The Best Harry Potter Souvenirs For Your Wizarding World of Harry Potter Trip
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. I usually buy these Harry Potter gifts ahead of time to build up the anticipation for our trip.
Planning ahead can not only help you save a ton of money, but it can give you an advantage because you will know what the Harry Potter merchandise is 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.
In this post, we will look at everything you need to buy ahead of time and what you will want to get at the Harry Potter Universal Studios store or the London Warner Brothers Studio tour Harry Potter gift shop.
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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 that 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.
Should You Purchase any Harry Potter Souvenirs Before you Go?
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. Shirts are great Harry Potter gifts all the time in my mind!
If you plan ahead, you can order them on Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, or Kohls. I have saved so much by planning ahead! You could even buy Harry Potter Souvenirs from the official Universal gift shop ahead of time, however, it probably will not save you any money!
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 at the Harry Potter Universal gift shop or at the King’s Cross Station gift shop.
More Items to Purchase Before you Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
“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 your Harry Potter vacation. You can also buy these items at the Harry Potter World gift shop.
You can get your official Harry Potter merchandise on your trip, but some of the best Harry Potter accessories can be found online. You should also take the Harry Potter house sorting quiz to find out which house you are in.
Harry Potter House Merchandise
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 lifesaver.
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 the Harry Potter Universal Studios Store in Orlando. As well as London-specific Harry Potter merchandise UK.
What are the Best Souvenirs to Buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Let’s start with Harry Potter souvenirs at Harry Potter Universal Studios gift shops. There are a few things that are worth waiting for and buying at the park. Usually, these are the items that are one of a kind and can only be found at this location.
As you purchase your Harry Potter merchandise at the park it will make you more excited knowing that this is the only place you can get an item or Harry Potter paraphilia you really want.
We are all about the Dobby merchandise and the Luna Lovegood merchandise. There are some crazy Luna glasses that are inexpensive and a must-have!
1. Harry Potter Souvenir – Ollivanders Wand Shop
One thing I would not buy beforehand is a wand. The wand at Universal is part of the Harry Potter experience because there are interactive areas throughout the park where you can preform magic. 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.
Tips on How to be Picked
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 the Harry Potter World shop 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.
Get an Interactive Wand!
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.
2. Harry Potter Souvenirs at HoneyDukes
Honey Dukes in Hogsmeade is a must. It is my favorite Harry Potter Universal gift shop! It is a Harry Potter World shop with 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 goodies – specific things that will leave your mouth watering! No worries; everything is edible.
This was my favorite place to buy Harry Potter souvenirs! Some of the things we liked were:
3. Cauldron Cake
The cauldron cake is 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. Chocolate Frogs
7. Harry Potter World Souvenir - Butter Beer
Butterbeer is probably on your list as you visit Universal. You can purchase a butterbeer tankard. This Harry Potter souvenir will get you refills on coke products for around 1.99. Unfortunately, butterbeer 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 butterbeer treats:
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer (seasonally)
- Butterbeer ice cream
- Potted cream Butterbeer
Street carts – Drinks only (Hogsmeade):
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer (Seasonally)
- Pumpkin Juice was available as well
The Hog’s Head Pub – Drinks only (Hogsmeade):
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer (Seasonally)
The Fountain of Fair Fortune (Diagon Alley):
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Butterbeer ice cream
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlor – Ice cream only (Diagon Alley):
- Butterbeer ice cream
The Hopping Pot (Diagon Alley):
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer (Seasonally)
- Butterbeer ice cream
Honey Dukes (Hogsmeade) and Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop (Diagon Alley):
- Butterbeer fudge
We tried the butterbeer fudge and it was delicious! I highly recommend getting it. Although, if you eat while you are there it isn’t a Harry Potter souvenir anymore!
I love that Universal Orlando has two areas of Harry Potter Worlds. They both have some great excellent choices of Harry Potter World gift shops. They both offer so much! One area is Hogwarts Castle/school and the other is in London.
Let’s actually explore all the fun Harry Potter souvenirs that are actually in London!
Harry Potter Souvenir's 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.
They have a fabulous Harry Potter London gift shop.
Warner Brother’s Studios – the Making of Harry Potter
8. Harry Potter Souvenir Photo
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.
9. Harry Potter Souvenir Cups
Another thing we loved was the butterbeer and butterbeer ice cream cups. You can purchase souvenir cups, this is awesome because you were already going to buy the butterbeer anyway and for a few more pounds you can add a Harry Potter souvenir cup!
