Spooky Book Lovers Gift Guide

If you’re looking for great books to gift your spooky loved ones this season, keep reading!

Most of these suggested books I own myself or totally plan on buying. I love classic horror by all the greats and I’m also proud to support indie writers and I hope you will too. I’ve marked the ones available in digital format that make great last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers.

Best Indie Urban Paranormal so real you might go looking for these people and places series:

Consumia’s Spiritual Emporium, Book I of the Omnist Series by Rob Weldon* – $6, $16, $26; Digital, paperback, hardback and other formats available via Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Best Monster Fantasy Turned into a Video Game and Hit TV Show Series:

Blood of Elves, Book I of the Witcher Saga by Andrzej Sapkowski* – $9, $12, $25, $60; Digital, paperback, hardback and other formats available (Complete Boxset shown in image below) via Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Best Steamy Indie Paranormal Romance:

Hex and the Single Witch by Roxanne Rhoads – $12 paperback via Amazon

Best Indie Fantasy-Horror-SciFi:

Cast a Cold Eye by Derryl Murphy and William Shunn* – $2, $35 Kindle and hardback via Amazon

Best Classic Halloween Story:

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury* $5, $15; Digital, paperback, hardback and other formats available via Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Best Fun-Sized Stories to get you into the Halloween spirit:

We Bleed Orange & Black: 31 Fun Sized Tales for Halloween by Jeff Carter* – $7 paperback via Amazon

Best Comprehensive Halloween History book I can’t wait to own:

The Better Days Books Vintage Halloween Reader by Various authors – $23 paperback via Amazon

Best and Fastest Way to Understanding Halloween Folklore and Traditions:

Creating Your Vintage Hallowe’en: The folklore, traditions, and some crafty makes by Marion Paull – $15 hardback via Amazon

Best Compact Taschen Icons Picturebook:

Halloween: Vintage Holiday Graphics Edited by Jim Heimann, Forward by Steven Heller – $17 paperback via Thriftbooks

Most Comprehensive, Deluxe Hardback Halloween Picturebook Collection:

Vintage Hallowe’en: Tricks, Treats & Traditions by Robert Pandis – $75 hardback

This sought after vintage Halloween picturebook is typically sold out, but I included it here because sometimes you can find it selling on secondhand markets online.

Best Someday I’m gonna own that Book:

Dracula,1897, 1st edition by Bram Stoker – $200-37,000

If you ever come across an ugly little book that looks like this, keep it!!!

*Makes a great last-minute gift or stocking stuffer!

Ten Gifts for Halloween Lovers – 2023

Not sure what you gift your favorite Halloween lover this Creepmas? Well, you came to the right place. It’s going to be a Christmas to dismember with these cool and creepy holiday gift ideas!

Spooky Small Business Saturday

Remember to support Small Business Saturday and shop independent or local shops. Below are only a few unique and reputable spooky shops independently owned and operated all-year long which I support and highly recommend for all your Creepmas shopping this year holiday season.

Dark Delicacies: https://www.darkdel.com

Celebrating 29 years, Dark Del provides a home for truly independent booksellers, movie memorabilia collectors, horror fanatics, and other spooky stuff in the greater Los Angeles region. The store is located in Burbank and often holds in-person signings and events. Del is also an awesome author and editor of works, such as Dark Delicacies horror anthology series and the suspense-western, The Survival of Margaret Thomas. If you live in L.A. area, stop by this weekend!

Mystic Museum: https://www.themysticmuseum.com/

Part oddities, part occult, part horror shop, part mystics museum, Mystic Museum is one-of-a-kind place for horror and occult fans. Taking up an astonishing three storefronts, the corner store is Camp Horror, an 80s horror themed shop that carries horror movie apparel, memorabilia and more.

Next door, the oddities shop, find rare, vintage and occult items for your arts and craft. You’ll barely notice that you crossed over to Mystic Museum, a place for goth decor, apparel, books, jewelry and more. Inside that shop is a door, where, for a donation, you can enter the parlor room that houses original artwork and vintage items celebrating curated themes throughout the year. 

