Gift Guide
True crime is the number one podcast category in the world. Millions of people spend their evenings binge-watching Dateline, dissecting Serial episodes, and falling down Making a Murderer rabbit holes. If someone in your life is one of them, you already know: they are not easy to shop for. They have read all the books. They have listened to all the podcasts. They have opinions about evidence handling.
Good news. We put together this list of 15 gifts for true crime fans that go beyond the obvious. Whether you are shopping for a birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas, or a just-because surprise, there is something here for every level of obsession.
Mother's Day heads-up: If you are reading this in April or early May, order by May 5 to ensure delivery in time for Mother's Day. Several of these gifts ship quickly, but subscriptions and custom items need a few extra days.
The best true crime gifts are not things that sit on a shelf. They are experiences that let your person do the thing they love: investigate.
This is the one we are most proud of (yes, we are biased). Cold Case Club delivers real evidence packets to your recipient's mailbox every two weeks for six months. Detective notes, witness statements, newspaper clippings, coded messages, crime scene photographs. Twelve packets total. One cold case to solve. It is the closest thing to being an actual detective without the badge. The prepaid gift option is $74.99, which works out to about $6.25 per packet. Grab the gift version here.
Hunt a Killer is the big name in mystery subscription boxes. Each box contains physical clues, documents, and puzzles that build a larger story over several months. It is more game-like than Cold Case Club (think board game meets escape room), which some people prefer. A solid pick for fans who want a structured puzzle experience with high production value.
Perfect for the person who likes to drag their entire friend group into their true crime obsession. These kits come with character cards, clue packets, and a full evening's worth of scripted drama. Great for date nights, birthdays, or anyone who says "I could totally solve a murder" at least once a week. Look for kits from Host a Killer or Masters of Mystery.
Most major cities offer guided walking tours of historic crime scenes, haunted spots, and infamous locations. Companies like Dark History Tours and Niche Tours run them in cities across Australia, the US, and the UK. This is a great gift for a couple or a group of friends, and it pairs nicely with dinner afterward. Check local listings for your city.
Cold Case Club delivers 12 evidence packets over 6 months. Detective notes, witness statements, coded messages. The most memorable gift you will give this year. $74.99 prepaid.
Shop the GiftFor the true crime fan who is always looking for their next deep dive.
If they have not read this one yet, they need to. McNamara's investigation into the Golden State Killer is widely considered the best true crime book of the last decade. It is gripping, beautifully written, and heartbreaking. The HBO documentary is excellent too, but the book comes first. Perfect for the reader in your life.
MasterClass offers courses from some of the biggest names in true crime and investigative writing. A subscription gives access to lessons on research, narrative structure, and storytelling from people who have actually done the work. Great for the fan who secretly (or not so secretly) wants to write their own true crime book someday.
True Crime Garage is one of the longest-running and most beloved true crime podcasts. Their merch line includes t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories with their signature garage aesthetic. If your person already listens, they will love repping the show. If they do not listen yet, this is a great excuse to start.
The book from the hosts of My Favorite Murder is part memoir, part self-help, and part true crime. It is funny, honest, and deeply relatable for anyone in the Murderino community. Even if they are not MFM listeners, the writing is sharp enough to stand on its own. A great stocking stuffer or add-on gift.
For the fan who wants their living space to reflect their interests (tastefully, of course).
Etsy is full of beautifully designed minimalist posters inspired by true crime documentaries, famous cases, and crime podcasts. Look for vintage-style prints or typographic designs. They are subtle enough to hang in a living room without alarming guests, and they make a thoughtful, personal gift. Search Etsy for "true crime poster" and filter by reviews.
Every true crime fan has fantasized about having their own evidence board with red string connecting the clues. Now they can have one. Look for kits that include a quality cork board, colored pins, twine, index cards, and magnifying-glass accessories. It doubles as a vision board when they are not solving cases. Pairs perfectly with a Cold Case Club subscription.
Several small-batch candle makers on Etsy produce true-crime-themed candle sets with names like "Crime Scene," "Cold Case," and "Interrogation Room." The scents are surprisingly good (think smoky cedar, old leather, black coffee). A fun, consumable gift that does not add permanent clutter. Great for someone who already has a lot of stuff.
The podcast that started the modern true crime boom deserves a spot on their desk. Official and fan-made Serial mugs are easy to find online. A simple, affordable gift that they will actually use every day. Works as a standalone or as part of a true-crime-themed gift basket.
Lighter picks for the fan who does not take themselves too seriously.
A canvas tote with a cheeky true crime slogan is the kind of gift that gets used constantly. "Basically a Detective," "I'm Only Here for the True Crime," and "Serial Listener" are popular options. Practical, funny, and a conversation starter at the grocery store. Look on Etsy or Redbubble for designs with good reviews.
Several companies make playing card decks themed around famous cases, with each card featuring a different case summary and illustration. They work as regular playing cards and as a mini encyclopedia of crime history. A great travel gift or game-night addition. Unusual enough that they probably do not already own a set.
Printable or physical bingo cards designed around common true crime podcast tropes ("the husband did it," "unreliable witness," "small town"). Play along while listening to any episode. This is a fun, inexpensive gift that works for a group. Perfect for podcast listening parties or road trips. Find these on Etsy or download printable versions.
With 15 options on this list, here is how to narrow it down quickly:
Whatever you pick, the fact that you are shopping with their specific interest in mind already makes it a great gift. True crime fans notice details. They will notice this one too.
Order by May 5 to get the first evidence packet delivered before Mother's Day. 12 packets. 6 months. One cold case to solve. $74.99 prepaid with a printable gift card included.
Gift a Cold Case