"The earth has music for those who listen." The Merchant of Venice
Shakespeare had a remarkable gift for finding the right words to capture love, friendship, courage, ambition, power, guilt and the many emotions that make us human. More than four centuries after they were first written, his plays continue to be performed, studied, quoted... and gifted.
Every day at Shakespeare's Globe, we welcome visitors from around the world. Many leave with a keepsake that reminds them of a memorable performance, a favourite play, or simply a line that has stayed with them long after they've left the theatre.
A Shakespeare-inspired gift is more than a book or a mug. It's a quote that makes a friend smile. A notebook that becomes home to someone's thoughts and ideas. A print that brings back memories of an unforgettable visit to the Globe. It's a way of taking a small piece of Shakespeare's world home with you.
Whether you're looking for a gift for a theatre lover, a devoted reader, a lifelong Shakespeare enthusiast or someone discovering his works for the very first time, we've gathered some of our favourite gifts from the Globe Shop to help you find something truly memorable.
1. Much Ado About Cooking Book
Looking for the perfect gift for a food lover or someone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen? Much Ado About Cooking, created in collaboration between Sam Bilton and Shakespeare's Globe, is a wonderful choice.
Inside, you'll discover original recipes inspired by Shakespeare's plays and the flavours of the Elizabethan era. More than just a cookbook, it's a beautiful book to display on a shelf or coffee table, one that's sure to spark conversation around the dinner table.
Shop Much Ado About Cooking Book
2. Shakespeare Bath Duck
Some gifts are made to be admired. Others are simply made to make people smile. Our Shakespeare Bath Duck definitely belongs in the second category. Inspired by Hamlet's famous line, "To be, or not to be", it cheekily asks "To quack or not to quack." It's one of those unexpected Globe Shop finds that reminds us Shakespeare doesn't always have to be serious, and perhaps that's exactly why we love it.
3. Hamlet sweatshirt "To thine own self be true"
Some Shakespeare quotes never lose their relevance, and "To thine own self be true" is certainly one of them. Spoken in Hamlet, these words have become a timeless reminder to stay true to yourself and embrace who you are.
Simple, comfortable and easy to wear, this sweatshirt lets the quote speak for itself. Whether you're drawn to its message or simply appreciate understated design, it's one of those pieces you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.
Shop Hamlet Sweatshirt (Rainbow True)
4. Silver posey ring
Love is at the heart of many of Shakespeare's greatest plays, from the passionate romance of Romeo and Juliet to the joyful wit of Much Ado About Nothing. During the Elizabethan period, lovers often exchanged posey rings engraved with short romantic messages as a symbol of their affection.
Inspired by this tradition, our silver posey ring is engraved with the words "PENCES POVR MOYE DV" ("Think of me"), echoing the heartfelt tokens that would have been exchanged in Shakespeare's time. Elegant and understated, it's a beautiful way to celebrate love while carrying a small piece of Elizabethan history with you.
5. The Globe theatre Print Starry Night
For anyone who has fallen in love with Shakespeare's Globe, this print is a beautiful way to bring a little of the theatre home. Featuring the iconic Globe beneath a star-filled London sky, it captures the magic of an evening performance in one of the world's most famous playhouses.
Whether you've watched a play from the Yard or simply dream of visiting one day, it's a reminder of the place where Shakespeare's stories continue to come to life.
Shop the Globe print Starry Night
6. Macbeth Tea Towel (Will These Hands Ne'er Be Clean)
Some Shakespeare quotes are simply too good to stay on the page. Lady Macbeth's famous lament, "Will these hands ne'er be clean?", is one of the most memorable moments in Shakespeare's work and, as it turns out, surprisingly fitting for a tea towel.
Designed exclusively for Shakespeare's Globe, this bold illustration transforms one of theatre's most iconic scenes into a practical everyday item. With its striking blood-red handprint and dark humour, it's a playful tribute to Macbeth that brings a little Shakespeare into the kitchen.
7. Shakespeare's Globe Porcelain Mug (I Like This Place)
Some quotes have a way of capturing a feeling in just a few words. Taken from As You Like It, "I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it" is one of those wonderfully simple lines that seems to resonate with everyone.
Whether it's your favourite café, your reading chair or simply a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this beautifully illustrated porcelain mug is a gentle invitation to slow down and enjoy the places you love most.
8. Shakespeare's Globe 500g Deluxe Candle
Can a scent tell a story? Created exclusively for Shakespeare's Globe, this hand-poured candle was designed to capture the spirit of the theatre itself. Notes of aged oak, leather and black pepper are inspired by the Globe's iconic timber frame and the rich aromas that would have filled Elizabethan London.
Light it while reading your favourite play or simply to bring a warm, comforting atmosphere into your home. It's an invitation to slow down, unwind and enjoy a quiet moment with Shakespeare.
Shop Shakespeare's Globe Candle
9. The Complete Works of Shakespeare - Leatherbound
If there is one book every Shakespeare lover dreams of owning, this is surely it. Beautifully bound in embossed leather with gilt-edged pages, this edition brings together Shakespeare's complete collection of plays, sonnets and poems in a single volume.
It's the kind of book that deserves pride of place on a bookshelf, one to return to again and again, whether you're rediscovering a favourite tragedy or reading a play for the very first time. A timeless gift that celebrates the extraordinary legacy of the world's greatest playwright.
Shop the Complete Works of Shakespeare
10. The Shakespeare Game
Shakespeare wasn't just a playwright, he was also an actor, theatre owner and entrepreneur. This beautifully illustrated board game lets you follow in his footsteps as you make your way through Elizabethan London, putting on plays while navigating the many twists and turns of theatrical life.
Easy to learn and fun to play, it's a brilliant way to bring friends and family together while discovering more about the fascinating world behind Shakespeare's greatest works.
