Zelda Dungeon’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!
Posted on November 20 2021 by Rod Lloyd
Believe it or not: the 2021 Holiday Season is nearly upon us. It really has felt like the past year flew by in an instant, which is why the imminent arrival of winter festiveness feels especially sudden. In all honesty, I — the Zelda Dungeon guy who wears the Santa hat all year round — wasn’t ready to embrace the yuletide cheer quite yet. But, luckily for me, the wonderful team here at Zelda Dungeon called upon the spirits of gift giving, good tidings, and cheer in order to help me, and all of you, get into holiday mood!
In what can now be considered an annual tradition, your pals at Zelda Dungeon have put together this massive Holiday Gift Guide, which is full of excellent goodies for that special Zelda fan in your life! And we’ve decided to publish this year’s guide in late November — instead of early December — so that everyone has a chance to place their orders early and receive their stocking stuffers by the end of the season.
Highlighting everything from books to music albums, from officially licensed merchandise to stellar fan creations, this guide has got you covered for all your rupee-spending needs. Members of our writing staff have even stepped in to share their personal thoughts and impressions of the guide’s many treasures!
So, without further ado, here’s Zelda Dungeon’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!
Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda
Link(s): Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Gamestop
Price: $49.99 USD
I don’t know about you all, but Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda gets me hyped in all the right ways. Calling back to Nintendo’s first portable consoles, this thing is part gaming system, part collector’s item. It takes me back to a time when portability was a must for long drives in the backseat. It’s nostalgic while being functional — when not on the road, you can place it as a clock or use it as a timer in the home.
This system boasts three outstanding Zelda titles, including The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: Adventure of Link, and Link’s Awakening. The novelty of playing these games on a Game & Watch system makes me giddy, and that’s why I think this system is so spectacular. It is perfect for a Nintendo lover like me who is passionate about the company and its history.
Something about this combination is so pleasing — it’s a talking piece, it’s a celebration of 35 beautiful years of Zelda games, and, most importantly, it’s a clock! If you have the time this holiday season for this item, I think the Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda is a fine addition to any fan’s collection.
-Andrew Gray
Zelda-Inspired Shield Wood Coasters Set
If you have a beautiful dining room table from which you want to keep nasty marks or cup rings away, these Zelda coasters might be the item for you. Each of these coasters features a shield design from across the history of the Zelda series, reaching all the way back to the original Zelda shield design from 1986. ChaoticGoodDesigns has three sets for sale on their Etsy shop. Each set of coasters comes with 4 different shield designs, so have fun torturing yourself with the choice of which shield designs you want to showcase in your house.
Overall, these laser-cut wood coasters look sharp, with crisp lines and shading. Made from Mahogany and featuring a cork base, the rich brown color will fit in with many different types of furniture. If you are moving to a new space or looking to show off your Zelda love to guests you are entertaining, these subtle pieces make a great choice!
-Sean Gadus
A Link to the Past Shadow Box
Link(s): Retro Games Crafts
Price: $55.00 USD
Experience A Link To The Past through a new perspective! This handmade shadow box depicts the moment Link pulls the Master Sword from its pedestal and brings it to life by raising the foreground and background at different levels. The frames are 9” x 9” and 1.5” deep so you can really see the scene’s depth. And the best part? You can even order one custom designed!
I got a custom designed Chrono Trigger shadow box as a holiday gift a few years ago, while my roommate has the Link To The Past shadow box, and I absolutely adore both of them. The exquisite attention to detail and craftsmanship, bright colors, and depth of the scenes in these shadow boxes are incredible and well worth the price.
If you know someone who would love to hang a video game themed shadow box on their wall, make sure to commission one from Retro Games Crafts sooner rather than later, as they’re handcrafted and made-to-order!
–Michaela El-Ters
BlackMilk x The Legend of Zelda Collection
Link(s): BlackMilk Clothing
Price: $60 AUD (~$43 USD) to $139 AUD (~$100 USD)
BlackMilk x The Legend of Zelda is a beautiful collection of clothing that takes you back to Hyrule in style. The collection boasts beautiful designs featured on crewnecks, t-shirts, dresses, and more. My personal favorite is the Burned Velvet Sheikah Slate Handkerchief Dress! Patterned after the display on Link’s Sheikah Slate in Breath of the Wild, this dress helps me imagine traversing Hyrule in style in search of what the Wilds might offer. Whether you’re dressing to impress this holiday season, or if you want a bit more Zelda-inspired clothing in your closet, there’s something for everyone in this collection!
