Empire Season 2 is currently on hiatus until March, but that doesn't mean the Lyon family has to be absent from the holiday season. Taraji & Terrence's White Hot Holidays has already given us the gift of Christmas tunes by some of our favorite Empire stars, but let's not forget about actual presents. I've tracked down gifts Empire fans would love for you or the Lyon obsessive in your life. Sure, the ultimate gift would be no hiatus and new episodes all year long, but sadly, we can't have it all. Some of these gifts, though, come close to giving you a life filled with Cookie Lyon one-liners.
Can you believe that last year at this time, Empire wasn't even part of our lives yet? Let's throwback for a second: The series premiered on FOX last January, right after Christmas 2014, and became an instant hit. One year later, Empire has a season and a half of episodes under its belt, tons of viewers, and lots of products that'll definitely make great gifts for fans who wish they could be in the Lyon family themselves. (Sadly, it's not possible to purchase a ticket into the Lyon crew — yet. I'm going to keep looking.)
In the meantime, check out the Empire gifts you can buy.
1. Deborah Lippmann's Empire Nail Polish Collection
Deborah Lippman Limited Edition Empire Nail Polish, $24, Deborah Lippman
Cookie would be proud. Lippmann created this set of Lyon-inspired nail colors, with names such as "Hustle Hard," "The Power Of The Empire," and "War Of The Roses." It's available on Lippmann's website and from retailers like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom.
2. Empire Clothing Line At Saks Fifth Avenue
If you've ever wanted to snag Cookie or Boo Boo Kitty's look, Saks debuted an Empire inspired clothing line earlier this year, so you too can strut into a boardroom looking fabulous, powerful, and stylish. For the men, you can dress like soulful artist Jamal or get your mogul on with the Lucious-inspired clothing. Prices vary on the clothing and accessories.
3. Empire Coaster Set
Empire 6pc Coaster Set, $10, PaintingsThatPop/Etsy
Etsy shop Paintings That Pop handcrafts this set of six coasters, which features the stenciled, painted likeness of the Lyon fam. Your drink will feel more powerful with them.
4. Cookie Lyon Sweatshirt
These Streets Ain't Made For Everybody Sweatshirt, starting at $35, beabellestyle/Etsy
There's nothing quite like an awesome Cookie one-liner, and this is your opportunity to wear one. Etsy shop Be A Belle is offering this sweatshirt with Cookie's famous Season 1 quote printed on it: "These streets aren't made for everybody; that's why they made sidewalks." Luckily, this handmade sweatshirt is available for everybody, in various colors and sizes.
5. Cookie & Lucious Pop Art Poster
Empire Poster, starting at $26, GoodNightOwlDesigns/Etsy
The perfect print for the Empire super fan who wants to create their own Lyon's Den comes from Etsy shop Good Night Owl Designs and is available in various sizes and colors.
6. "It Ain't About The Money" Mug
Ain't About The Money Mug, $7, CRAFTFREAK4U/Etsy
A true Season 2 gift, quoting one of the defining songs of the season by Jamal and Hakeem. The mug is from Etsy store Craft Freak 4 U and costs $7.
7. Empire: The Unauthorized Untold Story
Empire: The Unauthorized Untold Story, $3, Amazon
The book Lucious probably wouldn't want you to buy. Ham has compiled this "unofficial guide" to the series, which includes information on the characters, fashion, style, and even the real-life inspirations for the show.
8. Empire Season 1 Gold Record Edition DVD Set
Empire Season 1 - Gold Record Edition, $34, Amazon
For the ultimate Empire fan to relive the awesomeness and the crazy drama of Season 1. The Gold Record Edition includes uncut performances of songs like "Drip Drop" and "You're So Beautiful," co-creator Lee Daniels' uncut version of the pilot episode, and the Season 1 CD soundtrack.
9. The Entire Empire Fox Shop
The show now has an entire shop dedicated to merchandise inspired by the series and its iconic family. If none of the gifts above tickle your gift-giving fancy, then check out the official Empire store, which is filled with "Team Cookie" shirts, jerseys, hoodies, hats, and a lot of snazzy socks. No matter what the Empire fan in your life is into, there should be plenty of great gifts to choose from that would warm even Lucious' heart.
Images: Frank Micelotta/FOX; Amazon (2); PaintingsThatPop, beabellestyle, GoodNightOwlDesigns, CRAFTFREAK4U/Etsy
