Nerdy Merry Fun: Ugly Sweaters, Ornaments and Fandom Flair For All
Fandom and holidays collide for these festive merch collaborations
The holidays are a great time to get festive with what we wear, how we decorate, and generally how we celebrate. And it’s really fun to engage with our fandoms while also celebrating the holidays. There’s so much holiday merchandise out there based on your favorite fandoms. For example, for any fandom, officially licensed “ugly sweater” merch from all kinds of fandoms are available at the Ugly Christmas Sweater online store. Whatever your fandom, you’re bound to find an “ugly,” tacky holiday sweater to match it! Sure, holiday movies tend to get their own merch, but what about those shows, movies, and music artists who aren’t necessarily synonymous with “holiday”? Whether it’s the Friends Holiday Armadillo or a “You go, Glen Coco” reference from Mean Girls’ candy cane drama, fandom merch for the holidays always gets turned up a notch–just like a lit Christmas tree. Here are some of our faves–take note if you’re looking for gifts for friends and family (or, you know, yourself!)
Mean Girls
Mean Girls in every iteration–movie, musical, movie musical–has a December holiday plot point centered around holiday candy and a talent show performance we’ll never forget. So it’s ripe for seasonal merch opportunities. Whether it be a quote on a tee saying “Get in loser, we’re going shopping” surrounded by Christmas presents, a Merry Fetchmas sweatshirt, or a nod to Glen Coco, the Candy Cane king.
Taylor Swift
You can pick up a Christmas Tree Farm notebook to write your New Year’s resolutions in, or a tree farm tee, assorted tree ornaments (like one from the 1989-era golf clubs motif, or the Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) birdcage) from Taylor Swift’s official site. Many merch companies have taken to creating their own Taylor-inspired designs around lyrics and imagery evoked in her music, like “we can leave the Christmas lights up” beanie from “Lover,” or a tee that simply says, “‘tis the damn season.”
Gilmore Girls
When you start smelling snow in Stars Hollow, it’s time to bundle up. There’s no better way to do that than to get cozy in a Luke’s Diner holiday sweater! Or, this “I Smell Snow” sweatshirt! And while many fans have created their own Gilmore-inspired versions, did you know that there is an officially licensed Gilmore Girls Advent Calendar? It’s filled with 25 goodies that will last you all year long.
Harry Potter franchise
Hogsmeade at the holidays is a magical part of every Harry Potter film, and just looking at those wintry scenes makes us chilly. How to remedy it? A Hogwarts-in-snow inspired sweatshirt, of course. There is an official HP Holiday Shop where you can also pick up cozy Hedwig Christmas socks, a Christmas at Hogwarts sweatshirt or an adorable monogrammed sweater ornament. And if you want your home to be a little more castle-like, this Hogsmeade Christmas pillow is perfect to snuggle with while watching your holiday Harry Potter marathon from your couch.
Mariah Carey
Love it or hate it, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is one of the best-selling singles of all time, selling over 16 million copies worldwide to date. It has topped the Billboard 100, broken streaming records, and earned Carey over $60 million in royalties–which doesn’t even include sales, downloads, and licensing. The craziest part? It was written in about 15 minutes in 1994. With overwhelming continued success like that for a single song, it’s only fitting that the Queen of Christmas would have her own holiday merch line. And if you’re wondering, all we want for Christmas is this Mariah Funko-Pop doll in her iconic Christmas outfit.
Home Alone
Yes, this technically is a Christmas movie, but the fandom has always gravitated towards certain dialogue from the movie for Christmas merch. That’s right, we’re talking about this Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal sweatshirt. Speaking of that scene we all know and love, some fans might want a Little Nero’s Pizza tee, to rep the fictional pizza shop from where young Kevin orders a pizza (and subsequently terrorizes the delivery boy). If you’re looking for more, the Disney Store online released an exclusive collection this year where you can find all sorts of fun gifts, and there’s also an official Home Alone Merch Store worth checking out.
Friends
If you’re a Friends fan, we’re sure you’re spending at least some of the holidays rewatching your favorite comfort show. Cozy up on your couch with a cup of coffee in your Central Perk holiday sweater or a candy cane holiday sweatshirt. There are so many official “holiday sweater” designed pieces out there–this Friends “holiday sweater" designed sweatshirt is an option too! And if you;re shopping for a fan, Holiday Armadillo Funko Pop makes a great gift.
Marvel Universe
There are so many fandoms within Marvel and so many characters and stories to choose from. But we found some pretty special officially licensed items for any fan: Like these Avengers in gingerbread, or Deadpool and Spiderman wearing Santa hats. And this Wolverine “ugly sweater” designed tee is perfect for holiday parties.
Star Wars franchise
An ornament of R2-D2 draped in a holiday wreath? (It lights up!) Yes, please. Storm Troopers flanked by presents on an enamel pin? We want it! Darth Vader driving a sleigh pulled by AT-AT walkers on this pullover? Santa, please bring it. Star Wars and Christmas go way back, starting with the Star Wars Holiday Special on TV in 1978 that chronicles the Wookiee celebration of “Life Day.” So it’s only fitting that there be a good amount of holiday inspired Star Wars merch out there for fans to collect and wear for the season.
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