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Nevada High On List For Halloween Decorating

If you haven’t decorated for Halloween yet, you’re not alone. . . But you better get crackin’! A fun report that Lombardo Homes did shows that Nevada is pretty ghoulish…

Scary Halloween Decorations Happy Halloween written in red

Nevada ranks high when it comes to Halloween decorations

iStock via Getty Images

If you haven't decorated for Halloween yet, you're not alone. . . But you better get crackin'!

A fun report that Lombardo Homes did shows that Nevada is pretty ghoulish 0- and I mean that in the best Halloween way -- when it comes to decorating.

Nevada Scores High For Halloween

Nevada comes in at #17 when it comes to "being obsessed with Halloween." When it comes to states' with the most Halloween spirit, Nevada is NUMBER TWO!

The Silver State is into it! Though if you live in Las Vegas, and go to the Las Vegas strip occasionally, you'd think everyday was Halloween.

And according to Wallethub, everyday just might be the case because Las Vegas is the second best city to go to for Halloween!

The report took a look at Google Trends, with regards to Halloween decorations. They also surveyed 1,200 Americans on when they decorate for Halloween, how much they spend, etc.

But When Does The Cemetary Go Up

My neighbors were out decorating here in Las Vegas on Labor Day. It was odd to see the big spider web, spiders, and the cometary being set up in the 90-degree heat. But Halloween is huge these days, and some decorate as much, if not more, than Christmas! 

Do you get your Halloween decorations up early so you can enjoy them all month?  Or do you wait, so Halloween itself seems more special? Because on the other end of my neighbors' spectrum, one in five people wait until the last week of October. That's right now. 

Frankenstein Is Nevada's Favorite

The poll found the most popular Halloween decorations in 2023 are pumpkins, corn stalks, and skeletons. 

A new poll found the first week of October is the most popular time to put your Halloween stuff out. Seems about right since October is Halloween month. Better than a third of Americans -- 37% -- say this is when they decorate. 

The study used more Google trends data to find the most popular decorations.  The top 5 for 2023 are pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns, corn stalks, skeletons, black cats, and witches.

But in Nevada, according to this poll, we love Frankenstein!  And I like that we don't fall in usual decoration staples. But again, if you've been to the Las Vegas strip -- ok, you get my drift.

If you're waiting to carve that pumpkin because of the desert 'dry-up' factor in Las Vegas, that's understood. We have to wait a little longer when it comes to decorations that need al little moisture -- like Christmas trees, and pumpkins. But you're good to go now because it's time to carve.

Bottom line: Nevada digs Halloween...all that and a lot more in "A Few Things We Think You Should Know"!

9 Worst Trick or Treat Handouts for Halloween

Halloween is the time of year when spookiness takes center stage, and creative costumes rule the streets. It’s also the day of the beloved tradition, trick-or-treating. Whether you're a kid dreaming of a candy jackpot or an adult admiring the neighborhood's costume creativity while handing out treats, it's a highlight of the year.

However, you'll always find that one neighbor who likes to shake things up by handing out something other than candy. It's not always a bad thing, though. Some people do it for a good reason, like considering kids with dietary restrictions. But if you're considering going outside the box, you should avoid certain trick-or-treat handouts.

Let's talk about the Halloween horrors, the stuff no one wants in their trick-or-treat bag. First on the list are those infamous toothbrushes or dental floss packs. Halloween is the one night a year when kids can indulge in a sugar frenzy, and suddenly, you're handed a dental hygiene product. It's like being told to eat your veggies at a birthday party. Then there are the homemade treats. While some homemade goodies can be delicious, receiving unlabeled, homemade treats can make even the bravest trick-or-treater think twice; also, most parent's won't feel comfortable with that and may dispose of them. All of your hard work will go to waste! Safety is paramount on Halloween, and unwrapped or unlabeled edibles can raise concerns.

Another item to avoid is pennies. They're not even worth the trip to the store, and they make you question if you've accidentally stumbled into a time machine back to the 1950s. If you’re going to give out money on Halloween, make it worthwhile if you can swing it. While Halloween is all about surprises, pennies are definitely not the kind of surprises anyone hopes for.

