Let’s set the scene: there’s a movie fan or film buff in your life, and short of buying them their own clapperboard, projector, and director’s chair, you’ve run out of gift ideas. Their room and office are already overflowing with memorabilia and a heaving DVD and Blu-ray collection, and you’ve reached your wit’s end trying to cater to their fascination with the silver screen. In fact, you’ve realized that every birthday or Christmas shopping trip for this movie fan is just like the proverbial box of chocolates: you never know what you’re ‘gonna’ get.
Luckily, you’ve just found yourself a new agent, and with our help, you’re going to make it big this holiday season. Zazzle has significant experience in the motion picture-merchandise industry, and we’ve got numerous blockbusting tips and ideas to help you find the perfect gifts. Whether it’s décor and party favors, or subscriptions, technology, and keepsakes, you’ll be able to ensure that your movie fan is thoroughly entertained this winter — they’ll be gobbling down popcorn in anticipation of your next gift.
With that in mind, it’s time to prepare for the Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas rush with this showstopping list. Lights, camera, action! Here’s the perfect list of gifts for movie lovers!
1. Home Movies
Most of the fun of the movie theater comes from the atmosphere: the smell of popcorn, the low lighting, and a lobby full of enormous banners and cardboard cutouts. The excitement as a new trailer or preview is glimpsed for the very first time, as well as the booming, enveloping sound of the theater’s giant speakers, help to create the sense that going to the movies isn’t just an activity; it’s an experience.
While it might not be possible to replicate those exact conditions within the confines of your home, wouldn’t it be amazing if you could capture some of that atmosphere, at least? Bring the frills and thrills of movie playbills to your own living room by putting together a DIY cinema kit.
Some of the following ideas could be main presents or stocking fillers:
- a popcorn machine
- a customizable serving tray
- a box office-style movie poster
- a new TV screen or home projector
You could combine this make-your-own-movie-night kit with surround sound and dim lighting; you’ll be slurping soda in style before you know it.
2. No Place Like Home Décor
The movie lover in your life probably owns a sizable collection of posters and prints relating to their favorite masterpieces. However, it’s less likely that they’ll have managed to source some vintage film décor or framed stills. Canvas prints inspired by Halloween’s iconic B-movies, for example, have become increasingly popular for their unique, retro style. Developed from the 1930s onwards, and reaching their peak output in the 1950s and 1960s, some of these low-budget genre films have become cult classics. Posters for films like Creature from the Black Lagoon, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, or The Blob will make a striking addition to your movie lover’s bedroom or den, particularly when paired with other pop iconography from the era. Film stills, available as stationery from our site, will also stand as a testament to the person’s love of the art form, preserving some of their favorite on-screen moments in radiant Technicolor or glorious monochrome.
You could also add the finishing touches to your movie fanatic’s man cave or she-shed with some keepsakes, ornaments, and home accents. For example, you can continue the cinematic theme with these pillows which recall the grainy countdown timer of old Hollywood, or you can ensure that your viewers are extra snug with some cuddly fleece blankets. You could even start your holiday strategizing early: ornaments adorned with your favorite characters from Sesame Street or even DC Comics!
3. … And a Cast of Thousands
If the prospect of bringing the movie theater to your home was a hit with the movie fan in your life, then why not invite some of their closest friends around to join in the celebration? You’ve already established all you need to have a movie party over the holiday season since you’ll be able to make popcorn, decorate the house, and serve drinks or snacks with your classy new trays and platters. If you build it, they will come, so round up the usual suspects to join you for the evening and get the party started!
First and foremost, let your cinephile friends know ahead of time what movies you’ll be showing with some personalized invitations, and remind them that this is an offer they can’t refuse. When they arrive at the ticket booth — sorry, front door — issue them with a vintage style cinema ticket and stub, customized with a name, number, and special occasion. Have plenty of beer and nachos on hand, and consider holding a quiz after the feature presentation for more treats and prizes! Surrounding your movie fan with the people they love, while they enjoy their favorite pastime, will make the whole night an affair to remember. Plus, your fabulous gifts will inspire your movie fan to hold more cinema-themed nights in the future.
4. Like, Comment, Subscribe
As we supposed earlier, the movie theater is surely where a cinéaste is at their happiest, as they witness the latest Hollywood spectacle unfold on screen. So, rather than having your movie-loving friend or family member spinning their reels until the next release, why not make sure they have a constant stream of TV shows and movies to go to? Recently, movie subscription services have started to become popular, with Regal Unlimited and AMC filling the void left by the now-defunct MoviePass. By joining AMC Stubs A-List or Regal Entertainment’s subscription services, you can visit the theater numerous times a month for the cost of only one or two tickets. These entertainment plans allow you to see a wide range of new and independent movies for a much cheaper price than usual, so a generous gift would be to secure a membership card for your sibling or significant other!
Almost everyone is aware of the biggest movie streaming services available in the U.S., such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu. However, two of the biggest competitors in the streaming market are about to make their debut: Apple TV Plus is soon to launch, with content from J.J. Abrams, Steven Spielberg, and Oprah Winfrey, and Disney+ is due to arrive a few weeks later. Bringing with it a range of exclusive content, Disney+ will soon become the only platform on which to watch the latest Marvel, Pixar, and Fox content. The wealth of series and feature films headed for Disney+ will ensure the credits never stop rolling for your movie fan, so get ready to register your loved ones when the service starts up in a few weeks!
So, what did you think of our ideas? Are they worth 5 stars, or 2 thumbs up or down? Comment below with your thoughts, or share some of your own gift ideas with other readers and creators!
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
I just met a friend & found out her husband died about 5 yrs ago. I need a digital card to send to her. What type card should it be?? The sympathy cards are more about a current death. A memorial card doesn’t fit either from the ones I have seen. What would you suggest?? The date of the death anniversary is Nov 1 so I need it pretty quickly. Do you have any cards that would be appropriate??
Hi Reggie! We would suggest a more general “thinking of you” card. That way you can write a personal message that talks specifically about your new friend’s loss.
https://www.zazzle.com/thinking+of+you+cards
Hope that helps!