It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Universal Studios Hollywood — time for gift giving! The holidays are just around the corner, and there’s no better place to shop for the pop culture lovers in your life than Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk.
While you’re in the theme park soaking up the Grinchmas fun or taking in the twinkly lights during Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, make sure you set aside some time to find presents for the Universal fans on your list. This year’s offerings include a limited-time pop-up shop from a legendary design firm, a taste of a whole new theme park, the first-ever year of Nintendo holiday fun in North America, and so much more. Universal has something for every fan on your list.
Enough chit-chat, let’s dig in! Without further ado, here’s our ultimate Universal Studios Hollywood gift guide for 2024.
For your friend who could reenact every “Harry Potter” movie from memory
Universal is always the place to be for Harry Potter fans during the holidays. And this year, the theme park is giving fans even more reason to be excited. For a limited time, the Universal Studio Store will host a House of MinaLima pop-up shop, carrying a line of merchandise created by the iconic graphic designers. You will certainly recognize the style of this London-based studio behind much of the graphic art in the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films and their trademark, quirky whimsy that perfectly encapsulates the excitement of the wizarding world.
Throughout the holiday season, you can findMinaLima designed stationery, magnets, tote bags, home goods, art prints and more at the Universal Studio Store in the Upper Lot.
For your friend who loves to hate on the holidays
Universal Plaza has turned into Who-ville once again, along with a seasonal line featuring everybody’s favorite fuzzy green curmudgeon. The Grinch and his dog, Max, feature heavily across the Grinchmas merch (as they well should), including on T-shirts, picture frames, mugs, tumblers, and more. You can even get a fuzzy green bucket hat with the Grinch’s face on it, an “Always Naughty” Grinch spirit jersey, and boxer shorts featuring the Grinch’s sleigh teetering on Mount Crumpit — only for the most beloved haters in your life.
For your friend who loves to get cozy
In addition to the MinaLima pop-up, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter carries an adorable merch line, Hogsmeade for Christmas. The old-time tourism poster aesthetic is featured on blankets, backpacks, pajamas, mugs, ceramic trays, and much more all season long. You can also find Christmas tree ornaments and wool sweaters of the Mrs. Weasley variety on sale at select Hogsmeade retailers. For a deep-dive on shopping in the wizarding world, check out Discover Universal’s guide to souvenirs in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
For your friend who’s always in line on opening day
While Production Central on CityWalk always carries an enticing array of Universal-inspired merch, its precise theme and inventory changes on the regular. That means it’s always worth swinging into the shop to check out the latest lineup of souvenirs. Just in time for the holidays, Production Central will offer a taste of Universal Epic Universe — the brand-new Universal theme park opening in Orlando next spring! We couldn’t be more pumped to get in on the fun here in Hollywood.
For a limited time, Production Central will carry an array of apparel and souvenirs, based on four of the worlds that will be at Epic Universe. For everything you need to know about the new theme park, check out our article. And, a warning: gifts from the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center just might inspire you and the recipients to book flights to Florida, so gift wisely!
For your friend who shouts their name from the rooftops
Want to really bring your gift-giving game to the next level this holiday season? One word: personalization. It has your name written allllll over it. Lots of attire within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can have names embroidered on it, including robes, backpacks, duffle bags, scarves and stockings. And over at Ollivanders, wands, wand boxes, wand stands can all be engraved with any name you like.
But personalization isn’t limited to “Harry Potter” merchandise — all kinds of keychains, tumblers, and holiday ornaments can be engraved, and certain Grinchmas apparel like stockings and scarves can be embroidered as well. All kinds of souvenirs across the theme park have the option for personalization, so ask the sales associate at your retailer how to have your gifts embroidered or engraved.
For all of your supercute friends
If there’s anything Hello Kitty loves, it’s an excuse to dress up! The beloved Sanrio character and her many, many friends are all over a line of adorable holiday-themed merchandise, from backpacks to mugs to T-shirts and more. You can find it at the Animation Studio Store inside the theme park, and at the Sanrio Smile Shop on CityWalk. And if you haven’t yet, check out our blog about the brand-new Hello Kitty Cafe right here.
For your most mischievous friend
Need to find something for your delightfully despicable friend? Look no further than Illumination’s Minion Land! Everyone’s favorite mischief-makers are celebrating the holidays in style, with a limited-time merch line tailored to the end-of-year festivities. Minions sporting elf hats and Santa outfits, with candy canes and present-launchers, can be found on T-shirts, beanies, phone cases, lanyards, ornaments and more throughout the holidays.
For your friend who can’t wait to come back to Universal
Have a Universal superfan on your list, or even just someone who comes once or twice a year? Gift them a year like no other with an Annual Pass to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Upping your fandom with an annual pass gives you a completely new way to experience the park. With a pass, you can drop into the theme park (almost) any ol’ time you’d like, soak up pass member-only events like previews and park takeovers, score adorable (and free) collectibles, get access to exclusive menu items, and so much more. With an annual pass, Universal Studios Hollywood can truly become your stomping grounds.
Universal offers four tiers of passes, each with slightly different perks and varying price points. Check out which ones make sense for your friends and family right here. And for a complete breakdown of Pass Member perks at Universal Studios Hollywood, check out Discover Universal’s blog on the subject.
For your friend with high standards
Trying to find something extra special for someone on your list? Look no further than a ticket for the VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The VIP Experience truly takes your day at Universal to the next level. Take in Universal Studios Hollywood with an uber-knowledgeable tour guide, traverse the Universal backlot in a special VIP trolley, enjoy unlimited Express Lane privileges on all the rides, dine at the delicious, exclusive VIP Dining, and soak up so many more cushy little perks along the way. If you’ve got someone on your list who wants exclusive access to moviemaking magic, this is the gift for them.
For more on the VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood, check out the Discover Universal blog on the topic.
For something for everyone
If you want to gift some Universal fun but can’t swing a theme park day during the holiday madness, fear not! Universal CityWalk Hollywood has dozens of stores — some Universal-themed, some not — so you’ll be able to find something for everyone on your list. From authentic Hollywood memorabilia signed by beloved celebrities, to hats and sneakers, to cosmetics and beauty products, you’ll be sure to find knockout stocking stuffers at CityWalk. Check out our complete guide to CityWalk to plan out your holiday shopping extravaganza.
What Universal Studios Hollywood merch would you most like to unwrap this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below.
No Comments