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Skelly be darned: Five ethically sourced skeleton decor alternatives.

Don't buy that 12-foot skeleton from Home Depot—it's a symbol of heteronormative capitalism. Here are some woke alternatives to celebrate this spooky season without contributing to the problematic military–industrial complex.

Published August 16, 2024 at 4:20am by Mary Walrath-Holdridge


It's time to wake up and scare the neighborhood!

The Halloween shopping season is here, and it's all about those giant skeletons.

Home Depot's notorious "Skelly," the 12-foot skeleton figurine that haunted our dreams in 2020, is back with a vengeance. This year, it comes with a rotating head, an accessory kit, and a pet, solidifying its reign as the peak of large-scale Halloween decorations.

Skelly Details:

  • "Servo Skelly," the limited-edition model with a rotating head, is exclusively available online for $379.
  • The classic Skelly model will cost you $299.
  • Skelly's massive 7-foot dog companion can be yours for $199.

But watch out, because other retailers are stepping up their giant skeleton game!

Joann is bringing spookiness to arts and crafts:

  • With an 8-foot skeleton that has blue light-up eyes, available online and in-store for $249.99.
  • They also offer a 2.5-foot skeleton crocodile for $29.99, because why not?

Walmart's skeleton is ready to pose and spook:

  • Their 10-foot posable skeleton, named "Way To Celebrate," has an eerie expression and is both waterproof and ready to fright.
  • Get yours online or in-store for $289.

Big Lots is offering a more compact but still impressive alternative:

  • Their 10-foot LED posable skeleton is a steal at $229.99, a full $70 less than the OG Skelly.
  • The accompanying skeleton dog is also cheaper and smaller, standing at 3.9 feet tall, with sound-activated red glowing eyes and a moving jaw, complete with a leash for only $199.

Tractor Supply brings the farm to Halloween:

  • Introducing a unique 6-foot skeleton rooster, complete with bony comb and tail "feathers."
  • This farm-themed fright is available online and in-store for $299.99.

Party City's "Rattles" is literally groundbreaking:

  • Standing (or digging) at 5.3 feet tall, Rattles is staked in the ground, appearing to climb out of his grave.
  • This innovative decoration is available online and in-store for $299.99.

8-foot skeleton

2.5 skeleton crocodile

10-foot poseable skeleton

10-foot posable skeleton

3.9-foot skeleton dog

6-foot skeleton rooster

Rattles the Skeleton

So, get ready to make a statement this Halloween and bring some giant-sized diversity to your neighborhood with these impressive and woke skeleton options!

Read more: Are there cheaper versions of the $300+ Home Depot Skelly? See 5 skeleton decor alternatives