A Gift Guide of Dreaded Goods
Edible SF’s 2026 haunted gift guide for our favorite time of year
WRITER Melody Saradpon
Horror is the one genre that I devour in every form. Everything from movies, books, decor, houseware, to food: I’m always looking for different ways to experience it. Fear has an interesting way of keeping you present, so this month, I decided to look for it in the here and now, close to home. These Bay Area makers, purveyors, and shops specialize in items that lean towards the dark. The best part? All of it is worth keeping past the 31st.
JERED’S POTTERY: Iktomi Download
$500
Iktomi is known as a classic spider-trickster spirit in Native American culture. According to Lakota lore, he shapeshifts from a man to a spider to lure humans into their own folly. JERED’S POTTERY
Sixteen chocolates sealed in a black box. Made in San Francisco by hand, perfect to devour in the dark. RECCHIUTI
BERNAL CUTLERY: Food To Die For Cookbook
$29
Written by paranormal investigator and ghost hunter Amy Bruni, enjoy making historical recipes from America’s most haunted towns, hotels, hospitals, and homes. Filled with creepy stories and images, this is perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. BERNAL CUTLERY
UMÉ STUDIO: Candle Pit with White Oak Tray
$425
A large candle that burns like a live, volcanic painting. Guaranted to put you in a contemplative hypnosis. UMÉ STUDIO
CRIMSON HORTICULTURAL RARITIES: Ceramic Wall Snake
$35
Handmade ceramic snakes, a perfect addition to decorate your altar space. Each with their own signature “S” name, and no two are exactly alike. CRIMSON HORTICULTURAL RARITIES
CRIMSON HORTICULTURAL RARITIES: Drosera Binata Carnivorous Plant
$20
A carnivorous sundew that traps insects with its tentacles. Goes dormant in the winter, but it’s a 365-day killer. Keep it away from pets, and pick it up in person in Oakland since it doesn’t ship. CRIMSON HORTICULTURAL RARITIES
PEÑA MADE: Nonna Cabinet
Contact to purchase
Italian art deco meets San Francisco goth victorian in a glass-front cabinet perfectly made to showcase dark curiosities. Custom sizes available. PEÑA MADE
FAR WEST FUNGI: Porcini Tagliolini
$13
A dark autumn pasta from Italy, ridged to grip every drop of saucy goodness. Holds up to cream, tomato, meat, and vegetables, and looks properly ominous on your plate. FAR WEST FUNGI
SWORD AND THE ROSE: Djinn Powder Incense
$25-$45
This Cole Valley occult shop has stayed open since 1985. Maybe credit this djinn powder: ingredients include dragon’s blood, cinnamon, pine, frankincense, and amber. Burn it for a ritual or whenever you feel called to. SWORD AND THE ROSE
XINYE LIN: Obsidian Aura Portable Perfume
$75
Iris (the symbolic Greek flower of the dead) is paired with lavender and grapefruit in this artistic solid perfume. Encased in a molten, black shell that swivels like you’re opening something while its alive. XINYE LIN
ARION PRESS: Poe’s Phantasia & The Raven (Fine Press Edition)
$1350
Located at Fort Mason, Arion Press is San Francisco’s fine letterpress house specializing in beautiful editions of print. This illustrated edition of Edgar Allan Poe’s dark tales features unsettling gouache-and-pastel paintings by Natalie Frank. A gorgeous collector’s set for an unquiet mind. ARION PRESS