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Listicle: 10 pop-culture presents for every kind of superfan, even you
Tacky socks with scenes from The Office, Thor waffles and IYKYK memorabilia from Dune, LOTR and more. Here are 10 gifts that honour true fandom
- 1
A vacation in Shrek’s Swamp.
It’s secluded. It probably smells. And that’s what AirBnB is counting on. They’ve set up treehouse-style lodgings in the Scottish Highlands for a two-night experience of the ogre life: There’s earwax candlelight, parfait, fireside stories. No torches, pitchforks or intrusive Duloc knights. Open for up to three guests October 27-29. Bring your own onions. Airbnb.com
- 2
Kevin’s chilli socks.
The Office is so normcore, it makes for great gift ideas. Kevin, spilling his famous gravy all over Dunder Mifflin’s grey carpet in Season 5, is immortalised in cotton-polyester sock art. For klutzes, fans of The Office, of chilli. And for those who already have the Dwight bobblehead. Etsy.com
- 3
Bridgerton teas.
How else to discuss the latest gossip in the ‘ton? Regency-themed packaging indicates that young Queen Charlotte sips Amethyst Berry, while young Lady Danbury likes a Topax Citrus blend. Bring out the fine porcelain, let a pot brew, and get fans of the show and books to gasp at the faux-period detail. RepublicofTea.com
- 4
Marvel MVA-281 waffle maker.
Avengers assemble... for breakfast. Waffles themed around the Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man and Thor, adjustable browning control. Like the Darth Vader toaster that was marketed for kids but became a runaway hit in the 2000s, this one’s becoming a superfan essential. Always out of stock. Amazon.in
- 5
The Squid Game mask.
Dark and daring. It brings up macabre memories of the Korean game-themed show in which contestants’ play unto death. The mask is for fans who appreciate unconventional fashion and the futility of the grind. Buy them for every friend. Start a rivalry. Insert a little anarchy into the system. Wannaparty.in
- 6
Golden Girls hot sauces.
The show about ’80s grannies is enjoying the most epic afterlife with millennial viewers. American sauce-maker Always Fits, in collaboration with Southwest Specialty Food, offers four variants: Bea Spicy, Desert Rose, Hot Slut and Sicilian Fire. Jalapeno and habanero provide the heat. The theme adds the fun kick. Each bottle comes with a hot sauce-infused cheesecake recipe on the label. AlwaysFits.com
- 7
The Marvelous Ms Maisel board game.
Fans of the Maiselverse will have probably considered starting a comedy career of their own. Console them with the themed Game Of Life edition by Hasbro. It immerses players in 1950s New York City. Participants chase fame and fortune, face life’s challenges. Make it as a stand-up comic and you win. Mazel tov! Ubuy.co.in
- 8
Dune sandworm bookends.
Let lesser mortals be placated with replicas of the signet ring. True fans will want the 8.5-inch tall polyresin sandworms to guard Frank Herbert’s six-book saga. The first edition of 1,000 is sold out. The next 1,000 are up for pre-order. Perfect for fans who are waiting for the next adventure on Arrakis. DarkHorseDirect.com
- 9
Tyrion Lannister drinking set.
The 17 oz beer glass bears the line, “I drink and I know things”. The bottle opener is shaped like the badge of the Hand of the King in Game Of Thrones. Your know-it-all friend (who just happens to like beer and GoT) will find this the best validation, regardless of how tall they are. Amazon.in
- 10
Middle Earth chess set.
Merch-maker The Noble Collection makes Lord Of The Rings-themed chess sets. Pick a side: Galadriel, Aragorn, Frodo and Gandalf the Grey, or the forces of evil, with Gollum, the Nazgûl, Saruman, and the Dark Lord Sauron. Work your orcs. Get heroes into a checkmate: “You shall not pass!” LOTR fans will call it, what else? “My preciousssss”. NobleCollection.com
