This year’s looks are all about bold nostalgia and DIY creativity.
- Barbie and Ken with a twist: Expect to see “Zombie Barbie,” “CEO Barbie,” and even “Ken in Crisis” thanks to last year’s Barbiecore boom.
- Buckeye pride on display: Sports-themed costumes are a hit every year – from scarlet-and-gray football fans to Cincinnati Reds legends and even a few “Cleveland Dawg Pound” zombies.
- Retro vibes: Early 2000s throwbacks like Mean Girls, Britney Spears, and Jack Sparrow are huge with teens and millennials.
- Group costumes: Families are going all-in on themes, like Inside Out emotions, Super Mario squads, or matching Haunted Ohio ghosts.
Tip: Thrift stores are go-to spots for one-of-a-kind costume finds.
Candy: Classics and comebacks
Hang on Sloopy – it’s time to get our sweets on.
- Buckeyes: Chocolate-peanut butter bites and Ohio’s unofficial candy. Online: Betty Crocker Buckeye recipe
- Local love: Ohio-based brands like Spangler Candy are going strong, with their iconic Dum Dums still a top pick for trick-or-treaters. Online: spanglercandy.com
- New flavor frights: Sour Patch Apple Cider and M&M’s Pumpkin Pie are limited-edition must-tries. The classics: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat and Snickers never go out of style.
- Retro comeback: Kids and adults alike are rediscovering 90s favorites like Nerds Rope and Laffy Taffy.
Horror movies: Scream-worthy picks
Nothing sets the mood like a good jump scare. Check out these fearful flicks:
- Smile 2: A terrifyingly good sequel that’s perfect for late-night streaming.
- The Conjuring: Last Rites: A fitting finale to a fan-favorite franchise.
- Longlegs: Nicolas Cage’s eerie performance has Ohio film buffs talking.
- Abigail: Part horror, part humor, this vampire flick is a surprising crowd-pleaser.
- The Midnight Club: For a hometown twist, this hit from Ohio-born creator Mike Flanagan keeps local fans proud and spooked.
- Family fright night? Hocus Pocus, Casper, and The Nightmare Before Christmas are unbeatable classics.
Content Creator Brooke Bunch may be reached at brooke_bunch@yahoo.com.
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