And, then, there’s the exhibit down the street…trust me, Mystic Museum is a kooky, dreamy, satisfying day trip.

Halloweentown Store: https://www.halloweentownstore.com/

I adore Halloween Town Store. Open all year long, this costume shop is a few doors down from the original main store, which carries everything from Halloween props and spooky clothing to original art prints and spooky, vintage, pop horror collectibles. Check everyone off your list in one visit.

Gingerbread Bag by Backstitch Bruja 

Creepmas wrapping paper or Krampus Folklore Mug as seen below by Spooky Cat Press 

Halloween Pumpkins Black Xmas Stocking by Working Class Punx: https://www.workingclasspunx.com

Poe Tea Set by Me and AnnabelLee Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeandAnnabelLeeShop

Tiny Bryon von Battie or Tiny Ghostie keychain plushies by Elle’s Ghosties

Haunted House Incense Cone Holder – October 31st https://october31st.co.uk/creepmas-haunted-house-incense-cone-holder/

If you live in Europe, or outside the USA and looking for an amazing Halloween shop, then, try October 31st store, owned and operated all year along by Spooky Wil. 

October 31st is da domb! In addition to carrying some great stuff from artists and creators all over the world, Wil also produces original crafted art and merchandise and ships internationally.

October 31st also often carries out-of-print, discontinued, or rare Halloween or spooky collectibles that can’t be found in the US, sometimes at regular retail price. Yes, shipping costs are little high,  but scalpers and secondary markets on Ebay or Amazon, are gonna charge mark up prices and charge for shipping too. You can reach out and interact with Wil beforehand, he’s super sweet, and he packs items with great care. Shop from Wil. Keep a good guy in business!

Hope your holidays are full of merry and fright! Happy Creepmas!

Spooky Last Minute Gifts

Happy Yule! Our theme this month has been haunted holidays. A week ago, I shared great gifts for Ghost Hunters, but what if you missed your shopping window? Christmas is not lost! The best thing about buying for Halloween and Horror lovers is there are a ton of great last-minute gift ideas. So, stay cool and let’s save Christmas morning!

Digital Downloads via Kindle of The Omnist Series by Rob Weldon: The Omnist series is new funny, magical fantasy series centering around a spiritual center in Los Angeles with an app that matches people to gods to worship, daily affirmations, prayers and mantras, spiritual advice and guidance, retail merchandise to purchase, and in-person events that fit the needs of the person seeking out some other type of religious experience that they don’t get through the traditional religions. Protoganists will change book to book and Book three is due out in 2023.

Tattoo Vouchers

Thinking of getting a tattoo of your favorite artists, well, guess what? Tattoos are now copyrighted and the hot thing to do is get a voucher from the artists, giving permission to the tattooist to use one of their works on your body. Trust me, make sure your tattoo is legit.

Ghoulish Bunny: Diana Levin, artist

Give the Gift of Patreon

Gift your loved one year of Patreon to their favorite artist, podcast, or someone new and cool and they’ll really love it. Everyone loves to be entertained and inspired.

It’s Always Halloween: Haunted host, Lucé Tomlin-Brenner. provides a year ‘round research-based podcast that dives deep into the dark history of our favorite horror-filled holiday. Every episode is backed by a custom soundscape created by audio engineer, Pete Byrnes. 

Scary Podcast Subscriptions

Scary Story Podcast Subscription: Lifetime Member unlimited access to all shows, completely ad-free. If your loved one loves podcasts and spooky stories, this sounds like a hot deal to me!

Crunchyroll Streaming Membership

Crunchyroll Steaming Membership Digital Gift: There are a lot of spooky horror animes out there and thanks to Crunchyroll, you can gift a one year streaming membership digital card for just $80.

Spooky Cute Art Prints – Buy yourself some time!

