The 2017 Lovecraft-Inspired Holiday Gift Guide
December is just around the corner. That means it’s time for my annual Lovecraft-Inspired Holiday Gift Guide! Huzzah! As with previous years, here you can find the perfect curated gifts for the weird-fiction aficionado, cosmic horror fan, or mythos-lover in your life. (Perhaps something special for yourself. You need gifts too.) There’s a lot of great stuff on the list this year, and you’ll find something for all ages and budgets.
As before, I’ve organized the list by category and ordered them by price making it easy to browse. Have a favorite New Weird or mythos-themed item I left off? Leave a comment at the bottom and let everyone know!
❄️ QUICK LINKS ❄️
Books • Music • Apparel • Games • Housewares • Miskatonic
❄️ BOOKS
Hammers on Bone by Cassandra Khaw
$6.98 + Free Shipping (Paperback) $3.99 (eBook)
More a novella than a novel, Hammers on Bone introduces the reader to John Persons, a hardboiled private investigator hired by a ten-year-old to kill his abusive stepdad. But things aren’t what they seem, and Persons discovers the truth is much dark then he realized.
The Fisherman by John Langan
$11.08 (Paperback) $6.99 (Kindle)
Winner of the 2016 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel. The Fisherman focuses on a pair of widowers, Abe and Dan, who have found solace in each others company and in fishing. Masterfully written, with an overhanging sense of dread laced with cosmic horror. The result is a sober and somber look at folklore and loss that is dripping with atmosphere.
Winter Tide by Ruthanna Emrys
$14.29 + Free Shipping (Hardcover) $15.99 (Paperback) $12.99 (eBook)
A twist on historical fiction, Emrys envisions a world where the once aquatic residents of Lovecraft’s Innsmouth were placed in internment camps far from their seaside homes. Emerging from the camps, Aphra Marsh finds herself critical to the government who imprisoned her as they struggle to keep mankind safe from total destruction.
Borne: A Novel by Jeff VanderMeer
$14.30 + Free Shipping (Hardcover) $10.40 (Paperback) $12.99 (eBook)
Not specifically Lovecraftian, but certainly weird. VanderMeer is back with a tale of biotech gone awry. In a broken future ruled by a giant bear, a strange creature discovered during a scavenging mission might just tip the balance of power and put people in jeopardy.
Red Litten World by K. M. Alexander
$15.00 + Free Shipping (Paperback) $4.61 (eBook)
In the third installment of my Bell Forging Cycle, Caravan Master and now Guardian Waldo Bell returns to the multileveled megalopolis of Lovat. Hired by a wealthy patron to investigate a ritual murder he finds himself once again thrust into a conflict that will lead him up into the cities blood-soaked spires.
Engines of the Broken World by Jason Vanhee
$16.99 + Free Shipping (Hardcover) $9.99 (Paperback) $7.09 (eBook)
This is a hard book to pin down. It’s not Lovecraftian, but the themes are there: ministers speak through animal avatars, mothers sing from beyond the graves, and the world is shrinking. There is a palpable sense of dread that carries the story, amplified by Merciful Truth’s wide-eyed innocence and her outlook on a world that is crumbling at its edges.
Not finding a book you like? Check out the books features on one of the previous guides.
• 2014’s Books • 2015’s Books • 2016’s Books •
❄️ MUSIC & AUDIO
Into The Cold Waste
£5.00 ($6.67 USD) (Digital Download)
Inspired by the Dream Cycle/Dreamlands from Lovecraft’s often ignored Dreamquest of Unknown Kadath, this album from Allicorn feels like the soundtrack for a movie that should exist. It’s haunting and vast, taking you on a journey that reaches from the deck of the White Ship to the spires of Ngranek itself.
The Dukes Of Alhazred by The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets
$10.00 CAD + Shipping (CD) $10.00 CAD (Digital Download)
After a decade the latest album from The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets has arrived and fans of the Lovecraftian themed stone rock band won’t be disappointed. It’s catchy, it’s weird, it’s cosmic horror rock. (Make sure to check out the instrumental track Erich Zahn, it’s quite good.)
The Picture in the House LP – PIGAFETTA’S JOURNAL VARIANT
$35.00 + Shipping
Cadabra Records specialize in limited presses of weird fiction audiobook records. Quality and details matter and they make sure the art and presentation are perfect for the collector. This latest release features Lovecraft’s The Picture in the House, read by the indomitable Andrew Leman and scored by the amazingly talented Fabio Frizzi.
