• by Sarah Mahoney , 5 hours ago

Thought the original 12-foot Skelly was scary? This year, Home Depot is adding a new model to its viral Halloween lineup: an app-controlled, 6.5-foot version that heckles guests and passers-by via Bluetooth.

The new animated skeleton might be shorter, but it packs more tech. Priced at $279, it features LED lighting, app-controlled movement, and five pre-set recordings. It also lets users record up to 30 seconds of custom messaging, complete with eerie voice modulation, so homeowners can personalize their scares.

In a nod to today’s budget-conscious shoppers, the home-improvement giant is keeping the original Skelly, all 12 feet of him, at his debut price of $299. But he has two new sidekicks, including a 5-foot dog with LCD eyes, and a 5-foot cat.

For those aiming to build an entire haunted landscape, the new Gruesome Grounds collection includes more towering options: a 15-foot Worricrow (a seriously sinister scarecrow), an 8-foot troll, and an 8-foot wyvern (a two-legged reptile resembling a dragon).

The company is also deepening its partnership with Universal Products & Experiences. This year’s offerings include a 3.5-foot scarred Chucky doll and Tiffany Valentine from "Bride of Chucky."

“We want to help our customers make Halloween unforgettable,” said Aubrey Horowitz, decorative holiday merchant at The Home Depot, in the press release. “This year’s collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast adding to your collection or a family starting new traditions, we’ve combined creativity, quality and value to make your celebrations even spookier.”

Home Depot’s increasingly elaborate decorations aren’t just a seasonal gimmick—they’re part of a broader shift in how Americans celebrate. According to the National Retail Federation, spending on Halloween decorations jumped 42% between 2019 and 2024, rising from $2.6 billion to $3.8 billion. That increase outpaced overall Halloween spending, which grew 32% during the same period.