Okay, here’s what you do: Find a really cute spooky cute art seller, go to their shop, buy item(s), copy and paste, and/or print said item, stick the printed pic in a holiday card, and explain their new art print is on its way, but there were unexpected shipping delays. Your giftee gets to see what they got, and they’ll love it, and then, when it arrives, it’s like second Christmas!

TexDoodles Shop on Redbubble

Defective Pudding Shop

Jeff Granito Designs

Killer Pumpkins

There’s a number of fantastic artists out there with shops selling art prints, stickers, apparel, and more. It’s really hard to choose, so, please understand, I pick sellers at random and I’m just trying to spread some ghostly love.

Gifts from Across the Pond

Ghost decor from Oktober31st.co.uk store – Direct from the UK, the country with the most ghosts, ghost lovers will find enamel pins to wall decor, mugs to ornaments, stickers to art prints from this independently owned shop. Spooky Wil has all your ghastly needs covered! He also carries gift certificates available so plenty of time to cover those peeps that you won’t see until after the holidays. https://october31st.co.uk/Creepmas


Gift Yourself!

Um, did you forget someone this season? Maybe you have a new Visa giftcard or some cash gifted to you from your Auntie burning a hole in your pocket? Well, look no further.

Creepycompany.com is one of my favorite stores. From apparrel to home goods, Creepy Co. has a wide selection and good variety of different brands to choose from, like Future Ghost. Let’s face facts, ghosts are real cuz we’re all future ghosts.

Creepmas Ghost Mugs – $£4.50
Get into the holiday spirit with these one-of-a-kind coffee and tea mugs.
https://october31st.co.uk/creepmas-ghosts-red-and-white-mug/

The Original Ghost Candles from Melou Candles on Etsy – $12
These adorable soy candles come in several colors and aromas. Perfect all year round.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1294979125/the-original-ghost-candles-halloween?gpla=1&gao=1&

Beistle Batty Ghosts socks Creepy Co – $12
Why do ghosts love socks? Because they have no soles.
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/10097891489514919537?q=ghosts+socks&client=ms-android-verizon&biw=360&bih=621&tbs=vw:g&prds=eto:11993294977634636907_0,cdl:1,prmr:1,cs:1

I hope you find the perfect gift for your loved ones this season. If nothing on this list worked for you, I hope I inspired you to think up more ideas on your own. There are tons of independent artists, writers, and other creators out there

Gifts for Ghost Hunters

Thinking of embarking on an exciting journey of becoming a paranormal investigator, or perhaps you have a young family member interested in ghosts and paranormal research? Well, you’ve come to the right place. There are dozens of options these days for folks just starting out. My lists are designed for quick and easy holiday shopping, but I encourage all to do a little bit of research before making big decisions on pricey equipment.

Top Shops

Ghost Stop – One-stop shopping for ghost hunter fans
https://www.ghoststop.com/gifts/

Ghost Hunter’s Equipment by Ghost Augustine – As seen on Taps, Ghost Adventures, Destination Fear, Ghost Finders, and many more.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com

Top Gifts List

Motion Light Balls – $5
Think there’s a ghost in the room? Well toss one of these suckers on the floor and wait to see if the ghost interacts with it. Made for one-time use, so get a couple for the stocking.
https://www.ghoststop.com/motion-light-ball/


Antique Brass Compass – $12
Before EMF readers, changes in magnetic fields were judged by this little pocket-size tool. No need to worry about batteries or technical issues, any standard brass compass will point you in the right direction.
https://www.amazon.com/Antiqued-Brass-Poem-Compass-Leather/dp/B009HJOE3O/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=vintage+compass&qid=1671324858&sr=8-2

The Ghost Hunters Handbook by Lori Summers on Etsy – $15
A little pocket guide for hunters on the go.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1061718871/the-ghost-hunters-handbook-a-field-guide

A Teen’s Guide to Ghost Hunting by Amanda Woomer – $15
This book written by paranormal investigator and author Amanda Woomer from Spook Eats was designed to introduce teens to the exciting world of paranormal investigation. Ms. Woomer has written several books about her paranormal adventures, so she knows a thing or two about ghost hunting.
https://spookeats.com/a-teens-guide-to-ghost-hunting/

