You need some Harry Potter Souvenirs! Have you ever bought your souvenirs ahead of time, like before you even went on your trip? I have! When I go to theme parks like Harry Potter World or Disney, I make sure to “look the part” before I show up.
Planning ahead can not only help you save a ton of money, but it can give you an advantage because you will know what products are available outside of the amusement park and know where to spend your money when you get there.
Are you planning a trip to Universal's Harry Potter World or Warner Brothers Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter in London? Awesome. Let's explore everything you need to buy ahead of time and what you will want to get on site.
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Building Anticipation for your Harry Potter Vacation
When planning a Harry Potter trip, the anticipation is almost as great as your actual trip. Buying some Harry Potter souvenirs ahead of time can build and create excitement for your entire trip.
Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt
I could write a whole post about how to surprise someone with a trip! Surprises are my favorite! For kids, I suggest a scavenger hunt. Just to give you a few ideas, you could include a marauders map, keys (like in Harry Potter Book 1), or treasure chest... you get my idea, right!?
Hogwarts Acceptance Letter
Creating or buy an acceptance to Hogwarts Letter is an extra magical touch. (Maybe end the scavenger hunt with it.) I know a lot of people that do this to build the anticipation and excitement for their Harry Potter vacation.
Read and Watch
There are two things that I like to do before my trip one: is to re-read at least one of the Harry Potter books. I also like to watch the Harry Potter movies. The reason I like to do this is because the attention to detail at the Park is incredible. If you have just read or watched Harry Potter, you can easily see some magic that you might have missed otherwise.
Harry Potter Souvenirs - Purchase Ahead of Time
There are a few Harry Potter souvenirs you will want to get ahead of time.
Shirts
I am one of those crazy people who love to wear Harry Potter attire when I go on a Harry Potter vacation! One of the things I love the most is shirts. There are so many great choices! I like to buy these Harry Potter souvenirs ahead of time because it saves me so much money. Shirts at the amusement park are easily over $30.
If you plan ahead, you can order them on Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, or Kohl's. I have saved so much by planning ahead!
Hot Tip
Just FYI, although you can usually get better deals ahead of time there may be something special that you can find nowhere else besides on your Harry Potter vacation. We experienced this at the Kings Cross Station gift shop.
"Look the Part" - Dress to Impress on your Harry Potter Vacation
“Looking the part” is important to me. If you want to go all out, grab your robe, tie, and scarf! Cute socks are always a must as well. These items can easily be purchased before you Harry Potter vacation.
Plan Ahead for your Harry Potter Vacation
Here are a few more Harry Potter souvenirs that will be helpful as you plan your Harry Potter vacation.
Weather
One thing that I think is a must, whether you are going to Universal's Harry Potter World (for which there are locations all over the world) or specifically to London, is a poncho or umbrella. I know that sounds weird but you will thank me later.
In London it rains all the time, so if you were going to go on a Muggle walking tour this would be perfect. If you were at an amusement park it would be a life saver.
Lanyard
Another nice item to have is a lanyard. I always like to have something to hold my ticket or keys. Also, you can buy Harry Potter pins at the park and collect them on your lanyard. Getting it ahead of time will save you a lot of money.
Harry Potter Pins
There are some fun Harry Potter Pins that make the perfect souvenirs. Grab your lanyard and find the perfect pin. This is a similar concept to what is done at the Disney Parks. You can buy expensive pins at the park, but I always buy some inexpensive pins to trade.
Pin trading isn't as big of a deal at Universal compared to Disney, but I think you can still trade with workers. (I haven't had a chance to test this out)
Let's explore some of the specific Harry Potter souvenirs that are only available at Universal Studios Orlando. As well as London specific merchandise.
Harry Potter Souvenirs you Have to Get at Universal Studios
Let's start with Harry Potter souvenirs at Universal Studios. There are a few things that are worth waiting and buying at the park. Usually, these are the items that are one of a kind and can only be found at this location.
Ollivanders Wand Shop
One thing I would not buy beforehand is a wand. The wand at Universal is part of the Harry Potter experience. There are a few options to consider when purchasing your wand.
Option 1
Hope and pray that you are picked during the Ollivander Wand Shop presentation. The wand chooses the wizard. My daughter was chosen to have this experience.
