If any TV series demands a modern-day reboot, it’s TALES FROM THE CRYPT, which debuted on HBO in 1989 and ran for seven years.

Also big in the 1990s were CD players. These are somewhat less demanding of a reboot. Note that Apple’s newest iMac doesn’t include a disc drive of any kind. But if any fright fans on your list still cling to their shiny discs like Golem clings to his precious rings, nothing will make them happier than the TALES FROM THE CRYPT CHRISTMAS ALBUM.

Some highlights of the track list are as follows:

Deck the Halls with Parts of Charlie
We Wish You’d Bury the Missus
‘Twas the Fright Before Christmas
Twelve Days of Cryptmas
Should Old Cadavers Be Forgot

Now a collector’s item, used copies can be dug up on Amazon. Also available: THE TALES FROM THE CRYPT: COMPLETE SEASONS 1 – 7 BOX SET for a not-unreasonable US $112.00.

For more about this guide, visit DAY 1.
Thank you for joining us all week long, and have a happy holiday!

Have you ever had one of those moments when you can’t stop craving a cheeseburger after seeing an ad for cheeseburgers? Well, that’s kind of what happened to me ever since unicorns appeared in the headlines last week.

According to the historically unreliable Korean Central State News Agency, archaeologists in North Korea claimed to discover an ancient unicorn’s lair. Never mind whether or not this claim was entirely true. Ever since then, I’ve had a hankering for the velvety horse with a heart of gold, and a horn that reportedly tastes of almonds.

The perfect gag gift (it will literally make you gag if you actually try to eat it), canned unicorn meat includes several hand-severed slabs plus a helpful guide to the choicest cuts of the carcass. It’s on sale now for only US $6.49 at ThinkGeek.

Want to create an extra-ghastly ThinkGeek gift basket for your favorite foodie? Combine the above with Body Part Lollipops, Evil “Misfortune” Cookies, Chocolate Zombie Bunny, and Ghost Pepper Super Hot Candy Balls.

Come back tomorrow for the final day of the GHOULISH & GHASTLY GIFT GUIDE.
For more about this guide, visit DAY 1.

“Part garden gnome, part reanimated dead body,” states the website. “Mini Gnombie is horrifying at first sight, and should be unpackaged with care.” That’s just the “mini” version!

The pictures tell you everything else you need to know. Click on each one for pricing and more.

Come back tomorrow for Day 4 of the GHOULISH & GHASTLY GIFT GUIDE.
For more about this guide, visit DAY 1.

DAY 2: BOOK OF SITH: SECRETS FROM THE DARK SIDE

Nothing re-energizes a story like a villain’s-eye-view on the struggle between good and evil. The best example might be WICKED, the Oz-based book and musical told from the perspective of the Wicked Witch. Here, Star Wars offers a new perspective on the galaxy “far, far away,” but with a stunningly immersive twist. It’s an archival pod belonging to the ancient evil-doers known as the Sith. In addition to various rare texts, removeable items include a Sith lightsaber crystal; a detailed battle map; and for fans of TV’s CLONE WARS, a Nightsister talisman.

It’s on sale now at Amazon for $56.00.

Come back tomorrow for Day 3 of the GHOULISH & GHASTLY GIFT GUIDE.

For more about this guide, visit DAY 1.

Last year’s GIFT GUIDE left such an impression that a few of you suggested we make a tradition of it.

Indeed! Let’s.

Instead of focusing on broader categories such as “Books” and “Video Games” this time, the 2012 guide showcases five extra-special items that defy easy categorization, with a different item to be revealed each day this week.

Petition Santa politely, friends. He may be unaccustomed to such morbid “must-haves”….

DAY 1: “The Ex” 5-Piece Knife Set with Unique Holder

At long last, somebody has merged the angry, whimsical allure of voodoo dolls with the purposeful utility of kitchen knives. Who would think to merge such terrible things? A special kind of genius, that’s who! His name is Raffaele Iannello. Learn more at Raffaele Iannello Creative Soul Brand. Currently available from Amazon in a variety of colors for US $79.99.

In the event you are too young or too evil to be trusted with knives, you might want to consider Mr. Iannello’s equally chilling pen set, due in stores in 2013. Some say the pen is mightier than the sword. But it’s probably all the same to the poor, faceless little guy pictured here with all the puncture-wounds.

Come back tomorrow for Item #2! The SITH’s about to get real (so to speak)….

Time for the new school year. The dead leaves. The shortened days. The fantastic-sounding WALKING DEAD horror maze at Universal theme parks. And Halloween. Lots and lots of Halloween.

More to come, as always. . .