Month: December 2020

Digital/Virtual Xmas Gift Ideas for 2020

Looking for Covid-safe, last minute or long-distance gifts for a Halloween or Horror fan this Christmas? Well, check out my picks for some magical gifts they’ll love.

Hunt A Killer – Digital Version (Physical box version also available)

Don your detective apparrel for this immersive and thrilling role-playing game, where you help solve the crime from the clues, codes, evidence and more, sent to you to decipher each month. Various sources say you can typically solve the crime within 6 boxes. This is a fabulous must-have gift for True Crime fanatics.

https://www.huntakiller.com/

Hunt A Killer: Blair Witch Edition – Digital Version (Physical version also available)

Battle supernatural forces this immersive psychological thrilling role-playing game. Just like its predecessor, Hunt a Killer, sends tons of clues, documents, evidence, etc., each month to help solve the mystery of the Blair Witch.

Stranger Things: The Drive-Into Experience – Los Angeles, CA ($154)

Based on the hit Netflix show, Stranger Things, this amazing one-of-a-kind immersive theater event lets fans drive into the world of Hawkins and unlock the secrets of the Upside Down. Word out is tickets for February/March shows are running low for this Covid-19 friendly event.

https://strangerthingsdriveinto.com/

Murder Mystery Parties via Zoom (price varies)

This year, many Murder Mystery Theaters chose to go virtual with unique immersive events, like this one from The Murder Mystery Company. Grab 8 of your closest friends and don your spookiest apparel for a night of mystery, mayhem and fun. Don’t forget to check your local listings to see if any theaters in your own area are hosting similar events. Support your local theaters!

Check out the other top selections in Murder Mystery Parties as review in Ophrah Magazine:
https://www.oprahmag.com/life/g34311889/virtual-murder-mystery-party-ideas/

Cameo Recorded Message/Shout-out from a Horror Celebrity (price varies)

Gift a short call or a pre-recorded message from a horror icon or fan favorite, like one of the ones listed here:

Tom Savini, Horror icon, Director and Special Effects guru ($100)
John Kasssir, Crypt Keeper of HBO’s Tales from the Crypt ($70)
Tony Todd, Star of Candyman, Final Destination, etc. ($100)
Kane Hodder, Jason Star of Friday the 13th movies, Crowley from Hatchet, etc. ($

https://www.cameo.com/browse/actors/movies/horror?qid=1608260908

Shudder Yearly Subscription ($56.99)

Watch spooky movies from the comforts of your own home, with this awesome subscription to Shudder, a premium horror channel, streaming horror, thrillers and suspense 24/7.

https://www.shudder.com/

Creativebug Class Subscription ($30-$96)

Got a creative Halloween fan in the family? Gift them a Creativebug subscription, where they will have unlimited access to hundreds of online arts and crafts classes. I hear there’s some special holiday deals on class prices happening right now!

https://www.creativebug.com/gift_subscriptions

Cemetery Dance Magazine Subscription ($27)

Calling all writers! Give the gift of award-winning horror, dark mystery, and suspense with this one-of-a-kind subscription to Cemetery Dance Magazine, filled with short stories, articles, interviews, reviews and much more!

https://www.cemeterydance.com/cemetery-dance-magazine-subscription.html

Ghoulish Bunny Patreon Membership (Memberships starting at $2 per month, price varies)

Send an amazing gift and support the arts, when you pick up a Patreon membership for creator and illustrator Diana Levin of Ghoulish Bunny Studios.

https://www.patreon.com/ghoulishbunnystudios

Candy Corn Crew Virtual Membership ($5.00)

Life can be sweeter with a virtual membership to the Candy Corn Crew!

GIFTCARD IDEAS:

Eclipse Afterglow Studios
If you can’t decide which original print from the Ghost Collection to pick up for your favorite fan, no sweat, Jackie sends cool gift cards, deliverable by email.

Trick or Treat Studios $25 Digital Giftcard
Halloween collectibles from the folks that brought us Trick ‘r Treat, Krampus, and more!

Horrordome.com
Get ready Halloween 2021 with animatronics, costumes, props, and other spooky décor.

Horror Merch Store
Horror Merch is still shipping some items, but you could make your life easier with a nice gift card that you know will under the tree, Christmas morning.

Fright Rags
The best place for horror fans to get officially licensed T-shirts, apparrel, collectibles and more!

Recipe of the month-Xmas Edition: Elder-Cranberry Margarita

Show up to the virtual Christmas party with a visually stunning drink, I call, the Elder-Cranberry Margarita! Let them drink all the eggnog, while you sip this cherry red margarita on the rocks instead. With only four ingredients, it’s a simple yet festive holiday drink. Cheers!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup. Cranberry Juice
1oz. Tequila
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1/2 oz. Elderflower Liqueur (St. Germain)

Optional Garnish:
Salt w/red food coloring for rim

If the Elderflower is too sweet for you, you can leave out or use a tad bit more tequila to balance out the flavors.