Here are some tips that will help you have this experience if you desire it. If you stay at the resort you are allowed into the park an hour early. Go straight to Ollivanders. Once inside step to the front of the group. It seems that they usually will pick someone that is near the age of 11. If there is anyone in your group that age they have the advantage. If no kids are present an adult may be chosen.
If you’d like to purchase a wand, you can purchase the wand that chose the wizard, or you can pick out a different one.
Option 2
Claimed wands are wands that belong to characters in the movies and books. If you want a replica of Harry's, Ron's, Hermione's, Dumbledore's, or any character's really, they are available to purchase.
Option 3
Choosing a unique wand is an option. As you approach the counter the clerk will ask you many questions that will help determine which wand is right for you. It is a fun experience that will lead to the perfect wand for you.
Interactive Wand vs. Non-Interactive
Alright, maybe you are thinking, “okay, I can get a wand but why wouldn't I just get one before I get to Universal?” There is a big difference in the wands at Universal compared to everywhere else.
You can purchase wands at Universal that are interactive. That means that they actually do magic! Yes! You read that right! There are many places located throughout Harry Potter World that allow you to do magic. This might be one of the best experiences at Harry Potter World.
My recommendation is to get an interactive wand. How you go about choosing the specific wand is up to you. Not only is the wand probably the best Harry Potter Souvenir you can get at Universal Studios but it allows you to have even more fun during your time at the park.
Harry Potter Souvenirs at HoneyDukes
Honey Dukes in Hogsmeade is a must. There are so many Harry Potter souvenirs to buy. One thing I love is that it is so bright and colorful inside. There are candies and special Harry Potter specific things that will leave your mouth watering! No worries; everything is edible.
This was my favorite place to buy souvenirs! Some of the things we liked were:
Cauldron Cake
The cauldron cake was beautiful! It is like looking at art in a case of amazing goodies. There is also fudge. We tried it and it was delicious! Cupcakes and homemade goods were on the top of our list at Honey Dukes.
Love Potion
Do You remember in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince when love potions were a thing?
Amortentia is a love potion that does not create actual love, but gives the drinker a powerful obsession and infatuation with the giver of the potion.
You might need to pick up this Harry Potter souvenir if you know someone who could use it!
Need a little luck? Felix Felicis is the exact Harry Potter souvenir you need!
Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans
Bertie Botts every flavored beans can be found everywhere. That is why I do not recommend buying it at Universal. If you have never tried earwax, dirt, or vomit you may consider grabbing a few just for the experience.
Chocolate Frogs
Harry Potter Souvenirs at Universal Orlando - More Options
Butter beer is probably on your list as you visit Universal. You can purchase a butter beer tankard. This Harry Potter souvenir will get you refills on coke products for around 1.99. Unfortunately, butter beer is the same price with or without the tankard.
Where to Get Butter Bear and Other Butter Beer Treats
The Leaky Cauldron (in Diagon Alley) and The Three Broomsticks (in Hogsmeade)
These restaurants have a few options for butter beer treats:
- Cold Butter beer
- Frozen Butter beer
- Hot Butter beer (seasonally)
- Butter beer ice cream
- Potted cream Butter beer
Street carts – Drinks only (Hogsmeade):
- Cold Butter beer
- Frozen Butter beer
- Hot Butter beer (Seasonally)
- Pumpkin Juice was available as well
The Hog’s Head Pub – Drinks only (Hogsmeade):
- Cold Butter beer
- Frozen Butter beer
- Hot Butter beer (Seasonally)
The Fountain of Fair Fortune (Diagon Alley):
- Cold Butter beer
- Frozen Butter beer
- Butter beer ice cream
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlor – Ice cream only (Diagon Alley):
- Butter beer ice cream
The Hopping Pot (Diagon Alley):
- Cold Butter beer
- Frozen Butter beer
- Hot Butter beer (Seasonally)
- Butter beer ice cream
Honey Dukes (Hogsmeade) and Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop (Diagon Alley):
- Butter beer fudge
We tried the butter beer fudge and it was delicious! I highly recommend getting it. Although, if you eat while you are there it isn't a souvenir anymore!
Harry Potter Souvenirs in London
As you plan your Harry Potter London trip ,there are a few places I recommend for the best Harry Potter Souvenirs. Warner Brothers Studios – The Making of Harry Potter is probably the number one spot in London for Harry Potter fans. You will find some great Harry Potter souvenirs there.
