39 Clever Halloween Gifts Beyond Candy but Still Fun in 2025
Halloween’s never really been about the candy, well not just the candy, anyway. So it makes sense that more people are skipping the sugar overload and giving Halloween gifts that still bring the fun.
Psychology Today backs this up too, noting that trick-or-treating is more about the costumes, the decorations and the “boo!” around every corner. So swapping out the sugary overload for curated gifts isn’t going to hurt anybody's feelings. Quite the opposite, actually, according to Food Allergy Research & Education, candy-free gifts tend to be more inclusive and a whole lot safer for kids with allergies.
So yes, while Halloween may not officially be a gift-giving holiday, thoughtful Halloween gifts are absolutely a thing. From creepy craft kits to spooky-sweet Halloween snacks or a haunted night out, these Halloween gifts for kids, adults, him or her, prove that you can share something memorable and considerate.
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- Unique Halloween Gifts
- DIY Halloween Gifts & Experiences
- Halloween Gifts for Adults
- Halloween Gifts for Kids
- Halloween Gifts That Double as Halloween Decorations
Unique Halloween Gifts
1. Murder Mystery Game
If you’re skipping the sugar rush but still want something that feels like Halloween, this is it. Murder mystery games are interactive and a little theatrical — ideal for adults who secretly wish Halloween came with scripts, props and a chance to show off.
It’s one of those Halloween gifts (or any fall party ideas for that matter) that turns a regular night into something everyone remembers. Host the game yourself or let them run it solo. Add some wine and a cheese board, and you’ve got a full-grown-up Halloween evening.
You can download a printable version, or grab a boxed kit like Masters of Mystery with ready-to-go character cards, plot twists and costume prompts.
2. Haunted Hotel Stay
Looking for unique Halloween gifts for adults or even spooky Halloween date ideas? You can’t go wrong with a haunted hotel stay. Book them a room at the Stanley Hotel (from The Shining) and see if they’re brave enough to check in. It’s a great way to turn Halloween into an eerie weekend getaway, especially for adults who like a little thrill with their fall plans.
3. Custom Halloween Portrait
Commission an artist to create a spooky portrait of your friend, their partner or even their pet. Think ghostly silhouettes, vampire teeth or Victorian mourning gowns. This kind of Halloween gift feels personal, creative and totally on-theme.
You can find artists on Etsy or Fiverr offering everything from haunted family portraits to animated GIF versions that follow you with their eyes. It’s weird and wonderful and way more creepy than a bag of candy.
4. Witchcraft Kit
For the friend who’s into tarot, crystals or just really good candlelight, put together a beginner witch kit. You can DIY it with dried herbs, moon-charged trinkets and spell scrolls from Etsy, or order a premade version from Mindful Souls and Amazon.
DIY Halloween Gifts & Experiences
5. Cooking Classes
Looking for Halloween gifts for adults who'd rather whip up dinner than eat candy corn? Cooking classes near you are an interactive way to celebrate the season, and they double as fun fall date ideas too.
You can book themed cooking classes in San Diego, Austin or Miami that feature everything from haunted hors d’oeuvres to pumpkin-filled pasta. Or, if you think they’d prefer to stay home, online cooking classes are a great alternative.
6. Spooky Paint and Sip
A paint and sip class is already a crowd-pleaser, but Halloween party themes take it to another level. Guests can pair creepy canvases with paint and sips in Chicago, Portland, Atlanta or a city near you. It’s relaxed, a little silly and makes for a great night out — or in, if they opt for a virtual version.
7. Halloween Art Classes
If your friend’s the type who already has a dozen Halloween painting ideas pinned before October even starts, an art class near them makes a thoughtful (and totally mess-free) gift.
Let them discover their spooky side with art classes in NYC, Houston or Los Angeles — or keep it flexible with a Classpop! gift card so that they can choose.
8. Halloween Theme Park Trip
For the thrill-seekers on your list, Halloween theme park tickets are hard to top. Parks like Universal Studios and Six Flags go all-in during spooky season with haunted mazes, jump scares and live actors who will chase you with chainsaws.
It’s a great group experience gift — perfect for teens, couples or adventurous friends — and makes October feel like a full-on event.
9. Pumpkin Patch Trip
Some Halloween gifts are all about the experience and a pumpkin patch outing totally fits the bill. It’s festive, photo-friendly and works for families, couples or just a pair of friends looking for fresh air and cider.
Pair it with a carving kit, cozy scarf or pumpkin painting ideas, and you’ve got a thoughtful fall gift that goes way beyond the gourd.
10. Tickets to a Spooky Play
Skip the movie tickets and go for a night of live scares instead. Lots of local troupes put on Halloween shows or eerie classics around this time of year — from ghost stories to gothic drama.
11. Trip to a Haunted House
Haunted houses are practically made for Halloween gifts for him. Think jump scares, fog machines and actors who are way too into their roles.
