Halloween is typically one of my favorite holidays throughout the year. It’s one of those occasions that is designed purely around fun, never forcing you to endure family in-law gatherings, cook large meals or buy obligatory gifts. You get to kick back, meet your neighbors and watch your kids just be insanely buzzed on sugar for a few hours.
But lately I find my enthusiasm for this occasion dwindling, especially when doing every day shopping. Just about every retailer out there has an entire section of their store dedicated to Halloween costumes, treats and decor. Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue worth talking about except for the fact that I have a toddler and these stores display extremely spooky Halloween props.
This past weekend we went through Target to pick up some groceries and must have items. Like we always do, we strolled through the Halloween section which was hard to miss regardless whether we had been going to it or not. Unfortunately, our little stroll through the costumes was cut short.
Kaydence was terrified of the Halloween decor displays right at the front of the aisle. I don’t blame the girl. This particular piece was a life size skeleton full with grotesque features that even made me shudder a bit.
Is it really necessary to display things like this in stores? I could see this being apart of a retailer based solely around Halloween products but not at your friendly neighborhood Target! Really, these types of products should be kept towards the back of the Halloween section. Even our local Party Tree has a section with a disclaimer to help parents avoid these areas. Coincidentally, the same night my daughter woke up crying her little eyes out from what I can only guess was a nightmare.
About Cat Davis
Cat,
I always (the best I can) avoid walking through that section of the store. It waste a lot of time, but you’re right. It is scary. River has a love of Halloween although he doesn’t have a clue of what it is. I think he does it to bug me. I worry more about Lily and Canyon because I don’t want them seeing the scary and often gross stuff. I also do the same walk around/away from when passing the toy aisle.
What I love about Halloween, even though we don’t celebrate it (we do a harvest festival), are the cool treats and baked goods that people make. I love to bake and there are some really creative food ideas out there.
That is pure fear on her face and she shouldn’t have to experience anything like that at such a young age.
Aww, poor little girl. It bet that was scary! I wouldn’t want my little toddler scared out of their mind in a store either!
Aww, that poor little girl. That is just not right. I think they are gearing Halloween more and more towards the adults and not children. I don’t even mess with any of that holiday anymore. I can just imagine what your poor baby was thinking.
My kids are 7 and 9 and we still have issues. Last year I took them on a haunted hayride and they were both hysterical and we had to leave after waiting in line for 3 hours
I was at Target with both my boys on Saturday and I know exactly what you are talking about. The only difference is both my boys loved the section, including the skeleton and my 3 year old was trying to get me to make it talk again. Of course neither of my boys are scared of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny or anything like that. But I do understand. I thought it was rather spooky and was curious how my kiddos would react. They were fascinated and in awe. Sorry it scared her!
Poor thing! I like the cute part of Halloween myself – not the gorey and scary part. We’ve walked by the Halloween section in Target before and I’ve found myself jumping back once or twice when a skeleton screams or a prop starts talking in a loud and spooky voice.
I wonder if someone is watching the camera and seeing what all of our reactions are. I try to avoid it all together when I’m with the kids
Oh, well, except for the candy section – lol!
I have the same problem. I have it in the Halloween aisle and at home when the television runs inappropriate commercials on crime dramas, horror film trailers, and pharmaceuticals that will do all kinds of awful things to you.
It is amazing to me how scary the world is from a small child’s point of view, and I wish more marketing firms would try to see the world through 2,3,4, and 5 year old lenses once in a while!
p.s.: we don’t eat candy, so that section is easy for us to avoid. We find our costumes at The Children’s Place, Gymboree, online, or at consignment shops in our area. I used to get costumes at Target, but stopped when the fear began.
Awww, she does look pretty scared.
My 16 month daughter honestly thought all the Halloween decorations/costumes were funny and she kept laughing at them. LOL… What can I say though, she doesn’t seem scared of anything at all. Very strong willed and quite fearless!
My boys love going to the Spirit Halloween store in town, but my daughter is absolutely terrified this year. It makes me wonder how trick-or-treating is going to go!