Stimulus Check for Halloween Merck-What to buy?

Pumpkinprincess · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 08:37 AM

So my husband surprised me last night and told me I can use our check for a Halloween shopping spree.

I sold/gave away most of my Halloween items when we moved recently. I have about a dozen funkins and a dozen small buckys. Most of my other items are inside decorations (animatronic mummies, etc)

I really don't need anything for the inside, so I'm looking for outside elements for my yard haunt.

I'm very big with JOLs, but I see Funkins are now to be sold in the retail market, so I will be able to purchase them with coupons or with discounts, so I don't plan to buy any until it gets closer in the season.

What are so staple items that I can purchase to use year after year, regardless of the theme? The basic items that no haunt should go without.

Thanks!

Troy · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 09:34 AM

I'd start with some good LED Spots and a good Fog machine.

UnOrthodOx · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 10:50 AM

I second lighting. And the extension chords to go with it.

MHooch · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 10:54 AM

Definitely a fog machine (or machines, one for the front and one for the back

). And tombstones (or the supplies to make your own). And one can never have TOO many skeletons!! Oh, and a strobe light. They make the fog look great.

bethene · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 02:00 PM

I agree with MHooch, tombstones, there are many great styles out there ,they are a pretty staple item.. I would also consider a large spider web, with spider, useful no matter the theme or type of haunt you have. Also ghosts, ones you make or buy, they are always good too. And, again with MHooch, skellys, lots of skellys! Possibly a grim reaper.

Rikki · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 02:00 PM

Must be nice...I'll be using my stimulus check to pay some quarterly taxes.

Lighting and fog machines are a definite must have. I agree with Hooch that some tombstones would be good but I'll add to that and say a fence is important too.

deadlypeanutboy · #7 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 02:12 PM

You definately need to build or buy a good fog chiller to go with those fog machines. I also agree that good lighting is important. Oh, and good sound is important too; especially if your going to do the whole thunder and lighting thing.

Pumpkinprincess · #8 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 02:29 PM

Thanks everyone!

Fog machine...check (any recommended brand, I have one of those halloween ones, I bet there are more powerful ones on the market)

I'm looking into lighting--LED, strobe, and I was thinking the one that does the water/fire effect

I love Buckys. I was thinking about getting a couple for my pathway for TOTs, but what type/brand of skeletons for props in the distant that don't need to be so detailed?

charles f · #9 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 10:27 PM

PVC fence and columns! Fence and columns! Gargoyles! Gargoyles! Gargoyles!

deadlypeanutboy · #10 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpkinprincess

Fog machine...check (any recommended brand, I have one of those halloween ones, I bet there are more powerful ones on the market)

The fog machine question has been under much debate in this forum. I did a lot of searching for threads about fog machines last year when I was in the market for a couple. Opinions were all over the map. Some people swear by the more expensive brand names and bemoan the performance of the bargain brands. Others think the Wal-Mart/Party City brands (mostly Gemmy and Fitco) work just fine. Then there’s the questions about maintenance and storage; it can get a little crazy. Try doing some searches in the forum and see what you can find.

Personally, I bought a Fitco 1000W from Party City and the 700W fogger with remote from Spirit. Both worked great for the two or three days I used them. However, I've not run them since and need to see how well they work after several months’ storage.