Once upon a time October was a month of revelations. Of the clocks going back, having extra time in bed to slumber. Of trick or treating at nearby houses with her witches cauldron, begging for sweets. Of pumpkins begging to be carved like jack o’lanterns. Of Halloween Parties, where hosts supplied their guests with punch. But now, she sees everything. Of a Halloween arriving on borrowed time. The shortest season, a trespasser in a country already rehearsing feel good Christmas carols. A few fleeting weeks where the greens rust in yellow, green and red. Until they are stripped bare, twindling branches snapped. Shops decorated in Halloween’s finest. Paper Mache Bats spinning around supermarket ceilings. Pumpkins waiting to be chosen. Fancy dress costume shops having a sudden boom in sales. Children plotting transformations: Ghouls, witches, wizards and everything in between. Adults excavating costumes caked with dust from their uni days. Parents looking for spooky vegan Halloween gifts for kids who appreciated the macrabre. But then, before autumn gets the chance to breathe it is over. November on the horizon. Where Halloween decor vanishes and the pumpkins dissipitate into the soil. Christmas ruling over winter like a monarch. Christmas songs played until their sweetness curdled. But she had a new found appreciation for this overlooked holiday. A season to not only indulge but to push boundaries. To do what scared her, holding onto truly living. Halloween was one night, just like Christmas. Yet Christmas was a season. Wondering why the darkness was shunned in favour of rose-tinted glasses.
@olliedixon
It’s why she curated this spooky vegan Halloween gifts guide. With colourful food and drink, activities, fashion, and entertainment for vegans who wanted to celebrate the grotesque. Championing how Halloween would permit things that the rest of the year would rather keep concealed. Granting the peculiar a place at the table. Poking fun at things that scared us. Letting the ordinairy be the extraordinairy. Forgetting that anxiety has made her a conspirattor of her own imagination. She blocks it out, envisioning the treats that would bring sinister joy. Skulking around Hallowen at Kew, where witches and grave robbers worked in unision to scare. Dracula lurking in the shadows waiting to ensnare the vunerable. Family friendly Halloween adventures at Hockerhill. A meet and greet with Labubu Dolls. Inquisitive children climbing towers with the fearlessness of someone who hasn’t lived. In the land of vegan food and drink, she’d reach for Mister Free’d Blue Maize tortilla chips. Authentic Mexican flavour laced with salt that enticed. Ladling black beans, sour cream, and guacamole for a witchy snacktime, to satisfy the spirits that haunted so intently. Rodeo’s Vegan Halloween Doughnuts another highlight. Indoctrinating even the most savoury of lovers into its sugar laden lair.
She headed into a pumpkin patch, two hours away. The sun crawling into oblivion as the moon took its shift. A Loungefly Minnie Mouse crossbody bag glowing in the dark with mischievousness. Cheeks reddened by the compliments that were flying thick and fast. Her hands were almost frost-bitten. Teeth chattering as the temperatures dropped. Wrapping red-stained VE Cosmetic lips around Adagio Pumpkin Potion tea. Cinnamon and pumpkin spice notes seeping through her consciousness. Halloween was drawing nearer, and she could sense the panic. Not quite the chaos of Christmas where shoppers jostled each other with vengeance. But there was underlying menance. A season where people would follow their inhibitions without caring about the consequences. Spooky vegan Halloween gifts for adults, kids, families, friends and solo adventurers alike. But what would you choose, she wondered, finishing up the details of her most beloved Halloween wishlist yet.
Scary Halloween Activities
London
Halloween At Kew Gardens
She envisioned a crystal bowl, swirling with power. Purple energy coursing predicting the future. Where she skulked around Halloween At Kew, in an orange crochet dress. Snaking around her ankles, orange tights poking out underneath. An orange beret askew, the wind whipping hair tendrils into a frenzy. Day of the Dead guitars swayed from earlobes reddened from the cold. She stuck her hands in her pocket, immersing herself in spooky entertainment and supernatural surprises. London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site given a ghoulish makeover. She would traipse through the 1.5km trail through Kew Gardens. Mesmerized by the Cursed Tomb, where a long-lost explorer and ancient mummy guard secrets beneath the ground. She would tune into her sixth sense, watching a grave robber search the cemetery for treasure. A witch stirring mischief from her cottage that was all askew. Her heart would speed up, leaping out of her chest, locking eyes with the executioner guarding the Medieval Dungeon. It was one of her favourite eras in history, but she was glad to live in the present, reminding herself that this wasn’t real. But still she would jump. At Dracula hiding in the shadows of his lair, waiting to attack. Sharp teeth glinting under the silvery slip of moon.
