RS Recommends: The Best Elvis Merch, from Tennessee Whiskey to Vintage Vinyl
Kate Bush isn’t the only legacy musician experiencing a resurgence this summer — the general public just can’t contain their burning love for Elvis Presley after the release of director/writer Baz Luhrmann’s latest film Elvis.
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Starring Austin Butler in the titular role and Academy Award Winner Tom Hanks as his manager Colonel Tom Parker, the film follows the life of the rock and roll legend through Parker’s eyes. Onscreen, Luhrmann recreates iconic moments and performances, such as Elvis’ show stopping 1977 performance of “Unchained Melody.”
Since its buzzy premiere earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, the film has been talked about as a potential Oscar contender for Butler’s lead performance, which has been heralded by critics, audiences and even members of the Presley family. To date, the film has made over $170 million at the global box office with over $100 million of that haul coming from the United States alone, a rarity in the post-pandemic era. Since Covid first appeared and turned our world upside down, success at the box office has become notoriously harder to come by, especially if you’re not a comic book adaptation, franchise or massive studio tentpole. While the prestige of an Elvis biopic certainly is a leg up for a musical drama that’s over two hours long, it wasn’t necessarily a guarantee for success in an unpredictable marketplace.
Presley’s musical catalog has also seen an uptick in engagement on streaming services; his 1968 performance of “If I Can Dream” became the crooner’s most viewed video on VEVO the weekend the film was released, with additional videos from the special receiving five times more views than they did the previous ten weekends.
Even Elvis’ short film, “A Boy From Tupelo” managed to get noticed by those hungry to learn more about the singer’s life, receiving “more than 22 times its usual number of views.” It’s safe to say that people have come down with Elvis fever, and brands are no different, with everything from spirits brands to apparel brands releasing merch timed to the Elvis resurgence.
Related: These Never-Before-Seen Elvis Photos Just Got Released As Affordable Wall Art
If you’re looking to stake your claim within the Elvis fan club, you’ll want to pick up some of the pieces for yourself (they make great gifts for Elvis fans too). From officially-licensed products to fan-created artwork, check out our list of the best Elvis merchandise below.
1. Elvis Tennessee Straight Whiskey
Reserve Bar
This Elvis-branded whiskey tastes of sweet-toasted maple with subtle notes of a Granny Smith apple and caramel for a sweet finish. It’s blended locally in Tennessee, notable for being Elvis’ home and where he began his record breaking career as the King of Rock and Roll.
2. King of Rock Highball Glass Set
Amazon
This set of highball glasses features four distinct printed designs, perfect whether you choose to use them for display or to enjoy some of the singer’s branded whiskey above.
Buy: King of Rock Highball Glasses $16.99
3. Elvis Coasters Records
Amazon
Every Elvis super fan knows that there’s no better way to serve a glass of Elvis’ famous whiskey than with an Elvis coaster. Packaged within a record player-themed gift box, each of these four coasters is designed to look like a vinyl record, made from actual top-grade vinyl, so you don’t have to worry about them staining or rusting over time.
Buy: Elvis Record Coasters $14.95
4. Elvis Presley LP Vinyl
Amazon
We may be firmly in the streaming era of music, but vinyl has been enjoying a renaissance over the last several years; in fact, one out of every three albums sold in the United States last year were vinyl LPs. If you’re looking to start, or add to, your vinyl collection then Elvis’ self-titled debut album is a must-have, featuring seminal songs like “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Money Honey.” Amazon has new, unopened Elvis CDs and records, but if you’re looking for vintage Elvis vinyl, eBay is a treasure trove of finds.
Buy: Elvis Presley LP Vinyl $16.59
5. Elvis Presley Cologne
Home Shopping Network
Not only does this cologne boast a spicy, distinctive scent based on all of the colognes and scents that Elvis collected from around the world, but it’s a true collector’s item, featuring a stunningly-crafted bottle that can be stored and displayed even after you run out of its contents.
6. Elvis 7-Film Collection
Amazon
Though he is regarded as the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis moved into the world of film for a time in an attempt to follow his role models James Dean and Marlon Brando. This collection features films like Jailhouse Rock, Girl Happy and Viva Las Vegas as well as his concert film, Elvis on Tour, on DVD.
Buy: Elvis 7-Film DVD Collection $15.99
7. Elvis 1968 Comeback Concert Fleece Blanket
Amazon
This soft throw blanket is inspired by a photo from The King’s 1968 comeback show and makes for the perfect addition to any Elvis super fan’s living room or bedroom. The fan-made merch makes a great Elvis gift idea too.
Buy: Elvis Comeback Concert Blanket $34.99
8. Legends Never Die Elvis Presley in Concert Framed Photo
Amazon
This framed plaque gets you two stunning photographs of Elvis in concert expertly matted and framed, ready to be proudly displayed wherever you choose.
Buy: Legends Never Die Framed Photo $52.99
9. Elvis 4-Piece Ornament Gift Set
Amazon
It’s never too early to get a head start on your holiday preparation. This set of four Elvis-themed ornaments are a must-have for any super fan’s holiday tree, featuring four distinct designs based on iconic looks from Elvis’ career.
Buy: Elvis Presley Ornament Set $44.99
10. Elvis Presley Vintage Design T-Shirt
Amazon
Like a good pair of jeans or a winter jacket, everyone needs a T-shirt with their favorite singer on it. This vintage-inspired tee is available in a variety of colors, from classic black to baby blue.
Buy: Elvis Presley T-Shirt $24.99
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