Scare Factory

If you've got some extra dough laying around, allow me to suggest hopping over to the Scare Factory and purchasing their haunted grand piano. It's gorgeous! "Beautifully detailed gothic piano features Grim Reaper relief sculpture on lid with skull and gold leaf details throughout body. When activated a mob of 13 skeletons come screaming out from under the lid." There are two versions available - animated and static. In my opinion, static is the way to go. Not only is the animation not particularly scary, but getting the static version will save you $2800! (The animated version costs about $6200. The static version is a more economical $3400.)

Animated prop of the day

For all of you Coulrophobes out there, allow me to introduce Mr. Softy. He stands there, 6'6" tall, slowly turning the handle on his jack-in-the-box, waiting until someone approaches. Once they do, a screaming skull flies out of the box at them.

You can find Mr. Softy and other terrific creatures at The Scarefactory. Their stuff isn't cheap (Mr. Softy costs $2000!) but the site is a great place to check out when you're looking for inspiration.