
CHICAGO — July is here which means it’s time to get out that wallet and head out to your favorite store for some Halloween Hunting.
Code Oranges have been spotted all over spooky Instagram feeds, signaling that it’s time to head out the door. I try to make an entire day out of Halloween Hunting and try to hit at least two or three stores in one day. But everyone does Halloween Hunting a bit differently.
Everyone has their own unique approach to Hunting. Whether you prefer to explore multiple stores in a single day or take a leisurely stroll through one at a time, certain essentials are necessary for a successful shopping trip.
Here is everything you need to go Halloween Hunting:
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Set a budget
Before setting out, it’s important to figure out your Halloween Hunting budget. Is this a year where you’re going to splurge on a big piece? (Perhaps the giant skelly from Home Depot?) Are you saving your money and only buying a couple small items? Determine how much you’re willing to spend on decorations, costumes and other spooky treasures. There’s a lot to look at and it’s easy to blow the budget if you don’t plan ahead.
Spooky Little Halloween’s Halloween Hunting Guide
If you want to know when each stores comes out with Halloween items, you need to check out Spooky Little Halloween’s annual Halloween Hunting Guide. Miranda’s guide offers tips, insights and a calendar that marks which month you can expect your favorite store to launch fall merch. It’s a very good source for your shopping plans. I used her guide way before I entered the spooky community as a content creator. She’s VERY spot on!

A bag big enough for all your stuff
Don’t forget to bring a cute bag to collect your Halloween finds. A pumpkin-shaped bag from Petricoffin or Love Pain and Stitches will hold your wallet and essentials, while a tote bag will carry your treasures with style.
A fully charged phone to take photos and videos
Capture the magic of your Halloween Hunting experience by making sure your phone is fully charged. I know, it sound so obvious, but if you’re taking videos and 100+ photos, that battery will drain faster than you think. I always carry a portable charger with me incase I’m out shopping longer than originally planned.
Handheld light for photos
While most stores have lights bright enough to take good photos and videos, some spooky venues are dark. So if you want to get good footage, you’ll beed a portable light to take along with you. This is the one I use and it’s been great when I go to bars or dimly lit restaurants.
A spooky outfit to rock when you take photos
If you plan to be on camera, why not dress to impress? Grab your spookiest shirt, or buy a cute one from a spooky small business (maybe Crypt & Coffins?) and showcase it in your Halloween Hunting photos.

Remember, Halloween Hunting is all about embracing the thrill of the season and discovering what cute stuff all our favorite stores came up with. With these essentials in tow, you’ll be fully equipped for a memorable season.

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