As with any movie, there is a LOT of promotional merchandise flying around with the Lord of the Rings name on it. Don't waste cash on the wrong piece of memorabilia! Hobbit guides you through the ins and outs of Lord of the Rings shopping.

Lords of the Rings in Print

Everyone should have a copy of Tolkien's masterwork. Voted the greatest novel of the 20th century, book-lover or not, you must read this novel. Broken into 3 volumes, Lord of the Rings can be purchased as "Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", and "Return of the King". For the first film's release, "Fellowship of the Ring" has re-issued with covers inspired by the film itself.

Purchase The Lord of the Rings Box Set
Purchase The Lord of the Rings in one Bound Volume
Purchase Fellowship of the Ring
Purchase The Two Towers
Purchase Return of the King

The Hobbit in Print

Prequel to Lord of the Rings. Tells the story of how Bilbo Baggins first found the ring on a journey to far off lands. This story is a bit more simplistic, and while fun reading for adults, plays better for children than Lord of the Rings. Worth reading before taking a look at the film or any of the other novels. A fine story in its own right.

Purchase The Hobbit in paperback
Purchase The Hobbit in hardcover

United Cutlery Swords

The crème de la cream of Lord of the Rings merchandise. Each sword is lovingly and painstakingly crafted... and the price reflects that. Currently, only Sting, the Witch King's sword, and Gandalf's sword is available, Sting being the cheapest, checking in at around 200 dollars. But truly, they look to be worth every single penny. These are officially authorized EXACT replicas of the swords used in the film, right down to the elven inscriptions on Sting's blade. No, this Sting does NOT glow in the presence of orcs. I have never wanted anything in my life quite this much. Every LOTR geek has to have his own personal Sting.

Burger King Figurines
Without a doubt the best happy meal toys I have ever seen! Sure it's mildly embarrassing as an adult male to pull through the Burger King drive through and order 3 kid's meals, but it's well worth the humiliation. Each toy lights up! Some of them even talk! And better yet, if you collect them all, they fit together into a cool looking and functional display. When assembled, the One Ring is at the center, turn the ring, and each character in the display lights up. I'd buy these things outright, getting a Whopper with them is just a bonus. It is however, killing my diet.

The One Ring replicas

Next to Sting itself, this is the high class trinket I want the most. You can pay a bundle and get a solid gold engraved ring on a chain. But being a Hobbit of little means I'll probably go the cheaper route and get the fake one for a meager 50 dollars. I know, it's actually a little silly to carry one around, and it's also a little silly for the rings to all have the "one ring" inscription on them since that inscription is only readable when heated. However, since these aren't magic, it's either see the inscription all the time, or just carry around a plain gold ring... and how exciting is that?

Burger King Light Up Goblet
While BK is offering free figurines with each kids meal, you've got to pay a little extra if you want to pick up one of their light up goblets. $1.99 to be exact. I'm not entirely sure what the point is, but I'll probably buy one just the same. The Arwen glass speaks to me.

The Silmarillion in Print

The Silmarillion is really more of an assorted collection of stories written by Tolkien. Compiled by his son Christopher Tolkien from his Father's notes, The Silmarillion tells the broad history of Tolkien's middle earth, from creation onward. A must read for dedicated Tolkien fans, but perhaps a bit heavy for the un-initiated.

Purchase The Silmarillion in hardcover
Purchase The Silmarillion in paperback

Lord of the Rings Soundtrack

I'm holding out on buying it until I see the movie. No point in spoiling it by listening ahead of time. But with two songs by Enya, and a magical score by Howard Score, it's a wonderful piece of ear candy for just about anyone. Multiple Collector's edition CD covers don't hurt either.

Lord of the Rings 6" Action Figures

Not since Star Wars has there ever been such a lovely collection of kiddie toys so coveted by grown men (and Hobbits). Unlike the bigger dolls, the action figures actually resemble their characters. They also look lovely sitting on your desk. Buy them you geek!

Lord of the Rings Dolls (12")

These are the premium, bigger, more expensive version of the LOTR Action figures... and they suck. They really do. You'd think the more expensive the figure is the better it would resemble it's character. Sadly this is not the case. Sure they have real clothes on them instead of plastic and all that, but frankly the modeling sucks and you're probably better off with the cheaper all plastic action figures.

Lord of the Rings Posters

There's something attractive about movie posters. I've always loved them. But the Lord of the Rings posters are really something special. Some were even designed by famed Tolkien artist Alan Lee. I can't think of a better place for one than a frame on my wall.

Lord of the Rings Clothing

One thing I WON'T buy. Even this Hobbit has some dignity. Personally, I'm not interested in walking around with a T-Shirt that just screams GEEK on the front of it. Might as well pin a "kick my ass" sign to your chest. However, I did see mega-millionaire and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, wearing one on TV last night. But that still doesn't make it cool.

Weta Helms

Another bit of merchandising that's just not quite my cup of tea. But for those whom it is, WETA Workshop's, the company that handled costuming and effects for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, is selling detailed exact replicas of various helms worn by soliders and orcs in the film. Well worth the price if that's your thing.