The viral Pottery Barn Halloween pillows are back! Shop now—they'll be gone before you can say "boo."
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The Viral Pottery Barn Halloween Pillows Are Here! (Plus, the Best Alternatives for When They Sell Out)
Updated Sep. 16, 2024
Ahh, Halloween. It’s a holiday that should conjure crisp mornings, crunchy leaves and spooky tales told around a campfire. But in recent years, Halloween has made a much earlier debut, with decor, costumes and seasonal eats (looking at you, Starbucks PSL) hitting stores as early as August. Even when the weather is much too sticky to even think about wearing a sweater, I’ve seen pumpkin lanterns, bat decals and ghost blankets popping up in my TikTok feed. And there is a sense of urgency. The most viral Halloween finds sell out faster than you can say “trick-or-treat.”
In 2024, at the top of the list is a spooky-sweet favorite: Pottery Barn Halloween pillows. These cute cuddlers instantly turn a couch or chair into a seasonal beacon. They’re the ultimate accompaniment for a scary movie night, or your annual showing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. They also make great Halloween gifts for kids or star as the main attraction in a college care package or a boo basket. Here’s everything you need to know about the season’s must-have home decor.
What are Pottery Barn Halloween pillows?
For several seasons now, Pottery Barn Halloween pillows have taken over social media. They combine classic seasonal shapes with the cozy comfort of a pillow. In 2024, there are 14 delightful options to choose from:
- Gus the Ghost and Ms. Gus the Ghost
- Gus the Ghost with Pumpkin
- Cozy Pumpkins
- Doug the Dog
- Mr. Bones and Ms. Bones
- Sammy the Spider
- Theo the Trick-or-Treating Teddy
- Peek-a-Boo Cat
- Shimmer Bat
- Ghost
- Orange Light-Up Jack o’LanternÂ
- White Jack o’LanternÂ
And, if you’re shopping at Pottery Barn Teen or Pottery Barn Kids, the list gets even longer. Choose from additional options, some that are even inspired by the cult classic The Nightmare Before Christmas and other popular franchises.
- Jack SkellingtonÂ
- Zero the Dog
- Porter the PumpkinÂ
- Black Cat
- Ghost
- Scaredy Cat
- Glow-in-the-Dark Hello Kitty
- Mickey Mouse Pumpkin
- Sherpa Ghost
- Glow-in-the-Dark Boucle Black Cat
- Glow-in-the-Dark Boucle Pumpkin
Whew! Whether you’re a classic Halloween decorator, a Disney fan or someone who’s afraid of the dark, there’s truly a Pottery Barn Halloween pillow for everyone. But, like all things in life, they come at a price. The cheapest pillows start at $29.50 and climb all the way to $89.50. The options at the teen and kid stores are a little less expensive, ranging from $29.50 to $59.50.
How We Tested Pottery Barn Halloween Pillows
To make sure this collection lives up to the hype—and price—we tested a trio of popular options. Content Director Nicole Doster adopted Doug the Dog and I welcomed Gus the Ghost and Shimmer Bat to my haunted house.
Right out of the packaging, we were both impressed with the quality. These pillows use soft and luxurious fabric at every step. They feel like a high-end sherpa blanket that’s so soft and cozy you’re scared to put it in the wash. Plus, they’re just as cute as the listing photos.
“OK, a pillow has to be very cute to deserve a $80 price tag, and Doug the Dog is just that,” Nicole says. “He’s made of super-soft sherpa shearling and has a bean-filled base that keeps him upright.” I had a similar positive reaction to Gus the Ghost. His wide black eyes make him a frightfully cute addition to my modular sectional, and his body is surprisingly sturdy.
The Shimmer Bat, however, was disappointing. I was shocked at how small and thin it felt compared to Gus—especially considering there’s only a $10 price difference. The sequin wing details and dazzling eyes are nice, but the body of the pillow leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, there are plenty of other bat pillows on the market. This one isn’t unique enough to justify the cost.Â
The Best Pottery Barn Halloween Pillows
After testing three options, we know that all Pottery Halloween pillows aren’t created equal. These are the Taste of Home team’s favorite options for originality, size and the most bang for your buck:
NICOLE DOSTER/TASTE OF HOME
Doug the Dog Ghost Pillow
Pet parents, this one’s for you. Doug the Dog is scary-cute, thanks to his sherpa ghost costume and trick-or-treat-ready pumpkin pail. And our testing proves he’s just as cute in real life as he is in the listing photo. Measuring 13 inches high by 12 inches wide, he is the most popular pup of the season. Talk about a great gift for dog lovers!
VIA MERCHANT
Gus the Ghost with Pumpkin Pillow
If you’re familiar with Pottery Barn Halloween pillows, chances are Gus the Ghost is on your list of must-haves. We tested the original Gus and were impressed with his heft and quality. This year’s darling little pumpkin update pushes him into “cuteness overload” territory. Gus measures 13 inches high by 12 inches wide and is a hauntingly sweet addition to your holiday decor.
VIA MERCHANT
Sammy the Spider Shaped Pillow
If your tastes skew more spooky than sweet—without being downright scary—the Sammy spider pillow is for you. I’ll admit: I hate spiders. But there’s something about Sammy’s soft eyes and cuddly body that have me saying aww. She measures 8 inches wide by 13 inches high. And, hey, maybe she’ll help me face my fears. A $70 pillow is cheaper than exposure therapy, right?Â
Where to Buy Pottery Barn Halloween Pillows
To no surprise, Pottery Barn Halloween pillows are available exclusively within the PB family of brands. You can shop at Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Kids, but selection varies from site to site. Act fast, though. These pillows, especially the bestsellers, have a history of selling out.
Pottery Barn Halloween Pillow Dupes
If you’re reading this a little too late, don’t scream. Thanks to the popularity of the Pottery Barn Halloween pillows, there are plenty of dupes available, especially for simpler shapes.
VIA MERCHANT
Ghost Pillow
Measuring 13 inches high and just over 6 inches wide, this Amazon ghost pillow is a little smaller than Gus. But he’s still frightfully cute. Reviewers like his super-soft fabric, but some comment that he’s a bit flat and could use more stuffing.
VIA MERCHANT
Spider Faux Shearling Throw Pillow
This spider pillow from Target is only slightly smaller than Sammy, measuring 12 inches long by 6.5 inches wide. Reviewers comment that it looks more like a stuffed animal than a pillow, but for $10 you can afford to order Aragog’s entire family for your Harry Potter party.
VIA MERCHANT
3D Jack Decorative Throw Pillow
This boucle Jack o’lantern pillow from Kohl’s is the best dupe we found. It measures roughly 12 inches on all sides and includes a classic pumpkin face. It doesn’t light up like the Pottery Barn version, but for $27 you can stock up on other light-up Halloween decorations with your savings.
Originally Published: August 23, 2024
