22 · From Etsy
Enjoy a real blast from the past with this eerie, interchangable paper dolls that you can dress as you please for hours of childlike fun. The vintage-inspired illustrations are downright magical!
Every Day is Halloween Sticker | Halloween Cake Sticker
Price: $4.25 · 15% Savings
From Etsy
Original: $5
Lean into the year-round Halloween mood with this sticker that combines a retro-style cake piled high with illustrative frosting and adorned with precious, tiny pumpkins.
Code Orange Tote Bag
Price: $22 · From Etsy
Where better to stash all your new Halloween goods than this fun Code Orange tote bag? Cart around your favorite horror books, or gift it to your favorite trick-or-treater for a reusable candy sack.
Leather & Jade Arts Vtg. Style Strawberry “Iscream” JOL
Price: $79 · From Etsy
This impressive, handcrafted pumpkin is one of a kind, but check out the rest of Leather & Jade Arts' store for more that are similar when this one sells out -- you won't be disappointed at the fun finds.
Spiderweb Convertible Clasp Handbag in Brown, Orange, Gold
Price: $68 · From Etsy
For a sophisticated way to carry the creepy with you, pick up this stunning handbag featuring a delicate spiderweb motif and dainty gold clasp.