Harry Potter World Gift Shop London
10. Harry Potter London Gift Shop Goodies
The Harry Potter gift shop has some great Harry Potter souvenirs. There is a section that looks like Honey Dukes with lots of Harry Potter goodies!
It is very similar to the Universal Harry Potter World gift shop. It offers some of the same Harry Potter goodies as well as some more unique options.
11. Harry Potter Merchandise
There are also Hogwarts merchandise such as beautiful costumes. It was really large so we spent a long time looking at everything, but I don’t think we actually bought any of the Harry Potter merchandise! But believe me, if you want some Harry Potter memorabilia this is the place.
The Harry Potter London Gift Shop is huge! It is one of the best Harry Potter Souvenir shops I have been to.
12. 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 was so many unique and rare Harry Potter merchandise. We found some fun items located there.
Skip the Line
The workers fly golden snitches around and the 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, which will allow you to enter the store as well as have your photo taken without standing in line.
Best Harry Potter Merchandise at Kings Cross Harry Potter Gift Shop
- Exploding Bonbons
- Bottled Butterbeer
- Peppermint Toads
- Fudge Flies
- Wizard Trunk Collection
- Hogwarts Merchandise – Clothing
- Harry Potter Memorabilia – Wands
13. 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.
Harry Potter Souvenirs in London
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. We loved getting our Harry Potter gifts and souvenirs to take home with us.
Where to Buy Harry Potter Souvenirs on a Harry Potter Vacation
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!
Plan a Trip to Harry Potter World Universal Orlando
As you plan a trip to Harry Potter World be sure to check out my other posts! The best rides at Universal Studios, the best rides at Volcano Bay as well as the best rides at Islands of Adventure are sure to help you plan your trip to Universal Studios Orlando! Plus, check out my favorite restaurants at City Walk!
If you are headed to London don’t forget to book a muggle tour and a hop-on hop-off bus tour and see all the amazing things in London.
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Such interesting souvenirs! Thanks!
We love souvenirs when we travel!
I have actually never read or watched any of the Harry Potter books/movies but this is an awesome post for those Harry Potter fans!
We are Harry Potter nerds!
We love Harry Potter! We purchased a couple of wands when we visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. So much fun!
It totally makes your experience so much better!
Looks like so much fun for the family! Great post for Harry Potter fans!
My family loves it!
I 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!
I agree 100%.
I need to visit so badly!! AHHHH!!! Thank you for sharing all of this! ❤️
Yes, It is so fun! You will love it!
What an amazing adventure and place to visit! So great that you can buy the souvenirs online for a special occasion if you need something!
Sometimes it is a lot cheaper!
To 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.
For sure, I do this kind of stuff for Disney too!
We are finally going to Universal at the end of the year and the one thing I want when we go is a wand!
I 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.
Such a detailed list for Harry Potter fans! Great way to get items ahead of time at much better prices!
So 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.
Good idea to purchase souvenirs ahead of trips!
Great gifts for all the HP fans! Never thought of prepurchasing them
Hi, 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…
So 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.
Harry Potter rules! When my daughter was 11 (21 years ago! 😳), the first Harry Potter book was published, and we’ve never looked back!
I 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.
Man. Huge Harry Potter fan over here!! I need more HP souvenirs for sure!
I 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)
That is so fun! My two oldest have wands, I will probably get my 8 year old one when we go next.
These are some fascinating souvenirs!
There is some fun stuff!
How fun!
I love Harry Potter!
It is so fun!
Ollivanders 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.
That is nice!
It is so fun to watch!
We 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!
That is fun! My sister always collects ornaments!
Those are great souvenirs!
We 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!
I love that idea!
I 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!
That is amazing! Sometimes it takes time to get it the right one!
We 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!
That is so amazing! I bet they loved it!
Had so much fun when we visited. We got the wands and waved it all the way home 🙂
The wands are so cool!
I 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!
I know how you feel!
These Harry Potter Souvineers are so awesome. I love the socks and scarfs.
I buy Harry Potter stuff all the time!
I agree that an interactive wand is the most important Harry Potter souvenir. It made our visit so much more fun! Wish we’d known about the Hogwarts Acceptance Letter ahead of time!
The Wand is so cool! We love using it and bringing it back!