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There is absolutely no reason your holiday celebrations can’t include gifts and goodies for those take delight in the shadows. But shopping for the horror connoisseur can be tricky, what’s a good gift for the friend or family member who loves to be scared? Never fear, Variety has compiled the best gifts around for scary movie (and TV) lovers.
Based On The Novel by Stephen King T-Shirt
Pay your respects to the King of Horror by purchasing this shirt as a gift for a friend or yourself, and get ready to defend which film adaptation of King’s novels you think is the best during your next socially-distanced gathering. And yes, there ARE wrong answers.
Handbook for the Recently Deceased Hardcover Journal
You can be the proud owner of a “Handbook for the Recently Deceased Manual,” as featured in “Beetlejuice,” for just $19.99. But as opposed to the one seen in the movie, this is a journal with blank pages, so you can write your own tips and tricks for crossing over to the other side. Or just write “MAUVE” over and over and over again until words lose all meaning.
Overlook Hotel Carpet Face Mask
At the intersection of style, safety and scary movies lies this mask, printed with the pattern from the infamous carpet from “The Shining’s” Overlook Hotel. This accessory will also serve as the perfect conversation starter, as only true horror buffs will be able to spot it — others will just call it “cute.”
Horror Movie Collage – 1000 Pieces Jigsaw Puzzle
Are we still doing puzzles? Celebrate the spooky season with this collection of classic movie posters turned into a massive 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. And then share which VHS cover scarred you the most at Blockbuster. $15.19, amazon.com
Final Girl Mug
The final girl of the house should have the “final girl mug” no questions asked. State your dominance every time you reach for something warm to drink.
Framed Movie Stills, Vintage Behind-The-Scenes Shots
Want something for your walls? Why not go classic with a horror movie from Art.com. Choose from hundreds of movie stills and vintage (or current) posters. You can buy the print alone, or upgrade with a canvas backing or (even better) a fancy frame. Nothing says classy — but still scary — better than framed art. We highly recommend this glamorous still of Catherine Deneuve from vampire classic “The Hunger,” a black and white shot of Bella Lugosi as Dracula, this behind-the-scenes look at a line of black cats awaiting their audition for “Tales of Terror,” and several stunning shots of the Bride of Frankenstein, Elsa Lanchester.
Hands Across America T Shirt
Based on Jordan Peele’s horror flick “Us,” this t-shirt is sure to stump the general population into thinking its a vintage find from your local Goodwill. But, for those who know, it’s a creepy throwback, just be careful with the scissors.
‘On Set With John Carpenter’
Step back in time and onto the sets of horror filmmaking legend John Carpenter. The unique photojournalism from on set photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker show what it was really like back in 1978 on set in Pasadena for the first “Halloween” film. Journey to several of Carpenter’s sets as well and relive these classics in a whole new way.
‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’: The Set
When learning the art of a good scary story, there is only the Alvin Schwartz collection complimented by Stephen Gammell’s truly cryptic artwork. The high-water mark of spooky stories, this collection was recently rebooted with a kinder, gentler look. Do not be swayed by the marketing, the original is eternal and scary as hell. Buy the Gammell edition or do not buy it at all.
‘Through The Woods’
Looking for a fresh batch of scary stories? We highly recommend Emily Carroll’s graphic novel and collection of short stories. Each tale is creepier than the other, but you won’t be able to peel your eyes away thanks to the elegant artwork.
‘Rick Baker : Metamorphosis’
The master of horror, the king of creepy and all-around genre god Rick Baker has curated a gorgeous book filled with his spooky masterpieces. This stunning coffee table book is filled with behind-the-scenes images and detailed images cataloging the history of this legendary makeup effects artist. Page through the Academy Award winner’s work in this double volume set that stretches from 1950 to 2019 and includes classics such as “The Exorcist” (which was Baker’s first professional job he worked as an assistant to Dick Smith) “An American Werewolf of London” to “Men in Black.” The book also features a foreword by John Landis and a preface by Peter Jackson.
A Shudder Subscription
No horror fan worth their Michael Meyer mask should be without a subscription to Shudder. This all-horror streaming service is not only stuffed to the brim with classic and cult scares including their new original run of “Creepshow,” the very good “Scare Me” original Shudder release and loads of flick you need to watch like “Revenge,” “Color Out of Space,” “Host,” “A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night” and more.
Horror Holiday Decorations
Want to make the holidays a little more memorable? Then what about adding a “Rocky Horror” garland to your tree, or a line of dancing gremlins (“Gremlins” is a Christmas movie!), or the dangling members of the “Lost Boys.” The shop MaterialGods is absolutely stuffed with horrific decorating ideas. Need a tree topper? How about a cthulu or the iconic Grace Jones in “Vamp.” There are no wrong answers. Need more inspiration? Check out our list of 2020 pop culture ornaments.
Trivial Pursuit: Horror Movie Edition
Horror movie game night incoming! Impress all your friends with your knowledge of the genre by breaking this game out at your next socially-distanced gathering. With over 600 questions, there’s enough trivia to keep you going until the witching hour.
Alfred Hitchcock: The Ultimate Collection
Fifteen Alfred Hitchcock movies (including “The Birds,” “Rear Window,” “Vertigo” and more), seven episodes from “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and three episodes from “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” plus ten hours of features, this is a good deal for a whole lot of horror.
Halloween Town Mayor Mug
Shoo the Sunday scaries away by drinking your Monday morning coffee out of the two-faced mayor mug, featuring a classic (but often overlooked) star from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Is this beloved dual holiday classic considered traditional horror, no. But that’s the joy of “Nightmare” it’s many things to many people.
Brain Coasters
Zombies eat brains, and now you can rest your beverage on them with these frighteningly realistic brain coasters. For just $21.99, you’ll get a set of 10, which is more than enough to feed the whole family. Now pour yourself a cup of blood-red wine and put on your favorite George A. Romero flick.
Alien Facehugger Plush
This stuffed animal based off of the “Alien” franchise is so cute its terrifying. This little guy would like great snuggled up next to a pillow on your bed or on the couch… just don’t let it get too close.
‘Wouldst Thou Like to Live Deliciously?’ Apron
Sport this iconic phrase from “The Witch” on an apron whilst cooking up something that is sure to be delicious — pumpkin sugar cookies, anyone?
Cut Out Bats
Honestly, what can’t you do with these? Decorate your windows, fridge, computer or clothing with these bat cutouts and things are sure to get more spooky. The more the merrier.
Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection
Hollywood’s original horror films, all thirty of them. Get reacquainted with the Mummy, Dracula, Wolfman, the Invisible Man, the Phantom of the Opera, Frankenstein and more in this monstrous collection of Universal’s classic films.