@olliedixon Looking for spooky vegan Halloween gifts? Halloween at Kew has so much on offer.
Past the horned spirtualist she would go, watching them conduct a devilish woodland ceremony surrounded by mysterious figures. She would wander into the garden, the hairs on the back of her neck risen like the dead. The Headless Horseman haunting the garden, guided by a tunnel of grinning pumpkins lighting the way through the darkness. A pumpkin scarecrow with a freakish smile inciting a scream or two. But there would be a reward at the end. The new Monster Disco, dancing beneath giant skull shaped mirror balls. A lively dance master guiding little monsters and grown up ghouls. She would wipe the sweat off her head, a grin licking her makeup-smudged face. Her stomach grumbling for food and drink. Sipping on warming hot toddies that gurgled in her throat. Freaky fries that would get gobbled up by hungry mouths. Watching mesmerising fire performers light up the cloud-licked night. To finish, she would purchase spooky vegan Halloween gifts at Victoria Plaza Shop. Purchasing her very first Jellycat, Broox Bat who was fiendishly cute. Fighting the urge to not buy Ghost Bob and Ooky Jack O Lantern too. But this Ghoulish adventure would be a limited time offer. From Friday 16th October to Sunday 1st November, with legendary creatures and haunted spots that wouldn’t disappoint.
Prices:
Non Member Adult: Off Peak £19.50/ Peak £24
Member Adult: Off Peak £16.75/ Peak £20.55
Staffordshire
Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn, Staffordshire
For parents who wanted spooky vegan halloween gifts and activities, Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn was the ultimate visit. A spooky ‘what’s in the box’ game. Envisioning going with a friend and her kids, having a special meet and greet with Labubu doll characters the day after. She’d chuckle to herself, her partner’s shudder in her mind. Someone who found them creepy, whereas she found them ‘cute and cuddly’, would the kids agree. They’d laugh and clamour for photos, as she stood behind the lens capturing them from every angle. Wide beaming grins, rosy dimpled cheeks, eyes widened in excitement. On another day, a spooky trail where the little witches and wizards would explore the playbarn. Searching for picture clues along the way, helping them decode the correct answer, to win a sweet treat. They’d whoop with laughter, jumping up and down as they won their reward. Clamouring to come back everyday, where a different surprise would be in store.
From October 24th to Saturday 31st October, in a magical Halloween wonderland. Perhaps the most iconic would be the game of traditional apple bobbing. Reminding her of evenings at the funfairs when she was little, queazy as she rode the Dodgems round and round after. The kids would squeal, getting creative with a twist on potato printing. Using apples in the shape of pumpkins. She was never any good at crafts but she envisioned herself getting into the spooky spirit. Underneath an eerie navy blue sky, where the moon hung heavy in the sky. The budding sorcerers would let their imaginations go wild on Thursday 29th October. Designing their own spooky Halloween mask that they’d reuse for Halloween when they went trick or treating. Witches cauldrons stuffed to the brim with candies that would make them bounce off the walls later. Pumpkin carvings on the 30th October, an activity she had always wanted to try, but had never done before. Prizes for the best design uploaded to Instagram or Facebook awarded with a free family return for up to four people. But the fun wasn’t over yet. Little ones getting their faces painting with bewitching spooky season designs. Watching Elphaba from Wicked sing and host games that boosted their dopamine levels. She too would unleash her inner kid during half-term. Helping the kids scale towers, bridges, high-level rope walkways and hiding out in sensory dens. Jumping up the climbing wall. Flying along the zip line that reminded her of a school trip. For the young thrill seekers, they could even become race car drivers. On pedal go-karts on a winding tarmac track, that started indoors before heading outside. A dedicated space for pre-schoolers too with a blackboard, slide and magic mirrors.
Prices:
Spooky Trail £2
Pumpkin Carving £5
What’s In The Box £1 per go
Admission £7.50 for adults, £8.50 for kids 3-18 years, £5 for toddles, under ones (free)
Oxfordshire
Stonor Park & Tumblestone Hollow
A magical woodland adventure awaited them at Tumblestone Hollow. Delving into its haunting spellbook, with a spine-chilling new trail, captivating storytelling and eerie crafts. The Hollow Tales & Trails would begin on Saturday 17th October, and end on Sunday 1st November. Beckoning families into the eerie gardens, with eight riddle to solve across the themed areas. Would they make it out alive? Tip toeing into Spider Hollow, deathly scared of what they might find. Harnessing the power of protection from their ancestors in the Witches Clearing. Dancing at the Skeleton Party, tumbling through the Ghost Wood, in search of the next clue. There would be a treat for them when they completed the Hollow Trail. Gathering at the Visitors Centre, keeping the reward a secret, for now. Venturing into the woods to the Witches Hovel for live storytelling at The Hollow Tales. But wait, what was this? Tumblestone Hollow’s Pumpkin patch, with orange creatures great and small. Smooth ones, knobbled ones, waiting to be picked. Heading to the decorating station, where they could create a creepy keepsake to take home. The night would glare at them ferociously, trees laden with red and yellow leaves cascading to the ground. Beautiful woodland enveloping Stonor Park in sinister magic. They’d conquer the playground too. Searching for sightings of the lost raven among the soaring zip line, and high energy spiralling chutes. Crawling through tunnels and climbing towers higher than expected. Finishing their Halloween adventure at The Rumble Hut, with vegan hot chocolate and pizza dribbling down their food-smeared chins. As far as spooky vegan Halloween gifts went, Tumblestone Hollow was a rare treat.
