The ultimate carving tool

When it comes to pumpkins, sometimes it takes a power tool. This kit — great for carving details — comes with a two-speed, 6-volt Dremel cordless rotary tool, a cutter accessory and 10 jack-o-lantern templates. The tool is not meant to cut through the pumpkin, but rather to use on its surface to carve a haunted house, bat, pirate or other spooky goblin.

$29.99. www.dremel.com

Grow-A-Head

OK, these are weird — but so cute, we couldn't resist. Create your own little Chamber of Horrors with these six quirky plant characters: a vampire, witch, devil, spider, a bat and some monstrous invention gone wrong. Just water in the weeks before and after Halloween and watch your little creepies grow.

$9.99-$11.99. www.grow-a-head.com for store locations.

Plastic light-a-bag Safer than traditional candles but just as cute, these plastic luminaries come in a ready-to-go package that includes 10 plastic lights, 10 bulbs, a cord and stakes to attach each jack-o-lantern bag to the ground. Lighted length is 18 feet.

$19.99. LampsPlus.com

Pick your poison

Who knew Martha had it in her? Use these Mad Scientist Large Bottle Labels from Martha Stewart Crafts to label wine bottles "Caution," "Alcohol" or "Poison" for your Halloween shindig.

$3.99 for 9 labels. Michaels Arts and Crafts stores and www.marthastewartcrafts.com

A little Halloween help

If you have yet to get into the Halloween spirit, pick up this handy little kit complete with DVD featuring jack-o-lantern images and ghoulish soundtracks; a book about the holiday's history, recipes and poems; and seven stencils to carve your own scary pumpkins.

$14.95. At most bookstores and www.sterlingpublishing.com

Compiled by Colleen McBrinn, digs editor. Photos courtesy of Sourcing International, Sterling Publishing, Lamps Plus, Dremel and Martha Stewart Crafts.