This Month in Cool Things for Kids: Tricks, Treats, and Paw Patrol Merch
Pottery Barn is pulling out all the Halloween stops.
Published Sep 29, 2023 1:05 PM
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The Internet can be a dizzying place for parents to navigate when they’re in search of the latest (and greatest) kids’ stuff, which is why we like to rely on word of mouth for uncovering hidden gems in the 12-and-under category. Aside from the best deals of the week our editors Slack about regularly, we’ve also been gushing over all the cute Halloween ideas and accessory drops—we’re talking cotton gingham bucket bags, a bundle of cozy headwear from Maisonette, and a haunted paper playhouse that’s currently 20% off.
TL;DR: Allow this monthly roundup to be your formal invite to our Domino group chat. We’ll document all of the editor-favorite kids’ products, buzzy brand launches, design hacks, and other children-centric finds occupying space inside our heads every month.
Trick-or-Treat Essential: Etsy Gingham Buckets
The price of these seersucker totes made us do a double take; at just $5 a pop, you can get one in every color for the whole family. Regardless of whether or not you’re a DIY wizard, treat one of the three on-theme pastels of orange, charcoal, or purple as your blank canvas to create a fun, customizable craft project: All you’ll need is some self-adhesive letters or patches and buttons for a personalized bucket that’s big enough to hold an entire night’s worth of trick-or-treating. At 9 inches wide and 16 inches tall, there’s no need to worry about candy overflow. Pop these beauties in storage and pull them out again next time spooky season rolls around.
(Psst: Not so crafty? We also clocked a bunch of treat bags at Pottery Barn for up to 40% off that the brand will customize for you. Scroll for more sale finds, below.)
Subtle Merch: Lalo x Paw Patrol
Parents are likely familiar with Paw Patrol, the legendary cartoon group of heroic pups. To celebrate the series making its big-screen debut today, Lalo—the brand behind one of the best high chairs—teamed up with the show to create a collection of mealtime must-haves (forks, spoons, and dishes) and coloring accessories (waterproof art smocks tastefully adorned with stars Chase, Skye, Rubble, and Marshall). We’d use the collection as a way to bring the excitement of The Mighty Movie home for your little superfan—but also mark any of the items a major win for not infringing on your own style.
Pumpkin Patch Attire: Maisonette Beanies and Barrettes
Before the big night, you’ll need to carve a jack-o’-lantern, and if driving out to the local farm is an annual event in your household, why not make the most of it by bundling up in accessories so cute you’ll want to take a family photo. Maisonette recently stocked up on adorable autumn-appropriate gear that leans into the holiday without feeling too kitschy, from ghost– and bat-stamped beanies to gourd-adorned barrettes perfect for keeping strands of windswept hair pinned back. There’s even a few modern crewnecks for mom.
Haunted House: 20% Off Meri Meri Halloween Playhouse
Halloween-themed toys don’t have to be creepy. Meri Meri is our go-to for pretty party supplies, so we were pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this steal-worthy craft. Now 20% off, the paper pop-up on one end is a black-shuttered home on the outside, but on the inside is an inviting living room waiting to be decorated. In addition to switching up the outfits of the back cat–slash–paper doll resident, your little one can also add ornamental picture frames to the walls, pumpkins, a cozy chair, and (of course) a witchy cauldron, plus an assortment of stickers for “hours of imaginative play.”
Ghoulish Art Ideas: Black Bat Garland and Yarn Spiders
When we asked Morrow Soft Goods cofounder Stephanie Cleary if she was whipping up anything special in the costume or decor department, she let us know the latest obsession has been with bats. She grabbed garland from Los Angeles–based handmade shop Merci Milo. While sold out, we found a pretty close alternative (a stitched set from Target that reviewers rave is very well made) if your little ones are also all in on the winged creatures. Cleary also has eyes on this make-your-own kit, one of two crafts she has planned. “The kids freaking love making spiders out of yarn and anything they can put googly eyes on,” she adds.
Party Favorite: Staub Pumpkin Baking Dishes
For the parents entrusted with throwing a Monster Mash, Staub’s gourd-shaped cocottes are all but guaranteed to make the gathering more memorable for kiddos and adults alike. Grab the stemmed top to reveal a baked cheese dip, or individually serve a baked sweet or savory bowl of soup. The glazed burnt orange (new this season!) and matte black are 39% off at Amazon. Interested in a larger version? You can scoop up the sculptural statement in a 3.5-quart size. We easily see it as the star centerpiece of your dinner party or if you’re bringing a dish to share.
Homework Helper: H&M Home Metal Table Lamp
Before All Hallows’ Eve shenanigans, there’s homework. To make quick work of their math and spelling, add a fun, cozy lamp to their desk or study table. This squiggly pick new to H&M’s assortment is a favorite of ours. The glossy metal exterior comes painted in a soft light blue or bright red. But here’s the part everyone will love: The base is actually a built-in tray. This means your kiddos can quickly toss erasers, pens, and pencils inside to easily eliminate at least the exterior illusion of a mess.
Front-Door Frights: 40% Off Halloween at Pottery Barn Kids
If you want your home to embody Halloween nostalgia—that walking down the driveway dressed up, leaves crunching underfoot, with an October chill in the air feeling—look no further than this seriously stacked decor lineup. Right now, you can score up to 40% off on everything, from open-mouthed pumpkin candy bowls at Pottery Barn kids to illuminating spiderweb door mats at Pottery Barn. There’s even a set of glow-in-the-dark sheets from a Rifle Paper Co. collaboration (although those are sadly not included in the aforementioned discount), but the kids’ site is chock-full of costumes on sale (plus free shipping!). If you’re still in need of spooky-season ideas, check out our stylish guide to the best Halloween decor.