top of page

FOR KIDS WHO L♡VE HARRY POTTER

New York Puzzle Co. Three Broomsticks-mi

It must be magic.

It’s been more than 20 years since The Boy Who Lived appeared in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.  And the Harry Potter excitement hasn’t let up.

 

We spoke with Lana Whited, a professor at Ferrum College (and dedicated Hufflepuff) who has written about Harry Potter, to try to get to the bottom of why these stories continue to connect so deeply with readers.

 

According to Whited, there are many factors at play.  For starters, the series can appeal differently to people of different ages and experiences.  While the youngest fans may experience Harry Potter as a classic good-versus-evil fairy tale, older children may appreciate the realism of the students’ relationships with one another.

 

There’s also, of course, the fun of the magical elements of the book (who doesn’t want to fly around on a broomstick?), the appeal of putting yourself in Harry’s place (which house would you join?), and the great sense of community that can come with being a Harry Potter fan.

 

Whited thinks that Harry’s Cinderella-like transformation from being told he is of no importance to recognizing that he has a special destiny also speaks to young readers.

 

“Who doesn’t want to hear that I’ve been right all along—this inner voice that says to me that all those people who run me down are wrong.  I’m special.  I’m going to do something amazing with my life,” Whited said. “What kid doesn’t need to hear that?”

 

Of course, these days the Potterverse has moved far beyond its print-and-ink origins.  Little (and big) fans often crave a far more immersive Harry Potter experience. 

 

There are the movies, obviously.  But that’s table stakes.  You haven’t truly begun to immerse yourself in all things Harry until you’ve listened to the podcasts (and there are plenty), attended a Harry Potter Festival (many of which are sporting new names these days), taken the ultimate Severus Snap quiz, and—wait for it—played on a real life Quidditch team.

 

But wait.  There’s more.

 

If your little one craves more magic, you can visit Platform 9 ¾ at London’s King’s Cross train station, enroll in a Hogwarts-themed camp, attend the two-part Harry Potter play, or read the ever-increasing body of Harry Potter-related academic work (psychology, sociology, politics—take your pick).  And you can always throw in a visit to Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter to top it all off.

 

There are, of course, plenty of Harry Potter items to add some enchantment to playtime.  We’ve tracked down some truly magical books, toys, and games that are sure to delight your little Muggle.

Product Options

Scholastic Boxed Set Books 1-7.jpg

Books 1-7 Boxed Set

Arthur A. Levine Books

 

MSRP:  $56.99

Mfr. Recommended Age:  9 - 16 Years

 

Why We Love It

The stories that started it all. This boxed set includes all seven original Harry Potter books.

​

Buying options:​

Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall.jp

Hogwarts Great Hall

Lego

 

MSRP:  $99.99

Mfr. Recommended Age:  9 - 14 Years

 

Why We Love It

Bring Hogwarts to life with this detailed Lego set. Features Great Hall, potions room, and treasure room. Includes 10 minifigures.

 

Buying options:

USAopoly Harry Potter Clue 2-min.jpg

Harry Potter Clue

USAopoly

 

MSRP:  $39.95

Mfr. Recommended Age:  9 Years+

 

Why We Love It

The rare themed game that enhances the original. Moving staircases and secret passages that open and close add a new wrinkle to this classic game.

​

Buying options:

Klutz Harry Potter Paper Flyers-min.jpeg

Paper Flyers

Klutz

 

MSRP:  $19.99

Mfr. Recommended Age:  6 - 12 Years

 

Why We Love It

Fantasy takes flight. Construct paper flyers of HP characters, including Harry, Draco, and Hedwig.

​

Buying options:

Wrebbit3D Harry Potter Diagon Alley-min.

Diagon Alley 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

Wrebbit 3D

 

MSRP:  $31.50

Mfr. Recommended Age:  14 Years+

 

Why We Love It

Bring the magic of Diagon Alley home with this 450-piece, 3D puzzle. Note: You'll have to remove excess jigsaw material.

​

Buying options:

Noble Collection Gryffindor Journal-min.

Gryffindor Journal

The Noble Collection

 

MSRP:  $24.95

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

A beautiful volume in which kids can create their own stories while building writing skills.