Take a look at some of the worst trick-or-treat handouts for Halloween.

Key Chains

Keychains are handy, but they're not exactly the kind of treasure kids hope to find in their candy haul. They want stuff that's sweet, not stuff for keys they don't have. Save yourself some money and pass on key chains.

Leather keychain, holder trinket for key with metal ring. Vector realistic template of black fob for home, car or office isolated on white background. Blank accessory for corporate identity

klyaksun/ Getty Images

Hygiene Products

We all know cleanliness is important, but getting soap, shampoo, or hand sanitizer in your treat bag on Halloween is not what kids look forward to. It's a treat, not a trip to the pharmacy. It's like getting socks for Christmas. While practical, it's not exactly exciting.

bottles of amenity set besides bathtub in bathroom

onsuda/ Getty Images

Loose Change

Coins may have been an acceptable treat decades ago, but nowadays, they're seen as disappointing. Kids prefer candy. Or maybe small toys (if they're exciting/cool enough). Unless, you're giving away the big bucks, steer clear of this one.

Coins in denominations of 1 American cent with a portrait of Lincoin on a gray background

Max Zolotukhin/ Getty Images

Trail Mix

Healthy snacks are great, but Halloween is all about the sugar rush. Kids aren't exactly thrilled to find a mix of fruit and nuts in their bag. They're hoping for chocolates and gummies, not something they associate with after-school snacks.

Colorful trail mix in a white bowl with spoon

dbvirago/ Getty Images

Coupons

Adults may appreciate coupons for discounts at local businesses, but they don't make for a fun Halloween treat for kids. Saving money is cool, but Halloween is all about instant gratification. And coupons for discounts don't really make the cut.

10% OFF coupon illustration set

ichico/ Getty Images

Brochures or Pamphlets

Halloween is not the time to distribute religious or informational materials. Kids are looking for fun and treats, not pamphlets. Consider giving those away another day that's not Halloween.

A shallow focus shot of a male standing near a door and giving out pamphlets while smiling

Wirestock/ Getty Images

Toothbrushes and Dental Floss

Halloween is all about the candy, right? So, if you toss a toothbrush or dental floss into a kid's stash of treats, you're basically inviting disappointment. Plus, it's safe to assume that the trick-or-treater already has a toothbrush. Do they truly need another one?

Dental floss and toothbrush on white background

egal/ Getty Images

Unwrapped Candy

Throwing unwrapped candy into a plastic pumpkin? That's just asking for a sticky mess. Plus, it's not the cleanest option. And given the concerns these days, it's just another worry for parents who fear someone might mess with their child's candy.

Close-up of hard candies isolated on white background.

LeventKonuk/ Getty Images

Homemade Treats

Those fancy homemade snacks that look like they came straight from Pinterest can be cute, but if you don't really know the kids or their parents, they might wonder about your intentions. Sticking to pre-packaged treats is your best bet on Halloween, especially if you're trying to keep trick-or-treating simple and sanitary.

Decorating Halloween gingerbreads of pumpkin lantern and skeletons with frosting. Girl holds pastry bag with black icing and decorates gingerbread pumpkin lantern

13-Smile/ Getty Images

Carla ReaWriter
Carla Rea is the morning show co-host on “The Mike and Carla Morning Show" on 96.3 KKLZ, in Las Vegas. She has been working with her partner and friend Mike O'Brian for the past 25 plus years. At KKLZ for 12 years. Carla Rea is a Gracie Award winner. She started out in talk radio, "when talk radio was still fun" Rea says. Prior to, and along with doing the morning show, Carla is also a comedian. You may have seen her on Conan O'Brien, Evening at The Improv, Showtime, or several comedy clubs across the country. Carla also worked as a light feature reporter at KSNV/NBC Las Vegas, going behind the scenes at various shows, and restaurants on the Las Vegas strip. As a content creator 96.3 KKLZ, Carla writes in a sarcastic, cheeky, unapologetic way on Las Vegas, movies, TV, celebrities, and this thing we call life.