I find it vaguely annoying that so many of the sites which carry unusual items have patronizing names like Stupid.com and What On Earth.

But anyway.

There are, indeed, some unusual items to be had here. These skeleton serving forks are actual metal rather than the cheap plastic this kind of thing is usually made of.

The Skel-a-Flamingos are a cute statement in anti-kitsch, and I love this embroidered skull satchel.

Also check out their hand X-ray pendant, skeleton apron, and this amusing T-shirt. (Update: The shirt is apparently no longer available. Curses! Here’s the same one at Hot Topic.)

Ah, well. If it were mainstream, it wouldn’t be goth.

Oh, I do love this time of year. All the mainstream establishments trot out their Halloween-themed wares, and the smart goth stocks up for the lean times.

In this case, it’s the Doctors Foster and Smith pet supply site. They’ve added a Halloween section to their site, offering items like the tarantula dog toys shown here and these cute spooky catnip balls. There’s no reason that your pets can’t get in on your lifestyle too. (Or at least the warm-blooded ones; there’s no Halloween store for reptiles, so my lizard will just have to feel left out.)

I’m going to get one of the tarantulas for my mother-in-law’s cockapoo. I like the idea of a little cutesy dog wrestling with a big fuzzy spider.

Designer Sarah Cihat “rehabilitates” used ceramics by resurfacing them with unusual images and then re-firing them. She has a number of stock images available (including skulls and spiders) and also does custom work.

Her items aren’t cheap–the range is around $35-$60 per piece–so buying an entire set of dinnerware might be a bit spendy. However, a big serving tray or other single piece might be a unique and elegant accent for a plainer set of dishware.

You could also just buy one and hang it on the wall. They’re lovely.

Link (via Halloween Hotlist)

Here’s another item that’s capitalizing on the current pirate craze, but also feeds right into the goth lifestyle. These cute ice cube trays (which are even black; a nice touch) will let you add a little veracity to “name your poison.”

Link (via We Covet)

(Check out the Skeleton Keys and Poison Flask on the same site. Cute!)

I’ve mentioned haunted dollhouses previously, but Etsy seller Lil’ Witchy has taken it to a whole ‘nother level. She specializes in 1:12 Miniatures for “Witch’s Haunted DollHouses or Wizard’s scenes.”

I love her little absinthe set and spell cupboard.

The items aren’t cheap, but you can be certain of getting a one-of-a-kind item. For the enthusiastic spooky miniaturist, this would definitely be worth it.

Heck, I want some full-size versions of this stuff for my own house.

Link

Topatoco, where Webcomic creators like Wondermark and Three Panel Soul peddle their wares, just added this shirt to their line.

The world’s largest social club and lobbying group, just beating out the Humanity of Man and the AARP. Future Corpses of America hosts awkward potlucks and sponsors holiday craft fairs in elementary schools. And they have one kick ass softball team.

I think I’ll get this to wear to work on Casual Friday.

I like the Zombie Attack and Baby Dracula shirts, too.

This post was originally going to be a little heads-up about Yankee Candle’s new Boney Bunch product line, but then reader Alea wrote me with a problem: Because Halloween falls on a Friday this year, there’s a spike in Halloween weddings and Yankee Candle has sold out of the Bride and Groom.

Their reps are saying that they don’t know if they’ll be able to restock before Halloween, and this particular item is so popular that it’s selling for up to $400 on eBay right now. Alea hopes that if we all nag Yankee Candle, they might make restocking a priority.

If you’re having a Halloween wedding and would like some of these cuties as favors or cake toppers, or if you just want to let Yankee Candle know that we spooky types are a nontrivial part of their demographic, you might want to drop them a line at info@yankeecandle.com and ask them nicely to restock these guys before the big day.

(If you’re lucky enough to be a Halloween bride next year, better keep an eye on these and snap them up as soon as they’re back in stock.)

(Oh, like you weren’t thinking it.)

This cute hardbound fabric journal from Andy Pratt Designs is available with either lined or unlined pages. Just the thing for pulling out in idle moments and recording your innermost thoughts.

The fangs are available as a signed print, too.

Link (via We Covet)

Sculptor Paul Allinson creates custom jewelry, shoes, and furniture with wonderful gothic detailing. I’m enormously taken with the little bats clinging to this desk, but all of his work is really striking: Check out the heels of these boots and this awesome walking cane.

The prices for many items aren’t listed, but the jewelry at least seems fairly affordable. He also does custom work, including big dramatic pendants and unusual items like petrol caps.

Link (via Uncle Fester’s)

Just in time for back-to-school shopping, the Skelanimals line of toys is offering backpacks.

At 12″ high they’re closer to oversize purses than functional backpacks, but you have to admit they’re mighty appealing. The packs are available as skeletal rabbits, cats, or bats.

I wish they’d had these when I was in grade school. I wouldn’t have had to work as hard to make my teachers vaguely nervous.

Link

(hat tip to Herding Kittens)