Books

The Perfect Harry Potter Gift For Your Friend, Based On Their Hogwarts House

by Melissa Ragsdale
PBteen; Alex & Ani

Now that the holiday season has rolled in, it's time to deck the halls, belt out the carols, and hit the holiday shopping. And what makes a better present than a Harry Potter-themed gift? After all, nobody does Christmas like Hogwarts.

Think, for a moment, on Professor Flitwick decorating the castle for the holiday and teaching the suits of armor to sing Christmas carols. Then there's Dobby decorating the Room of Requirement with mistletoe and baubles bearing Harry's face. Or Sirius throwing himself into bringing some holiday cheer to Grimmauld Place. Plus, remember all the festivities (and drama!) of the Yule Ball? And of course, there's Harry's first Christmas, when he came to the Gryffindor common room to realize that for the first time in his life he had been given real presents. Just thinking of it makes my heart melt.

The Christmas scenes in Harry Potter are great examples of what the holidays are about. We see the characters come together in marvelous ways, spreading cheer to each other in even the most dreary and perilous of circumstances.

Yes, the holidays are a particularly magical time at Hogwarts. But you, too, can bring some of that magic into the Muggle world, by gifting the perfect Harry Potter-themed present to the Potterhead in your life. The franchise is in full swing this year, with many top brands releasing their very own Harry Potter collections, so there are many wonderful ways you can gift the wizarding world this season.

Here are some splendid Harry Potter gifts that will make a splash this holiday season. Plus, to make it easier for you to choose, I've divided them up by house. So, if you're looking for something to celebrate the brave spirit of your Gryffindor friend, the studious habits of your Ravenclaw compatriot, the warm and loyal soul of your Hufflepuff buddy, or the cunning guile of your favorite Slytherin, you're sure to find something on this list that matches them perfectly.

From cute and comfy clothes that boast house pride to home goods that will put a little bit of Hogwarts charm into your recipient's daily life, there's something for everyone on this list. Harry Potter is a series that brings magic everywhere it touches, and any reminder of it lights up any reader's life. No matter who you're shopping for, you're sure to find something that will give your favorite Potterhead a very merry holiday.

Gryffindor

Gryffindor Common Room Poster

Gryffindor Common Room Poster, $25, Pottermore

Can you imagine anything cozier than the Gryffindor common room? Your Gryffindor can pretend it's in their very own home with this lovely poster. You can even see Harry's favorite squishy armchair! (Pottermore also sells posters for the other common rooms.)

Harry Potter Golden Snitch Clock

Harry Potter Golden Snitch Clock, $49, PBteen

There's no better place for Gryffindors to exhibit their bravery than on the Quidditch pitch. This gorgeous clock is perfect for any Quidditch player (or aspiring Quidditch player) to celebrate the love of the series.

Gryffindor Varsity Zip-Up Hoodie

Gryffindor Varsity Zip Up Hoodie, $40, ThinkGeek

No matter where their adventures take them, any Griffindor will be in style in this prideful hoodie.

Deathly Hallows Necklace

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Necklace, $38, Alex and Ani

The Deathly Hallows symbol is obviously an important one in the books. Any Gryffindor will wear it and be reminded of the adventure and bravery the trio embarked on.

Expecto Patronum Pillow Cover

Harry Potter Expecto Patronum Pillow Cover, $40, PBteen

Your Gryffindor will adore this gorgeous pillow. With hope, it will help them fight back nightmares and dream their happiest thoughts.

Ravenclaw

Ravenclaw Backpack

Harry Potter Ravenclaw Backpack, $80, PBteen

Of course, your Ravenclaw is going to need a cute backpack to carry all of their books and school supplies. This one from the PB Teen collection is just the thing! (Also available for other houses.)

Wizard Chess Set

Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set, $49, ThinkGeek

Any Ravenclaw will adore this gorgeous wizard chess set. Unfortunately, the pieces don't come to life and fight each other. But that's what your imagination's for, right?

Hogwarts Stationery

Harry Potter Hogwarts Stationery Set, $15, ThinkGeek

No Ravenclaw's office supplies would be complete without some Hogwarts stationery. This set comes with a feather quill and a wax seal stamp.

Hogwarts Express Bookends

ThinkGeek

Hogwarts Express Bookends, $95, ThinkGeek

No doubt your Ravenclaw has plenty of books they need to keep in order. These gorgeous bookends will always remind them of their favorite train.

When in Doubt Go to the Library Sweatshirt

When in Doubt Go to the Library Sweatshirt, $42, Out of Print

This quote may be from Hermione Granger, but it sure captures that Ravenclaw spirit. This cozy sweatshirt will keep them nice and warm as they embark on their scholarly quests.

Hufflepuff

Hufflepuff Knit Throw

Harry Potter Knit Throw, $69, PBteen

This throw blanket is just as cozy as a hug from your favorite Hufflepuff. Perfect for those winter snuggles! (Also available in the other house colors.)

House Knit Scarf

Hufflepuffs are loyal, of course, and what better way to show off your loyalty than with a gorgeous scarf in your house colors? (Available in all house colors.)

Harry Potter Lamb's Wool Knit Scarf, $30, ThinkGeek

Hogwarts Slippers

Harry Potter Hogwarts Slippers, $20, ThinkGeek

Hufflepuffs sometimes get a bad rep for slipping up (get it?). But they're also known for being warm, loving people. So naturally a pair of Hogwarts slippers is in order for the Hufflepuff in your life.

Harry Potter Magical Creatures Coloring Book

Harry Potter Magical Creatures Coloring Book, $8, Target

Take a page out of famous Hufflepuff Newt Scamander's book with this fun and beautiful coloring book, featuring pictures of magical creatures.

Hufflepuff Socks

Harry Potter Hufflepuff Over-the-Knee Socks, $6, Hot Topic

Hufflepuffs and socks just go together, don't they? And how about this cute pair of knee-highs from Hot Topic? Perfect for any badger's wardrobe.

Slytherin

Hogwarts Charm Bangle

Harry Potter Hogwarts Two Tone Charm Bangle, $28, Alex and Ani

Slytherins are known for their cunning and charm, so naturally the Slytherin in your life needs this charm bracelet. (Though of course, it's a great fit for witches of any house.)

Slytherin Apron

Harry Potter Slytherin Adult Apron, $40, Williams Sonoma

Whether you're cooking up potions or evil plots (or even just eggs), this apron is perfect for any Slytherin in the kitchen. (Also available in other houses.)

House Robes

Harry Potter House Robes, $50, ThinkGeek

This comfy robe is the perfect way for your Slytherin to declare their house pride. Plus, it comes with a hood they can put up when they need to be a little sneaky. (Available for all houses.)

Harry Potter Wallet

Hogwarts Letter Zip Wallet, $30, ThinkGeek

Any cunning Slytherin needs to be able to dole out those Galleons in style. This lovely Hogwarts wallet is also a practical way to store your cash.

Slytherin Tumbler

Harry Potter Tumbler, $25, PBteen

Whether they're sipping on hot coffee or sweet revenge, your Slytherin will get plenty of good use out of this tumbler. (Available for all houses.)

Plus: 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition' by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition, $25, Barnes & Noble

Any Harry Potter fan, no matter the house, will treasure this beautiful, collector's edition. Hardcover, with gorgeous color illustrations throughout, they're a beautiful way to celebrate the series.