Halloween

VINTAGE
Paper Mache | Noisemakers | Other Vintage

CONTEMPORARY
Storebought | Handmade

Vintage Items

Paper Mache

Paper mache Halloween lanterns were first made in Germany. Their popularity spread, and reproductions were made. Original ones are from the mid-20th century. Pumpkins are the most widely available, but you can also find other shapes such as cats and devils. They may have been used as candy containers, lanterns, or other decorations.

I began collecting lanterns in 2024 and don't expect to acquire too many more. They are pricey, and I'm happy with these two Halloween holy grails for now. My cat still has its original paper eye and mouth inserts!

Noisemakers

Halloween noisemakers were created in Germany. Early versions were made of wood. Tin noisemakers came later and are now the most common. Tin noisemakers were maufactured in the U.S. between the 1920s and 1960s. Common makers are Kirchhof, T. Cohn, and U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. The older styles have wooden handles, while newer ones have plastic handles. If you're interested, this page lets you listen to some of them!

I began collecting noisemakers in 2021, when I bought my first house and finally had a place to display them. The tambourine and the round cat one with the wooden handle are my favorites! The one that says "Boo! The Haunted House" is an oddity. I think it is newer, but I'm not sure who made it or when.

Other Vintage

Here are some other vintage Halloween items I've collected. They're mostly thrift store finds or Etsy purchases. The scared pumpkin is my favorite. I am also proud of the Haeger winking cat. I scooped it up at a thrift store. A reseller followed me around for a while hoping I'd put it back, haha. It does have a repair to its neck, so I made a festive bow to cover it up.

Contemporary Items

Storebought

These are newly manufactured, mass-produced items. I have many more contemporary Halloween items, but these are the ones I consider special due to the maker or style. I bought some of them new from whichever store they were originally sold at. Others, I found secondhand at thrift stores.

Handmade

I love collecting handmade Halloween items. Primitive styles are great, the creepier the better. But anything fun, especially if it has a vintage vibe, is welcome in my collection. I enjoy browsing online and at local craft fairs to find new pieces. I also occasionally make some myself.