Halloween isn’t just about costumes, candy, and seeing how many houses the kids can visit before their little legs give out. It’s also about creating memories, having fun, and finding those little surprises that make the season extra special. And if you’re a grandparent like me, you know there’s nothing quite like showing up with something unexpected that makes your grandkids’ faces light up.

At Salty & Stylish, we’re all about finding ways to Discover the Salt of Life, and sometimes that means embracing our inner kid right alongside the little ones. I love Halloween because it’s one of those holidays when being silly is practically a requirement. Whether we’re decorating pumpkins, planning costumes, or getting into a little harmless mischief, I’m always looking for something that adds to the fun.

This year, I’ve found six Halloween toys and gifts that go beyond the usual bag of candy. We’ve got adorable monsters, squishy surprises, a prehistoric excavation, fantasy creatures, and even a little princess magic. Some are perfect for Halloween baskets, others make great party surprises, and a few might just become favorites long after the decorations come down.

I’m the Chef Too

APHMAU 6” MYSTERY MEEMEOW PLUSH – HALLOWEEN

Ages 3+ | $11.99 | Target and Amazon

I have to admit, Halloween monsters have gotten a whole lot cuter since I was a kid. These little MeeMeows from popular Minecraft YouTuber Aphmau are the perfect example. The Halloween collection includes six movie monster-inspired cats, including Frankenstein Cat, Bride of Frankenstein Cat, Fishman Cat, Dracula Cat, Wolfman Cat, and Slasher Cat. They’re spooky enough to fit the holiday but adorable enough that even younger kids will want to cuddle them.

What I particularly love about these six-inch plush toys is that they can become part of the Halloween tradition. Tuck one into a Halloween basket, use them as little decorations in a child’s bedroom, or let the kids bring their new monster friend along for trick-or-treating. At $11.99 each, they’re a fun alternative to another giant bag of sweets. And if your grandkids already watch Aphmau’s Minecraft adventures on YouTube, there’s a good chance they’ll recognize these characters immediately.

MORIAH ELIZABETH MINI MYSTERY PLUSH – HALLOWEEN COLLECTION

Ages 3+ | $11.99 | Target

There’s something about a mystery package that makes kids absolutely lose their minds with excitement. They don’t even have to know what’s inside. In fact, not knowing is half the fun! Moriah Elizabeth’s Halloween Mini Mystery Plush Collection takes that excitement and gives it a seasonal twist with characters including Spooky Pickle, Pumpkin Head Derp, Squishy Ghost, Misty, Candy Corn Georgie, Moody, Jacko Pumpy, and Poopy.

Each six-inch plush comes in a blind pack, which means the big reveal becomes part of the experience. I can see these being a huge hit at a Halloween party, especially if every child gets to open one together. They’re also the kind of collectible kids love to line up on their beds or display on a shelf. For grandparents looking for a small but exciting gift, these are a great choice because you’re giving them both a toy and the anticipation of discovering which character is hiding inside.

UNSPEAKABLE GUU HAND

Ages 8+ | $19.97 | Walmart

Now, this one is for the kids who like their Halloween fun a little louder and a lot sillier. Inspired by YouTuber Unspeakable, the GUU Hand is an oversized wearable hand that slips right over a child’s own hand. When they smack the palm, it plays sound effects inspired by Unspeakable’s videos. In other words, this is not the toy you give a child when you’re hoping for a quiet afternoon!

But Halloween is the perfect excuse to embrace a little extra noise and nonsense. I think this would be hilarious as part of a goofy costume, for a Halloween party game, or simply for kids who love recreating moments from their favorite YouTube videos. It’s designed for ages eight and up, making it a fun choice for older grandchildren who might have outgrown some of the traditional Halloween toys but still appreciate something completely ridiculous.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GLOW-IN-THE-DARK MAMMOTH TAR PIT

Ages 6+ | $24.99 | Amazon and Barnes & NobleI love finding toys that make kids think they’re just playing when they’re actually learning something. The National Geographic Glow-in-the-Dark Mammoth Tar Pit does exactly that, combining science, history, and a wonderfully messy excavation adventure. Kids dig through a gooey, squishy tar pit to uncover the bones of a prehistoric mammoth, just like little paleontologists.

Once they’ve recovered the pieces, they can assemble their very own mammoth skeleton, which glows in the dark. How perfect is that for Halloween? It’s a great activity for a rainy October afternoon or a Halloween gathering when you want to give the kids something hands-on to do. And unlike candy, this is an experience that encourages curiosity, patience, and discovery. I would definitely put down a protective mat before letting the excavation begin, but a little mess is part of the adventure.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS QUESTERS CREATURES

Ages 4+ | $7.99 | Amazon, Target and Walmart.com

Each blind box contains a collectible creature, a quest card, a story starter and checklist, a rollable 20-sided die, and surprise accessories. For $7.99, there’s quite a bit of imaginative play packed into one little box. I especially like the idea of using these as Halloween party favors or creating a family storytelling game where everyone takes turns inventing a spooky adventure. It’s a wonderful way to get kids away from their screens and into a world where their imaginations take over.

DISNEY JR. SOFIA THE FIRST ENCHANTING AMULET

Ages 3+ | $12.97 | Exclusively at Walmart

When pressed, the amulet lights up and plays the song “Time to Shine,” along with phrases and sounds from the show. It also includes a collectible charm that can be worn on the necklace chain. At $12.97, it’s an affordable addition to a princess costume, but I also love that kids can continue using it for pretend play after Halloween. Because, as any grandparent knows, little ones rarely limit their dress-up adventures to just one day of the year.

Halloween Memories Are Better Than Another Bag of Candy

As much as I enjoy seeing my grandkids come home with their Halloween candy haul, the things I remember most are the little moments surrounding the holiday. The excitement of putting on a costume, the giggles over something silly, the proud look when they’ve created something themselves, and the inevitable negotiations over just how much candy they can eat before bedtime.

These six toys offer different ways to keep that Halloween magic going. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or simply someone who loves making the holidays special for the kids in your life, you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a little excitement. Sometimes all it takes is a mystery plush, a glowing mammoth, or a ridiculously oversized hand to make an ordinary October afternoon unforgettable. And that’s my kind of Halloween.