Every December, while St. Nicholas hands out sweets, his horned companion comes looking for the children who misbehaved. Krampus has spent centuries frightening the Alps, and today he has a cult following far beyond them: people who would rather hang a Krampus ornament than another glittery snowflake.
If someone on your list lights up at the mention of Krampusnacht, here are our favorite Krampus gifts, from sweatshirts to tree ornaments, plus a quick guide to the legend itself.
Christmas delivery: every piece is made to order and printed in the USA, and most US orders arrive in 7 to 8 business days. For delivery before Christmas, we recommend ordering by December 10. Shipping is free on every US order, and buying two or more items takes 15% off automatically.
Who Is Krampus?
Krampus is a figure from Alpine folk tradition, best known in Austria, Bavaria and South Tyrol (he is often called Scandinavian, but his home is the Alps). He is usually shown with horns, a long tongue, chains and a bundle of birch switches, and in many stories he carries a basket on his back for the naughtiest children.
He is not the opposite of Christmas so much as its shadow. Krampus travels with St. Nicholas: the saint rewards good children, Krampus takes care of the rest. Old Krampus postcards from the early 1900s, with their red devils and cheerful greetings, are the origin of the vintage look many fans love today. For more winter folklore, read What Is Creepmas?
When Is Krampusnacht?
Krampusnacht, Krampus Night, falls on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day. In towns across Austria and southern Germany, people in carved wooden masks and fur costumes march through the streets in a Krampuslauf, or Krampus run, rattling bells and chains. Krampus parades and parties now happen in many American cities too.
Planning a Krampusnacht gift? Because every piece is made to order, we recommend ordering by November 20 so it arrives before December 5.
Krampus Gifts to Wear
Krampus Sweatshirt · $41.99
Krampus with his birch switches, drawn in a vintage engraving style, under the words What waits beneath the snow. A cozy unisex crewneck that looks right at a Krampus party and just as good on a quiet winter walk.
Shopping for him? The same sweatshirt on a men's fit model. It is unisex, so order the usual size for a classic fit or one size up for an oversized look.
Krampus Decor for the Home
Krampus Christmas Ornament · $20.99
A round ceramic ornament with Krampus striding through a snowy pine forest. A small gift that says you know them well, and an easy addition to a gift box or stocking.
Krampus Christmas Blanket · from $27.99
A vintage Krampusnacht village scene on a soft throw, made for long December evenings with a scary movie and hot cocoa.
Vintage Krampus Village Poster · from $21.99
Wall art inspired by old Krampus postcards. Frame it for a hallway, a reading nook or the guest room, and leave it up long after the tree comes down.
More Christmas Folklore Gifts
Krampus is not the only dark figure of the winter season. If they already own a Krampus sweatshirt, these are the natural next step:
Yule Cat Sweatshirt · $41.99
Iceland's Jólakötturinn, the giant cat said to prowl at Christmas looking for anyone who did not get new clothes. Which makes a sweatshirt the safest gift of all.
Mari Lwyd Creepmas Sweatshirt · $40.99
The Welsh horse skull that goes door to door in midwinter, challenging the household to a battle of verses: Let us in or hear our song.
Yule Goat Folklore Sweatshirt · $44.99
The Scandinavian Yule Goat, one of the oldest Christmas symbols in the north, in our vintage engraving style.
See them all in our Creepmas sweatshirts and the wider Gothic Christmas collection, or get more ideas from our Gothic Christmas Gift Ideas.
Krampus Gift FAQ
Is Krampus too scary for a gift? Our designs are drawn like old folklore engravings and vintage postcards, more mysterious than gory, so they work for anyone who enjoys the darker side of the holidays.
When should I order for Krampusnacht or Christmas? Order by November 20 for Krampusnacht on December 5, and by December 10 for Christmas delivery in the US.
How do the sweatshirts fit? They are unisex. Choose the usual size for a classic fit or size up for a relaxed, oversized look.
Can I buy more than one design? Yes, and buying two or more items takes 15% off automatically at checkout. Questions? Visit our FAQ or contact us.