Warner Brother's Studios – the Making of Harry Potter
There are few stops during the tour where you can get some great Harry Potter souvenirs. There are photo ops everywhere so if you wanted a souvenir photo you can plan to get that while on site.
Another thing we loved was the butter beer and butter beer ice cream cups. You can purchase souvenir cups, this is awesome because you were already going to buy the butter beer anyway and for a few more pounds you can add a souvenir!
Gift Shop at Harry Potter Studios
The gift shop has some great Harry Potter souvenirs. There is a section that looks like Honey Dukes with lots of candy. There are also beautiful costumes. It was really large so we spent a long time looking at everything, but I don't think we actually bought anything!
Kings Cross Station
Kings Cross is the ultimate stop on a Harry Potter London vacation. This is where platform 9 3/4 is located! We thought the gift shop at King Cross was the best we had seen! There were so many unique and fun items located there.
Skip the Line
The workers fly golden snitches around and that atmosphere is great. This is a very popular attraction so there could be a line. If you really plan ahead you can get a special pass for 15 pounds, that will allow you to enter the store as well as have your photo taken without standing in line.
Trafalgar Square
There is a store called House of Spells located off of Charing Cross Rd. that is really cool. It has a variety of collectibles, including Harry Potter inspired items. One of our favorite purchases were the glass bottles of “magic potion”. They actually shimmer when you shake them up.
There are many stores in London where you can find some amazing Harry Potter souvenirs. Our muggle tour guide pointed out many places to get great Harry Potter merchandise.
Did you Get Some Great Ideas for Harry Potter Souvenirs?
Hopefully, this post helps you know which Harry Potter souvenirs you want to get ahead of time and which ones you want to get when you are actually on vacation.
We love Harry Potter and have loved traveling and seeing all the different Harry Potter movie sites and amusement parks. We still need to go to the one in Asia, but we have loved what we have seen so far!
Facebook Community
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Tricia Snow
January 7, 2021 2:23 pmSuch interesting souvenirs! Thanks!
Lisa
January 11, 2021 11:28 amWe love souvenirs when we travel!
Stacy
January 7, 2021 5:54 pmI have actually never read or watched any of the Harry Potter books/movies but this is an awesome post for those Harry Potter fans!
Lisa
January 11, 2021 11:28 amWe are Harry Potter nerds!
kmf
January 7, 2021 11:40 pmWe love Harry Potter! We purchased a couple of wands when we visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. So much fun!
Lisa
January 11, 2021 11:27 amIt totally makes your experience so much better!
Barbara
January 9, 2021 6:21 amLooks like so much fun for the family! Great post for Harry Potter fans!
Lisa
January 11, 2021 11:26 amMy family loves it!
Cindy
January 9, 2021 7:03 pmI love all things Harry Potter! I’ve visited HP sites and shops in London and Scotland. I haven’t made it yet to Florida for Harry Potter World. Lots of great souvenir ideas. I own quite a few things but one can never have too much from the wizarding world!
Lisa
January 11, 2021 11:26 amI agree 100%.
Patrice
January 11, 2021 7:23 amI need to visit so badly!! AHHHH!!! Thank you for sharing all of this! ❤️
Lisa
January 11, 2021 11:26 amYes, It is so fun! You will love it!
Holly
January 11, 2021 10:39 amWhat an amazing adventure and place to visit! So great that you can buy the souvenirs online for a special occasion if you need something!
Lisa
January 11, 2021 11:25 amSometimes it is a lot cheaper!
Laura
January 11, 2021 11:12 amTo be honest, I’m not really into Harry Potter, but I love how this post and these tips can be applied to any theme or destination.
Lisa
January 11, 2021 11:24 amFor sure, I do this kind of stuff for Disney too!
Tiffany
January 11, 2021 1:05 pmWe are finally going to Universal at the end of the year and the one thing I want when we go is a wand!
Sabrina DeWalt
January 11, 2021 1:58 pmI would imagine getting a wand would be one of the highlights of the Harry Potter experience. I know my boys would have loved this when they were reading the series.
Cynthia
January 11, 2021 3:12 pmSuch a detailed list for Harry Potter fans! Great way to get items ahead of time at much better prices!
