Here at Bahoukas Antique Mall, we have a ‘spooky fun’ collection of Halloween decor. You just might want to drop by and see if there’s anything you need for your celebrations!
Did you know that in 2025, Halloween spending is expected to reach 13.1 billion – yes, that’s billion with a ‘B’!
Candy continues to be the top Halloween purchase, with spending projected to hit $3.9 billion. Costumes are also a major draw, with 71% of shoppers planning to buy them, driving an estimated $4.3 billion in sales. Decorations are on the rise too, with 78% of consumers expected to make purchases up from 75% last year totaling around $4.2 billion. Greeting cards are gaining popularity as well, with 38% of shoppers planning to buy them, up from 33% in 2024, for an estimated $700 million in spending.
Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for children on Halloween. Children go in costume from house to house, asking for treats such as candy or sometimes money, with the question, “Trick or treat?” The word “trick” implies a “threat” to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. The practice is said to have roots in the medieval practice of mumming, which is closely related to souling. John Pymm wrote that “many of the feast days associated with the presentation of mumming plays were celebrated by the Christian Church.” These feast days included All Hallows’ Eve, Christmas, Twelfth Night and Shrove Tuesday. Mumming practiced in Germany, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, involved masked persons in fancy dress who “paraded the streets and entered houses to dance or play dice in silence”. . . . In Scotland and Ireland, guising—children disguised in costume going from door to door for food or coins—is a secular Halloween custom. It is recorded in Scotland at Halloween in 1895 where masqueraders in disguise carrying lanterns made out of scooped out turnips, visit homes to be rewarded with cakes, fruit, and money.
Along with the typical Halloween Decor, don’t forget our selection of PEZ made for Halloween.
Finally, did you know there’s a huge parade in NYC Greenwich Village? I believe it can be viewed on (Spectrum) NY1. There are also videos on YouTube.
Started by Greenwich Village mask maker and puppeteer Ralph Lee in 1973, the Parade began as a walk from house to house in his neighborhood for his children and their friends. After the second year of this local promenade, Theater for the New City stepped in and produced the event on a larger scale as part of their City in the Streets program. That year the Parade went through many more streets in Greenwich Village and attracted larger participation because of the involvement of the Theater. After the third year, the Parade formed itself into a not-for-profit organization, discontinued its association with Theater for the New City and produced the Parade on its own. Today the Parade is the largest celebration of its kind in the world and has been picked by Festivals International as “The Best Event in the World” for October 31. . . . Now, 52 years later, the Parade draws more than 80,000 costumed participants and spectators estimated at 2 million. Originally drawing only a postage stamp sized article in the New York Times, now the Parade is covered by all media—local, national and worldwide.
Last week we shared a gallery of photos to encourage you to look UP when browsing the shop. With items on high shelves and even hanging from the ceiling, you’ll definitely want to look UP.
But this week we share that LOOKING down is equally valuable while browsing Bahoukas Antique Mall. This gallery is a glimpse of just why you might want to notice lower shelves for more surprises!
This is just a quick peek at the variety of items waiting to be discovered when you remember to LOOK down!!!
With the various holidays coming up, we’re a really fun shop to browse for unique gifts and decorating ideas. We’re here and you can be sure, we’re watchin’ for ya! Stop by and browse.
Lance and Planters Collectibles just in time to use for your Halloween Party!
The peanut plant probably originated in Peru or Brazil in South America. No fossil records prove this, but people in South America made pottery in the shape of peanuts or decorated jars with peanuts as far back as 3,500 years ago.
European explorers first discovered peanuts in Brazil. As early as 1500 B.C., the Incans of Peru used peanuts as sacrificial offerings and entombed them with their mummies to aid in the spirit life. Tribes in central Brazil also ground peanuts with maize to make a drink.
Peanuts were grown as far north as Mexico when the Spanish began their exploration of the new world. The explorers took peanuts back to Spain, and from there traders and explorers spread them to Asia and Africa. Africans were the first people to introduce peanuts to North America beginning in the 1700s. ….
…Their popularity grew in the late 1800s when PT Barnum’s circus wagons traveled across the country and vendors called “hot roasted peanuts!” to the crowds. Soon street vendors began selling roasted peanuts from carts and peanuts also became popular at baseball games. While peanut production rose during this time, peanuts were still harvested by hand, leaving stems and trash in the peanuts. Thus, poor quality and lack of uniformity kept down the demand for peanuts.
Around 1900, labor-saving equipment was invented for planting, cultivating, harvesting and picking peanuts from the plants, as well as for shelling and cleaning the kernels. With these significant mechanical aids, demand for peanuts grew rapidly, especially for oil, roasted and salted nuts, peanut butter and candy.
Who invented peanut butter?
There is evidence that ancient South American Inca Indians were the first to grind peanuts to make peanut butter. In the United States, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (of cereal fame) invented a version of peanut butter in 1895. Then it is believed that a St. Louis physician may have developed a version of peanut butter as a protein substitute for his older patients who had poor teeth and couldn’t chew meat. Peanut butter was first introduced at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.
Peanuts and peanut butter became an integral part of the Armed Forces rations in World Wars I and II. It is believed that the U.S. army popularized the peanut butter and jelly sandwich for sustenance during maneuvers in World War II.
(A bit of info regarding our love of peanuts in America)
…Peanuts, peanut butter and peanut candy are some of the most popular products in the United States. Americans eat more than six pounds of peanut products each year, worth more than $2 billion at the retail level.
Peanuts are still a staple for Americans. And the story of Lance and Planters Peanuts are American stories of entrepreneurial spirit. Stop in and choose your collectible to either add to your personal collection or to add to holiday decorating. Remember, we have thousands of unique items available at Bahoukas Antique Mall. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Bahoukas loves a party. Halloween is a perfect reason!
With a busy week of Homecoming, a Carnival, Halloween activities and sun-filled October days, you’re bound to be attending or hosting your own Halloween party. Here are some items to create a memorable event. Below are cast iron characters – a ghost and a nodder (bobble head) witch. Add these to your centerpiece to make your table or buffet really special.
In the following photo, we show you just a few of the many wonderful vintage Halloween collectibles available at Bahoukas Antique Mall. A plastic puppet, small pumpkin etc for favors, a larger pumpkin to hold a candle, a tambourine with Halloween decoration, favors, and cupcake decorations, etc. Stop in and see the variety of really fun Halloween collectibles. Hurry, you’ll want them for your party this week!
With Halloween retail sales projected to be 9.1 billion (yes that’s Billion – with a ‘B’), we know you’ll want to check out some really great pieces to add a wee bit of nostalgia to your decorations. And don’t forget, we have a lot of unique items to add just the finishing touch you need for your very unique costume. See you soon. We’ll be watchin’ for you!
We just might have items you’re looking for at Bahoukas Antique Mall. Besides the standard mask or store costume, we have an eclectic selection of items that may add to your costume fun!
Yoda the legendary Jedi Master is always a favorite. This plastic mask is from 1979. But this size 6 child’s nurse’s costume is delightful. From the 1960s, it includes a beautiful navy blue cape with red lining, white cap and dress with a light blue jumper. Someone could be made very happy with this collectible.
But our costuming doesn’t end there… are you looking for the perfect addition to your costume? Maybe a military hat? Or a Preakness hat? Maybe you need a bit of lace or jewelry to add the finishing touch. Don’t forget we have a lot of items in our toy area that might finish off the perfect costume. Stop in and see what great find you may discover.
Watch for upcoming posts related to the Carnival that’s arrived in town for the HdG Independence Commission fundraiser, and more items for Halloween party decorations! Stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall today. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
