Corporate records in New York trace the incorporation of Forum Novelties, Inc. to 22 August 1978, with trademark records confirming this year as the date of first commercial use.1

Foundation and early years

Forum Novelties was established in 1978 within the broader American novelty and seasonal merchandise sector.1 Over subsequent decades, the company became closely associated with Halloween merchandise, novelty gifts, costumes, masks, tricks, jokes and accessories.

By 2010, industry trade show materials described Forum as having over 25 years of experience and specialising in costumes, masks, accessories, décor, novelties and props.3 During this period, its catalogue expanded beyond Halloween to include Luau, Mardi Gras, puppets, magic, toys and other seasonal products.3

By 2019, the company cited more than 40 years of industry experience and offered products for occasions including Christmas, Mardi Gras, St Patrick’s Day, Easter, patriotic celebrations, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and backyard events.3

Expansion into costumes

A significant component of the Forum Novelties identity is its extensive costume and accessory catalogue. Rather than focusing exclusively on conventional Halloween attire, the company developed products covering humorous, historical, fantasy, horror, occupational, cultural, seasonal and party themes.

Retail descriptions have characterised Forum as a manufacturer, importer and distributor with a catalogue exceeding 8,000 products, encompassing costumes, accessories, joke and trick items, magic products, décor, pet supplies, toys and seasonal merchandise.4

Relationship with Rubie’s

Forum Novelties has been closely associated with Rubie’s Costume Company. A 2020 bankruptcy court filing by Rubie’s stated that Rubie’s was the sole owner of Forum Novelties Inc. and that Marc P. Beige served as a director of Forum.

This relationship connected Forum to a larger global network for costume design, licensing, manufacturing and distribution. However, subsequent restructuring and corporate filings complicate the current status; while public records continue to identify Forum Novelties, Inc. as a New York corporation, a separate entity named FN Wind Down Company, Inc. appeared in later filings.1 Consequently, Forum is not simply described as a current subsidiary without qualification.

Forum Novelties has historically operated with a broad product range.

Costumes

Costumes remain one of the company’s most prominent categories. Examples include:

• Halloween costumes
• Historical costumes
• Fantasy costumes
• Wizard and witch costumes
• Animal and monster costumes
• Character costumes
• Mascot costumes
• Children’s costumes
• Adult costumes
• Holiday costumes
• Party and novelty costumes

The company’s website highlights specific items such as wizard, gnome, Egyptian pharaoh and Day of the Dead costumes, alongside mascot and character-oriented outfits.2

Masks

Masks constitute another key segment of the catalogue, featuring theatrical, fantasy, horror, animal and novelty designs. Highlighted examples include Jester, Night Wolf, Ghost and Hockey masks.2

Accessories

Forum produces a wide variety of costume accessories, including:

• Hats and headwear
• Wigs
• Glasses
• Jewellery
• Chains
• Gloves
• Novelty teeth and facial accessories
• Costume weapons and props
• Historical accessories
• Themed party accessories

Products such as the oversized Big Gold Chain are marketed specifically as retro or hip-hop costume accessories.2

Halloween and seasonal décor

Historically, the business extended well beyond wearable items. Seasonal catalogues have included Halloween decorations, lighting, props, fog-related products, tabletop items, lawn decorations and animatronic-style props.

Archived product listings associated with Spirit Halloween document Forum-branded items such as talking trees, zombies, rats, skull decorations, fog products, Halloween lighting, haunted props and themed tableware.

Novelty and gag products

The term “Novelties” in the company name reflects its traditional focus on products intended for humour, jokes, parties, pranks and novelty use rather than purely functional purposes. Historical catalogues included joke and gag products alongside magic items, toys, party goods, costumes and decorations.5

The product philosophy of Forum Novelties centres on transformation and entertainment, enabling individuals to become characters through costumes, masks, props or accessories.

The company currently emphasises six core values:

• Creativity
• Inclusivity
• Affordability
• Quality
• Customer satisfaction
• Responsibility

Corporate presentations also highlight a combination of variety and accessible pricing.2 This approach supports a broad catalogue that ranges from inexpensive accessories and novelty items for ordinary parties and school productions to more elaborate costumes, rather than focusing solely on high-end theatrical wear.

