Top 10 Gifts For Lovecraft Fans
Are your loved ones fans of cosmic horror, but you’re fresh out of gift ideas? Or maybe you’re tired of buying Cthulhu knickknacks that temporarily satisfy, but miss the long term mark? If so, this might be the curated gift list for you! A list by Lovecraft fans FOR Lovecraft fans, if you will. We tried to compile a list of gifts that create atmosphere and an immersion into Lovecraft’s world. Ultimately cosmic horror is a vibe & these gifts are perfect for setting the mood.
H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society Membership [$30] - The HPLHS is one membership that’s truly worth its weight in gold! Focusing on the theatrical and immersion into Lovecraft’s world, a membership is the perfect way for cosmic horror fans to officially “be in the club”. Annual memberships start at $30 and lifetime memberships are only $110 (and totally worth the annual membership telegrams!).
Mansions of Madness Board Game [$80] - One of our favorite cosmic horror board games is publisher Fantasy Flight’s Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition (aka MoM2E). Players are thrown into various Lovecraftian scenarios but as the plots progress the atmosphere gets more foreboding. Full disclosure: Fantasy Flight has stopped creating expansions for this game but it’s such a vibe, it’s well worth the investment.
Baranger’s Call of the Cthulhu [$35] - This beautifully illustrated version of the classic “Call of the Cthulhu” story will tickle any Lovecraft aficionados fancy. French artist François Baranger captures the essence of Lovecraft’s stories through gorgeous artwork - he has illustrated other Lovecraft classics as well. And for only $23, it’s an essential part of any cosmic horror collection.
The Thing Deluxe Dog Creature Action Figure [cost varies] - John Carpenter’s 1982 classic Lovecraft inspired movie starring Kurt Russell is a masterpiece of filmmaking. Creating a sustained sense of dread/paranoia along with Rob Bottin’s legendary practical effects; it’s just the crème de la crème of cosmic horror. This customizable action figure from NECA (sculpted by Jason Frailey) is a must have for collectible addicts.
Peterson’s Guide to Lovecraftian Horrors [$35] - If you’re interested in the taxonomy of cosmic horrors, look no further! Sandy Peterson’s definitive guide breaks down Lovecraft’s creature bios along with companion sketches. This is also a great monster compendium for the Call of Cthulhu RPG.
Dagon Children’s Book [$18] - If you’re trying to find a gift for a youngster (and want to indoctrinate them into the Lovecraft cult), you will want to check out H.P. Lovecraft’s Dagon for Beginning Readers. Created in a very “Dr. Seuss-like” style, this is a great way to introduce any child to cosmic horror. Author RJ Ivankovic also has several other child accessible titles that might fit the bill such as Call of the Cthulhu or (more recently) At the Mountains of Madness.
Arkham Investigator’s Wallet Prop Set [$100] - What do you get the Lovecraft enthusiast who has everything? A unique “investigator’s wallet” prop of course! Once again HPLHS (we love these guys) is creating mood setting experiences. This set pairs well with Chaosium’s Call of the Cthulhu RPG, but it isn’t a requirement. It’s just fun to look at and the build quality and wallet contents are top notch.
R’lyeh Tome Fragment [$35] - Etsy seller Zarono’s tome fragments are a sight to behold! And they look like they were recovered from a lost eldritch temple by the sea. The stained pages are filled with forbidden artwork and unspeakable texts which should only be uttered by high priests from a long forgotten cult. Bound with twine, these tomes are super fun to set on your coffee table to elicit interesting conversations.
The Resurrected Movie [$50] - There are several Lovecraftian movies we’d recommend including The Thing, From Beyond, In the Mouth of Madness, Reanimator, Annihilation, and Color Out of Space. But one of the best lesser known cosmic horror movies we’d recommend is The Resurrected directed by Dan O’Bannon. The practical effects are top notch and the story is super atmospheric.
Monkeypit Art Prints [$20] - We’d be remiss if we didn’t include our own eldritch creations on this list! The Visitor, Pickman’s Model, Shoggoth, and Cthulhu prints are all perfect for setting a creepy mood in a den, mancave, she shed, or office. These artworks fit equally well with a dark academia / oddities & curiosities aesthetic (assuming you admire art that stares back at you).
Honorable mentions: Dredge (video game), Arkham Horror LCG (card game), HPLHS Dark Adventure Radio Theater (audiobooks with props), Still Wakes the Deep (video game), The Necronomnomnom (cookbook), H.P. Lovecraft Writings Infographic (poster), and Lovecraft Letter (card game).
We could have easily mentioned some of the more common cosmic horror fan presents, but honestly… your recipient probably already has those! We’re guessing at least some of these are items your giftee has never heard of. With a little planning, your loved ones will enjoy your Lovecraftian offerings as much as the Great Old Ones enjoy offerings from their followers!