Each year, it seems like Halloween hits stores and shopping malls earlier than the last (not that we're complaining), and with fall just around the corner, it's not too early to begin planning your Halloween yard decorating. For Halloween aficionados who don't like to settle for simply a Halloween wreath on the door or a few small props driven into the lawn with stakes, Halloween inflatables are the way to go. From instantly-recognizable licensed characters from your favorite horror flicks to creative original designs, Halloween inflatables are an eye-catching way to add some "oomph" to your decorating game. Plus, some of them are downright massive! And no, you don't have to blow them up manually.
For the committed, we've laid out some things to consider when shopping for Halloween inflatables and rounded up some of the very best not-too-spooky picks for this Halloween season. Time to show up your neighbors (in a friendly competition sort of way, of course)!
Video of the Day
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What to Consider When Purchasing a Halloween Inflatable
Size: It should go without saying, but make sure you have enough space on your lawn or in your front yard for the inflatable you have in mind, as some of them can get pretty huge—up to 12 feet wide! If you live in a compact planned community with micro-yards, you might consider capitalizing on vertical rather than horizontal space. Just make sure your inflatable isn't too tall for any overhanging trees, as some Halloween inflatables easily reach 8 to 10 feet in height!
Power Cord Length: For whatever reason, the power cords on most yard inflatables tend to run quite short. While some Halloween inflatables do come with a longer cord than others, be prepared to use a heavy-duty extension cord (or two) if you'd rather position the inflatables in the middle of your lawn instead of close to the house.
Electric Usage: Make sure you've got an adequate power source on hand. A typical lawn inflatable consumes around 150 to 200 watts per hour. Depending on how many hours each day they're inflated and how many days you leave them up, each individual inflatable could add as much as $10 to your monthly electricity bill. While that's probably not a big deal, it's something to keep in mind.
Durability: For best results, avoid buying inflatables whose materials haven't been rated for outdoor use. The thicker the material (usually a waterproof polyester, nylon or similar synthetic material), the better. To avoid accidental punctures, position the inflatables away from obstructions like overgrown shrubs or tree branches, and keep them away from low-lying areas that can form deep puddles if it rains. Pay attention to the weather forecast and bring the inflatables inside before any heavy wind or rain.
Setup: Keep in mind that generally, setup is a two-person job. While shorter inflatables or those with a small footprint might be easier to set up solo, in most cases, you'll need an extra pair of hands to hold the inflatable steady as you secure it to the ground. To make things easier for yourself, only buy Halloween inflatables that come with tie-down cords, stakes or weights. Most inflatables don't require an external pump and come with most everything you should need for setup, but in case one doesn't, that might be a deal-breaker.
Lighting: At their most basic, Halloween inflatables will inflate and stand there. However, many come with backlights, LED lights or even strobe light effects that not only increase their visibility at night, but also give them a touch of kinetic energy—even if they're not moving themselves.
Price: While it's not too hard to find a decent Halloween inflatable for under $50, many of them cost upwards of $100, with some of the larger sets or more advanced models even exceeding $200. If your budget is more limited, you might consider purchasing a handful of less expensive inflatables to populate your yard and add some variety, instead of putting all your money behind one expensive model.
With these considerations in mind, we've rounded up some of the best Halloween inflatables on the market in 2022:
1. Gemmy Double Bubble Witches Cauldron
These two green witches are brewing up spooky good fun on Halloween, complete with a bubbling, fire-lit cauldron and an unfortunate little frog they're about to add to their concoction (oh no!). Made from a durable polyester fabric, it self-inflates in a matter of seconds and illuminates for increased visibility. Everything you need for setup, including stakes and tethers, is provided.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 4.5' x 3' x 6' (LxWxH)
- Cord Length: 6'
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Yes
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
2. 7-Foot/12-Foot Lightshow Airblown® LED Black Tree With Micro Lights
$107.49 at Michaels (7-Foot)
$169.90 at Walmart (12-Foot)
This ominously leering tree inflatable comes in two different heights, reaching either 7 feet or a towering 12 feet tall when fully inflated. With a high-contrast color scheme of black and green, the tree inflates in seconds and deflates within minutes for easy setup and takedown. For added spookiness and nighttime visibility, the tree's eyes and mouth are lined with bright miniature LED lights. Trick-or-tree, anyone?
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 58" x 45" x 84" (LxWxH)
- Cord Length: 6'
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: LED micro lights
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
3. Gemmy 12-Foot Giant Tree Inflatable
Another creepy-looking haunted tree, this one stands an imposing 12 feet tall and looks ready to gobble up trick-or-treaters! Setup is simple—plug it into a power source, watch it inflate in a matter of seconds, and stake it down (tethers and stakes included). The tree comes pre-lit to illuminate his terrifying expression. We don't know if his bark or his bite is worse!
