The Vintage Halloween Decor Brand You Should Look For At The Thrift Store

More and more people are seeking out the warm, incandescent lights and effortless whimsy of Halloween's past. From homemade ghost garlands upcycled out of fallen leaves to thrifted decor, it seems we're collectively moving away from the clean, pared-down decor that's been trending in the last decade or so. There's something timeless and comforting about the vintage Halloween aesthetic. If you're looking to tap into this cozy, old-school decor style, keep your eyes peeled for Halloween blow molds — particularly from brands such as General Foam, Empire Plastics, and Union Products.

Blow molds have been around since the 1950s. They are essentially plastic blown into different festive shapes, such as jack-o-lanterns, skeletons, and ghosts. Just like with glass blowing, plastic is melted down to a workable, liquid form. The manufacturers use air to blow the plastic into a mold to create the desired shape. Once seen as an outdated fall decor style, blow molds are making a major comeback. They perfectly capture a Halloween feeling reminiscent of childhood. Blow molds from original brands are prized for their sturdy build and nostalgic charm. If you're on the hunt for blow molds at your local thrift store, be sure to search for original brands, like those mentioned above. While you can find modern equivalents, nothing quite beats the craftsmanship of original vintage pieces.

When hunting for authentic, Halloween blow molds, look for products from Empire Plastics, General Foam Plastics, and Union Products. It's also possible to score some great finds from the Canadian brand, TPI Plastics. You can identify these products easily by the manufacturer's mark imprinted on the back or bottom of the blow mold. The quality of the plastic is another tell-tale indicator of authenticity. The plastic on vintage pieces is generally noticeably thicker. The paint also tends to be brighter than modern blow molds. Additionally, you can rule out any blow molds featuring barcodes as true vintage finds since the barcoding system didn't start until 1974. Blow-Molded is a great resource to reference if you're unsure of the authenticity of a vintage piece.

Your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or independent thrift shop are great places to begin your search. If you strike out there, you might be more likely to find an authentic blow mold at an antique mall. You can also scour online resources such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Etsy for vintage blow molds. Just be sure to confirm the authenticity of any pieces you buy online before purchasing. Your nostalgic, cozy Halloween is one step closer when you find amazing vintage fall decor items like blow molds.