Prices:
Adults (16+) from £12
Child (5+) from £13
Child (3-4) from £11
Child up to 2 (free)
Suffolk
Guildenacre New Adventure Playground
She stared out the window, the rain lashing at its glass. As the train rolled through the countryside, watching sheep grazing on rolling hills. At home, she hadn’t even decorated for Halloween yet. Reminding herself to dig out her fake pumpkins from storage. Lining them with twinkling fairy lights. The front door welcomed with an autumnal leaf wreath. So she thought of spooky vegan Halloween gifts for all the family. Where kids and adults could have fun alike. She would step off the train, friend’s kids in tow. Walking into Guildenacre, a new woodland adventure playground. Where Halloween was a family friendly adventure in a four acre wood. In the grounds of Helingham Estate, where shivers would await. They would take part in the Halloween Treasure Hunt, collecting clues and completing the trail sheet. Exploring Guildenacre’s four themed play areas. Playing a game of spot the woodland creature, with 6 mysterious Halloween installations hidden in the woods. But the biggest surprise? The pedal cars to hop on, gliding through the adventure trail, with ease. High off the adrenaline they’d head to the glitter bar, bringing magical Halloween designs to life. Blowing away the cobwebs in four play areas. Where they’d scoot down slippery slides. Traversing rope ladders, and striding across wooden walkways. Climbing monkey bars and wobbling across balance beams clumsily. They’d complete the Halloween experience with a selection of creepy crafts at Wades Barn. A Grade II listed barn, built in the 1600’s. Enjoying a steaming cup of peppermint tea biting at her tongue. Gorging on a vegan Chickpea & Spinach roll, crumbs flaking down her dress.
Prices:
Children aged five+ £16.50
children aged 3-4 £8.50.
Children aged two and under go free
Adult tickets £8
Nottinghamshire
Sundown Adventureland
When she was younger she would often frequent a theme park. Squealing over Burger King as she rode ‘The Vampire’, a swinging roller coaster that stole her breath away. Losing her headband on Rameses Revenge in The Forbidden Kingdom, on an intense top spin thrill ride. Flipping her upside down over water fountains that splashed her ferociously. Thorpe Park another favourite, queueing for 2 hours to ride Stealth, reaching 0-80mph in 1.8 seconds. But her favourite? Colossus, the world’s first ten looping roller coaster. Dizzied as she got off, chortling at the photo that captured her scream in all its glory. So could you blame her for choosing spooky vegan Halloween gifts that unleashed her inner child? At Sundown Adventureland, an award-winning theme park for under 10’s. It would be given a makeover for Halloween, with two weeks of monster hunts, a Creepy Carnival and family friendly thrills that they would secretely love. They slinked into Sundown, dressed in their Halloween finest. Her in her finest Dios Des Los Muertos costume, them as a purple witch, and a blue wizard, with magical wands. Agape at the giant spiders, bounty of pumpkins and picture perfect photo opportunities. They’d gasp at the 10ft tall pumpkin. Cry out at the creepy 12ft long spider. As they followed a trail of clues, searching for five members of the ‘Scream Team’. Spike, Gretchen, Boltz, UGO, and the Unknown Pharaoh, waiting to be found. They would stop for respite at the Pumpkin Cafe, gorging on vegan chocolate drizzled in whipped cream.