Ghostology: The Art of the Ghost Hunter by Steve T. Parsons – $18 (paperback)
Not a how-to book per se, but anyone interested in getting into paranormal investigations, whether for a career or hobby, should check out paranormal author and veteran ghost hunter Steve T. Parson’s work. The man is a bit of an expert on the subject and has been featured on shows of some of television’s biggest networks, such as BBC, Discovery Network, National Geographic, and ITV to name a few.
https://www.amazon.com/Ghostology-Hunter-Steven-T-Parsons/dp/191012172X

Winning Moves Classic Ouija Board Game – $28
Because no good ghost story starts with a game of Sorry. I recommend beginners start with a little small talk first. If you get any feedback, then, you might want to up your game.
https://winning-moves.com/product/ouija.asp

LED Flashight: ThurNite Archer 2A 3V Cool White – $30
Ghost hunting 101: Everyone knows the first tool of a great paranormal investigator is the almighty flashlight. Ghost hunting takes place at night, in the darkest and spookiest of places. No one wants to break a leg looking for Casper, right? If you want the best and have the money to pay for it, check out the Fenix PD36R, but for those on a budget, the ThruNite Archer is the next best thing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H1NTK82/?tag=gjbgtechgeneralflashlights-20

Digital Voice Recorder 16GB – $50
Ghosts have a lot to talk about, but you’re gonna need a good recorder to catch what they say.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com/collections/spirit-boxes/products/digital-voice-recorder

K2 EMF Meter – $65
The legendary, original paranormal tool used by the pros! This was game changer in paranormal investigating when Ghost Hunters show hit the airwaves, as the practice was consider by many to be pseudoscience. The use of practical and very real technology brought an aire of legitimacy to the practice.
https://ghosthuntersequipment.com/collections/emf-meters/products/k2-emf-meter-plus

EVP Wrist Recorder 3 – $80
For ghost hunters on the go or anyone who suddenly find themselves all alone in a dark, old, spooky place, or, maybe not so alone…
https://www.ghoststop.com/evp-wrist-recorder-3/

Zip up Hoodie Sweatshirt from Ghost Hunters – $99
Gearing up for long cold nights? Don’t forget to pick up a zip up hoodie sweatshirt to keep warm from one of the best paranormal shows ever created.
https://www.officialghosthunters.com/shop/zip-up-hoodie

Beginner Ghost Hunter Kit – $149
Fancy a new hobby in the ghost hunting field but not quite ready for fancy equipment? Then, check out the beginner ghost hunter kits from Ghost Stop. https://www.ghoststop.com/beginner-ghost-hunting-kit/

BooBuddy Interactive Bear – $400
He’s cute. He’s cuddly. But he is not a toy, he’s a ghost hunter!
https://www.ghoststop.com/boobuddy-interactive-bear/

BooBuddy Jr. EMF Trigger Bear – $80
For those who still want to track changes in energy, but suffer PSTD from the Teddy Ruxpin era.
https://www.ghoststop.com/boobuddy-jr-emf-trigger-bear/

Pro Ghost Hunter Kit – $699
This kit has every tool a ghost hunter needs to tackle a big haunt or go pro!
https://www.ghoststop.com/evp-wrist-recorder-3/

7 Gifts That Don’t Suck for Vampire Fans

Kicking off the 2022 Christmas gift-giving guide season with 7 gifts that don’t suck for vampire fans. Vampire fans are a picky bunch and luckily, there are numerous gift ideas that will quench their bloodlust and won’t break the bank.

Bleeding Skull Candles

Bleeding candles are all the rage. Something Different Vampire Blood Tears out of the UK sells taper candles online or through Amazon, or you can try these bleeding skull candles from Gute, which look even cooler.

Bleeding skull candles from Gute

Gothic Black or Purple Damask Throw Pillows

These beautiful gothic throw pillows designed by Teri Sherman and sold through Redbubble are easy ways for vampire fans to goth up a regular couch or bed. Sold in black, purple, and red.