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 6.6' x 5' x 12' (LxWxH)
- Cord Length: 6'
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Includes bulb
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
4. Zukakii Pumpkin Ghost With Rotating LED Light
For a decidedly more friendly-looking Halloween greeter in your front yard, this cheerful ghost and jack-'o-lantern pumpkin duo perfectly capture the fun and light-hearted side of Halloween. Standing 5 feet tall, these two Halloween friends aren't too intimidating for younger trick-or-treaters, and they inflate in a matter of seconds. Best of all, they house a rotating, colorful LED disco light to add some kinetic energy to your yard. The package includes everything you need for setup, including tethers, stakes, an air blower and a setup manual.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 3.3' x 5' (LxH)
- Cord Length: 6'
- Primary Material: 190T Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Yes
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
5. SEASONJOY 12-Foot Orange and Black Spider
This gigantic spider might terrify arachnophobes, but it just looks too terrific to pass up. Reaching a sprawling 12 feet in length when inflated, this orange and black eight-legged freak is a show-stopper (or lawn-stopper?), from its deadly-looking pincers to its bright, glowing eyes. Its bulbous body is also lit from inside. It comes with four ropes, four ground stakes, a built-in fan and an LED light. I dunno … Ron Weasley might have to skip your house this year.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 12' x 6' (LxW)
- Cord Length: 6'
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Yes
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
6. Disney's Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghosts
Disney-lovers, rejoice! For fans of Disney's classic theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion, this not-too-terrifying trio will be frightfully familiar. Known as the Hitchhiking Ghosts (or Phineas, Ezra and Gus, for super-fans), these well-dressed gents are looking to hitch a ride—straight from your front lawn. Made from durable polyester, they light up and self-inflate within seconds. Everything you need to set them up in your front yard is included.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 5' x 2.75' x 6' (LxWxH)
- Cord Length: 6'
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Yes
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
7. GOOSH 10-Foot Trio of Ghosts With LED Lights
This towering trio of ghosts stand 10 feet tall and are a mixed bunch. The ghost on top looks like they're having a great time; the ghost in the middle wants to scare YOU; and the poor ghost on the bottom just wants to go home and eat their Halloween candy. Made from a polyurethane-coated polyester that's extra durable, this ghoulish group inflates quickly and is illuminated by flashing LED lights that change colors. Plus, the 10-foot power cord offers a bit of extra length that can give you more freedom as to where to position the ghosts on your lawn.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 4' x 10' (LxH)
- Cord Length: 10'
- Primary Material: Polyester/PU
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Yes
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
8. Haunted Hill Farm 6-Foot Day of the Dead Sugar Skull
Though they're separate and distinct holidays, for some households, Halloween blends into the Day of the Dead quite nicely, and this 6-foot sugar skull inflatable is an eye-catching cultural hallmark you can use to celebrate either holiday or both. Made from durable polyester, the skull inflates in seconds and comes with stakes and tethers to easily secure it to your lawn.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 6' x 6' x 6' (LxWxH)
- Cord Length: 6'
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Yes
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
9. Costway 7.5-Foot Pumpkin Patch With LED Lights
$62.99 at Walmart (no cat included)
It hardly seems like Halloween without the sight of jack-'o-lanterns, and this set of inflatables comes with a whole family of them. Featuring orange LED lights and a black cat inflatable for a finishing touch, this little pumpkin patch extends 7 1/2 feet long when fully inflated. The high-strength and waterproof polyester material used means that with proper care, you can bring this pumpkin posse out for many Halloweens to come.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 7.5' x 2.5' (LxH)
- Cord Length: 6.5'
- Primary Material: 190T Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Yes
- Stakes/Tethers: Yes
10. Lightshow Micro Lights “Happy Halloween” Sign With Ghosts
For anyone who wants something truly, unmistakably "Halloween" on their lawn, this "Happy Halloween" sign comes complete with a jack-'o-lantern and two not-too-spooky ghosts. When fully inflated, it spans nearly 9 feet long and over 3 feet tall. Each component, from the sign to the pumpkin to the ghosts, is lit by LED lights (the pumpkin even blinks), and the package comes with stakes, tethers for easy setup. The set is a fun, instantly-familiar way to greet trick-or-treaters and Halloween party guests.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 9' L x 2' x 3' (LxWxH)
- Cord Length: 6'
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Self-Inflating: Yes
- Pre-Lit: Yes
- Stakes/Tethers: Included