She was no artist, but the kids would be. Drawing their own monster, entering it online for a chance to win a spooky sundown t-shirt. Would they win? It was the future, but she was confident that when the time came the kid’s creativity would come out top. They would head into the Four Seasons Arena, to get their faces painted. The kids opting for something that would match their magical being costumes. But she would be more interested in the Creepy Carnival. Reminding her of visiting the fairground when she was kid, near school. Where she’d shoot at moving targets to win a cuddly toy that noone ever won. Rides that seemingly failed the health and safety inspection. Chowing down on pink candyfloss that stuck to her teeth like glue. But here safety was paramount, with games like Pumpkin Bowling and Boltz Buzzer dazzling their senses. With more than thirty rides to choose from, they wouldn’t get bored. The Jolly Pirate Barrel Ride and Rocky Mountain Railroad standing out especially. Lo and behold, Honey and Sunny (two impish bears) would dance and play games. Welcoming monster special guests into their entertainment circle. Unlike other Halloween experiences, Spooky Sundown was designed for younger children, with no scary tricks to get everyone in the holiday mood.
Prices:
Discounted online tickets booked in advance are £20.95 for adults and children over 90cm.
Tickets purchased at the gate are £25.95. Children under 90cm enter free, with discounts available for disabled guests, seniors and carers.
The annual Sundown Fun Pass also includes access to the Halloween event and offers unlimited return visits for 12 months.
County Durham
Raby Castle Park & Gardens New Pumpkin Patch
When she was younger she dreamed of being a Princess. Being rescued from a traumatic childhood and whisked away to a home that was safe. Where she didn’t retreat into the shadows cowering under the hits. In some ways her dream came true, going into foster care when was 10. Given a roof over her head that didn’t come with fear. Sure, she and her foster mum often fought. But was it any surprise that she was so rebellious when she came from the background that she did? It’s one of the reasons that she became fascinated with castles from a young age. Going back in time into history, where she could escape into someone else’s reality. Walking among ghosts that didn’t haunt her unlike the demons that leeched at her soul. Was it any wonder that Raby Castle, Park & Gardens spoke to her? Dating back to the 11th century, where royalty would frolick in grassy meadows. Spotting deer that grazed by autumn glazed ponds. Walled gardens covered in half sun-shade. Halloween in the modern age was no exception. From the 3rd October witches and wizards would fly into Raby’s woodland adventure playground on their broomsticks. Transformed into a Haunted Forest Trail, with hauntingly large spiders dangling from trees. Spooky skeletons propped up. A spooky feast for kids and adults alike at The Plotters Forest that personified joy. A new pumpkin patch, trails and installations waiting to be explored. The trees parted, rustling in the wind. Revealing the new Hidden Forest, where every sound made them jump. They would go into the mini pumpkin patch, selecting the largest pumpkin they could find. Picking pumpkins to carve at home for the Halloween season.
Looking for spooky vegan Halloween gifts that are a little different? Try Raby Castle for eerie fun!
They would enjoy a creative pumpkin painting worksho, with spooky characters and iconic Halloween colours to include. Each little artist receiving their own pumpkin plus paints and brushes to design the masterpiece of their dreams. Adults were looked after too. A charming pumpkin flower workshop in the Conservatory, with idiyllic views across the walled gardens. Transforming a pumpkin into a striking natural vase filled with fresh autumn flowers, textured foilage, seed heads, berries and rich harvest colours. The adults would then go on a Ghost Walk Tour, lit up by torches. Wandering into secret rooms that weren’t open to public normally. The guide sharing tales of unexplained phenomena and reporting hauntings witnessed over centuries at the castle. For families and their kids, they would go on a Haunted Family Explorer Tour through some of the creepiest rooms. Taking part in a hunt for curious objects hidden around the castle. Exploring the strange and surprising crimes and punishments seen in Raby’s history. As a history nerd, the combination of spooky halloween gifts and activities made for the perfect day or night out.
Prices:
Entry to the pumpkin patch is £5 per person and tickets are limited.
The Halloween After Dark experience is taking place on 24th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st October with several time slots available between 5pm and 6.30pm and is £10 for children and £8 for adults.
The pumpkin painting workshop is in the Yurt and is on 24th, 25th, 29th, 31st October and 1st November at 11am and is £12 per child. Each child must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Periwinkle Barn’s pumpkin flower workshop is on 24th October and is £60 per person.
The Ghost Walk Tour at Raby Castle is £25 per adult and is held from the 24th October to 1st November at 6pm and 6.30pm.