Coffin Ring

Nothing says I’ll love you forever like a coffin ring made of Onyx from Blood Milk Jewels. Of course, there are cheaper alternatives out there for people on a budget, or pricer options, for those looking to get even more serious.

Vampire Capes

Capes are in! Okay, well, long capes like this Black and Red Reversible Cape from the Pyramid Collection is still tricky fashion and better suited for costumes, but short black capes and ponchos are definitely a thing. They go with everything from little black dresses to jeans and boots, and they keep little black hearts warm.

Bela Lugosi Collection from Creepy Co.

Bela Lugosi has an entire line of officially licensed and trademarked clothing and merch sold online through Creepy Co., which offers a number of officially licensed horror collections. Thanks to his business savvy and vigilant family, Bela Lugosi is practically synonymous with his most famous role, Dracula, the 1931 film from Universal Pictures, and I’m all for keeping that legend going. From pins to patches, socks to t-shirts, and my personal favorite, the poster pajama set, surely there is something here for vampire fans of all ages and types.

Wine Gifts from Vampire Vineyards

Vampire Vineyard won the domain name game over vampire.com and successfully trademarked a number of vamp names and images to use with their brand. Their single wines come with a cute little Vampire Wine Cape and are actually quite tasty. Vampire offers a broad range of wine, food gifts, and other merch. Everyone knows wine is the true elixir of life, so vampire fans can relax with a bottle and stop worrying over whether their blood types match.

The Vampira Diaries, 1954-1956 Book by Jonny Coffin

Maila Nurmi a.k.a Vampira, the first inspiration for all the mistresses of the dark that followed, had a bit of a rough life and it’s hard to be supportive of her legacy when there’s next to no official merchandise out there. That’s why this limited edition pre-order coffee table book to celebrate her life is so important. Authored by the eccentric Jonny Coffin, creator of the original Coffin Case, this is a chance for fans to learn a little more about the Original Glamor Ghoul and it’s sold directly through her official shop run by her family, which is nice. I hope they can capitalize on Vampira’s popularity and run a successful store. Btw, I hear only 1000 hand-stamped books will exist, so they’re likely to sell out fast.

Happy Caturday – December

Have yourself a meowy little Christmas!

Pawzuph Black Horned Cat Hanging Decorative Ornament from Once Upon a Spell Gifts

ETSY SHOP: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OnceUponaspellGifts

Haunted Holidays are Here!

Welcome, December!


After giving it some thought, I changed this month’s theme to Haunted Holidays. I realized I was creating two different themed plans in December and I wanted to take a little bit more time to plan out my approach to writing haiku next year, so…Blood and Ice will be next month’s theme.

This December is all about the haunted holidays! Back in the day, people told ghost stories during Christmastime and I would love to bring that tradition back. I encourage everyone to create, write, or find a short ghost tale to tell on Christmas eve, and if you’re having trouble, might I recommend simply retelling the classic timeless tale from Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is the hero we need right now!

Scrooge art by Carter Goodwich

December Fun

Here’s a look at some of the shenanigans I have planned this month:

  • Haunted holidays haiku every Monday
  • Brand new gift-giving guides for Halloween and horror fans
  • New recipes for christmassy cocktails
  • Haunted Holidays Photo Challenge
  • Christmas gift-giving countdown (Details TBA)

I’m kicking off the celebrations with a daily photo challenge. You may post both traditional or haunted photos or artwork. Jump in any time, even if you skip a day, or 5, but, if you can post all 25 days in December, I’ll enter your name into the cauldron for a drawing to win a haunted holidays prize pack.

No purchase is necessary for any of the upcoming contests, but you must be following my blog and be friends with me on at least one of my social media pages (listed below) for a chance to win! Please see official contest rules for more details.

To join in on the fun, follow me @Halloweenhorrorhaiku on Instagram and @Halloweenkristy on Twitter or r/Halloweenhaiku on Reddit.

