13 Wholesome Gifts for Mister Rogers Fans

Fred Rogers didn't watch television until his senior year of college, and when he finally did, he hated it. He told Karen Herman during a 1999 interview for the Archive of American Television, “I saw people throwing pies in each other’s faces. And I thought this could be a wonderful tool for education. Why is it being used this way?”

Interested in helping the medium fulfill its potential, he told his parents he would be postponing his prior plan of becoming a minister to pursue a career in television. Despite their initial protests, he forged on, eventually becoming a household name as the creator and star of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which would stay on the air for nearly 30 years and help change the perception of what children's television could (and should) be.

On November 22, 2019, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood will premiere in theaters, with Tom Hanks taking on the iconic role of Mister Rogers and Matthew Rhys playing a cynical reporter named Lloyd Vogel who is tasked with writing a profile on the wholesome TV star. The film takes a look at the life of Rogers and the impact he had on viewers and the people around him.

So, in anticipation of the film, and with the holidays on the horizon, here are some unique gifts you can pick up for the Mister Rogers fan in your life.

1. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: A Visual History; $25

Have you ever wished you could journey behind the scenes of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood? Well, now you can. This book chronicles the show's timeline—from its modest start on WQED in Pittsburgh to its film debut in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes photographs, a visual guide to the characters, and stories from those who devoted their lives to the show, this book will give readers insight into both the program and Rogers himself.

Buy it: Amazon

2.The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember; $11

Carry Mister Rogers’s wisdom around wherever you go. With a forward written by his wife, Joanne Rogers, this book allows readers to explore the life of Fred Rogers through his speeches, interviews, anecdotes, and some of his never-before-published writing.

Buy it: Amazon

3. Mister Rogers Color-Changing Mug; $16

There’s a lot to love about Rogers, especially his never-ending wisdom and extensive sweater collection. Now you can have both on a mug. At first it appears he’s wearing a suit jacket, but fill it up with a hot beverage and watch it change to a yellow sweater. The mug is also covered in some of his classic sayings, such as "I like you just the way you are,” to help you get the morning started off right.

Buy it: Amazon

4. Mister Rogers's Bath Soap; $6

Rogers taught viewers a lot of things, especially the importance of washing one’s hands. Make him proud with this cocoa butter-scented soap that features his reassuring smile on the wrapper, alongside his pal, Daniel Tiger. The same company also has Bob Ross soap to add even more serenity to your bath.

Buy it: Amazon

5. Mister Rogers Magnet Set; $22

Coming in four vibrant colors and featuring different quotes from Rogers himself, these magnets will brighten up your day, whether you stick them on your refrigerator, locker, or wherever else you need a little positivity.

Buy it: Amazon

6. Mister Rogers Encouragemints; $5

If you’re going to be taking a stroll around the neighborhood, then these will enable you to do so with peppermint-fresh breath.

Buy it: Amazon

7. King Friday Oven Mitt; $15

King Friday XIII was originally created to show kids that Friday the 13th should be fun, not frightening. And with this oven mitt featuring the king, you can take that same positive mindset into the kitchen next time you've got an important dinner to make.

Buy it: Amazon

8. Mister Rogers Sticky Notes Booklet; $8

These sticky notes allow you to inject some wholesome Rogers charm anywhere you'd like. Let his serene smile adorn your grocery list and slap his trademark yellow sweater on your kitchen counter anytime you need to be reminded of an important errand to run. However you use the book is up to you.

Buy it: Amazon

9. Mister Rogers Funko; $11

Available for pre-order now, this figure features Rogers in that famous red sweater with Daniel Tiger right by his side. The figure will be released on November 25, 2019, right around the time the film premieres.

Buy it: Amazon

10. Mister Rogers Pins; $16

If you’re looking to dress up your favorite sweater or jacket, then make sure you’re doing so in a way that says “Won't you be my neighbor?”

Buy it: Amazon

11. Mister Rogers Magnetic Dress-Up Play Set; $15

You're in control of Mister Rogers's wardrobe with this magnetic dress-up kit from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild. Want him a green sweater? Go for it. Want him to be a fireman while wearing roller skates? You're more than welcome to try. You can even bestow Daniel Tiger with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, because, well, he's earned it.

Buy it: Amazon

12. Won’t you be my Neighbor? Documentary; $13

This award-winning documentary from director Morgan Neville—which has an incredible 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes—offers a glimpse at the legacy of the venerable TV star. It's perfect for both lifelong fans and newcomers simply looking for something to smile about.

Buy it: Amazon

13. Mister Rogers Socks; $14

Walk around with Mister Rogers and King Friday wrapped snugly around your feet. The socks have a reinforced heel and toe and are safe to machine wash. You can always buy the same socks in women's sizes for $14.

Buy it: Amazon

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we choose all products independently and only get commission on items you buy and don't return, so we're only happy if you're happy. Thanks for helping us pay the bills!