The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft – Special Edition
$75.00 + Shipping
New this year from the HPL Historical Society, this collection of all—yes, every single one—of Lovecraft’s audiobooks comes in its own neat USB stick featuring a silhouette portrait of the father of cosmic horror himself. Over 50 hours of Lovecraftian terror, perfect for your holiday.
Not finding any music or audio that interests you? Check out one of the previous guides.
• 2014’s Music • 2015’s Music • 2016’s Music •
❄️ APPAREL
NecronomiCon’s Providence Sigil Patch
$3.00 + Shipping
Love patches and haven’t been able to attend NecronomiCon in Rhode Island? Well, Lovecraft Arts & Sciences’ still sell the con’s sigil as a patch. The patch combines the Eye of Providence with the Elder Sign and is embroidered with a gold metallic thread on a black 2″ patch.
Bell Caravans Patch
$5.00 + Shipping (Order by Dec. 10th for Christmas Delivery.)
This beautiful 3″ patch, designed by illustrator Sean Cumiskey, is the perfect way of declaring your loyalty to your beloved caravan master. Put it on your backpack, a tote, or display it on the sleeve of your jacket, just make sure the world knows who you roll with. [From the pages of the Bell Forging Cycle.]
H.P. Lovecraft Cthulhu Hard Enamel Pin
$10.00 + Shipping
This Lovecraft Cthulhu hard enamel pin measures 1.5″ tall and comes in a deep green that makes the tentacles glisten! Each pin comes on the backing card with a rubber clutch. (I recommend upgrading to a locking pin back.) Enamel pins aren’t your thing? The same design is available as teeshirts, stickers, and more.
Cthulhu’s Church Teeshirt
$30.00 + Shipping
I don’t feature many graphic tees. But this design from Gianni Corniola mimicking the style of stained glass you might find in a gothic church was stunning enough I felt it deserved a bit of attention. It’s a step above most cosmic horror tee shirts.
Cthulhu Idol Necklace
$31.95 + Shipping
Since the publishing of Call of Cthulhu, there has been a lot of Cthulhu idol designs. Everyone has their own vision of Uncle Angell’s horror in clay. This little pendant was a unique take. It’s subtle and effective, it feels ancient but it’s not overdesigned. The sort of thing you’d imagine someone driven to madness would create.
Bell Caravans Hoodie
$55.00 + Shipping
Join the caravan with this classic zip hoodie with a warm fleece lining. The full Bell Caravans logo designed by Sean Cumiskey is on the back, while the small wheel-and-bell symbol resides on the front. Stay warm, look good, fight the Firsts. [From the pages of the Bell Forging Cycle.]
Cthulhu Silicone Mask
$750.00 + Shipping
Elevate your cosplay game with this terrifying realistic silicon mask sculpted by Andrew Freeman. Created with quality in mind this mask moves and jiggles with a stomach-churning reality. Comes in a variety of colors from “flesh” (pictured) to even stranger patterns. It’s the perfect mask to help you fully realize your character.
Not finding any apparel you like? Check out apparel on one of the previous guides.
• 2014’s Apparel • 2015’s Apparel • 2016’s Apparel •
❄️ GAMES
Manimal Sanctuary – iOS
Free! (Digital Download)
Hard to pin down, Manimal Sanctuary is not a game so much as it’s an experience. You play the role of a benevolent creature watching and devouring the emotion as you following the lives of several characters struggling in a world devoured by gibbering monstrosities. Worth the play. Available on Android. (Low-end VR platform like Google Cardboard required.)
Cultist Simulator
$14.00 (Digital Download)
Beginnings have to start somewhere, Alexis Kennedy (creator of Sunless Sea) explores the rise of a Lovecraft-esque cult in a strange little card game. I backed it on Kickstarter, played the Alpha, and fell in love. It’s engaging, its story and its world are rich and fresh, and I can’t wait for its release.
Sunless Skies
$24.99 (Early Access Digital Download)
Failbetter Games takes the sequel to Sunless Sea from the endless night of Fallen London to the very stars themselves. For Queen and Country, you must explore the Victorian steam-punk skies of the High Wilderness as captain of your own spacefaring locomotive.
