Just like the preceding four years, another Halloween season has come to Home Depot and its infamous “Skelly” yard decoration. Just as those years saw the decoration impossible to find, the same has happened again. It’s no wonder the gargantuan figure is a hit considering it’s not just a regular giant skeleton, but one with lifelike LCD eyes that make it feel alive. It’s also no wonder that copycats have cropped up, such as Sam’s Club’s giant skeleton. If you’re struggling to find the big guy, here are some alternatives so you don’t feel drawn to those overpriced scalpers.
In this article: Hyde and Eek! Boutique Lewis and Friends Lewis The Pumpkin Ghoul, Joyin Halloween Hairy Spider and Haunted Hill Farm Life-Size Animatronic Reaper
Skelly is more than just a giant, 12-foot-tall skeleton. Those are a dime a dozen. What sets Skelly apart the most is his eyes, made of LCD screens. These eyes can be set to one of eight designs, including two colors of human eyes, little hearts or stars and flames instead of eyes like it’s channeling the power of Ghost Rider. Oh, and they move the whole time.
Aside from this, the rest of Skelly is pretty straightforward. It comes with stakes and guide wires to make sure it stays put and Home Depot estimates setting it up takes about an hour with two people working at it. It also has a six-hour-on, 18-hour-off timer so you don’t have to remember whether it’s on or not. It’s also compatible with 12-foot-skeleton-friendly accessories, such as lighting kits and clothes.
Best alternative yard decorations to Skelly
Hyde and Eek! Boutique Lewis and Friends Lewis The Pumpkin Ghoul
Skelly can be a little intimidating for the youngest of trick-or-treaters, so going with a more family-friendly decoration could be a kindness, especially if you live in an area with plenty of kids. This pumpkin man is 8 feet tall and has a six-hour/18-hour automatic timer.
ElectricWise Halloween 12-Foot Skeleton Lighting Kit
If you do manage to get your hands on Skelly, or any other 12-foot-tall skeleton, you have to contend with the other people on your street also having one. To set yours apart as the best, upgrade it with these lights. No one will look at your neighbors’ again.
Best Choice Products Standing Werewolf Animatronic
Halloween animatronics that trigger when people get close are sacred amongst Halloween decorations. Even people who know it’s coming still get a fright now and again. This werewolf triggers on touch and sounds so there’s no chance it gives away the game until it’s too late.
-30%
If there’s one Halloween mainstay that frightens the most people all year ’round, it’s spiders. This 6.5-foot spider’s legs are fully adjustable so you can position it exactly how you want, and its eyes glow red for extra spookiness. Pair it with more spiders and a bunch of fake webs.
-11%
Advertisement
Toynk Pumpkin Man on Swing Hanging Halloween Decor
Skelly works best in yards that have no trees since the trees can hide Skelly or ruin the sense of scale. If you do have trees, consider them a strength and use them to great effect with this swinging pumpkin man. Hopefully, the wind will pick up and push it for you.
Spirit Halloween Sitting Scarecrow Animatronic
For some, the worst part of Halloween is handing out candy. These are the “only take one” people who set out bowls that run empty after five minutes. Defend that bowl this year with an animatronic guardian. You can set it to only detect motion in the bowl too, so the knowledgeable may still be tricked.
Haunted Hill Farm Life-Size Animatronic Reaper
If there’s one downside to Skelly, it’s that it’s more impressive than it is scary. If scary is more your speed, consider this life-size grim reaper. It has light-up eyes, can moan and shriek and even carries a horrifying clown baby for extra ick factor. -43%
Syncfun Halloween Skeleton Decorations
Which would you rather fight, a giant 12-foot skeleton or a herd of miniature skeletons? If the latter is more horrifying to you, grab a bunch of these little guys and position them all over your yard. They’re only 16 inches tall, but they’re fully posable so you’re only limited by your creativity.
Hourleey 12-Foot Halloween Animatronic Witch
If you still want a 12-foot towering figure but maybe Skelly is too common on your block, consider this terrifying witch instead. It has glowing eyes and can laugh or speak one of its voice lines. It’s also weather-resistant so you don’t have to take it down in bad weather.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
Advertisement