-Heather Beard
Song of Storms Music Box
Link(s): on Etsy
Price: $17.98 USD
Although this music box doesn’t actually make the weather drastically change when played (trust me, I’ve tried), this little collectible is a must-have for any Zelda fan. To be honest, I was shocked that an Etsy shop could craft such a beautiful and intricate music box that plays “The Song of Storms” so perfectly, but I was pleasantly surprised! You can also choose to engrave the box with a special message for a special someone if you’re giving it as a gift, or even with one of your favorite quotes. The possibilities are endless!
As someone who grew up with Ocarina of Time, hearing this sweet, little familiar tune from one of my favorite games of all time might not fill my room with a rainstorm, but for me, it does turn on the waterworks from pure nostalgia. It’s just that fantastic.
-Chakell Herbert
E.X.P.L.O.D.E Legend of Zelda/Akira Crossover Art Print
Link(s):
Price: $8.00 USD 5×7 in. print, $25.00 USD 11×17 in. print
I met artist Mimi through this year’s Linktober challenge and instantly became a fan of her artwork. Every piece she did for the challenge is a treat for the eyes! I had recently watched Akira for my first time this year, but even before watching it, I had seen the film’s iconic poster of Kaneda walking towards his motorbike with the road cracked near the front tire. When Mimi showcased her Zelda parody of that poster and announced that she was going to be selling prints on her Etsy shop, I bought a print as fast as I could!
It only took about 4 days after purchasing for the print to arrive. The quality of the print was great, the colors are really vibrant, and the art itself is a fantastic part of any collection. If you are looking for some art for the holidays, whether it’s for a personal display or as a gift, you cannot go wrong buying yourself one of these rapidly selling prints. As of writing, the size I bought (8″x12″) is sold out. She also has a fantastic selection of other art prints on her shop, so there is probably something to fit your collection!
-Charles Xavier
Zelda & Chill II Vinyl Record
Link(s): The Materia Store
Price: $35.99 USD
Late last year, German musician and producer Mikel released the long-awaited follow-up to his acclaimed 2018 lofi hip hop Zelda album Zelda & Chill. Appropriately titled Zelda & Chill II, the album reimagined a fresh crop of classic Zelda tunes in Mikel’s signature smooth style, including The Wind Waker’s “The Great Sea,” Skyward Sword’s “Fi’s Theme,” and Twilight Princess’ “Midna’s Lament.” And for the past 12 months or so, the album has, for many, become a work or study time staple.
While Zelda & Chill II is available to stream on a variety of platforms, a special vinyl edition is currently available from video game music label Materia Music. I’d imagine Mikel’s arrangements would sound absolutely killer coming out of a record player, but I can also see this vinyl release as a really cool addition to a collector’s shelf. The gorgeous sleeve bears Zelda & Chill II’s album artwork and the record itself is a really nice shade of turquoise. I’d argue it looks as smooth as it sounds.
Materia Music is also currently offering a vinyl edition of Mikel’s Pokémon-inspired lofi album Poké & Chill. You can check out more from Mikel on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube.
-Rod Lloyd
Zelda-Themed Cooking Utensils
This set of five wood-burned bamboo utensils is sure to thrill the Zelda fan in your life. With loving references to Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Breath of the Wild, and a Wind Waker-like Toon Link, this collection is a great fit for Zelda fans of any generation, whether the fan you’re buying for is a seasoned pro or a young gamer wanting to try Princess Zelda’s royal recipes and Link’s flavors of the wild.
As a lifelong Nintendo fan and a parent of two children, I’ll be buying a set of these myself! We’re always looking for ways to get our youngest interested in helping with meal preparation, and I can’t wait to see the look of delight on her face when she sees these. This set would also pair well with any of the wonderful Zelda cookbooks available for purchase.