Haiku of the Week

Christmas lights
alone for the holidays
near the edge

Book Gift Ideas for Halloween and Horror Fans

I’ve compiled a list of great holiday horror and Halloween books that your favorite Halloween and horror fan will love this Creepmas. I live in Los Angeles area so some of my suggestions reflect my current location, but free feel to check local bookstores in your area. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Horror:

We Bleed Red and Green by Jeff C. Carter

Hot off the heels of his October anthology We Bleed Orange & Black: 31 Funsize Tales for Halloween, Jeff C. Carter is back with 12 new tales of Christmas terror.

Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer

There’s a lot to unwrap in this fun, festive horror set in the big, bad, cut-throat publishing world of the 1980s.

Nos4A2 by Joe Hill

Time-travel, immortal vampires and Christmas make for one terrifying tale for the holidays. When you’re done reading, check out season one of the TV adapation from AMC Channel on Amazon Prime.

Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas by Michael Dougherty (Graphic Novel)

From the creator of Trick ‘r Treat, Michael Dougherty shares his Krampus vision in a new graphic novel form, filled with stunning artwork.

The Old Magic of Christmas by Linda Raedisch

Come check out the Yuletide tales of witches, elves and ghosts, Perfect winter reading. Keep an eye out for the new Audiobook coming on December 22, 2020.

Krampus’s Great Big Book of Yuletide Monsters by Amanda Woomer

Come explore the spooky world of Krampus and other holiday monsters in this latest book from author and paranormal investigator, Amanda Woomer.

Halloween Books:

Pumpkins and Party Themes: 50 DIY Designs to Bring Your Halloween Extravaganza to Life By Roxanne Rhoads

I know 2020 put a damper on our Halloween celebrations this year, which only means we should come back hard in 2021. This book is full of ideas and DIY designs to help get us ready for the perfect party next year!

Creating Your Vintage Halloween: The folklore, traditions, and some crafty makes by Marion Paull

What a fantastic way to learn all about Halloween traditions. This beautiful, fully-colored little book is a dream for vintage Halloween collectors and Halloween lovers.

The Halloween Kid by Rhode Montijo

From author and illustrator Rhode Montijo, follow along with the adventures of the mysterious masked defender of Halloween. Word around town is there’s an animated show in the works.

Other Horror Related Books:

The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory O’Meara

This LA Times Bestseller, which topped all the 2019 ‘Best Of’ lists, uncovers the mysterious life of former Disney animator, Milicent Patrick, the only woman in history to create a Hollywood classic movie monster.

Graven Images: The Best of Horror, Fantasy, and Science-Fiction Film Art from the Collection of Ronald V. Borst (Hardcover), Introduction by Stephen King

I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful, bright, fully-color collection of vintage Hollywood movie posters. It’s a great read for film lovers and filled with the history behind some of Hollywood’s best classic horror and sci-fi movies.

Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror by Michael Mallory, Stephen Sommers (Foreword)

Come explore the magnificent legacy of Universal Studio’s Monsters, learn all about the characters, their mythologies and get behind-the scenes insights into Hollywood’s golden age of horror.

The Spirit Guide: America’s Haunted Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries by Amanda Woomer

I predict once this pandemic is over, travel will come roaring back to life and 2021 will be the perfect time for a paranormal adventure. This awesome read breaks down what to expect when you visit some of America’s most haunted bars, breweries, wineries and more!

Classic Books:

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding (Poirot) by Agatha Christie

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR HALLOWEEN AND HORROR FANS

Looking to impress that special Halloween and horror fan in your household this Creepmas? Well, check out my list of oddball and unique, but totally awesome gifts! Remember to shop local and small business when you can this year!

BUY FACEMASKS! Protect your loved ones and help defeat this Covid-19 pandemic! Great stocking stuffers! With over 280,000 dead from Coronavirus, I’m advocating face masks hard this year. You can never have too many. Buy different kinds. Themed face masks are fun. Do it for yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers, your school mates, your grocery store clerks, your favorite artists, musicians, celebrities, and complete random strangers. Staying alive is not a political issue! PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK.
https://www.zazzle.com/halloween+face+masks

Scare Package from Creepy Co., $53.99-$109.99
I’m not sure this is a new idea but I love it! Creepy Co has fun 2 item or 3 item sets available featuring blankets, T-shirts, hats, socks, etc.
https://www.creepycompany.com/collections/creepy-co-scare-packages

Mezco Toys Presents Living Dead Doll, Elvira-Mistress of the Dark, now available for Pre-order, ships in July 2021, $52
The Queen of Halloween, Elvira joins the Living Dead Doll family. This is a must have if you are an Elvira fan or a Living Dead Doll fan.
https://www.mezcotoyz.com/ldd-presents-elvira-mistress-of-the-dark

