When it comes to finding gifts for fans, up-marked trading cards, signed merch, and expensive figurines might come to mind. But it can also be a little simpler and a lot cooler. When Lily Dullea, known on TikTok as @its.the.fluorescents, sent a package of curated Twilight merch to singer Julia Wolf, the jealousy in the comments section was palpable. People were vying for their own, asking how they could one too, proving that the thought truly does count.
Whether it’s a shared interest or something you just know your loved one loves, gifting according to fandom is an easy way to think about your holiday shopping list. But not all fan merch is the same. An antithesis to costly figurines that collect dust and ironic fast-fashion collaborations, thrifting allows people to curate and gift a variety of pieces related to fandom. It can be anything from physical copies of their favorite movies to clothes that fit their preferred fictional universe or cameras they can use to photograph their favorite artists. At the height of basket-oriented gift giving, it’s a win-win since it’s both cost-effective and thoughtful. With sustainability becoming a top priority for many as climate change and its effects increasingly become a concern for many, it’s not only considerate of your loved one but also conscious of the environment. There's so much great stuff already out there, it's just a matter of putting in the effort to find it, which is all the more meaningful for fans who love something that's already over.
Dullea has been working on their Twilight collection for years, but as time passed since the end of the saga, they found that its legacy lives on in the thrifting community. Between merch they never saw in their local retail stores and the extra-special fan-made items that ended up in thrifts, they’ve grown their collection to roughly 350 pieces. They’ve not only filled their entire room but also begun creating these curated gift boxes for others they’ve met through a shared love of Twilight and thrifting.
“I feel like I've made a lot of friends through that, and I've sent people a lot of stuff just like out of my own free will,” Dullea tells Teen Vogue. “And some of the stuff I found at thrift stores and other stuff has been gifted to me personally from my friends, [they] just happen to be a double for my collection. And so I'll send it to someone else, just so I can spread that type of love and positivity.”
Though Dullea may specialize in Twilight fandom finds, they maintain that you can find anything in thrift stores, so have patience and go through the store thoroughly. And if something’s not exactly merch, think about how it may fit the style of their fandom—like outfits, furniture, and lifestyle items.
Kella Hawk has been shopping pre-loved since she was a child, accompanying her mom to the store. An avid thrifter, she’s on the lookout for any hidden gems in any corner of the store. Over the years, she’s collected physical CDs, collectors’ vintage fashion items, and more, gifting some along the way. And online, she’s inspiring others to do the same with her guide to shopping for digital cameras, complete with examples of shots she took of her favorite artists.
That’s the beauty of thrifting. There are so many options, regardless of fandom. And while it may be so easy to search their favorite thing followed by “merch” online, thrifted gifts have a rareness yet familiarity to them, emphasized by the effort it takes to find them. “I think what people really like is to know you're thinking about them enough to spend that time,” Hawke continues. “Because honestly, that's the most valuable resource we all have, especially nowadays.”
To thrift gifts for your favorite fans this holiday season, Hawke suggests utilizing any time you may have, even if just 15 minutes. Just make the most of it. “Think about the gift you're looking for specifically, and hit that [items’ categorical] area and then maybe at a different time hit a different area,” she advises. “I would recommend starting early in the mornings or lunch break is also good because people haven't had time to get off work and rush. And if you do have local flea markets in town, utilize that as well. But online is also a great resource for people who don't have that available to them.”
The search can also become one of the routine joys of the holidays, just like hanging up decorations and wrapping presents. So, consider grabbing a friend from your fandom and going thrift shopping for presents together this holiday season. But if you are on a tight schedule, we’ve compiled some gift ideas to get you started. Below, check out pieces perfect for fans of various movies, designers, artists, sports & more.