-David Lasby
Designed Padded Nintendo Switch Dock Covers
Link(s): ActivePatch on Etsy
Price: $14.44 USD to $27.19 USD
If you’re looking for a practical gift this holiday season, consider purchasing an extra layer of protection for your Nintendo Switch! Etsy merchant ActivePatch is offering Padded Dock Covers that help protect your device’s screen from scratches. These covers are made of high-quality cotton on both the interior and exterior and will not create extra bulk on your dock. The covers are available for both the Nintendo Switch dock and the Switch OLED dock.
There are many designs to choose from, including numerous Zelda designs! They look fantastic (especially The Wind Waker design) and are on sale for a limited time. Check out ActivePatch’s shop to save 15% and protect your precious Switch this holiday season.
–Samantha Reynolds
Flora Of Hyrule T-Shirt
Link(s): Redbubble
Price: $20.59 USD
Breath of the Wild hosts a vast overworld with all sorts of flora and fauna for Link to discover, to log into the Compendium on the Sheikah Slate, and perhaps to use in various recipes. The wild flourishes after a hundred years post-Calamity, and such a catalogue of plants echoes the affinity Princess Zelda had for the research of flora, despite her royal and spiritual obligations.
This design by artist lillielavender showcases some of the flora of Hyrule and how unique each plant is. The design is not only available in different varieties of shirts, but also sixteen different colors for the design to be printed on. Earlier this year, I ordered the shirt in a light blue and have worn it often since. It is comfortable and fits me as intended, not too small or too large. I even wore it at the Zelda Dungeon Marathon!
The shirt is available for purchase on Redbubble, and that’s not all. The artist also has other Zelda-themed designs for sale, as well as some based after The Dragon Prince, Miraculous Ladybug, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Find the perfect gift for your loved ones and check out more lillielavender designs on their Tumblr blog.
-Alexandria Weber
Custom Legend of Zelda Songrings
I will always be a sucker for gifts that can reflect my little eccentricities, and I’m especially a sucker for jewelry. When I saw these customized rings that can be sculpted to reflect the note patterns to one of 21 songs from the Zelda series, including “Song of Storms,” “Zelda’s Lullaby,” and “Song of Healing,” I fell in love. Beyond just being a very neat idea, the rings are made of stainless steel and brushed with polished bronze and gold, giving them a really nice worn professional look. It is worth noting the rings are custom-made, of course, so make sure to order very soon or let your recipient know they’re in for a bit of a late present.
-Emily Curtis
Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom from Satoru Iwata, Nintendo’s Legendary CEO
Link(s): Viz Media, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Bookshop, Right Stuf, Google Play, Apple Books
Price: $17.24 USD to $22.99 USD for Hardcover, $11.99 USD to $15.99 USD for Digital
For as long as I can remember, video game development — from both the creative side and the business side — has been a subject of endless fascination. Nintendo’s behind-the-scenes stories are particularly alluring, given how secretive the company tends to be.
With that said, Ask Iwata is a gold mine for Nintendo history enthusiasts. Released outside of Japan this past April, the book is mostly a collection of interviews with the former Nintendo CEO, Satoru Iwata. His perspective on not only business management, but also life in general, is just so insightful.
Having served as Nintendo’s president throughout the GameCube, Wii, and Wii U eras, Iwata helped produce many of my favorite Zelda games. If you know someone who would be interested in learning more about the people behind Nintendo, then Ask Iwata is perfect!
–Brandon Schmitz
The Legend of Zelda Key Rings & Holder
Link(s): ChikkiThingsLtd on Etsy
Price: $48.70 USD
Do you know someone that is forgetful of the small things, like car keys? I do. This Zelda-themed key ring holder by ChikkiThingsLtd might be just the thing for them. The handmade wooden plaque comes with five plastic keys in the shape of Link’s traditional sword from the first Zelda game. Inscribed on its surface is the classic phrase, “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.”
At the time of this writing, the key rings & holders are still in stock. ChikkiThingsLtd advises caution, as numerous false shops have published his works claiming it as their own. At present, the Etsy store page is the only legitimate source for purchasing the Zelda key holder.