​

Buying options:

Pottery Barn Kids Owl Sleeping Bag.jpg

Hedwig Sleeping Bag

Pottery Barn Kids

 

MSRP:  $118.00

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

Is there anything snugglier? Littles can climb in and cozy up with a book for the sweetest of nights.

​

Buying options:

Arthur A. Levine Books Harry Potter and

Illustrated Editions

Arthur A. Levine Books

 

MSRP:  39.99 (typical retail $25)

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

Prepare to be enchanted. These gorgeously illustrated versions of the original Harry Potter stories resonate with younger fans.

​

Buying options:

Williams-Sonoma Harry Potter Pancake Mol

Pancake Molds

Williams-Sonoma

 

MSRP:  $19.95

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

Add a little fun to breakfast with Harry Potter-themed pancakes. Includes sorting hat, golden snitch, lightning bolt, and glasses.

​

Buying options:

eBuddy Hermione Outfit-min.jpg

Hermione Doll Outfit

Ebuddy

 

MSRP:  $19.99

Mfr. Recommended Age:  3 Years+

 

Why We Love It

A wizarding school outfit for your fave 18" doll. Note: Not an official HP product (robe doesn't say Gryffindor).

​

Buying options:

Define Design 11 Harry Potter Pencils 2-

Quote Pencils

Define Design 11

 

MSRP:  $14.00

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

Make homework fun with this set of seven pencils engraved with Harry Potter quotes. As they say, "Accio Brain!"

​

Buying options:

Pixie Paper Hogwarts Acceptance Letter.j

Hogwarts Acceptance Letter

Pixie Paper

 

MSRP:  $11.99

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

An exceptional invitation to imagination and adventure. Personalized for your little witch or wizard. Let the magic begin!

​

Buying options:

Adams Media Corp. Unofficial Harry Potte

The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook

Adams Media Corp.

 

MSRP:  $19.95 (typical retail $12)

Mfr. Recommended Age:  9 - 18 Years

 

Why We Love It

Bring the fun into the kitchen by creating Harry Potter classics, like Treacle Tart and Molly's Meat Pies.

​

Buying options:

Harry Potter Custom Portrait 2.jpg

Custom Hogwarts Illustration

Henry James Paper Goods

 

MSRP:  $90

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

Get drawn into the story—literally! Send a photo of your little one and this talented artist will create a custom illustration.

​

Buying options:

Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express-min.j

Hogwarts Express

Lego

 

MSRP:  $79.99

Mfr. Recommended Age:  8 - 14 Years

 

Why We Love It

The adventure begins! Send Harry and friends off to Hogwarts with this fantastic Lego set. Chocolate frog, anyone?

 

Buying options:

USAopoly Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle-mi

Hogwarts Battle

USAopoly

 

MSRP:  $49.95 (typical retail $39)

Mfr. Recommended Age:  11 Years+

 

Why We Love It

Take on the identity of a HP character and work together to defend hogwarts from the Dark Lord in this cooperative game.

 

Buying options:

New York Puzzle Co. Three Broomsticks-mi

Three Broomsticks Puzzle

New York Puzzle Co.

 

MSRP:  $17.95

Mfr. Recommended Age:  7 Years+

 

Why We Love It

We want to climb right into this puzzle, pour ourselves a butterbeer, and share in the fun at the Three Broomsticks.

​

Buying options:

Noble Collection Harry Potter Wand-min.j

Wand

The Noble Collection

 

MSRP:  $37.50

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

Immersive wizarding pretend play. Prepare for spell casting!

 

Buying options:

Jelly Belly Bertie Bott's Every Flavour

Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans

Jelly Belly

 

MSRP:  $49.99 (typical retail $36)

Mfr. Recommended Age: 

 

Why We Love It

20 flavors ranging from cherry and marshmallow to soap and candyfloss. Case of 24. May not be delicious. Will certainly be an experience.

 

Buying options:

Scholastic Harry Potter Magical Places &

Coloring Book

Scholastic

 

MSRP:  $15.99

Mfr. Recommended Age:  8 - 10 Years

 

Why We Love It

Add your own color to the wizarding world with this detailed coloring book. Images range from the Hogwarts Great Hall to the Dursleys' home.

​

Buying options:

bottom of page