Have you checked the prices of Halloween cardboard decorations lately? Those old pieces that have been around for many years? You just might be surprised at how high items are selling for! Vintage Halloween is very hot -- paper, plastic, and postcard prices are not for those with shallow pockets. And for those looking for vintage Halloween diecuts, Beistle is one of the sought after names.

The Beistle Company has been a family owned company for over 100 years, it's the largest and oldest manufacturer of decorations, and has continually produced die cut decorations over the years. New Halloween diecuts are bargains, you can usually find a retro-look piece and most are just a two or three dollars -- I bought a great looking jack-o-lantern garland and a large witch in front of a honeycomb moon for a total price of around $4.50. The current Beistle products can be easily found, usually at stores that sell Halloween decorations or party supplies.

But if you want a true vintage-look, but can't afford the vintage prices, Halloween collector Timothy Siciliano of Party Partners Design has come up with the solution. Sicilano approached Beistle with the idea of reproducing several of their most popular vintage designs. Beistle was excited to work with Party Partners Design and together they came up with about ten designs that are now reproduced with the exact same artwork in a very similar size. According to Beistle artist Bob Hanson, the newer products are made with a heavier-weight, better-grade paper and are marked as to the year of production. The reproduction pieces are produced exclusively for Party Partners Design, a wholesale company, and are available for consumers to purchase on Party Partners Shop their retail shop. Prices are in the $10. range.

If vintage is the way you prefer to go, be aware that some reproduction pieces are being advertised as vintage on eBay, so as in all transactions, buy from a reputable seller who stands behind their products. And because it can be hard to figure out just what is a vintage piece (or for that matter at what age does a piece become "vintage"?) the best purchase to make for your collection is a good book such as "Vintage Halloween Collectibles" by Mark Ledenbach.

Want to know what duecuts are selling for online? Here are some sold prices from eBay in the diecut category.
Beistle Prices

As a collector you have a choice -- new, current products for just a two or three dollars; reproduction diecuts for around $10; or vintage pieces at whatever price and condition you can find them. As for me, I find the best solution is a mix of old and new pieces, having the authentic original piece when I can find and afford it, while using newer items to fill in the gaps.