Raby Estate High Force Hotel & Waterfall
She’d never been stargazing before, picturing a constellation of stars littered across the skies like freckles. Tracing a line, and racking her brain for which constellation she had seen. In London seeing stars was rare, clouded by pollution that fogged up the skies. A far cry from the nights she grew up in the countryside. Sitting in long, lush green grass that tickled at her feet. Where the stars winked at her conspiratorily, invoking mischief and mayhem. Raby Estate was no exception, combining the powers of the spooky season, and nature in one spectacular evening. In her mind they’d gaze at the glowing pumpkins and mystical potions that would light the woodland path. At the statuesque High Force Waterfall, past a spooy skeleton trail that trailed through the trees. Collecting clues as the sound of one of the North’s highest waterfalls roared. Water gushing, illuminated by dramatic lights. A family stargazing experience at the waterfall designed for young explorerers and curious minds. With fun demonstrations and storytelling led by expert stargazing hosts. Adults and children alike learning how to spot stars, constellations and planets, with engaging Science to spark imaginations. They’d listen, letting the sound of the water in the background ground them. Allowing them to slow down, by one of the Telegraph’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Britain. Stepping into a world of wonder underneath the protected skies of the North Pennines National Landscape.
Prices:
The family stargazing experience is on 29th October and is £34 for children (5-15 years) and £39 for adults.
Manchester
Manchester’s Dead Dolls At Alternative Fashion Week
She remembered her room growing up in foster care. China dolls with perfectly coiffed ringlets. Gingham collared blouse dresses and mini flat shoes. Rows of them collected by her foster mum staring creepily in the dark. Was it any wonder that she found them haunting. Eyes, always open, limbs perfectly rigid. She found them less creepy as an adult. As an adult she thought they were cool. A friend of hers an avid collector of toys, scattered around her house like well-loved treasures. With that in mind something uncanny was brewing in Manchester. ‘Dead dolls’ blazing a trail for Manchester’s Alternative Fashion Week. Unlike the china dolls her foster mum collected there was something remiss. Cracked heads and missing eyes, smeared makeup that reminded her of the rock band KISS. Haunting figurines that had started to appear in independent shops, cafes, and bars, around the city centre. 25 dolls created by fashion designer Leesa Bertram O’Neill, who said the ‘dolls’ individuality will blaze a trail for the inaugural Alternative Fashion Week Manchester.
Running from the 20th-25th Oct, with one new little misfit added ton the trail each day. Fab Cafe, Vinyl Exchange, Gullivers and Afflecks Palace amongst host locations. Dolls that were rescued from charity shops in the UK and Budapest where Alternative Fashion Week founder Bertram O’Neill’s family was from. Neglected ones that were damaged, often covered in felt pen or stickers. Giving them a second chance at life. Each doll made with off cuts and scraps of ‘Pretty Disturbia’ fabric, with their own name, number and style. As part of a fashion week championing North West designers, who were subversive. Hosting runway shows, night markets, clothes swaps, and more at venues included Afflecks Palace, Islington Mill and HOME. A dead doll trail map available to be collected from event HQ on the second floor of Afflecks Palace. Anyone posting a picture of one of the dolls on Instagram ( and tagging Alternative Fashion Week Manchester) entered into a draw for two free tickets for the event of their choice.
The night bled into sunset like ink splotches, until the day was swallowed whole. The dead rising, ghosts slinking in the shadows. In ST Albans where nighttime wasn’t quite as it seems. Heading on a Ghosts & Ghouls walking tour, exploring the city’s historic inns, ancient churches and shadowy streets while hearing stories of their supernatural residents. A haunted city, engulfed by history. The spectre of a Victorian women by the White Hart Hotel. Brutally killed in 1920, her death covered in the Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens. The Thirsty Monk of St Albans Cathedral rumoured to sneak into the bar to drink a pint. The spirit of a young girl who perished in a fire in 1832 at White Hart Hotel. A bloodthirsty tour in the darkness of night. Loud noises making them jump. Their hearts pounding out of their chest. But there was more to St Albans than ghost tours, spooky vegan Halloween gifts for the whole family. Getting creative with a Halloween Mosaic Making Workshop at Verulamium Museum. Children crafting their own eerie Halloween themed mosaics using colourful glass and embellishments. Learning mosaic making techniques with local artist Audrey from Montent Designs. On the 26th October, as spirits howled ferociously outside. St Albans Museum + Gallery offered a chance to unleash their spooky creativity too. With a sinister Halloween Mask Making class, taking inspiration from the museum’s Accessories: Wearing Your Story exhibition. Would they make a pumpkin with googly eyes? A witches mask with pipe cleaner spiders? A troll, a ghoul, something fiendish?