They're perfect for couples, teens or friends who love a thrill. This one’s an easy way to create a Halloween memory they won’t forget — especially if they scream louder than you do.
12. Halloween Movie Night
Not every Halloween gift needs to be flashy. Sometimes a cozy horror movie marathon hits just right. Put together a simple kit with popcorn, candy and a few favorite scary movies (or a streaming gift card if you’re keeping it digital).
It’s an easy Halloween gift idea that feels personal and fun, especially for someone who prefers chills on the couch over haunted house jump scares.
Halloween Gifts for Adults
13. Harry & David Halloween Gift Box
Harry & David may be best known for their Christmas gift basket ideas, but these Harry & David Halloween gift boxes should not be overlooked. You can get pre-made baskets full of fruit, cookies, candy and more.
14. Candy Subscription Box
For friends you won’t see in person, a candy subscription box is a sweet way to send Halloween fun from afar. Sites like Universal Yums offer treats from around the world, so every month feels like a new kind of trick-or-treat. It’s a great Halloween gift for him or any long-distance friends who love a surprise snack drop.
15. Spooky Accessories
Spooky earrings, charm bracelets or gothic rings make sweet Halloween gifts for her, especially if she loves accessorizing with the seasons. Look for cute ghosts, crescent moons or tiny pumpkins. For something more elevated, the cute Halloween jewelry collection from Alex + Ani is a great seasonal pick.
16. Gourmet Fall Coffee
Fall and coffee go hand in hand, especially when pumpkin spice is involved. A bag of gourmet coffee in seasonal flavors like maple, cinnamon or apple pie makes a cozy gift that keeps on giving. Add a cute mug or a spooky stir spoon and you’ve got a Halloween gift with real morning magic.
17. Pumpkin Beer or Wine
For the adults on your list, a bottle of pumpkin beer or a spooky-themed wine makes a great low-effort Halloween gift for him. There are plenty of unique pumpkin beverages to choose from and they all make great Halloween gifts. You could even pair them with spooky and cute Halloween wine glass painting ideas for a handmade touch.
18. Halloween Cookbook
For the Halloween host or snack-board artist in your life, a themed cookbook is full of inspiration. The Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook is a fan favorite, you’ll find plenty of spooky guides packed with party food ideas, drink recipes and edible experiments. It’s not just fun, it’s practical too and might just earn you an invite to the next costume dinner.
19. Spooky Autumnal Candles
Seasonal candles always hit, and fall scents like pumpkin clove or smoky cedarwood make perfect Halloween gifts for her. Anthropologie’s Deuxmoons candles or any moon-themed sets pair well with cozy nights and spooky stories, but there are plenty to choose from.
20. Fancy Candy Bowl
Sure, it’s technically a candy bowl, but the right one doubles as Halloween décor and earns you points as a party guest. Think stylish options like the Bistro Tile Stoneware Candy Bowl: Halloween Edition from Anthropologie, which works just as well filled with mini Snickers or wrapped in a tea towel on the table. Fill it up before gifting if you really want to win Halloween.
21. Halloween-Themed Wreath
Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas. A black pampas grass wreath (like this one from Grandin Road) or something with pumpkins and bats adds class to a front door or mantel. Especially good for friends who decorate early or love a spooky-but-stylish front door. Choose something that leans more toward fall than eerie and it can easily double as a Thanksgiving gift for friends, too.
22. Decorative Glass Pumpkins
A cluster of decorative glass pumpkins makes a chic Halloween gift that quietly carries through to Thanksgiving. They’re simple, upscale and don’t scream Halloween, which makes them great for modern or minimalist homes.
Choose from options like the Swirl Decorative Glass Pumpkin, which are sweet, simple and still upscale enough for a fancy and modern home.
23. Classy Halloween Dish Towels
Need a quick gift that still feels thoughtful? A set of Halloween-themed dish towels is an easy win. They’re useful, cute and just personal enough for a hostess gift or party invite. This Mystic Bats Dish Towel from Anthropologie is a great choice. It’s so pretty that they may be torn between using it or saving it.
24. Sweet Velvet Pumpkins
If glass feels too fragile, try plush velvet pumpkins in moody tones. They’re safe for homes with pets or kids and still look elegant. Great for gifting in pairs or grouped in a bowl as décor. These Reeve Velvet Pumpkins have lovely gold accents that give them an extra-luxurious touch, but they’ll survive a fall if they have to.
25. Homemade Halloween Baked Goods
Do you love to bake? Homemade baked goods make excellent fall gifts for kids and adults alike. Make sweet Halloween cookies, spooky Halloween cupcakes and even tasty Halloween chocolate-covered pretzels. You’ll love how festive (and allergy-friendly) they are compared to the mystery mix in the candy bowl.
26. Gourmet Halloween Candy
Wondering what gifts to give on Halloween? Well, candy is the obvious choice. If you’re not giving it to trick-or-treaters, however, opt for artisanal or gourmet Halloween candies.
