Etsy Insights: 2020 Halloween trends
Hi there,
Michelle from Etsy’s Research team here. I conduct research among our buyers, sellers and the market to spot trends and insights that help us improve the user experience on Etsy. Even though this fall looks different than prior years, it’s still that time of year when costumes, sweet treats, and pumpkins are top of mind for shoppers. I want to share some insights about Halloween shopping this year that you may find helpful when planning inventory:
Halloween reinvented: 96% of parents plan to celebrate Halloween this year, but 70% will seek alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating (source).
The time is now: Searches for Halloween products typically pick up in September and peak the first week of October. But this year, shoppers making their own costumes and decor are starting earlier.
New 2020 costume trend to note: Beyond the evergreen costumes we tend to see each Halloween (skeletons, zombies, vampires, movie themes, etc.), unique costumes for 2020 might include Everyday Heroes (doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers) (source).
Creativity is key: Building on months of quarantine-crafting momentum, DIY decor (especially outdoor decor) and costumes offer shoppers a fun way to make use of their new hands-on skills. As parents look for new Halloween traditions, DIY decorating becomes a family-friendly activity. Offer decorating kits and materials like instant digital downloads.
- 58% Year-over-year (YoY) increase in searches on Etsy for Halloween decor
Put your twist on trick-or-treating: Consider 2020 updates like standalone treat stations, sanitation stations, scavenger hunts, and drive-through haunted houses and decoration tours. Offer creative ideas for decorating the neighborhood, the car, or front lawn.
- 51% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for Halloween- or trick-or-treat signs
Cater to party alternatives: As people move festivities outdoors, celebrate with small groups at home, and join virtual gatherings, they’re in need of festive backdrops, props and costumes that pop on camera, and at-home activities. With that in mind, consider selling activity boxes, DIY sets, or recipe kits.
- 32% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for virtual backgrounds between July and August 2020
- 84% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for Halloween DIY kits
- 51% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for Halloween printables
Appeal to social sharing savvy: Social media will have an even bigger role this Halloween as people flaunt their costumes and decor to friends and family members they can’t see in person, or in lieu of parades and trick-or-treating. We expect Halloween- and costume-inspired PJs for staying in with the fam are a key item here.
- 206% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for Halloween PJs
Make masks a part of any Halloween look: Shoppers are looking for costumes that creatively incorporate masks into their designs, and for occasion-themed masks. Offer coordinated costumes for the whole family, including pets.
It’s all about Accessories: Halloween isn’t just for kids. Appeal to adults looking to spice up their work meetings or virtual social calls with top-dressing details that will pop on screen (for example, Halloween jewelry like earrings and hair accessories, or elaborate makeup). We’re seeing growing interest in Halloween-themed brooches.
- 68%YoY increase in searches on Etsy for Halloween earrings
For more Halloween and seasonal trends, check out our latest Marketplace Insights report.
What are your Halloween plans for your shop this year? Wishing you all a safe and creative Halloween!
RowCrafts
·5 years agoReally cool!
originalKAW
·6 years agoI've been working on some new Halloween designs and am planning on adding a few new tees to my shop tomorrow!
Here's one of the designs that I worked on today: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGOPIWVJgUK/
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
SizzlingSeeds
·6 years agoSuch a good article! I added the twist in my Halloween product by creating a Harry Potter version
shopREDFLYdesigns
·6 years agoThank you so much for all this great information! This inspired me to start creating some Halloween printables for my shop
StudioAvai
·6 years agoHalloween earring are a good idea and a quick way to achieve a sale.
SnazzieLLC
·6 years agoDon't forget about Halloween Bath Bombs! Perfect for non candy treats!!
ChillwolfArt
·6 years ago@SnazzieLLC
Hey Fellow Michigander; love your Bath Bombs; very cool!