If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
We all know someone who considers themselves a true crime expert. You know the type: would rather hang out at home in PJs listening to true crime podcasts or watching true crime movies and shows like Snapped than hit up an overcrowded club. Or who, when they do go out, spends the entire night sizing up potential serial killers at the bar. Their idea of stimulating conversation would probably make most people’s stomachs turn, and their friends have probably casually floated the idea of therapy their direction more than once.
Yes, we’re talking about the true-crime lover in your life. If you fall under that umbrella too, you probably call yourself a murderino. If you don’t, you probably have no idea what that means. Either way, we’ve got you covered when it comes to shopping for the true-crime aficionado in your life (if that just so happens to be you, no judgment).
Our browser history may soon get flagged by the feds for suspicious search activity, but we scoured the internet for some of the coolest gifts you can get your favorite true crime lover. From vintage prints that’ll delight their dark and nerdy heart to merch from their favorite true crime podcasts, the following best gifts for true crime lovers will surely be a hit.
A version of this article was originally published in 2021.
True Crime Watching Blanket
Whether watching a murder documentary, reading a chilling true crime book, or listening to a creepy podcast, true crime lovers need a cozy blanket to be safely snuggled in while they expose themselves to terror.
True Crime Activity Book for Adults
This True Crime Activity Book is loaded with trivia, puzzles, coloring pages, memes, and other fun activities for true crime lovers to complete.
Mixology and Murder: Cocktails Inspired by Infamous Serial Killers
Reading, listening to, and watching so much true crime can shake your nerves. Maybe a stiff drink from this cocktail book (inspired by various serial killers, true crime cases, cults, and more) will help!
Sounds Suspish Mug
Solving crimes is easier with some coffee in your bloodstream, and drinking it out of this mug will keep any aspiring investigator tuned into anything out of the ordinary.
Cats & Killers Pillow
We can say from personal experience that cats and true crime go together like biscuits and gravy. If the true crime lover in your life is also a fan of felines, then this pillow is a must-have.
Disturbing Trivia
Gather all your crime junkie friends and delve into your favorite guilty pleasure with this trivia book. Note: not for the faint of heart.
Unsolved Case Files
Invite your giftee to play a game of Unsolved Case Files. They’ll have to solve three mysteries — and sort through 50 documents — to crack the case. Not everyone’s cup of tea—but definitely the kind of thing your favorite true crime fan would love.
Visitors Are Sketchy Doormat
If you ring the doorbell of a person’s home only to look down and see this doormat, know two things: They watch a lot of true crime show (and probably listen to true crime podcasts, too) and you’re almost certainly on hidden camera.
Suspenseful Game
Bring the murder mystery party home so you can safely play the game. This immersive clue-hunting game will make you feel like a true detective.
True Crime & Coffee Shirt
Why hide your true self from the world? Show off your two obsessions loud and proud everywhere you go — even if that place is just your couch while you’re listening to the latest true crime podcast episode.
Cult-Worthy Scent
Calling all murderinos: Your true crime-obsessed loved one will surely appreciate this delightful-smelling candle — and the warning that adorns its jar.
‘The Girls’ by Emma Cline
Cline’s debut novel is the most fascinating kind of coming-of-age story for true crime lovers — one that follows the infamous “girls” at the center of the Mansion murders.
Handy Phone Holder
There’s a Popsocket for everything these days…including your favorite hobby. Psst: It matches this true-crime-approved T-shirt.
Cereal Helper
Obviously, just because a person is obsessed with true crime doesn’t mean they actually wish harm on anyone. Really, it’s the opposite — we’re fascinated with the idea of figuring out what makes killers tick so they can be stopped. Still, this “cereal killer” spoon is pretty hilarious, no?
Coffee Mug (Shot)
Raise your hand if you recently turned down the invitation to do, well, anything else so that you could stay home and plow through Unsolved Mysteries on Netflix. Yeah, us too — which is why we’re getting one of these mugs for ourselves, too.
Killer Cards
Talk about a conversation starter! When your true-crime friend busts these playing cards out at a party, it’ll give them a chance to flex their knowledge about 54 of the country’s most notorious serial killers, from Ed Gein to the Boston Strangler and every dark soul in between.
The Ultimate Guidebook
Nothing says “I love you” like the gift of staying alive. This cult-fave podcast handbook is a must for every fan.
Killer Book
The late Michelle McNamara was truly brilliant, and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is a testament to as much. Her riveting investigation of the “Golden State Killer” will have any true-crime fan hooked, and is all the more fascinating for his identity having finally been revealed as Joseph James DeAngelo, now sentenced to 11 consecutive life terms in prison, in 2020.
Cozy Hoodie
True crime, glass of wine, in bed by nine. If you have a friend who fits this description, this sweatshirt will undoubtedly be put into heavy rotation in their wardrobe.
Hunt a Killer Box
C’mon, how much fun is this? Instead of taking a passive true-crime-obsessed approach, put your friend in the driver’s seat with a box that tasks them with helping to solve a murder. It’s like a totally immersive board game experience that’ll liven up any night in.
Bloody Good Kitchen Essential
Sure, some people might think this gift is in bad taste. But the true crime lover will get a giggle every time they go to slice and dice atop this cutting board engraved with the likeness of Jeffrey Dahmer and one of his most apropos (for this gift) quotes: “I’ve got to start eating at home more.”
Cookie Cutter
You’ve gotta be slightly off-center to love this crime scene cookie cutter, which is probably we’re hopelessly obsessed. Just imagine how creative you can get with frosting!
Fingerprint ID System Patent Print
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that serve as a subtle nod to an obsession. Not only will this vintage print of a 1926 fingerprint identification system patent look cool on any wall, but it’ll also make your friend feel like a DIY detective.
Color Me Scared
Adult coloring books are still all the rage, and yes, you can get your murder-podcast-obsessed friend one to make their weird dreams come true.
Leave a Comment