@rickybarnett
Prices:
Ghosts & Ghouls Tour £10
Mask Making £6.50 per participant
Mosaic Making £15 per participant
Spooky Vegan Food
Rodeo Vegan Halloween Doughnuts
Her stomach rumbled furiously, growling for something sweet. Craving spooky vegan halloween gifts that she could eat to her heart’s content. Rodeo’s Halloween Vegan Doughnuts calling her name in shades of orange, brown and white. Incy Wincy in a decadent chocolate glaze. A dark chocolate spider crawling through an even darker chocolate web. Confetti sprinkles laced with addiction. Reminding her of the nursery rhyme where ‘Incy Wincy spider climbed up the water spout’. Where ‘down came the rain and washed the spider out’ was a metaphor for her gobbling up the vegan spider doughnut in one bite. The D’oOooOoh Nut another standout dressed in pumpkin orange. Black and orange sprinkles caressing a circle doughnut with fiendish glee. Luke Tombs was the cutest vegan doughnuts, washed down with her decaf pumpkin chai, oat milk swirling. The doughnut a cinnamon scroll, glazed in more cinnamon. Vanilla glaze creeping out behind sugar eyes that seemed to see inside her soul. She reached for the final doughnut with a secretive glance. Trying to downplay the fact that she just smushed three doughnuts into her greedy mouth. The Sha-Boo-Zey a riff on a skeleton, glazed in vanilla. Blacked out eyes and two dots for a skeletal nose. A wiggly stitched together mouth that held secrets for centuries. She had tried the Rodeo Vegan Doughnuts last year, a bigger selection. Wishing she could have the Monster Mash green doughnut in this years box. Wondering why it was downsized for 2026. Cost of living? But still, the scaled down box was just as moerish.
Price: £19.50 for a box of 4
Mister Freed Blue Maize Tortilla Chips
In another lifetime she is a witch, where Mercury retrograde stumbles through the rot of September. Dragging its malicious chains through a windy night, where the cold bites. The stars hiding beneath London’s pollution and smog. The moon half-concealed underneath cloud that wraps like gauze. The dead scratching at the ground, waiting for the veil to be lifted. To wander among the living with creepy delight. Hearing their scraping skeletal fingers probe at thin walls. She staves away the dread with an offering they can’t resist. Mister Free’d Blue Maize Tortilla Chips, like splinters of midnight. Fractured souls screaming out for spooky vegan Halloween gifts that would sustain them. She arranges it in an orange pumpkin bowl, like scooped out flesh. Scooping slow-cooked black beans over brittle shards arranged in a circle. A pool of vegan cheese, the colour of old gold. Vegan sour cream drizzled generously like a spider’s cobweb. Guacamole spreading like a swamp where lost souls would sink. Blood red chunky homemade salsa bleeding into the green-white sauce. The spirits gathered, the zombies drooled. Ripping tortilla chips from the bowl like rent was due. Crackling in mouths they shouldn’t have. Sauce dribbling down their chins. The offering was accepted. Faces lit up in a smile instead of a grimace. Ancestors with blue stained fingertips dropping crumbs on the wooden floor. Tucking into loaded vegan nachos with undisguised happiness. Satiated for one night, relishing in the slight sprinkling of saltiness. The authentic Mexican flavour made gluten-free. Perfect for the undead who had no stomachs she decreed.
Looking for spooky vegan Halloween snacks that’ll whet your appetite? These Blue Maize Tortilla Chips are so versatile.
Oggs Festive Chocolate Cupcakes *
She waited by the door like a cat waits for their dinner. Startling at every noise, wondering if it was the postman banging on the door. But she then she remembered they would ring the doorbell. Listening out for its shrill sound. Her concentration was fading. Dreaming of Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes that she would ice for Halloween with a friend. A wholesome activity for two besties, who were going through a tough time. Grief stealing their breaths, mottled faces riddled with tears. Seeking escapism in the form of crafts that would take their mind off things. Two indulgent chocolate cupcakes generously topped with rich chocolate frosting. Finished with elegant golden pearls. She already knew where she was going with her cupcake, a pumpkin patch for the damned. Piping orange buttercream pumpkins clumsily with dark chocolate stalks. Scattering crushed vegan chocolate biscuits around the base like soil. She would make vegan biscuit tombstone and pipe it in grey. Dusted in black and green glitter, with the words ‘The Damned’ in capital letters. Her friend also opting for a gothic treat, going the vampire route. Scarlet red raspberry sauce dripping down the sides of the chocolate frosting. Black sugar crystals intertwined in red. Piping white vampire fangs portruding out from the cupcake, stained with red. The two friends laughed, temporarily forgetting their problems. Putting on rose tinted glasses as they rode a sugar high. Unleashing their inner child, one decoration at a time. Sharing spooky vegan Halloween gifts that brought them eerie joy.