Sam Statue Decoration, $39.99
Sam from Trick ‘r Treat movie is our Halloween hero!  This 16” light-up statue decoration made of resin, sold exclusively at Spirit Halloween Stores is gorgeous.
https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/16-inch-light-up-sam-statue-decoration-trick-r-treat/178192.uts?Extid=sf_froogle

Legend of Sleepy Hollow Writing Gloves, $26
I think I’ve mentioned before that Legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of my favorite literary characters and I adore these fingerless gloves from Storiarts. Great for a night of reading.
https://storiarts.com/collections/gloves/products/the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow-writing-gloves

Pawzuph Statue, $23.99
This hand painted polyresin statue named Pawzuph, a horned occult cat, is simply too beautiful for words. I feel like this little guy needs a legendary story to go with him.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/825728054/pawzuph-horned-occult-cat-figurine

The Walking Dead We Are the Walking Dead Black Mug, $15
After ten years, The Walking Dead Universe is still going strong, with two different shows on television right now, the final Season 11 of the flagship show, due out in late 2021, and planned spin-offs featuring our favorite characters. Plenty of more collecting to be had.
https://thewalkingdeadshop.amc.com/collections/drinkware/products/the-walking-dead-we-are-the-walking-dead-black-mug

Krampus Activity Book from Fright Rags, $10
Scary T-shirt afficionados Fright Rags now features officially licensed Krampus brand and this Krampus Activity Book is hours of fun.
https://www.fright-rags.com/collections/krampus/products/krampus-activity-book

MINIATURES
Halloween Miniatures make great gifts. They’re perfect for dioramas, terrariums, supplementing entire Halloween villages, or just all by themselves. Some name brands are expensive, but shop around to get best prices and discounts. Off-season is always a good time to buy. Miniatures make great stocking stuffers too!

Lemax Collection – Spooky Town Villages – Prices and Stores Vary
https://www.lemaxcollection.com/villages/spooky-town

Dept. 56 – Prices and Stores Vary
https://department56.com/

Miniatures.com
https://www.miniatures.com/Halloween-C41.aspx

The Little Dollhouse Company
https://www.thelittledollhousecompany.com/dollhouses-miniatures-furniture-kits/halloween-miniatures-c-9_375/

L.A. COUNTY LOCALS
Suggestions for my hometown peeps. Online ordering and pick-up available. Check website for store hours and other info. Facemasks are great stuffers!

Dark Delicacies – Large selection of horror books, signed CDs & Vinyls, clothing, purses, jewelry, horror memorabilia, horror Geeki Tikis, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab oils, horror facemasks, and other unique gifts.

Frankenstein Turntable Spinature, $25
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1920/Frankenstein_Spinature.html#/

Horror Socks from Character, $10
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1846/Horror_Socks.html#/

FACEMASKS
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1735/Masks___.html#/

******

Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum – Large selection of clothing, books, witchcraft supplies, tarot cards, divination, taxidermy, antiques, and unique gifts. Looking to get into witchcraft, but don’t want to be overwhelmed or intimidated? Then, this is the place to go!

Vampir Slippers, $38
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/product/vampir-slippers/4111?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=13

Krampus Air Freshner, $5
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/product/krampus-air-freshener-/4137?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=53

FACEMASKS
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/s/search?q=face%20mask

*****

Halloweentown Store – Large selection of T-shirts, costumes, facemasks, replica vintage Halloween decor, novelty gifts, Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures, Wacky Wobblers, Iconz, Mystery Minis and more. Great place to find sold-out collectibles too.

Trick ‘r Treat Vinyl Record, $105
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HS&Product_Code=WAX105&Category_Code=Vinyl_Records

Ouija Mystifying Mints, $5
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HS&Product_Code=CANDY117&Category_Code=Mints

FACEMASKS
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/page/HS/CTGY/Face_Masks_Fabric

*****

Monster-A-GoGo, featuring Kreepsville 666 The “Original Scare Wear” – New location in East L.A. (Melrose closed), clothing, purses, accessories, pins, collectibles, Hexmas, and brand names such as Elvira, Vampira, Vincent Price, and more!

Haunted House Purse, $54
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/new-and-restocked/products/haunted-house-purse

Elvira Macabre Mobile Men’s T-shirt, $25
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/gifts-under-25-00/products/elvira-macabre-mobile-mens-t-shirt

FACEMASKS
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/face-masks

*****

Traditions – Traditional homemade style and replica holiday themed vintage décor, wreaths, figurines, ornaments, home and garden, tableware, Bethany Lowe, Kathrine’s Collection, and more! Collectibles and other items sell out quickly!

Jack O’Lantern Topiary $150
https://www.christmastraditions.com/product/TJ7743.html

Black Cat Jack with Pumpkin $15
https://www.christmastraditions.com/product/TPH7812a.html

MERRY CREEPMAS!