Christmas gift guide for theatre fans 2025

Hang up your stockings, mull the wine and deck the halls – it’s Christmas!

But remember, among the festivities, you may still have some gifts to purchase. Luckily, there’s no need to panic. We’ve compiled a handy list of ideal presents for the theatre lover in your life.

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Tickets to the WhatsOnStage Awards

Give an unforgettable night out in London’s glittering West End this Christmas! Tickets for the 26^th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards are available to pick up now, giving you access to the biggest night in our theatrical calendar – see the winners crowned, special performances, and a whole host of surprises!

A subscription to our Theatre Club

If you don’t know, get to know! Joining the WhatsOnStage Theatre Club gives you early access to presales, ticket deals, and invitations to exclusive events. A subscription doesn’t just mean Christmas is sorted – it’s a year-round gift.

Wicked merchandise

We have a whole list of the perfect gifts for the Glinda to your Elphaba or the Elphaba to your Glinda – Wicked merch! Ahead of the release of For Good, we collated our favourite merchandise collaborations, including everything from toothbrushes to Care Bears.

In addition, TGJones has launched a gorgeous new collection of collectable books. There’s a new 30th anniversary edition of Gregory Maguire’s dark fantasy novel, a lyrics book, and even children’s picture books introducing everyone’s favourite Shiz students. Can’t get enough? Don’t forget Cynthia Erivo‘s autobiography, Simply More, has hit shelves in time for gifting.

Plus, Titan Comics has released their graphic novel of Wicked Part 1. Get yourself lost in the merry old land of Oz with artist Scott Hampton’s beautiful adaptation and full colour illustrations. Penned with an edge exploring morality, ambition, love, friendship and discovering one’s inner power – just as Maguire intended. It’s the perfect time to refresh yourself on all things Wicked, and there’s even a second volume due for release in March 2026.

Physical music

Press pause on the carols for a while and instead tune in to a musical theatre soundtrack! We’ve collated the cast recordings that have been released this year and the concept albums you can get your hands on. Some crowd pleasers are bound to be the Evita cast recording and the Wicked: For Good soundtrack.

National Theatre at Home subscription

Watching world-class theatre from the comfort of your own home sounds ideal this winter, and with a National Theatre at Home subscription, you could give over 100 titles! Adding new releases almost every month, there’ll be plenty to keep the whole family busy all year round.

Theatre gift shops

As well as picking up merch from a show you’ve enjoyed, several theatres have their very own store! We can’t resist a look around the National Theatre’s bookshop whenever we’re on the South Bank and browsing their books, stationery, apparel, and much more. We also recommend a visit to the RSC (think My Neighbour Totoro plushes and Shakespearean cookbooks) and the Globe (for jewellery, art and mead!). Luckily, all three can be shopped online.

Paddington merch

A certain Peruvian bear has taken residence in London, and you could take care of your very own Paddington Bear. A new shop next to the Savoy Theatre (where Paddington The Musical is receiving its world premiere) is stocked with all the memorabilia you could wish for: from stuffed (sorry) toys to mugs, books, and puzzles. Perhaps even some marmalade.

A Year of Creative Thinking book

The perfect gift for the writers and artists in your life, Jessica Swale‘s (Paddington The Musical bookwriter, among many other accolades) new book is your guide to unleashing creativity. There’s an activity, prompt, or challenge for each day of the year, designed to fuel your imagination. Some are connected to visionary artists, like Alice Walker and Kazuo Ishiguro, on their birthdays, while others celebrate annual events – like International Sweatpants Day (yes, really) – each will make you smile and make you feel like you have a teacher and friend by your side. We can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year.

Playscript subscription

Holding a playscript and reading it page by page can unlock valuable insight! Nick Hern Books has a playscript subscription that sees the recipient receive one a month selected by their expert team. Whether it’s a major premiere, a new version of a classic, or an exciting new work, they’ll be straight from the UK and Ireland’s most renowned stages. You can opt for a physical or e-book subscription, for either six or twelve months.

Broadway jigsaw puzzle

1000 jigsaw pieces and 100 familiar faces! This puzzle from Stage Insider (just one of their many gift ideas – including scratch posters and card games) is the best challenge for any musical theatre fan. Featuring The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Beetlejuice, Rent, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Six, Wicked and many more, part of the fun is spotting your favourite characters and piecing together their iconic costumes. Fear not – you can consult the A4 accompanying poster to get a good look at what you’re building, and we’d recommend lining up your musicals playlist while you work. The best part? Once it’s done, you can frame it and have a mini Broadway right in your home.

Quiz books and cards

It isn’t Christmas without a quiz, and stage fave Hannah Lowther has launched a handy book – punnily titled Les Quizérables – for the musical theatre fans who like nothing more than flexing their trivia. With over 800 questions and nuggets of information, it’s an ideal stagey companion for dinner table conversations, game nights, and solo swotting up!

If you’re after a card game, we’re enjoying Spinningrock’s 100 Songs Every Theatre Nerd Should Know. There are multiple games you can play with the deck, and you can even pair it with their Modern Musicals collection to really put your knowledge to the test.

Charity Calendar

Another year, another calendar! Ideal for those continuing their tradition or to newly initiate. Photographer Charles Flint has again curated the Lazarus Theatre Calendar for 2026. Featuring 12 of his iconic shots from rehearsal rooms and productions, all proceeds go directly to theatre charity, Acting for Others.

Peter Hannah’s theatre sketches

West End actor Peter Hannah has spent hours drawing some of the most famous theatres in London, and they’re available to buy! The unique, handmade pen and ink drawings feature detailed marquees, making them ideal for someone who has a favourite show.

Theatre membership and tours

Earlier this year, we detailed the best ways to find theatre ticket offers and discounts (you can refresh your memory here), but as part of that, we highlighted some brilliant membership schemes that theatres across the UK offer – why not check out the local offerings near you? It’s a gift not only for a loved one, but for the whole community! While you’re at it, take a look at whether they offer a tour or afternoon tea, and if they have a gift shop.

There are plenty of wonderful small businesses offering a variety of theatre merchandise – check out marketplaces like Etsy to discover more.

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