I wish you a season filled with amusement, inspiration, love, and joy. Please be safe and stay healthy. Remember to take some time for yourself, relax and recharge, so you don’t burn out or lose your damn mind by January.

Krampus postcard, circa pre-1920

Witchy Holiday Gifts

Happy Yule! I’ve gathered up links for 13 witchy shops with great holidays gifts for your favorite witches.

https://www.themagickcabinet.com
https://www.thecrookedpathshop.com

One can find a wall of herbs at Crooked Path in Burbank, CA


https://thegreenmanstore.com
https://hexwitch.com

Yule Pentagram makes an awesome gift


https://www.13moons.com
https://whitemagickalchemy.com
https://newmooncottage.com

One can’t go wrong with tumbled stones like these from New Moon Cottage


https://Artoftheroot.com
www.midnightmuses.com

Every witch could use a Yule log and some candles


https://linktr.ee/goddessprovisions
https://www.ravenandcrone.com
https://www.isisbooks.com
https://crescentcityconjure.us

Don’t forget to give yourself a gift this holiday season because you deserve it!

Any gifts that can be used in an altar is a fabulous gift

Spooky Indie/Small Businesses with Great Halloween & Horror Gifts

The Saturday after Black Friday is always Shop Small Business day. No supply chain issues. You help the economy. You help independently-owned and small businesses thrive. You find amazing, fangtastic gifts for your favorite Halloween and horror lover. Helping makes you feel good. Everybody wins!

In Burbank-Los Angeles, SoCal:

Dark Delicacies – If you’re looking for horror books, horror collectibles and memorabilia, and spooky novelty items
https://www.darkdel.com

Camp Horror/Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum – If you’re looking for horror clothing, horror movie collectibles, strange vintage oddities, and spooky novelty items https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site

Halloweentown Store – If you’re looking for Halloween costumes and masks, horror clothing, Halloween and horror collectibles and memorabilia, and spooky novelty items
http://halloweentownstore.com

Monster-A-GoGo/Kreepsville -If you’re looking for horror or goth clothing and spooky novelty items
https://store.kreepsville666.com

Local Boogeyman – If you’re looking for creepy T-shirts, horror clothing, horror props, and spooky novelty items
https://www.localboogeyman.com

Elsewhere in the US:

Bug Under Glass – If you’re looking for museum-quality insect shadow box art and frames
https://bugunderglass.com
Me and Annabel Lee -If you’re looking for Edgar Allan Poe and Victorian Gothic gifts
http://www.meandannabellee.com
Wicked Clothes – If you’re looking for spooky T-shirts and creepy clothing
https://www.wickedclothes.com
Darkside Displays – If you’re looking for Halloween and horror props, collectibles, and party supplies, and spooky novelty items
https://www.darksidedisplays.com
JPsHorror – If you’re looking for Halloween and horror collectibles and memorabilia, and spooky novelty items
https://jpshorror.com
Spooky Cat Press – If you’re looking for spooky gift wrap, prints, and stickers
https://www.spookycatpress.com/collections/gothic-gift-wrap

Etsy Favorites:

The Bewitching Cauldron – Spooky books and wares
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BewitchingCauldron
Blackheads Pups – Spooky collars for your pups
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackHeartPups
Creepy Candles – Spooky candles for your home
www.etsy.com/shop/creepycandles
DiabolicaBoutique – Spooky bath bombs and soaps
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DiabolicaBoutique

For folks in the U.K.:

October 31st Store – Halloween collectibles, housewares, memorabilia, and spooky novelty items
https://october31st.co.uk
Blackstar Ceramics – Spooky ceramics
https://www.blackstarceramics.co.uk
Dolly Cool – Spooky jewelry and enamel pins
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DollyCool

Small businesses were chosen at random. Many I’ve purchased from in the past and they’re good people. All of them ship almost anywhere (check their website for shipping costs and details).

If you know of a local, independently-owned, small business that provides great gifts for Halloween and horror fans, share their link and location in the comments.