These include things like handcrafted caramel apples, specialty chocolates or pumpkin-flavored treats that you make at home.
Halloween Gifts for Kids
27. Halloween Craft Basket
If velvet pumpkins are the grown-up version of fall crafting, this is the kid-friendly spin. A DIY Halloween craft basket gives little ones a screen-free activity that still feels like part of the spooky fun.
Fill it with Halloween-themed gifts for crafters — think painted mini pumpkins, spider webs or cut-out bat garlands — and include printed instructions to make things easier for parents. Great for kids who might not be trick-or-treating this year or just need something festive to do indoors.
28. Unique Trick-or-Treat Bags
Help them level up their Halloween haul with a trick-or-treat bag that’s personal and reusable. Add their name, favorite character or spooky design. These are practical Halloween gifts for kids that get used year after year.
29. Halloween Cookie Gift Box
Decorated cookies are a sweet and allergy-safe alternative to the mystery mix of the candy bowl. You can order a Halloween gift box of Cheryl's Cookies or bake your own with nut-free or gluten-free ingredients.
Wrap them up in DIY Halloween gift bags and you’ve got great Halloween gifts for teachers, students or even trick-or-treaters.
30. Halloween Candy Basket
Not every kid gets to go trick-or-treating — whether it’s weather, illness or living somewhere with zero foot traffic. A Halloween candy basket brings the excitement home.
Pick their favorite sweets, toss in a small toy or two and wrap it all in orange cellophane or a Halloween bucket. It’s simple but fun, and you get to stay in control of how much of a sugar rush they have.
31. Haunted House Gingerbread Kit
Who says gingerbread houses are just for Christmas? Haunted house kits swap out snow for spiderwebs and turn cookie walls into creepy mansions.
It’s a hands-on, sugar-forward Halloween gift for kids that they can decorate with family or friends. Add some candy bones or monster sprinkles and you’ve got an afternoon’s worth of spooky fun. Plus, the house doubles as DIY Halloween decorations that you can decorate your Halloween table with.
32. Handmade Halloween Costume
If you’ve got the time (and the sewing skills), a handmade Halloween costume is about as personal as it gets. It’s one of the most thoughtful DIY gift ideas for kids who love to dress up — or even for adults who go all-in every year.
You’ll need to coordinate ahead of time for sizing and ideas, but the result is something unique, wearable and way more memorable than a store-bought cape. Just be sure to start early — glue guns and all-nighters rarely mix.
Halloween Gifts That Double as Halloween Decorations
33. Halloween Flowers or Plants
Halloween plants or a Halloween flower arrangement are unexpected but surprisingly charming fall gifts. Try a spooky succulent in a bat-shaped pot, a Venus flytrap for older kids, or black dahlias in a pumpkin vase for adults.
It’s a great way to bring Halloween indoors — and perfect for tween rooms or desks that need a little fall flair.
34. Spooky Wall Art
For a Halloween gift that feels stylish, not silly, framed wall art is a winner. Anthropologie’s Feline Feature Sit Wall Art adds just the right amount of spooky without being over-the-top — a black cat, some shadows, and plenty of mysterious vibes.
It’s the kind of piece they’ll want to hang up well before Halloween and keep long after. Ideal for adults who love moody décor or appreciate a subtle nod to the season.
35. Fun Halloween Plates
Plates aren’t the most obvious gift, which is what makes them such a unique idea. A festive set of Halloween dishes or serving platters adds personality to any fall table, especially for someone who hosts.
The Masquerade Jack-O’-Lantern plates from Grandin Road are fun but still polished enough to display even when the party’s over.
36. Autumnal Cookware
Autumnal cookware makes a gift that feels both festive and functional. Le Creuset’s pumpkin-shaped Dutch ovens or mini cocottes are perfect for soups, stews or just looking good on the stove. It’s a cozy Halloween food gift for home chefs who are already planning their fall menus — or who just appreciate a good centerpiece.
37. Personalized Halloween Décor
From monogrammed pumpkins to custom signs or nameplate doormats, personalized décor makes thoughtful Personalized Halloween gifts that can come back out year after year.
38. “My First Halloween” Basket
Are you looking for Halloween gifts for friends or family members with babies or young children? A “My First Halloween” basket is a great idea!
You can fill it with sweet Halloween-themed goodies for babies, like spooky onesies or Halloween-themed baby books. If there’s a new mom in your life, this is a great Halloween gift for her.
39. Halloween Party Basket
Do you have friends who love to throw parties? Put together a Halloween party basket for them. Fill it with some of your favorite Halloween party ideas, Halloween craft ideas, décor items and even snacks. Consider it an entire party inside a gift bag.
So, which of these Halloween gifts are landing on your list this year? Whether you're putting together a spooky experience, a cozy fall snack kit or something small and thoughtful, the best Halloween gifts are the ones that match your giftee’s style — and make the season feel even more memorable.
For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
