Trick-or-treating has evolved over the years, with parking lot “trunk-or-treat” pop-ups becoming increasingly popular. That’s where you’ll find kids walking car to car to collect candy from drivers who decorate their vehicles in elaborate Halloween scenes.
That’s right—the tradition of decorating the front yard has gone mobile. Setting up your car to distribute sweets and frighten youngsters is a blast. Most importantly, trick or treating in a school or municipal parking lot with your pals is safe and fun.
Some people create custom car-trunk decor chock full of style and scary things to wow the crowd. If you have the time, creativity, and skill, this DIY approach can produce a pop-culture family tradition. All it takes is a suitable theme - opens in new window or tab., a stack of art materials - opens in new window or tab., and a few found objects.
For example, the family hauler could become a spooky race vehicle by festooning it with checkered flags, a few pieces of race memorabilia, some cobwebs, and a scarecrow with a helmet behind the wheel.
But who has the time these days, right? If Halloween creeps up on you fast this year, there’s no shame in buying a ready-made trunk-or-treat kit.
Best Trunk-or-Treat Ideas
Spider Cavern
The 13-piece Hauntlook Spider Cavern kit turns a trunk into a frightening arachnid’s lair. The set includes one spider body, four sets of spider legs, an egg sack, a spider web, and half a dozen stalactites and stalagmites. Ask any six-year-old—spiders are scary. Tape this one to your jalopy and add some spider webs.
Monster Zombie Face
Y’know what’s really scary? A trip to the dentist after a successful Halloween haul. A look at Hauntlook Zombie Face’s rotting, not-so-pearly whites and purple gums will serve as a persistent reminder for kids to brush their teeth. A big old Chevy Suburban - opens in new window or tab. with patina would be the perfect pairing.
Green Monster
They call this four-piece set “The Green Monster,” but you can dress this big handsome lime-colored beast up any way you see fit. Keep those bolts, and it’s Doctor Frankenstein’s creation, no Abby Normal questions asked. Better yet, ditch the bolts, add a Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger - opens in new window or tab., and call it the Incredible Hulk.
Batman
Bam! Pow! Batman battles his archenemy, the Joker, against the backdrop of the Gotham City skyline. We’d suggest pairing this trunk-or-treat kit with a classic from the Art Deco era, but you don’t want Junior’s chocolate-covered hands anywhere near that. Find a black car, break out the red pinstripe tape, and add a few rubber bats.
Happy Dalmatian
The Happy Dalmatian trunk-or-treat kit can play the role of a fireman’s trusty sidekick or Cruella de Vil’s friendly foil with those big puppy dog eyes, floppy ears, and slobber-free tongue. We’d pair this adorable pup with a bright-red vintage Cadillac. Fill a dog bowl with an assortment of tasty goodies, and you’re good to go.
Retro Cat
The Retro Cat can’t be beaten for a ’50s-themed trunk-or-treat. We’d skip the “fright tape,” find a ride with a big ol’ trunk, and craft the perfect playlist, starting with the rockabilly nugget, Flying Saucer Rock and Roll. While Retro Cat pairs well with a slew of classic rides, the Pontiac Catalina - opens in new window or tab. would be purrfect.
The Only Limitation Is Your Imagination
The trunk-or-treat phenomenon has made life easier for busy parents and frazzled pets. Planning, setup, and teardown of a DIY creation can gobble up many an hour, so if time is tight, go with a kit.
But if you have the grit, the DIY route provides endless possibilities. From scary stuff like an alien autopsy or Dracula’s castle to paying homage to your favorite NASCAR driver or a favorite football team, the only limit is your imagination. When the party's over, pack up the decorations and stash them in your cargo organizer - opens in new window or tab. and head home.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.