Price: £2.25
For affordable spooky vegan Halloween gifts, she would turn to the recipe Queen Kirsty. A certified nutritionist, who curated healthy vegan recipes for the season of the undead. Pumpkin spice energy balls that tasted as addictive as it looked. Measuring rolled oats with pumpkin puree. A dash of her favourite Pip & Nut Butter, a splash of maple syrup. A sprinkle of pumpkin spice, mixing all ingredients in a bowl, until her arms were throbbing. A workout that she hadn’t done in a while, her fingers cramping. The mixture was slightly damp so she added a little more oats. Rolling into bite-sized balls, storing in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to firm up. The timer went off and she reached for the energy balls. A convenient no bake snack, and a great source of fibre. The vegan nut butter full of healthy unsaturated fats that still satiated her sweet cravings. Banana Ghosts another healthy vegan recipe from Kirsty. Reaching for her pack of organic fairtrade bananas from the independent shop across the road. Peeling them and slicing into halves. Putting the flat side on a Halloween ghost plate. She reached for her vegan dark chocolate chips and giggled to herself making ghost faces and mouths with impish abandon. She refrigerated the banana ghosts for 5 minutes, and voila, they were ready. Fruit on the snack table that just happened to be cute too. Halloween recipes that were easy to make, and low cost too. Most of the ingredients that she already had at home.
@kirstyprowisehealthcare
Halloween-Tastic Fashion & Beauty
Loungefly X Disney Minnie Mouse Glow In The Dark Pumpkin Bag
The night clung stubbornly to the last stretches of day. A sickly sun taken abed, as she dressed in autumnal colours. A fuzzy orange cardigan, a bright orange crop top exposing skin. A burgundy-red skirt the colour of velvet-lined coffins. Orange knee highs slinking into red mud-caked boots. An orange beret failing to hide tendrils of hair whipped out of shape. But the best part was the Loungefly X Minnie Mouse Pumpkin Bag, that glowed in the dark. Orange with Minnie Mouse Ears. White long eyelashes portruding out of abstract eyes. A cute button nose and an inquisitive smiling mouth. A green bow like the stalk on an actual pumpkin. She reached for the strap and headed into the pumpkin patch, making a beeline for the wonky gourds. Her wheelbarrow crashing into her toes as though on purpose, determined to steal the spotlight. Pumpkins orange, green, red and even yellow waiting to be seen. Children posing with this years bounty, begging parents to take them home with excited squeals. As the daylight grew thin, and the shadows beckoned nearer. The orange pumpkin crossbody bag glowing in the charcoal smudges of night. Surrendering its green light to the ghosts of a forgotten past. Gliding through the living, as though they were stuck in traffic, even in death. The cold was biting at her hands, getting more purple by the second. But still she stayed. The compliments for the bag increasing, marvelling at its whimsicality. Spooky vegan halloween gifts for those who craved nostalgia, especially at Halloween. She dressed as October, saddened that the pumpkins would rot beneath the cold earth. The last dying leaves turning to rust in the pitter patter of rain. But she was happy too. For who needed a fairy godmother to grant a disguise? When she was dressed as the very thing she was picking, almost as though the pumpkins would mistake her for one of their kind.
Price: £59.99 instead of £74.99
VE Cosmetics Poisonous Lip Drip Cala *
She created a love letter to Halloween. Inspired by watching Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad. Who was chaotic madness dressed in diamonds and decay. Wicked innocence, in a crooked grin. Someone who would swallow the darkness and turn it into a fractured masterpiece. A white painted base for a ghoulish half-dead look. Stamping a black heart underneath her dark hooded eyes. Deep black eyeshadow smeared underneath her eyeline with reckless fingers. Blue eyeshadow bleeding into fuschia pink, like bruises left unhealed. Letting the colours run down her tired cheeks, like a haunted doll screaming to be let free at night. Eyes framed in inky black mascara and kohl eyeliner slightly wonky. Brows darkened with black pomade. She reached for her VE Cosmetics Poisonous Lip Drip in the shade Cala Lily. Staining her lips like a curse, gloss dripping down onto her teeth. She licked her lips devilishly, the intense red lip gloss highly pigmented. A wet looking shine without needing another lip colour underneath. It seemed fitting, inspired by the striking beauty of the Calla Lily, and its toxic nature. Vegan lip gloss made from non-toxic ingredients. It reminded her of a potion with its silver vial design, blurring the boundaries between makeup and aesthetic. She shifted her attention to the Harley Quinn Halloween Outfit, blonde pigtails streaked with pink and blue. A sheeny blue and red bomber jacket with a black and white slogan top. Matching shorts with a bejewelled top over ripped black fishnets. Black and white high top trainers cascading. Dressing myself in one of Halloween’s most iconic outfits.