175mm Resin Cthulhu Miniture
€46.11 ($55.00 USD) + Shipping
Spice up your next tabletop gaming session with the greatest of great old ones. Spice up your players next encounter with The Revenant of R’lyeh, The Motivator of Madness, The Despair from the Deep, The One, The Only, Cthuuuuuullllhuuuuuu. [Crowd goes insane.]
Arkham Horror Premium Figures
$62.91—$191.52 + Shipping
If you’re like me, you’re obsessed with the Arkham Horror line of boardgames from Fantasy Flight. (I’m a big fan of Mansions of Madness.) Like me, you might not have the time to paint their lovely little figures. Well, lucky for us, they offer a selection of premium painted figures.
Not finding a game you’d enjoy? Check out the games on one of the previous guides.
• 2014’s Games • 2015’s Games • 2016’s Games •
❄️ HOUSEWARES
Cthulelf!
Free! (Digital Download)
Writer, cartoonist, and all-around rad person Kate Leth created this adorable little monstrosity for your home! As she says: “The old one rises from R’lyeh to wish you a merry and festive holiday season!” Print yours out and make your home a bit more festive. Check out Kate’s other work as well.
Innsmouth Olde Ale
$13.00 (Per Six-Pack)
This holiday season, when you crack open a cold one, have yourself a ‘Gansett. The latest from Narragansett Brewing Company’s Lovecraft series is names after Innsmouth and is a toasty and malted English-style Olde Ale. Something you might find served in Gilman House perhaps?
Cedric’s Eatery 11oz. Mug
$16.00 + Shipping (Order by Dec. 10th for Christmas Delivery.)
It’s cold out and you need a new mug. Why not pick one up from Lovat’s own Cedric’s Eatery located in the entresol between Levels Three and Four. An in-between place for in-between folks. Waldo Bell’s latest hangout. Fill your mug with 11 oz. of bad coffee, your favorite tea, or something stronger. [From the pages of the Bell Forging Cycle.]
Nightgaunt Statuette
$25.00 + Shipping
Your bookshelf deserves this little guardian of Ngranek. If he protected the infamous mountain on the isle of Oriab deep within the Dreamlands then he can protect your hardcover collection. Let this little fella carry you away, the way his cousins carried away a young H.P. Lovecraft.
Handmade Cthulhu Mug
$40.00 + Shipping
Whether your drink is coffee, tea, beer, wine, or something a bit stronger don’t you believe your beverage of choice deserves a mug as unique as your interests? Why not pick up this (very) limited handmade Cthulhu mug featuring the great old one gripping a human skull in his mouth tentacles, then smugly challenge all beverages.
Eldritch Pipes
Prices & Availability Varies
These gorgeous pipes come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They are almost too beautiful to use with each shape being as unique as those who wield them. The pipe pictured is “The Cultist” and is sadly no longer available but there is always a rotating stock so keep your eyes peeled.
Not finding a houseware item you like?
Check out the housewares from one of the previous guides.
• 2016’s Housewares •
❄️ MISKATONIC UNIVERSITY
Antarctic Expedition Challenge Coin
$25.00 + Shipping
Challenge Coins have been growing in popularity in fandom (I “blame,” 99% Invisible). So it only makes sense that the Miskatonic University Antarctic Expedition be immortalized in a coin of its own. Make sure you have it on you, you never know who might call for a coin check.
Sterling Silver Miskatonic University 1928 Lapel Pin
$29.00 + Shipping
If you’re looking for something a bit on the fancy side, consider this 3/4″ sterling silver lapel pin from Badali Jewelry featuring the 1928 Miskatonic University seal. Also available as a tie-tack if you’re one of those people who is forced to wear ties unironically.
Miskatonic Varsity Zip Hoodie
$75.00 + Shipping
As a student of Miskatonic University, you’re proud of your alma mater. We all know it. So, why not wear your pride on your shoulders? This high-quality hoodie is the perfect way to show school spirit and comes with a varsity pin of your choice to celebrate your accomplishments.
Not finding any Miskatonic stuff you like?
Check out the Miskatonic University items from one of the previous guides.
• 2014’s Miskatonic • 2015’s Miskatonic • 2016’s Miskatonic •
❄️ Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! ❄️
Do you have a book, game, or other Lovecraftian product I should feature in next years Lovecraft-Inspired Holiday Gift Guide? Leave a comment below or send me an email!
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