“I wish I were making this up” is a phrase that most true crime buffs know well and have become desensitized to. Some of the best stories are the ones that couldn’t be made up. While some true crime junkies may have heard it all, there are always new shocking stories that have survived for years or have been buried with their victims. Most people who love true crime are known to collect these stories. They’ve got a podcast queue longer than most people’s Netflix watchlists, and they can tell you exactly what went wrong in a police investigation from 1929. Whether they’re drawn to the psychology behind infamous criminals or fascinated by the historical context of centuries-old mysteries, these enthusiasts live for the thrill of the chase (typically, from the comfort of their couch).
If you’re shopping for someone whose idea of a perfect evening involves cold cases and courtroom drama, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of gift ideas for true crime lovers and history buffs—from quirky collectibles and immersive books to real-life experiences that’ll have them retracing the footsteps of infamous mobsters. Whether they’re a podcast binger, history buff or aspiring sleuth, we’ve cracked the case on the perfect presents that’ll have them saying “guilty” to adding these to their wish lists.
Gift Guide for the Armchair Detective in Your Life
1. Tickets to a Chicago Crime Tour or Night Crimes Tour
Kick off the list with an experiential gift that brings true crime history to life. Chicago is one of the most infamous cities for organized crime and Prohibition-era legends — think Al Capone, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and the heyday of bootlegging and gangster wars.
- Chicago Crime Tours let fans walk the last steps of John Dillinger (a bank robber and gangster), explore historic crime scenes of mobsters, speakeasies, and learn more about historic investigations.
- Gift Cards are a great gift idea for someone who has everything but wants a memorable experience. Gift cards may be used at your convenience and never expire.
2. Must-Read Books for True Crime Fans and Crime History Buffs
You can’t go wrong with a page-turner that dives deep into the world of history, investigation, and intrigue. These books were written by the criminals themselves, experts, a former Chicago Crime Commission, retired law enforcement officer and bestselling authors who know how to share a story in the most intriguing way. Whether you’re looking for chilling modern mysteries or historical crime sagas, these books make for fascinating reads — and unforgettable gifts.
- Get Capone, by Jonathan Eig
- Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson
- Life Plus 99 Years, by Nathan Leopold
- The First Vice Lord: Big Jim Colosimo and the Ladies of the Levee, by Art Bilek
3. Guess Who Board Game – DIY Gangster Edition
Guess Who is a board game invented in 1979 that includes cartoon images of 24 people and their first names with all images standing up on a plastic base. Each player selects a card with a character image. The objective is to be the first to discover which card the opponent has selected.
- DIY – this game board with images of gangsters, criminals or crime scenes.
- Another option is to choose one of the unique special edition Guess Who games, like Star Wars or Batman.
4. True Crime Podcast Merch
True crime fans have their go-to podcasts, and these heavy hitters always make the list: Crime Junkie, Morbid: A True Crime Podcast, My favorite Murder, Serial, and Casefile True Crime. And there are plenty more where those came from.
Everyone loves the merch! Head to the podcast website to see their merch. Some examples of great true crime merch may include mugs, shirts, stickers, pillows or tote bags with iconic quotes or graphics.
5. Subscription to a True Crime Streaming Platform
The gift of endless cases to binge is a year’s subscription to streaming services like Paramount+, Netflix, or Peacock where true crime content thrives. Some great audio podcast streaming services include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Sirius XM Podcasts, and more.
6. Secret Menu or Dinner Theater
Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse is a historic landmark building that now highlights a “Secret Menu” based on gangster Frank Nitti, formerly known as “The Enforcer”. The Secret Menu Mama Mia Chicken is pictured above.
- Nitti’s Supper Club blends true crime, delicious food, singing and dancing entertainment together in a night to remember. Check out Nitti’s Supper Club for a night to remember for the whole family.
Find the perfect gift for a true crime aficionado. The right gift doesn’t have to be a whodunit. Whether you’re shopping for someone who analyzes every piece of evidence with a fine-tooth comb, like they’re building a case file, or a history buff who can recite the details of Prohibition-era murders with unsettling accuracy, this guide proves that the best presents are the ones that feed their fascination. After all, true crime fans don’t want it sugarcoated—they want the cold, hard facts… preferably bound in a compelling book, displayed on a wall, or streaming on their favorite device. Case closed.
