We’ve all seen those Cthulhu-tentacled ski masks and basic tentacle-printed dresses (and leggings) linked everywhere. So, we felt that it was high time for a more unique list of insanity-inducing gifts for Lovecraftian horror fans. Read on for our top choices, and believe us when we say that we were in no way compensated by any of the makers on this list (although, we wouldn’t say no to an extra copy of the “From Beyond” soundtrack….).
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To start, here’s our very own offering to the gods of horror gifts, the Chaos of Cthulhu Dice Game. Perfect for monster-lovers, this game marks Imp House’s very first entry into the Lovecraftian annals. A lot of time was spent working closely with illustrator Daryl Toh to make the art visually provoking, in the style of Mike Mignola. It’s a dice game like no one has every seen before; part strategy, part luck…all madness! Gift-givers located in the United States can buy it at Amazon.com, and everyone else can purchase direct at ImpHouse.com.
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Next, you really can’t go wrong with anything from the always insane H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society Store, and we’re especially fond of A Very Scary Solstice CD and Sing-Along Songbook. Who wouldn’t want to lead their family in a eggnog-fueled rendition of “Do You Fear What I Fear” or “I Saw Mommy Kissing Yog-Sothoth”? If you are feeling especially generous, your Lovecraft-loving loved one will never forget your gift of The Cyclopean Holiday Combo, complete with tentacle stocking and enough unspeakable (unsingable?) holiday tunes to drive anyone to the deepest depths of delirium.
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Another place to find a selection of fantastic gifts celebrating all things monstrous and Lovecraftian is Studio WonderCabinet and The Art of Heather Hudson. We are really looking forward to getting our hands on her King in Yellow Christmas Cards, which were successfully Kickstarted on November 15th. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter and/or follow her on social media to find out when these paragons of evil holiday cheer will be released.
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The artisans over at Middle of Beyond have some truly dreadful Lovecraft-themed ugly Christmas sweaters up for sale this year. We’re especially fond of that button-down version, which brings to mind an alternate-reality Mr. Rogers. They’ve also got a big selection of creepy ornaments that are sure to provide the perfect level of dread to your typically basic holiday decorations.
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Every child in your life (regardless of age) must be bestowed with the gift of a Pikathulhu Plush. What better way to introduce them to the horrors of Lovecraft than with the adorable-yet-disturbing aggregate of Cthulhu and Pikachu? It’s a match made in Pokémon nightmares. (If you cannot find a pre-made plush, you can make one yourself by purchasing this pattern.)
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For the audiophiles out there, Light in the Attic Records offers some high-quality collectible LP releases of some of Lovecraft’s most horrific fiction. Our favorite is the From Beyond Soundtrack printed on Pink Slime vinyl. It really sets the mood for holiday insanity. If your loved one is a fan of spoken word, the very first vinyl recording of The Lurking Fear is available in limited quantities, and Pickman’s Model is up for pre-order now and should ship just in time for the holiday season.
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No horror gift guide would be complete without a mention of artist Jack Eggers over at Small Magic Bindery. We especially love his Necronomicon-themed prayer flags and candles. You can also take your favorite HPL story with you everywhere you go with his Lovecraft Mini-Books, which are featured in the HPLHS store. They are truly mind-altering in their handcrafted madness.
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And finally, to wrap this up (ba-dum-ch)…you’re gonna need some fittingly demented paper to complete the gift-giving insanity. This Cthulhu Wrapping Paper does the trick with Elder Signs, Cthulhu Idols, and a holiday-appropriate color palette. It’s a great way to add your own unique touch to the usual hum-drum holiday vomit under the tree.
