Harry Potter keeps coming back into our house every year because there is always a new reason to revisit the story: HBO 2027 updates, merch drops, and fresh collector editions. Here is what my kids still use every week, from books and LEGO to mugs, ornaments, wands, and lamps.
I keep this practical for other parents, not trend-chasing. You will get honest notes from our home on what we display, what survives daily use, and what still feels special after the first week.
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Why this matters in 2026
The franchise keeps evolving. HBO 2027 will touch everything from merch drops to the tours we see, so this guide reflects what we are actually watching, building, and reading. My kids own the books, but they also own sets that bring the castle into our living room.
For our family, this is not just nostalgia. We care about practical picks: mugs that survive the dishwasher, ornaments that look like real props, and lamps that make bedtime reading feel cozy.
Illustrated books & stories
The illustrated editions are my go-to for long drives. They keep the text but add art that makes my daughter rewind scenes to see the details again. These versions are the ones I gift when someone asks for a Harry Potter starter set.
I also mix in companion books about the art, the creatures, and the castles. They double as coffee table pieces that the kids can leaf through while they remember the story.
Illustrated Books Guide
Jim Kay editions with sprawling spreads, MinaLima companion books, and house notebooks that highlight lesser known characters.
Keep a MinaLima companion book near the sofa for bedtime rewind sessions. See the full illustrated book guide →
LEGO sets & builds
LEGO has been one of our safest purchases because the builds get replayed constantly. My kids use the sets as stage props for new stories, especially when the box includes several minifigures.
I keep all instruction booklets in a binder so rebuilds are easy. The sets we keep long term are the ones that survive rough hands and still look good on display.
Best Harry Potter LEGO Sets
Sets that balance detail and durability, with multiple minifigures for storytelling and scene building.
Harry Potter LEGO Books
Build guides, idea books, and companion reads for LEGO fans who want more from their sets.
Store instruction booklets in a binder so kids can rebuild the castle whenever they like. Browse the full LEGO guide →
Mugs, ornaments, and lights
Our mugs have to survive dishwasher cycles and spilled hot cocoa. We keep more than one crest so everyone gets a favorite, then rotate ornaments and lights through the year so the shelf never feels stale.
Harry Potter Ornaments
Ornaments that double as homework rewards and rotate on the tree each season.
Keep spare bulbs and a microfiber cloth near the mug shelf, simple maintenance keeps these pieces looking like real props.
HBO 2027 prep
The HBO series will bring new releases that sit right beside the books we already own. On release nights I pull mugs, ornaments, and illustrated books onto a watch tray so the kids can touch the props while we stream.
We also keep a simple checklist: refresh the LEGO build, leave a new illustrated chapter beside the couch, and set the lamps to a warm glow. It makes the whole night feel more immersive for the kids.
What’s Next
If you want to keep going, start with more merch ideas and age-based book picks, then come back here when you are building out your next gift list.
FAQ
Pick a shelf for the most-used items and rotate the rest by season. Keep sealed boxes for LEGO and sleep on the idea of themed drawers for the mugs and ornaments.
Pack what still feels meaningful and pass the rest to a sibling or friend. I also swap in new items that match the next lit phase, so the shelf always looks fresh.
Because it keeps every new release in context. We can compare the show with the illustrated books, LEGO builds, and ornaments we already own, so the merch stays relevant.
Ideally. The merch feels richer when your kids know the characters and the houses. But if you need a quick gift, pick an item that pairs with a book so the conversation stays on track.