Price: £16
Ghoulish Wellbeing, Lifestyle & Entertainment
Adagio Wicked Potions Bundle *
She is a witch with a tightness in her chest. A thousand locked doors and no room to rest. Her nerves, jolts of electricity that course through her body. Her back tensed in panic. Her stomach squeezed dry. Fearing even the silence and its gnarled yellowing teeth. Waiting for the fear to consume her whole. A million thoughts like nightmares crawling through her mind with malice. Learning to make potions before the night claims her once more. To bargain with panic and settle queasy stomachs. She reaches for her Adagio Wicked Potions Bundle, before the fear takes over. Reminding herself to breathe. That she would sleep tonight. That she wouldn’t run around the house desperate to quiet her hysterical mind. Putting bargaining chips on the table. The kettle sighing and hissing in the background. Putting Ghoul Gulp into her tea ball infuser, that was long due an upgrade. Smooth decaf vanilla tea to soften peppermint’s sting. Honeybush for sweetness, the closest to comfort she had felt in a while. She read a well thumbed book, the steam tickling her nose with cadence. For a moment her late night hauntings subsided. The ghosts fading into the crevices disagreeably. But it was the Pumpkin Potion that stole her heart. Another caffeine free brew, stewing for 6 minutes. The scent of cinnamon interlaced with heady cardamom. Rooibos tea and honeybush tea tempting her senses. Ginger varietal contrasted with cocoa nibs. Natural pumpkin spice flavour to coax her from sleep, while the ghosts dreamt. Pumpkin Chai that she drank without milk, notes of Cardamom Almond Cake like a friend used to make. White cornflowers on the palette, safflower too. The noise in her head stilled for a moment. Her cats curled up in rotund balls around her.
A friend of hers was coming to stay. Surprising her spooky vegan Halloween gifts that would make her smile. Her friend’s favourite season, wondering which one she’d choose first. She should have known Cat Scratch would catch her eye. Someone who had a cat of their own, it was little surprise. She smelt cat scratch from a distance, envious that she coudn’t have caffeine. Blending black tea and green rooibos tea with cocoa nibs. The sweetness of chocolate and caramel offset by red and black peppercorn. Caramel and vanilla on the tongue, double ginger and strawberries caressing the throat. It was mischievous her friend decreed, but there were three other brews waiting to be explored. Bat Brew blended with chocolate chai. Fiery cinnamon spice and a hint of chocolate truffle. Black tea infused with chicory and blue cornflowers. Like something stolen from a confectioner’s heaven. Candy Apple, that reminded her friend of childhoods at the fair. Neon-drenched dodgems crashing into each other. The candy-striped helter skelter with screaming children. Toffee apples on a stick, oozing with caramel. Black tea and apple pieces infused with addictive cinnamon. The last, the Monster Mash, with bone chilling candy eyeballs. The only one that wasn’t vegan, donated to someone who wasn’t vegan. Caramel and cream flavours combined with black tea. The friend and her sat in companionable silence, no longer fearing the unknown. The blinds drawn closed. The two witches drinking ‘gentle spells’ while the worst hours passed.
Price: £24 for 14g tins
Day Of The Dead Interactive 3D Pop Up Book *
She’s spent another years acquainted with darkness to recognize its foundations. The rooms that shrink around fear. The unnerving stillness behind an unknown door. The exhaustion of surviving in a world, where she has to hide her scars. Perhaps this is why she indulges in dopamine activities. Curating clothing drenched in all the colours of the rainbow. Cartoon tv shows and movies that nurture an inner child that was often abandoned. Reading books where she could escape and pretend that things were ok even if it was just 10 minutes. Maybe this is why she hands the Day Of The Dead Pop Up Book to her cousin. Watching a world assemble from nothing in an explosion of colour and storytelling. Calaveras (skeletons) celebrating Día de Muertos in brightly illustrated disguises. Warm candles glowing in 3D. Flowers blooming in pinks, oranges and yellows. Where families honoured their loved ones through dancing, music, food and flowers. Animated paper scenes that the child was dazzled by. Small hands exploring six large pop up spreads. Decorated altars rising from the page like acension. Halloween figures appearing mid dance. Watching nighttime gatherings glow with candlelight. It was interactive, and gorgeously illustrated. Created by master pop-up artists Dominique Ehrhard and Anne-Florence Lemasson. Who had collabrated to infuse bold and humorous illustrations with rhyming text. The child couldn’t get enough. Reading aloud again and again, getting the hang of rhythm and motion. She, who has known how easily joy can be frightened away is entranced. By this miniature theatre of rememberance celebrating culture reverently.
Price: Available at £22.50 from good booksellers. For stockists visit prestel.com
What Spooky Vegan Halloween Gifts Are You After This Year?
*Disclaimer
Sections with an asterik are gifted, the rest are not. All thoughts are my own and are not affected by gifted products.
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