Forum Novelties has historically functioned primarily as a B2B manufacturer and distributor, supplying retailers and wholesalers rather than operating solely as a direct-to-consumer fashion brand.

Industry descriptions characterise the company as a manufacturer, importer and distributor with international reach, and trade data documents participation in import and export activity.5 This model explains why Forum-branded products appear across various costume shops, Halloween retailers, party stores and online marketplaces.

Forum Novelties has maintained a significant presence in the Halloween retail ecosystem. Archived product records from Spirit Halloween, for example, identify Forum Novelties products sold between 2002 and 2017, including animated props, lighting, fog products, decorations, accessories and tableware.

Trade show materials from the 2010s further demonstrate the company presenting itself as a supplier for a wider range of seasonal occasions beyond Halloween.3

Forum Novelties maintains trademarks connected with its name and products, with commercial use dating back to 1978.6

A 2020 trademark filing for FORUM NOVELTIES INC. described a logo featuring a stylised jester in a star-patterned robe holding a trumpet, with a banner bearing the company name.7 The filing covered Halloween and masquerade costumes and masks.7 The jester imagery connects the brand with traditional concepts of comedy, carnival, disguise, theatricality and novelty.

Unlike companies built around major entertainment franchises, Forum Novelties is not primarily a character-licensing brand. Its identity is strongly associated with generic and original costume concepts, novelty products, seasonal merchandise and themed accessories.

Consequently, a Forum costume may represent a recognisable archetype—such as a wizard, pirate, clown, historical figure, monster, animal or holiday character—without being tied to a specific fictional franchise. This flexibility allows the brand to maintain a large catalogue of relatively affordable products.

Forum Novelties occupies a distinctive position spanning several segments of the costume market:

• Traditional Halloween retailer: Supplies costumes and decorations associated with Halloween stores.
• Party-supply company: Offers accessories, decorations, gag items and merchandise for non-Halloween parties.
• Novelty company: Retains roots in jokes, tricks, magic and novelty gifts.
• Costume manufacturer: Places considerable emphasis on costumes and masks in modern presentation.
• Wholesale supplier: Historically conducts much business through retailers, wholesalers and distributors.

The company’s strength lies in breadth rather than a single iconic product, with a catalogue capable of serving diverse occasions and customer types.

The publicly listed address for Forum Novelties is:

1770 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, New York 11747
United States

This Melville address appears consistently in company and industry records.2

The name Forum Novelties reflects the company’s historical emphasis on novelty merchandise rather than conventional apparel. “Forum” evokes a gathering place, while “Novelties” describes the original focus on unusual, entertaining, humorous and seasonal products.

The jester-based visual identity reinforces this theme, serving as a traditional symbol of entertainment and playful irreverence appropriate for a company dealing in costumes, disguises, jokes and party merchandise.7

With a documented history reaching back to 1978, Forum Novelties represents one of the older continuously recognisable names in the American novelty and costume sector.1 Industry descriptions from 2010 already characterised it as having more than 25 years of experience, and by 2019, the company cited over 40 years in the industry.3

Its significance lies in helping build the mass-market ecosystem for Halloween, costume parties, novelty gifts and seasonal celebrations. Thousands of products have enabled retailers to offer everything from inexpensive gag accessories to complete costumes and elaborate décor.

As of 2026, the official web presence continues to position Forum Novelties around costumes, masks, party products and creative seasonal merchandise, while the historical catalogue demonstrates a broader legacy in novelty goods, props, toys and seasonal products.2

1. Forum Novelties, Inc. in Melville NY – Company Profile
2. Forum Novelties Official Website – Premium Costumes and Masks
3. Toy Fair 2019: Forum Novelties Inc. – About Us
4. Forum Novelties Costumes and Accessories | Heaven Costumes
5. Forum Novelties Inc | SeeBiz
6. FORUM NOVELTIES INC. Trademark Application of Forum Novelties, Inc. – Serial Number 88081100 :: Justia Trademarks
7. FORUM NOVELTIES INC. – Forum Novelties, Inc. Trademark Registration