While a self-help book to channel Jess Mariano in Season 4 of Gilmore Girls or weights to channel Milo Ventimiglia's amazing arms in A Year in the Life might not make for the best Christmas presents, there are plenty more gift ideas for Team Jess where they came from. If you have a friend or family member who believes that Rory Gilmore's second boyfriend was her best one, your loved one is not only correct, but also in for some amazing swag. Because items inspired by Jess Mariano from Gilmore Girls make for great presents. Spoilers for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life follow.
If you know someone who pines for Jess Mariano like he pines for Rory Gilmore, then Christmas shopping for that individual should actually be quite easy. Even though Team Jess did not prove victorious during the Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life still gave fans of the Jess and Rory 'ship a tiny glimmer of hope. Turn that hope kernel into a beautiful gift this holiday season by buying the Team Jess fan in your life one of these Gilmore Girls-inspired items. The recipient just may awkwardly squeal in excitement like Rory did to Jess about her book.
1. Team Jess T-Shirt
Team Jess Graphic T-Shirt, $24, Etsy
This shirt gets right to the point so there is no confusion about which one of Rory's boyfriends your friend supports. Bonus feature of this shirt is the outline of Jess' dreamy hair.
2. Jess Wine Glass
All I Want for Christmas Is Jess Mariano Gilmore Girls Wine Glass, $20, Etsy
After the revival, your friend may think that she or he deserves to be with Jess more than Rory and this festive Christmas wine glass helps convey that message.
3. Howl
Howl and Other Poems , $8, Amazon
The book that Jess steals from Rory when he first meets her is Howl by Allen Ginsberg. Jess and Rory's shared love of reading is the number one thing that brought them together, so a book that the two of them discussed is pretty much an essential Team Jess gift.
4. Heineken
The beer that Jess steals from Lorelai when he first meets her (notice a pattern?) is Heineken. If you're on a budget, grabbing a six-pack from your local beer purveyor is an affordable inside joke gift for an over 21-year-old friend.
5. Walmart Gift Card
Walmart Gift Card, Price Varies, Walmart
While you could possibly purchase the beer at Walmart (depending on what state you live in), you can definitely grab a Walmart gift card there for a practical, but funny gift since it was Jess' former employer.
6. "What Is Much?" Print
What Is Much Jess Mariano Gilmore Girls Wall Print, $12, Etsy
This Jess quote is when he deceived Rory by acting like he didn't read much after he met her. The wall print featuring the quote would make a great addition next to your friend's bookshelf.
7. Literati Charm Necklace
Gilmore Girls Literati Hand Stamped Necklace, $23, Etsy
Team Jess loves the couple's first moments, so this charm necklace includes the quote from Rory moments after "Well, what is much?" Jess figures out that she's referencing the pickpocket the Artful Dodger from Oliver Twist, establishing the level of banter that was to be expected from these two from then on. This necklace also includes a charm representing Jess' car.
8. A Classic Album
London Calling Vinyl , $25, Amazon
Jess not only had good taste in books, he also had good taste in music. If your friend has a record player, then buying him or her a vinyl album is a necessity. Jess wrote down the lyrics to "Guns of Brixton" while studying with Rory back in Season 2, so one idea is to go with the always-excellent London Calling by The Clash.
9. Magic Kit
Jim Stott's Ultimate Street Magic Kit, $40, Amazon
Although magic is typically regarded as very uncool, Rory's coolest boyfriend would pull out a random magic trick every now and then. This kit could have been what Jess studied to pull off his magic tricks on the streets of Stars Hollow.
10. Leather Jacket
Blank NYC Easy Rider Faux Leather Moto Jacket, $98, Nordstrom
What's a bad boy without his leather jacket? Have your friend's devotion to Jess Mariano show on the outside with this faux leather jacket that resembles Jess' iconic jacket. (Hoodie not included.)
11. Headphones
Beats by Dr. Dre Solo3 Wireless Headphones, $300, Amazon
In order to block out the mindless prattle of the world when Rory is not around, a good pair of headphones is a necessity. Rose gold might not be Jess' favorite color, but you can choose from an assortment of colors to best fit your recipient's style.
12. Duffel Bag
Military Double-Ender Sports Shoulder Bag, $40, Amazon
Jess may have changed over the years, but his choice in bags has remained the same since he was shown carrying a canvas duffel bag in A Year in the Life that was an upgrade from, but still very reminiscent of, the bag he took to California with him in Season 3.
13. Almost Famous DVD
Almost Famous DVD, $4, Amazon
Back when you could rent videos and DVDs from a store, Jess kept choosing Almost Famous as his movie night pick. If Jess loved the Kate Hudson-starring film, so will your friend.
14. "The Real Paul Anka" T-Shirt
Dinosaur Jr. Green Mind Smoking Girl T-shirt, $15, Etsy
During Jess' last appearance in the original series (the episode "The Real Paul Anka") he wore a shirt with the photograph "Priscilla" by Joseph Szabo, which shows a young girl smoking a cigarette. Although the photo is iconic on its own, it was also used on the band Dinosaur Jr.'s album Green Mind. I couldn't find an exact replica of Jess' shirt, but I was able to find the Dinosaur Jr. version if your friend wanted to recreate Jess' look.
With one of these gifts, the Jess fan in your life is sure to have a happy holiday after being left wanting more from Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.
Images: Netflix; Caitlin Gallagher/Bustle
