Two and a half decades ago, the first Harry Potter book was published. Since then, the book series and movies have entertained fans the world over. The wizarding world and all its magical details -- from the otherworldly creatures and whimsical spells, to the dastardly characters and nifty trinkets -- have inspired countless hours of page-turning, movie-watching, video game-playing and Cosplay-inspired fun. These activities have provided a much-needed escape from the real world. Hogwarts, with all its marvels and wonders, is always full of magical joy.
Are you a budding wizard patiently waiting for your acceptance letter to Hogwarts to show up in your mailbox? We wish you all the luck in the universe. Until then, we've put together a collection of collectibles and keepsakes of the enchanting, whimsical and magical variety to help keep your heart close to Mr. Potter and his friends. These goodies will lighten up any dark heart and bring happiness to magic-minded individuals of all types. Heck, even Muggles will like what we've got to show you.
I'd argue the best merch is useful merch. Harry Potter fans will love this one. This Golden Snitch clock is something your gift recipient will likely use every day and is an eye-catching addition to any display or bedside table.
What better way to count down until the holidays than with a daily dose of delicious jelly beans and Harry Potter trivia? Test your knowledge of the Wizarding World each day by opening a new door in this box decked with all your favorite characters like Dumbledore, Dobby and Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. And enjoy jelly beans that, unlike Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, are all delicious (no earwax or vomit flavors here). Mischievous wizards like Fred and George Weasley may find this a bore, but the holidays are all about delicious sweet treats, and that you'll get.
The bakers in your life will appreciate this guide on how to make everything from Pumpkin Patch Pies to Owl Muffins.
Another staple for bakers: cookie cutters of everything from Harry's glasses to the Sorting Hat and even the Hogwarts Express. These decorative themed treats will elevate any party spread.
Home decor is one element of Potter-fying your space, and filling the air with themed scents is another. This Harry Potter collection from Homesick includes several fragrance options, including one for each house. (My personal favorite is the one for Gryffindor -- it has a nice, warm cinnamon aroma. But each has a unique scent depending on what you're into -- you can check out more descriptions here.) Homesick recently added three new scents inspired by popular wizarding sites: Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4 and Quidditch Pitch (my favorite of these three is Platform 9 3/4 -- it has a smoky, woody, musk aroma). There's also a cute Sorting Hat air freshener. You can normally buy individual candles for $44 and the 3-wick Hogwarts candle for $75.
Another gift option for the scent-obsessed: these Harry Potter house-themed bar soaps from Dr. Squatch. Each one takes on colors and characteristics from its respective house. For example, Gryffindor's red soap has a warm, spicy scent, inspired by the common room fire. You can buy each soap individually if you're a subscriber; otherwise, you can get the 4-pack for $32, or display them in a collector's box for $40 (which is currently out of stock).
I've recently made the switch to satin pillowcases because they can be better for your skin and hair, but Harry Potter satin pillowcases are just that much more magical. Kitsch has two different themed patterns to choose from, as well as options for both standard/queen and king-size pillows.
This one's for the jewelry fans and for those who reminisce on how Hermione bested Hogwarts students by attending many classes at the same time. This Time Turner necklace features a charm with a crystal hourglass and the inscription, "I mark the hours, every one, nor have I yet outrun the sun."
Anything from the trolley, dears? These Harry Potter-themed Hershey's bars and Kisses are a watch party staple. They feature fun wizarding designs both on the wrappers and etched into the chocolate itself. They're around for a limited time, so snag them while you can.
I understand this is intended for any child who is a Harry Potter fan, but I would not be opposed to owning this myself. This Hedwig toy features more than 15 sounds and movements to (kind of) bring this beloved companion to life.
These cards feature really cool illustrations of characters including Harry, Hermione, Draco Malfoy, Dumbledore and Voldemort. You can choose a deck featuring each Hogwarts house: red for Gryffindor, green for Slytherin, blue for Ravenclaw or yellow for Hufflepuff. There's also an option to get one deck of each color for $40.
For the Harry Potter fans and Lego fans, there's perhaps no better option than a Lego set to recreate pieces of the wizarding world.
Train sets are cool. Hogwarts Express train sets are cooler. This 37-piece set is battery powered and remote controlled, and features sound clips from characters.
What cooler way to hold up your collection of Harry Potter books than with these fun themed bookends.
Here's a beautiful staple to place within those bookends. This one's a bit of a splurge, especially given the fact that it only includes the first three books in the series, but this illustrated collection can serve as a treasured keepsake and collector's item. Get the Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban.