Many of these items are inspired by Tolkien’s works specifically, while others are “Tolkien-adjacent” gifts for the Hobbit at Heart. I hope this guide will be inspiring as you shop for meaningful gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
Introduction to The Waldman Letter (Letter 131)
The Waldman letter is a letter written to Milton Waldman, an editor and advisor to publishers in London, who had expressed an interest in The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion after the widespread success of The Hobbit. For context, The Hobbit was published in 1937, this letter was written in 1951, and The Fellowship of the Ring would not be published until 1954. Unfortunately, The Silmarillion itself was not published until 1977 after Tolkien’s death.
Tolkien had hoped to publish The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion together and this letter reflects his belief that the two were interdependent. This letter is important because it pieces together all of Tolkien’s stories concerning Middle-earth, showing how they are all a part of the same “great tale”.
A Tolkien-Inspired Pregnancy Tracker, Week by Week
I’ve spent the majority of my pregnancy seeing my baby’s growth compared to fruits, toys, animals, household objects, etc. — most of which have extremely variable sizes or are altogether unhelpful — and it inspired me to put together a Tolkien-inspired version of my own.
Hobbit Party 2022: Photo Album, Menu, and Party Games
For all of my Hobbit Party planning posts and resources, please visit our Hobbit Party page! This year was our eleventh annual celebration, so things have grown quite a bit over the years. I’m sharing these photos and resources in hopes that you may be inspired to host a Hobbit party of your own, however large or small! :)
“The Oath of Fëanor”: A Silmarillion Party Game
Uncover Morgoth's Secret Identity… Fulfill Your Unbreakable Oaths… Maybe do a Little Kinslaying Along the Way?
Almond, Citrus, and Lavender Lembas Printable Recipe
It’s been a few years since I perfected my recipe for Lembas, waybread of the Elves. While some recipes remain more minimal, I felt anything elvish would have a very distinct floral or herbal flavor and so I chose to incorporate citrus and lavender into mine. My little hobbits have grown to love these and look forward to them every year, which has been such a joy to see…
The Lord of the Rings Party Supplies: “Speak Friend” Party Goods (Free Printables & Canva Templates)
This design is inspired by the Doors of Durin, located at the western entrance of Moria. Built in the Second Age, these doors serve as a reminder of the friendship which was one strong between Dwarves and Elves. Tolkien himself provided an illustrated of these doors, which can be found below.
The Lord of the Rings Party Supplies: “Star of Eärendil” Party Goods (Free Printables & Canva Template)
The great tale of the voyage of Eärendil is a common thread which unites nearly all of Tolkien’s legendarium, so it felt appropriate to use as a starting point for designing party goods for a The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit (or even The Silmarillion) inspired party. Below are four free party-planning resources that I’m happy to share: two editable Canva templates, and two free digital downloads. I hope you enjoy them!
Silmarillion Summer: Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age (Part Five)
“There at the last they looked upon death and defeat, and all their valour was in vain; for Sauron was too strong. Yet in that hour was put to the proof that which Mithrandir had spoken, and help came from the hands of the weak when the Wise faltered. For, as many songs have since sung, it was the Periannath, the Little People, dwellers in hillsides and meadows, that brought them deliverance.”
Silmarillion Summer: Akallabêth (Part Four)
Despite their long lives, the Númenóreans grew to fear death and wondered how they might escape their fate. The Númenóreans murmured against their mortality and the Ban, asking why they should die when the Valar and the Eldar would not? Why should they not go to Avallone? Why should they not even travel all the way to Valinor?
Silmarillion Summer: The Great Tales (Part Three)
“Here ends the Silmarillion; and if it has passed from the high and the beautiful to darkness and ruin, that was of old the fate of Arda Marred; and if any change shall come and the Marring be amended, Manwë and Varda may know; but they have not revealed it, and it is not declared in the dooms of Mandos.”