12 Gifts for the 'Star Wars' Fan

Two years prior to the release of Star Wars in 1977, George Lucas thought it might be interesting if his space opera resulted in a Wookiee coffee mug or an R2-D2 cookie jar. Some 40 years later, merchandise from the film series has become an entire industry unto itself, with an almost unaccountable number of products. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by options, take a look at 12 gifts sure to please the Force fan in your life.

1. LITTLEBITS DROID INVENTOR KIT; $100

This is the Droid gift you’re looking for. This engineering kit is suitable for ages 8 and up and features a variety of motors, parts, stickers, and other accessories to help users build their own unique robotic companion. Once assembled, the Droid can sense and avoid obstacles, locomote when humans “use the Force” by swiping their hand, or record secret messages to deliver to accomplices.

Find It: LittleBits

2. STAR WARS ELITE SERIES DIE CAST ACTION FIGURES; $20

Action figures have always been a hallmark of the Star Wars product universe, and these 6.5-inch to 7.5-inch die cast figures are a worthy addition to the line-up. Instead of being strictly plastic, each has been struck with molded metal parts to make for a durable, hefty figure that’s more statue than plaything. (But don't worry: They're still poseable.)

Find It: Amazon

3. STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE DEATH STAR HOLOGRAM LIMITED EDITION VINYL SET; $135

Vinyl may not be as popular as it was when the original Star Wars was released, but the analog format still has enough fans to make this a must-have. The eye-popping reissue of the classic John Williams score features a 3-D hologram on one of the records that projects a Death Star image when played. No special equipment other than a turntable and an overhead light source is needed.

Find It: Amazon

4. STAR WARS BB-8 BLANKET SCARF; $40

For chilly winter mornings, nothing’s better than a cozy blanket-scarf hybrid—nothing, that is, unless it’s one emblazoned with the distinctive profile of 2015’s breakout Droid, BB-8. The spherical charmer appears on this acrylic throw that measures 80 inches by 24 inches.

Find It: ThinkGeek

5. STATE BAGS LIMITED EDITION STAR WARS COLLECTION; $80 AND UP

Love Star Wars? Love trendy backpacks? STATE Bags is prepared to make you an offer you can’t refuse. These unique, understated totes use patterns and color schemes to broadcast your love of Jedi culture without going overboard. Choose between Darth Vader, C-3PO, R2-D2, or a Stormtrooper assembly.

Find It: STATE Bags

6. STAR WARS CROSS STITCH; $20

Rebellious arts and crafts fans will find a lot to love about this book detailing 12 Star Wars cross stitch patterns with varying degrees of difficulty. In addition to logos for the Rebel Alliance, the Empire, and Boba Fett’s helmet, you can also needle BB-8 and the Death Star.

Find It: ThinkGeek

7. MONOPOLY: STAR WARS 40^TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION; $25

Classic Monopoly game pieces and squares have been swapped out for Star Wars-centric themes in honor of the original film’s 40th anniversary. Move your X-wing flight helmet or Millennium Falcon around the board and draw Force cards that could decide your fate. But be warned: Not even mastery of space wizardry can keep you from going bankrupt.

Find It: Amazon

8. STAR WARS BLACK SERIES POE DAMERON ELECTRONIC X-WING PILOT HELMET; $77

You don’t need to be hotshot X-wing pilot Poe Dameron to wear his flight gear. This movie-accurate helmet features a retractable visor, sound effects from the films, and some beep-blop Droid chatter from co-pilot BB-8.

Find It: Amazon

9. STAR WARS EPISODE VIII FIGHTER SHIPS 4 PIECE GLASS SET; $15

Collectible glasses were all the rage in the ‘80s, and now they’re making a comeback. This set of four 10-ounce drinking glasses features famous ships from the series, including the Millennium Falcon, a TIE Fighter, and an X-wing. Strange blue milk not included.

Find It: Think Geek

10. STAR WARS HAN SOLO AND TAUNTAUN POP! FIGURE SET: A SMUGGLERS BOUNTY EXCLUSIVE; $97

One of the most disgusting-yet-cool sequences in all of Star Wars is the sequence in The Empire Strikes Back when Han Solo braves the frigid climate of Hoth in order to rescue his friend Luke Skywalker. Cutting open his Tauntaun allows him to keep Luke warm enough until help arrives. While you won’t be able to disembowel this Funko version, Han still looks as slick as ever in his winter gear while riding his doomed companion.

Find It: Amazon

11. LEGO STAR WARS EPISODE VIII FIRST ORDER HEAVY ASSAULT WALKER BUILDING KIT; $150

The Resistance will be having problems with this massive Assault Walker, a 13-inch-tall kit that seems ready to demolish anything in its path. Once completed, the Walker sports a missile-firing head, movable legs, and First Order mini-figures to man the operation.

Find It: Amazon

12. SYMMETRY SERIES STAR WARS IPHONE CASES; $45 AND UP

Hold the phone: Help your favorite fan answer the call of the Force (or the dark side) with these slim and durable iPhone cases from Otterbox. Choose from five different designs, featuring BB-8, a stormtropper, Darth Vader, the Resistance, and Ahch-To.

Find It: Otterbox