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The Best Grateful Dead Merch and Gifts for the Deadhead in Your Life
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Deadheads are nothing if not dedicated. That’s why if you have a Grateful Dead fan in your life, it’s always a sure bet to get them some merch, whether it’s a high fashion collaboration, a book, or a novelty collectible. Deadheads are spoiled for choice when it comes to gifts and merch — the band’s designs are frequently licensed to designers and retailers, including everything from salt shakers to shoes. But if you don’t share your loved one’s enthusiasm for the Dead, you might not be sure what gifts are actually worth buying.
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That’s why we’ve rounded up the best Grateful Dead merch and gifts, from officially licensed apparel emblazoned with the Stealie (a.k.a. the Dead’s iconic skull and lightning bolt logo) to books, blankets, and more. And if you are a die-hard Deadhead, consider picking up one of these gifts for yourself.
Phil Lesh — 'Searching For The Sound'
$11.99 $19.99 40% off
Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
The passing of Phil Lesh this year was a monumental loss for Grateful Dead fans, and while his legacy lives on in the music, he also committed his story to a bestselling memoir, Searching for the Sound. Originally published in 2006, the book makes a great gift for any fan of the Dead in your life. The book is also available on Audible, with narration by Lesh.
Grateful Dead Dancing Bears Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
$22.95
If you’re looking for a great stocking stuffer for Grateful Dead fans, this salt and pepper shaker set is a great option for the Deadhead who’s culinarily inclined. Each shaker is approximately 3″ tall, and they’re officially licensed.
Grateful Dead x Gabriela Hearst Knit Sweater
$4,450
Designer Gabriela Hearst teamed up with the Grateful Dead on a unique collection inspired by the brand’s deep catalog of visuals. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Hearst explained her desire to go deep into the Dead’s catalog for inspiration. “We played around at the beginning with the skulls and the things that you would recognize, but I thought it was interesting not to be so obvious… It was really, really fun to do because it’s a new take on what you would expect.”
'Dead Style' by Mordechai Rubenstein
$17.95 $24.99 28% off
Barnes & Noble
Deadhead style goes designer in this photo-rich book penned by GQ fashion expert Mordechai Rubenstein, who examines Grateful Dead’s influence in the worlds of streetwear and luxury fashion. At a time when tie-dye has been sent down the runways by the likes of Balenciaga, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Off-White, Saint Laurent, and others, this book showcases wardrobe inspiration for the next generation of the jam band’s stylish superfans.
Huckberry x Grateful Dead Chain Stitched Heavyweight T-Shirt
$78.00
Huckberry imbued its Grateful Dead collaboration with the retailer’s signature outdoorsy look, featuring trucker hats and heavyweight sweatshirts with more camo than tie-dye. Keeping with the Dead’s DIY ethos, the limited-edition collection features chain-stitched designs from a single artisan. This t-shirt has a skull and rose design stitched on the pocket for a subtle take on Deadhead merch.
Grateful Dead 'Dead Set' Vinyl
$46.99
The Dead are known for their legendary live performances, so a live album is a good gift to buy (as long as they don’t already have it). Dead Set, originally released in 1981, got a Barnes & Noble-exclusive pressing on “Orange Crush” vinyl.
Grateful Dead Kurt Adler UL 10-Light Bears Light Set
$23.28 $39.00 40% off
If you’re looking for something seasonal, this set of dancing bears is sure to light up any Deadhead Christmas tree. The plug-in Christmas light set includes 10 bears.
Section 119 Super Heavyweight Hoodie
$138.00
Section 119 is a hub for officially licensed Grateful Dead merch, offering everything from vests to bathrobes, but it’s hard to go wrong with a classic tie-dye hoodie featuring Stealie. The hoodie features a kangaroo pocket and is made from 100% cotton.
Grateful Dead x Slowtide Beach Towel
$45.00
Slowtide, a premium towel brand, has an entire collection centered around the Grateful Dead, featuring beach and kitchen towels with iconography like Bertha, the dancing bears, and Stealie. The beach towels are made from 100% Oeko-Tex standard cotton and feature a handy hanging loop.
Grateful Dead x Hedley & Bennett Apron
$95.20 $119.00 20% off
Whether you’re buying a gift for the grilling pro in your family or want to upgrade your kitchen accessories, Hedley & Bennett’s apron collaboration with the Grateful Dead is a must-have for any Deadhead. The premium apron line is an officially licensed collaboration and come with a variety of designs, from the dancing bear pattern to a minimal denim style, complete with tie-dye pockets.
Urban Outfitters Grateful Dead Bear Icon Crew Sock
$10.00
Socks are an easy gift for anyone on your list, and these soft socks are made from a blend of cotton and elastane. They’re available in purple or tan and feature flowers and the dancing bear icon.
Grateful Dead x Blazy Susan Metal Rolling Tray
$14.99
Unsurprisingly, there’s tons of great Grateful Dead merch on Etsy. Seller Blazy Susan has a large selection of premium smoking accessories like papers, trays, and cones. This rolling tray features a Stealie logo, and other designs include Bertha and the dancing bears.
Ben Jerry's Cherry Garcia Ice Cream
$5.39
What better way to sweeten any Deadhead’s day than with Ben & Jerry’s most famous flavor? It’s infused with cherries and fudge flakes and made with fair-trade, non-GMO, and cage-free ingredients.
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