Philip Jubb

Sandy Dean asked:




One of the most searched for Harry Potter items that is almost impossible to find is Harry Potter bedding in any size other than twin. Manufacturers seem to assume that Harry Potter fans or parents who are interested in buying Harry bedding only sleep in twin beds. This is just not true. Many younger children sleep in other than bunk or twin beds and many older children (and even teens and adults) are fanatical Harry Potter fans who are also shopping for bedding.

Currently, there is not one manufacturer who consistently makes full sized (or larger) Harry Potter bedding. However, there are a few options.

There is currently a full sized eight piece bed in a bag which includes: a double sided comforter; four pillow cases; a bed skirt; and both fitted and flat sheets. This item is sometimes available at various auction sites. It is blue in color and features Harry as depicted in the movie “Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire” holding his wand.

If you are not able to find this Harry Potter bed in a bag set, there is another option. Often, you can find Harry Potter full sized (or larger) blankets. These blankets are often very attractive plaid meant to depict the Hogwarts school colors and uniforms. This option may well appeal to older children as it is more neutral and classic. Pair this blanket with solid colored sheets, pillow cases and bed skirt, and you’re in business.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan looking for full sized bedding, don’t give up or think you need a twin bed. Larger sized Harry Potter bedding is available if you’re willing to search a bit.

Sandy Dean asked:




It seemed like such an easy thing at first. I merely wanted to buy my son some kid’s pajamas depicting his favorite characters and images from the Harry Potter series. I thought I’d just pick some up at my local discount super center the next time I bought groceries. I had no idea how wrong this would turn out to be.

The problem was my son decided that he loved Harry and his friends after he read The Chamber Of Secrets over a summer when no Harry Potter film or book releases were on the horizon. The truth is, while it’s possible to get your hands on Harry Potter kid’s pajamas when a book or movie is being promoted, it’s potentially difficult even then. And if you’re looking for Potter pajamas for an adult or teen, it’s even more difficult.

I soon found, after several special trips to and pleas with managers of discount stores, malls and specialty shops, that merchants do not regularly carry Potter items or pajamas until a new movie comes out and even then it’s hard to swoop them up before the other desperate parents find out.

This creates a bit of desperation for parents of children who are wild about the wizards. I have even seen forums where parents desperate for Hogwarts or Hermione sleepwear were willing to buy the fabric and attempt to make them themselves. I am no where near this crafty.

What I’ve learned is that you really have two options. You can (and should) stock up on these pajamas when the books and movies come out. You should also make friends with the search options on your computer, because you’ll need to pounce as soon as a rare pair of simple wizard pajamas becomes available on your screen.

Victoria Neely asked:




If you’re thinking about getting yourself a Harry Potter costume, you’ll definitely need convincing Hogwarts robes, or perhaps a fashionable pointy hat. But there’s just one more very important thing you need: A good wand. How and where do you find one?

You could always pick out a decent stick and pretend that’s your wand. It’s cheap– can’t get much better than free. You could even stain and varnish it. It’ll get the idea across either way. Even so, you would still be waving around a stick. Wouldn’t it be cool to wield a beautiful wand that looks like it was truly made by Ollivander himself?

If you don’t mind shopping online, and you’re willing to shell out some money for a decent wand, you have plenty of options. Amazon, for example, has a fair number of wands for sale. But if you want a quality wand, be careful: Most of the Harry Potter wands available on Amazon are cheap toys.

Now, if you want an accurate reproduction of a Harry Potter wand and can afford to spend at least $35, look into what Noble Collection has to offer. Noble Collection is known for recreating jewelry, swords, props, and other items you see in fantasy movies. The company sells wands modeled after the ones wielded by Harry, Ron, Hermione, and even Dolores Umbridge.

Unfortunately, the wands by Noble Collection aren’t the most durable. Since each wand is made either partly or entirely from resin, they are quite fragile; they’re for display only. If you want a beautiful wand that you wouldn’t be afraid to take with you to a Halloween party, consider the wooden ones made by Whirlwood or Alivan’s.

The Whirlwood wands are all handcrafted by Gary Hall, who’s been creating fine art for over 30 years. Almost all his wands are made from solid maple wood. They are elegant and very strong– even if you WANTED to break one, you’d have a hard time of it. You don’t want to scuff them up, of course, but you don’t have to be afraid to use one of these wands to complete your Harry Potter costume. They tend to start at $50, but they are high quality and worth the price.

Your other option is to buy a wooden wand from Alivan’s. Although they don’t look quite as nice as the Whirlwood wands, they are definitely worth looking into. They’re cheaper, and Alivan’s offers a wide variety.

Doubtless there are more options, but Noble Collection, Whirlwood, and Alivan’s appear to offer the best.