Gen Z takes Halloween parties more seriously than millennials, according to new research.
A survey of 1,000 Gen Z and 1,000 millennials who celebrate Halloween revealed that between the scares and the snacks, 42% of Gen Zers take these parties “very seriously,” compared to 34% of millennials.
Overall, the top three elements for a great Halloween party include the costumes (63%), the food (61%) and the decorations (50%).
When selecting a costume, respondents weigh if it needs to coordinate with group costumes (52%), if others will understand it (51%), and whether or not the food will mess up their makeup or face paint (46%).
Two-thirds (67%) of Gen Z are looking for candy, compared to only 43% of millennials. In fact, over half of Gen Zers put a lot of their effort into curating the perfect candy bowl.
Almost two-thirds (62%) of all respondents would be disappointed if they attended a Halloween party that didn’t have candy, though Gen Zers are more likely to be “very disappointed” than millennials (30% vs 20%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of HI-CHEW, results also revealed that respondents are hoping to snack on fruity (61%), chewy (59%) and chocolatey candy (57%) the most.
Respondents are also hoping to snack on themed treats like “bloody” fruit punch (60%) or candy apples (54%).
In addition, decorations are especially important to Gen Z, as 61% believe they can make or break the event, compared to only 40% of millennials.
Respondents hope to see skeletons (63%), witches (59%), cobwebs and fake spiders (59%), Jack O’Lanterns (57%), and bats (57%) at every turn. Black cats (27%) and candles (25%) are considered outdated decor.
Millennials are bored of haunted houses (26%) and cobwebs (22%), and 16% of Gen Z share the same sentiment about witches. However, two in five (38%) Gen Zers reported that no decorations are better left in the past compared to only 15% of millennials.
“Candy and snacks are essential when hosting Halloween parties. Attendees have shown that candy and snacks are an important factor,” said Teruhiro Kawabe (Terry), chief representative for the USA & President, CEO of Morinaga America, Inc. “Whether your guests prefer fruity and chewy or bite-size and chocolate, the choice of candy can make or break your gathering.”
A little more than two in five (41%) admit that ruining their costume or makeup can cause them to head home early.
Two-thirds of respondents believe that they have what it takes to win a costume contest — and another 70% say that it is imperative their costume remains perfect for the duration of the party.
In fact, most respondents will go so far as to include touch-ups throughout the event (57%) and even avoid eating messy foods (52%).
And in the event that someone else is sporting the same costume, one-quarter of respondents are likely to make a joke about it. But on the other hand, another 22% admit they’d be upset about it, especially if the other person wore the costume better.
Millennials are more likely to be embarrassed about wearing the same costume (12% vs 9%).
But Gen Z seems to buy into the idea that imitation is a form of flattery and would take it as a compliment (19% vs. 5%).
When asked the best costume they’ve ever worn or seen, respondents outlined things like, “a rat with a bucket of cheese,” “an evil mermaid” and even “a gallon of chocolate milk.”
“What’s Halloween without the perfect costume?” proposed Kawabe. “When attending a Halloween party, it’s important to consider how the costume will compliment your experience – if you need to eat mess-free snacks, if it is unique, or if you’re going with a group.”
Produced in association with SWNS Research
(Additional reporting provided by Talker Research)