–Joseph Berlinger
Custom Wooden Gate of Time Clock
What better way to celebrate the 10th year of Skyward Sword than by gifting your friends and family with this beautifully crafted, intricately detailed wooden Gate of Time clock by Woodentek on Etsy? A gift like this is sure to create a smile that will stand the test of time, being both a beautiful and practical wall decoration.
–John Piland
Hallmark Keepsake Link and Zelda Ornaments
Link(s): Link Ornament, Zelda Ornament
Price: $8.99 USD
Most years, Hallmark gifts us with some fantastic Nintendo-themed ornaments to decorate the home with. Last year gave us a Legend of Zelda gold cartridge which looked phenomenal. This year, keeping to the 8-bit theme, they’ve unveiled Link and Zelda. Link has his traditional sword and shield, while Zelda looks lovely in her red dress.
Each ornament stands a little under 1 inch tall, so they’re perfect for any size of holiday tree. Plus, these classic designs could be kept out all year long! If you’re looking to start a family tradition, ornaments are always a great gift. Many families have special sets of ornaments that each family member sets out. They would also make great, little stocking stuffers!
-Brittany Lindstrom
Breath of the Wild Travel Posters
Link(s): on Etsy
Price: $16.00 USD for 1 poster, $22.00 to $150.00 USD for sets of 2 or more posters.
Travel the lands of Hyrule with these beautiful posters designed by StephologyShop on Etsy. The posters take you on a visual journey to popular locales in Breath of the Wild like Hateno Village, Satori Mountain, Tarrey Town, and even to The Great Fairy’s Fountain. These are beautifully designed posters, and you can score a deal if you order more than one! The posters would look fantastic and brighten up any Zelda lover’s home.
-Heather Beard
The Anatomy of The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II – A Design Analysis of Two NES Classics
Link(s): Amazon
Price: $19.00 USD
Author Jeremy Parish’s writing about video games affords him professor status. If anyone has shown that gaming’s past is worthy of being treated with the care of a true historian or scholar, it’s Mr. Parish. His YouTube channel is a treasure trove of finely researched dives into retro gaming.
With this, one of his earlier books, Mr. Parish breaks down and reconstructs the intricacies that made the NES’ two Zelda games forever classic. He has the tone and voice of your favorite, most chill history teacher. This book would be perfect for any Zelda fan in your life who likes to talk about the craft and art of game design.
–Andrew Millard
Out of the Lost Woods Fan-Made Art Book
When it comes to art, the Legend of Zelda series is never short on offerings. With that said, this little art book from creator KokiriCraigArt could be a delightful addition to any Zelda fan’s holiday season. This 47-page book is filled with vibrant images inspired by games from across the series including Breath of the Wild, Ocarina of Time, A Link to the Past, and many others. Whether for a newcomer to the series or a long-time fan, this book features hand-drawn images sure to evoke Zelda nostalgia on every page.
As somebody who has a few art books from various game franchises, this looks like one I absolutely would love in my collection. The art style is so whimsical and would stand out among my other books. For me, the Breath of the Wild and The Wind Waker images are truly among the best and most enjoyable to look at. There’s something unapologetically heartwarming about Toon Link standing beside the Deku Tree or sailing to Dragon Roost Island.
At the time of writing, there aren’t many left in stock, so be sure to check it out soon if you want to snag a copy before the holidays!
–David Wayne Nystrom
From the entire Zelda Dungeon family: Happy Holidays!
Did you spend your rupees on any of these rad Zelda gifts? What other Zelda swag would you recommend this Holiday Season? Let us know in the comments below!
Rod Lloyd is the managing editor at Zelda Dungeon, primarily overseeing the news and feature content of the site. The Zelda Dungeon Caption Contest and Zelda Dungeon themed weeks are both Rod’s babies. You can find Rod on Twitter right here.
Rod Lloyd is the Editor-In-Chief at Zelda Dungeon, overseeing the news and feature content for the site. Rod is considered the veteran of the writing team, having started writing for Zelda Informer in 2014 as a Junior Editor. After ZD and ZI officially merged in 2017, he stepped into the Managing Editor role and has helped steer the ship ever since. He stepped up to lead the writing team as Editor-In-Chief in 2023.
You can reach Rod at: rod.lloyd@zeldadungeon.net
