Decorative spiders, pumpkins and fake cobwebs adorning homes are some of the spooky signs Australians have well and truly embraced Halloween.
But getting into the spirit can be costly - on the hip pocket and the environment.
Experts have forecast a record-breaking Halloween for customer spending, with the tally on goods and related services expected to reach $2.32 billion between October 25 and 31.
That sum would mark a 10 per cent increase on the equivalent period from 2022, according to ANZ Bank.
Its data from 2024 showed Australians weren't just spending big on their kids' costumes.
Entertainment providers, retailers, food stores and bottle shops all took the top spots for consumer spending during the period.
"Halloween is now a cross-generational event with strong retail implications," ANZ head of retail deposits and payments Kate Britton said.
Victorians took the top prize in 2024 for spending during Halloween week, shelling out $613 million, ahead of the $594 million spent in NSW.
Overall, Australians splurged more than $2 billion on the event in 2024.
With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, participation in the event is only expected to grow.
But experts are warning that material purchases have a dark side for nature.
Single plastics used for costumes and decorations can take thousands of years to break down, conservation scientist Sarah Bekessy said.
"No one wants a night of fun to become a lifetime of grief for our enchanting native wildlife," the RMIT University professor said.
Artificial cobwebs can entangle insects and birds, and light pollution from hanging lanterns couples with streetlights to disrupt animals' sleep patterns.
Luckily for Halloween lovers, Prof Bekessy pointed to some easy alternatives.
She recommended replacing fake cobwebs with old sheets, cheesecloth or woven string, and to create your own costume from things you can find at second-hand shops.
"And cut down on Halloween lights, it will be spookier," Prof Bekessy said.
