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The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Theatre Lovers

A selection of Shakespeare-themed holiday gifts from the American Shakespeare Center, including yellow beanies with the ASC logo, wooden keychains, an electronic gift card, Lady Macbeth's guest soap, a compact mirror with a Shakespeare quote, a Shakespeare candle, and a small cactus in a Shakespeare bust planter. Perfect for theatre and literature lovers.

This holiday season, give the gift of magic, drama, and a touch of Shakespearean flair. From exclusive treasures available only at the Blackfriars Playhouse Gift Shop in downtown Staunton to quick and thoughtful e-gift cards you can grab online, we have something for every theatre enthusiast.

Whether you’re shopping for a sharp-witted friend, a sentimental theatre lover, or someone who lives for live performances, these gifts are sure to inspire and delight. Plus, every purchase supports the arts—making your holiday shopping even more meaningful.

Ready to shop? Explore our in-person treasures or snag an e-gift card online for the perfect last-minute surprise. Let’s make this season magical together!

For the Brooder Who Has Opinions About Ghosts

For the friend who loves a good existential crisis—or just can’t stop debating Hamlet’s dad—these gifts channel the drama of their inner monologue.

Lady Macbeth's Guest Soap

  • Bah HumMug: The ultimate companion for coffee-fueled contemplations on life, death, and everything in between.
  • Lady Macbeth Soap: Perfect for scrubbing away the metaphorical (or literal) stains of the year—because “out, damn’d spot!” is a vibe.
  • Tickets to King Lear: A gripping night of betrayal, regret, and the heartbreak of family dynamics. This is Shakespeare at his broodiest, made for those who revel in the tragic.

 

For the Scholarly Shakespearean

For the person who reads footnotes for fun and has Opinions™ about the First Folio, these gifts bring a little extra charm to their study sessions.

A display of American Shakespeare Center merchandise featuring two bright yellow beanies with the ASC logo and a gray baseball cap embroidered with "ASC" and "American Shakespeare Center" in red and white. The items are neatly arranged on a dark cloth background.

  • Shakespeare Planter Bust:. Whether they grow marjoram, thyme, or mints, this 3-inch pot is perfect for adding a touch of green to their desk while celebrating the Bard’s fertile imagination.
  • Shakespeare Secular Saint Candle: Honor the patron saint of star-crossed lovers, upstart crows, and brilliant writing with this votive. Whether they’re illuminating their next sonnet or surviving a power outage, this 8” candle brings light and brilliance.
  • Yellow ASC Ski Cap: Don thy “thinking cap” with this cozy and stylish beanie—perfect for pondering sonnets, soliloquies, and why all the world’s a stage.

For the Cozy Romantic Who Would Totally Write Letters

Think Elizabeth Bennet, but with more candles and less ghosting. This person swoons over timeless love stories and deserves a gift that wraps them in warmth and charm.

  • Postcards from Our Gift Shop: Beautifully illustrated scenes of the Blackfriars Playhouse, perfect for sending a little theatre-inspired love.
  • Tickets for Little Women this February: Perfect for a heartfelt Girls’ Day Out or a cozy night of timeless romance.
  • We Do It With the Lights On Sweater: Snuggle up in this playful and cozy nod to Shakespearean theatre—it’s as witty as it is warm.

For the Friend Who Thinks Everything Is a Two-Person Job

Because sometimes two heads—or two identities—are better than one, these gifts celebrate mix-ups, mirror images, and doubles worthy of Shakespearean chaos.

The Shakespeare Game by Adam Simpson, Adam Simpson
The Shakespeare Game by Adam Simpson
  • The Shakespeare Game: Dive into a world of clever twists and theatrical chaos in this fast-paced board game. Perfect for 3–5 players, it’s packed with character cards, bespoke illustrations, and everything you need to stage your own comedic errors (in 30–60 minutes).
  • Tickets to A Comedy of Errors: Treat them to Shakespeare’s most riotous romp, where mistaken identities and hilarious mix-ups take center stage. It’s double the characters, double the chaos, and double the fun—perfect for anyone who loves a little theatrical mayhem.
  • Henry V Self-Love Compact Mirror: Perfect for catching a glimpse of yourself—or your double. This compact features two mirrors and the reminder that “Self-love is not so vile a sin as self-neglecting.

For the Sentimental Theatre Lover Who Collects Memories

For the friend who saves every ticket stub, tears up at final bows, and treasures every moment spent at the Playhouse, these gifts let them carry the magic home.

  • ASC Gift Cards: Whether it’s tickets to their next favorite show or a keepsake from the gift shop, this gift lets them choose their own piece of theatre magic.
  • ASC Keychains: A charming reminder of the Blackfriars Playhouse that adds a touch of theatre flair to their everyday life.
  • Blackfriars Playhouse Ornament: Bring the beauty of the Playhouse to their holiday décor with this stunning keepsake—it’s the perfect way to honor their favorite memories.

For the Shakespeare Superfan Who Knows Every Line

For the friend who can recite soliloquies at the drop of a hat and quote Hamlet better than Kenneth Branagh, these gifts are the ultimate tribute to their Bard obsession.

  • Shakespearean Holiday Songbook Vol. 1 by Mya L. Gosling: Deck the halls with Shakespearean cheer! This festive collection of Bard-inspired carols is perfect for the superfan who thinks “To carol, or not to carol?” isn’t even a question.
  • ASC Baseball Cap: A stylish nod to their devotion, this classic cap lets them wear their love for the Bard—whether they’re at the Playhouse or out in the world.
  • Shakespeare Insults Jigsaw Puzzle: For the friend who loves a challenge, this 1,000-piece puzzle brims with the Bard’s finest invective. It’s a celebration of Shakespeare’s sharpest jabs, sure to keep them entertained piece by piece.

For the Procrastinator Who Still Wants to Look Thoughtful

We’ve all been there—panicking over the perfect gift at the last minute. Don’t worry; these options are quick, easy, and just a few clicks away—no need to leave the comfort of home.

An image of the American Shakespeare Center eGift Card featuring the ASC logo with black and orange colors, overlaid on a vibrant background of the Blackfriars Playhouse interior. The audience in the playhouse is clapping and engaged, capturing the lively and immersive atmosphere of live theatre.

  • ASC E-Gift Cards: Instant, versatile, and thoughtful—let them pick their next magical theatre experience or keepsake from the Playhouse. No one will ever suspect it was a last-minute save.
  • Tickets to Any Upcoming Show: From the holiday magic of A Christmas Carol to the heartfelt drama of Little Women, the tragedy of King Lear, or the hilarity of A Comedy of Errors, give the gift of live theatre in moments.
  • A Donation in Their Honor: Celebrate someone special with a gift that gives back. Your donation supports live theatre, education programs, and community initiatives at the Blackfriars Playhouse—making it a meaningful gesture they won’t forget.

Shop Local and Share the Magic

Find these treasures (and plenty more!) at the Blackfriars Playhouse Gift Shop in downtown Staunton, VA. Every purchase supports live theatre and makes your gift-giving extra special.

Shopping from the comfort of home? E-gift cards, tickets, and donations are just a few clicks away.

Have questions? Email us at info@americanshakespearecenter.com or give our Box Office a call at 1.877.MUCH.ADO (1.877.682.4236).

This holiday season, skip the ordinary and give a gift that inspires, delights and connects. Stop by the Playhouse, and let’s make the season magical together. 

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