This glittery hand-painted skeleton bride and groom pair caught my attention during a recent visit to Pier 1 Imports. The couple, which celebrates Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is made from metal and plastic and are each about 17 inches tall. The deathly pair are sure to liven up any Halloween celebration. Available at Pier 1 for $22.95 each or online at pier1.com. — Nancy Arcayna

Ghastly bird warns passers-by

With a repeated, abrasive squawk that hovers somewhere between the croak of an angry crow and the rasp of a sputtering buzz saw, the “Talking Skeleton Parrot in Cage” ($19.99) proffered by CVS aka Longs Drugs as a Halloween prop will truly haunt you. The ashen, robotic creature in a plastic cage is nearly life-size, and it’s motion-activated, so you can startle anyone who ventures by. The barren bird blurts out four phrases: “Don’t be afraid! People say I’m crazy”; “Turn back! There’s danger ahead”; “You dare come closer?” and “Beware! No one goes there!” Chicken skin, for real. I got this one at Pali Longs, and CVS has been offering discounts on Halloween decor. — Elizabeth Kieszkowski

Seasonal store puts shoppers in the spirit

I found my one-stop source for everything Halloween when Spirit Halloween opened in the former Nordstrom Rack next to Office Depot at Ward Village. There is a vast selection of costumes, character makeup, special-effects items, smoke machines, strobe lights, various plastic and soft-rubber weapons, and other accoutrements. You’ll also find Halloween-themed party supplies and motion-activated creatures that growl or scream. One of my favorites decor items is a life-size vulture that is sturdy enough to be part of many Halloweens to come ($29.99). Another is a bag of 18 miniature plastic rats ($4.99) for use as party favors or as noncandy treats, or just because you can never have too many rats around at Halloween. Find more ghastly items at SpiritHalloween.com. — John Berger

DIY kit honors sweet tradition

The Day of the Dead comes alive in a sweet way during Sugar Skull Social at Let Them Eat Cupcakes, at Bethel Street Tap Room, 1153 Bethel St. Beginning Oct. 17 the sweet shop will be offering DIY Halloween kits complete with one sugar skull, multicolor sugar frosting, candy sprinkles and other edible decorations for celebrating the bewitched season. The Mexican sugar skull tradition dates to the 17th century, when people who were too poor to buy fancy imported European church decorations learned how to make sugar art for religious festivals. The sugar was used to fashion angels, sheep and skulls that represented a departed soul. The kits are $15 and will be offered through Oct. 31. Call 531-CAKE (2253) for hours and workshop information if you need a little guidance to get started. — Nadine Kam

Skeletal tattoos help complete costumes

Complete your Halloween costume with 2 Chic’s water-transfer skeleton hand tattoos from SoHa ($12.80) at Kahala Mall. Kids will scream with delight over glow-in-the-dark tats for small hands, but grown-up ghouls will die for the gold metallic version for adults. The easy-to-apply tattoos last up to five days and are removed with baby oil. Claire’s offers another short cut for Dia de los Muertos dress-ups with face and neck tattoos ($6.50). — Christie Wilson

A shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.