Thanks to a few real-life ghouls and goblins, our Halloween shopping has been limited this year, as international shipping from so many of our beloved small businesses outside the United States has stopped dead in its tracks. As unfortunate as that is, there are countless small businesses here that not only need our support but also craft some of the greatest Halloween and horror inspired merchandise that you definitely can't get at certain big box stores. As a serial buyer and collector of all things strange and unusual, monstrous and macabre, I’m always looking for one-of-a-kind things to wear, use, and decorate my living spaces and have a few favorite small businesses that I love to buy from, especially this time of the year, that I want to share…

12MonthsofOctoberCo

On the hunt for serious Halloween vibes? Look no further than 12MonthsofOctoberCo! Mugs and bumper stickers, retro buttons and plaques galore haunt the listings of this Etsy shop, and the artwork on all of the products is enough to fill your soul with the full essence of October. Rather than beware, become one of the autumn people with any of their classic, nostalgic, and gothic goods. Personally, I adore the shop’s specialty wooden plaques the most. The phrases and sayings are perfect hangings for your spooky home - whether you choose to post them seasonally or all year round, like me! A few treats from their shop helps to make you feel like it really is October all year long.

Love Pain and Stitches

Halloween isn’t complete without the iconic jack-o-lantern Pumpkin Kult bag from Love Pain and Stitches. As a family business, you can feel the care sewn into every seam of these spooky community staple items. They have other great things on their site including acrylic jewelry, t-shirts, wallets, and stickers, but the tremendous variety of handcrafted bags really stands out. Follow their social media accounts and subscribe to their newsletter to make sure you are aware of their current drops. I’m afraid to admit how many bags I own from their shop, but I can tell you I get a compliment every time I wear one. There’s also nothing like spotting another like-minded buyer sporting their pumpkin bag in the wild. The unspoken bond between Kult members is strong.

A Black Star

Adding a hint of darkness to your wardrobe and home means heading to A Black Star’s online store. Halloween comes in all shapes and sizes here including apparel, home goods, giftwrap, slouchy cardigans, blankets and pillows, and even laptop sleeves. Their famous Summerween pumpkin and coffin shaped inflatable pools get the Halloween party started early. I have so many different things from their shop: the Hallow’s Eve Knit Pullover Sweater, a Casper patterned desk cover, and my personal favorite, the Pumpkin Tote, and have to share that everything delivered to me is made with love, care, and quality production. I may have to gift myself another cardigan this year.

Dreamy Creeps

As a serious stationery user and lover, I’m always looking to creep out my notes. I’m happy to have all of my gadgets and apps, but there is nothing like the use of a real pen and paper when I’m working on a project. I discovered Dreamy Creeps’ Etsy shop this year and am happily hooked. Owner and artist, Josie, is incredibly talented and has curated some of the most charming, yet grossest looking stationery, stickers, totes, and more. Eyeballs and bugs, slime and skulls, teeth and chains adorn colorful lists, schedules, and note pads. The part of me that wants a bit of Halloween in everything around me can't resist the special look of the artwork that makes recording notes and marking off tasks fun.

Backstitch Bruja

Yvette, owner of Backstitch Bruja, has a wonderful mission for her spooky boutique and I love each piece I have purchased from her small business. Whether a cozy patterned cardigan or a fabulous top handle purse, every inch of material is dedicated to making the most beautiful product possible. The boutique’s diverse catalogue ranges in cutesy terror to horror themed designs that you can find online and in the Bruja Boutique storefront located in San Dimas, California (one day I’ll visit!). When the temperature finally drops, there’s nothing I look forward to more than going to the pumpkin patch or to see a scary movie at the theater in my long Pumpkin Witch cardigan. Backstitch Bruja delivers on conjuring up bewitching styles that are both inventive and inclusive.

Honorable Mention: Cavity Color’s Spook Bag

For the past twelve years, Cavity Colors has released their signature ‘Spook Bag’ filled with Halloween treats, and, as a buyer from year one, I can say the contents have gotten better and better each year. Obviously their famous t-shirts and other apparel are terrific and make up most of my own wardrobe, but getting the bag has become one of my favorite annual traditions. Playing with different themes and quality items, each bag comes with an exclusive t-shirt in your selected size among a number of perfectly fun goodies you can only get with the bag. Be sure to put this on your calendar, though! With a limited number of bags available, these tend to sell out in a manner of hours.

Happy Halloween shopping, fellow fiends! Remember: your purchases help keep these small businesses creating more amazing products to enjoy. What are your favorite small business Halloween shops in the US?

Your Accursed Librarian,

Jessica

Shop Spooky: 5 US-Based Shops to Die For