Keirsten
January 11, 2021 4:50 pmSo many good tips & souvenirs. I definitely want to check out Potter world at some point. A Gf of mine went a few years ago and she was showing me all the cool areas where you can use your wand to activate certain magic tricks at the park. Such a fun idea.
Debbie
January 11, 2021 5:13 pmGood idea to purchase souvenirs ahead of trips!
Suzan
January 11, 2021 5:25 pmGreat gifts for all the HP fans! Never thought of prepurchasing them
Larissa
January 11, 2021 7:44 pmHi, thanks for sharing this info! I feel like I’ve just been to the park. Now I want to go:)
I wonder if magic wands purchased in the US would work in London…
Lisa
January 19, 2021 9:26 amSo London is a different experience. It isn’t an amusement park. It is a backstage tour of all the props used in the movies. They do not have the interactive places like Universal does. But you can you your wand at other Universals like California and Asia.
Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com
January 11, 2021 8:48 pmHarry Potter rules! When my daughter was 11 (21 years ago! 😳), the first Harry Potter book was published, and we’ve never looked back!
MissKorang
January 11, 2021 9:02 pmI used to convince myself I didn’t like mythical books until i read my first Harry Potter. This is a trip i would love to take with my kids one day. Oh and those pics of you guys with milk mustaches are cute.
Chelsea
January 11, 2021 11:48 pmMan. Huge Harry Potter fan over here!! I need more HP souvenirs for sure!
Sydney Delong-Eat Simply Sweet
January 12, 2021 8:39 amI got chosen for the wand experience too! It was so cool! They are expensive though, so make sure you save up for them!! I like to buy a wand every time I go (all of the 2 times I’ve went lol)
Lisa
January 12, 2021 6:36 pmThat is so fun! My two oldest have wands, I will probably get my 8 year old one when we go next.
Lisa S
January 12, 2021 9:47 amThese are some fascinating souvenirs!
Lisa
January 12, 2021 6:35 pmThere is some fun stuff!
Amy Irvin
January 12, 2021 12:23 pmHow fun!
Lisa
January 12, 2021 6:35 pmI love Harry Potter!
Lisa
January 19, 2021 9:20 amIt is so fun!
Sandi Barrett
January 12, 2021 2:34 pmOllivanders was great. It’s so fun to watch a child get chosen. There were only 2 kids in our group so they have them each a wand.
Lisa
January 12, 2021 6:34 pmThat is nice!
Lisa
January 19, 2021 9:20 amIt is so fun to watch!
Melissa | It's a Joyous Journey
January 12, 2021 3:34 pmWe got the wands, a set of cups, and a Christmas ornament (our family tradition for every place we travel) when we went to Universal. Great suggestions!
Lisa
January 12, 2021 6:34 pmThat is fun! My sister always collects ornaments!
Lisa
January 19, 2021 9:19 amThose are great souvenirs!
Marianne
January 12, 2021 7:44 pmWe are all Potterheads! Our trip to Universal last year saw us spending a bunch of money on souvenirs! LOL. The kids (and Hubby!) all have wands. We bought them house scarves and pins, a Howler for Hubby, a keychain and a few ornaments for me, journals, along with all the treats we tried! Crazy! But, we told the kids that in lieu of Christmas gifts (we went just after the new year), they could spend the money at Hogwarts!
Lisa
January 13, 2021 11:20 amI love that idea!
Melissa Jones
January 13, 2021 6:56 pmI love this! My best souvenir story is why my youngest son was nine and they let him try out EVERY wand in the shop until he decided on the exact one he wanted!
Lisa
January 14, 2021 10:29 amThat is amazing! Sometimes it takes time to get it the right one!
Danielle Ardizzone
January 16, 2021 2:22 pmWe surprised our kids with a trip to Universal a few years ago – we made a reproduction of the Marauders’ Map as one of the clues, and bought everyone the “I solemnly swear…” shirts. Butterbeer is awesome!
Lisa
January 18, 2021 10:38 pmThat is so amazing! I bet they loved it!
Maya
January 17, 2021 9:17 amHad so much fun when we visited. We got the wands and waved it all the way home 🙂
Lisa
January 18, 2021 10:38 pmThe wands are so cool!
Tiffany
January 17, 2021 4:55 pmI am going to need to bring a lot more cash to get all the things I want – cause I want it all! Love Harry Potter!
Lisa
January 18, 2021 10:37 pmI know how you feel!