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Let's face it: leaving Disney without some merchandise is almost impossible. Whether it's clothing, a pair of ears, or a Disney pin, there's always something that catches everyone's attention. However, if you find yourself wondering "do I need this?" after picking up an item, you might not see it again after your visit. I often ask myself this question whenever I go to Disney. Let's discuss my top 10 pieces of merchandise that I believe are most worth buying!

1. Pins. Although pin trading isn't as prominent in the parks as it once was, pin collecting remains popular. These pins are an inexpensive souvenir that can be kept as mementos or displayed wherever you like. It's an enjoyable way to begin a collection as you visit Disney more frequently. My husband and I have a book of our pin collection in our home. There are pins available not just for each park, but also for every ride, character, special occasion, and more.

2. T-Shirts and Spirit Jerseys/Sweatshirts. I'm a big fan of t-shirts and sweatshirts and believe you can never have enough! Whether it's a classic Disney t-shirt or a fully adorned Spirit Jersey, these items are all warm, cozy, and high-quality, making them ideal for cool evenings, relaxing at home, or even running errands. They not only serve as a wonderful Disney keepsake but are also something you'll wear even after your trip! I love my Disney sweatshirts the most!

3. Personalized Christmas Ornaments. These are a cherished souvenir for me, as I love both memorable keepsakes and the holiday season. Disney offers two places for this: the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom and Disney's Days of Christmas in Disney Springs. There, calligraphy artists can inscribe anything you wish on an ornament you purchase. For instance, after my husband and I got engaged in front of Cinderella Castle, we immediately went to the holiday shop to personalize an ornament of the castle with the words "Just Engaged, June 2022." It's now one of my favorite ornaments on our tree. You don't need a major milestone to personalize one; you could simply add "Family Vacation 2025" or your name if you like!

4. Kitchen Items. If you're a kitchen enthusiast, this is perfect for you! Disney provides a variety of kitchen items that are subtly themed and highly practical. This includes Mickey-shaped spatulas, cookie cutters, cheese boards, cookbooks, and more. I recently bought a notebook featuring Chef Gusteau's "Anyone Can Cook" cookbook from Pixar's Ratatouille on the cover, where my husband and I can jot down our recipes instead of using the notes app on our phones. I'm thrilled to have this in our kitchen!

5. Mugs, Tumblers, and Water Bottles. I can confidently say that these are items you'll definitely use after your trip! It's incredibly practical, as you can use it daily for water, coffee, tea, and more. Disney offers one of the largest selections of mugs, tumblers, and water bottles I've encountered. When I say they come in all shapes and sizes, I truly mean it! You can find everything from a simple black and white mug to a tumbler shaped like a lightsaber, and everything in between. Disney collaborates with Corkcicle, so you'll notice some Corkcicle branding, especially on the tumblers. Another collaboration is with Starbucks, as there's a Starbucks in every park and in Disney Springs. They offer their "Been There/Discovery Series" mugs for each park, available as both a full-size mug and an ornament, which (here's a tip!) can also be used for espresso servings. These are extremely popular throughout the parks.

6. Minnie Ears. While these may not be everyone's first pick, they offer a charming way to elevate your Disney look. If you often visit Disney, I recommend giving them a try! The ears are crafted to be extremely durable, so they'll last through many years of Disney adventures. Nowadays, you can find ears featuring all your favorite characters, rides, and in a variety of colors. They're not just the classic Minnie with black ears and a red and white bow anymore. But don't worry, there are still plenty available for those who prefer the traditional look!

7. Blankets and Pillows (and Stuffed Friends). Listen to me. You're never too old to want a cuddle with something cozy. Disney provides a wide selection of blankets, pillows, and plush toys featuring all your favorite characters and styles in various sizes. From modern designs like a beige blanket with subtle white Mickey heads to blankets resembling vintage movie posters, there's truly something for everyone! The same variety is there for both pillows and plush toys. It's a great way to incorporate a hint of Disney into your home without going overboard.

8. Jewelry and Accessories. In recent years, I've really appreciated Disney's enhanced jewelry selection. In the past, Disney Parks jewelry was mostly maximalist, with a bold Disney style. Now, they offer minimalist necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more that subtly reference the parks. This range appeals to both maximalist and minimalist preferences! Additionally, Disney has a strong partnership with Pandora Jewelry, featuring a Pandora store in each park, including Disney Springs. They provide exclusive charms and jewelry only available during your visit! I usually make it a point to add a charm to my bracelet whenever I'm there. Disney also recently teamed up with Little Words Project, so you can find charming Disney sayings on these friendship bracelets throughout the parks!

9. Artwork and Prints. Throughout the parks, you'll discover Art of Disney stores. These shops offer a range of items, from small prints to large canvases and small sculptures featuring beloved Disney scenes, characters, and park attractions. Crafted and painted by Disney artists, the artwork always amazes me whenever I visit an Art of Disney store. These pieces make wonderful keepsakes for your home or office and are perfect gifts for fellow Disney enthusiasts!

10. Loungefly Backpacks or Disney Totes. This is certainly aimed at frequent park-goers, but I highly recommend investing in a Loungefly backpack or Disney tote bag! They're absolutely ideal for park visits, and there's now a vast selection available. You can choose from styles ranging from very simple to highly specific! Even when you're not at the parks, these bags are excellent for quick errands or can serve as a travel carry-on.

The sheer number of stores Disney has on their property is remarkable, but the variety of merchandise is even more impressive, as each store offers something unique. Personally, my favorite spots for shopping are World of Disney in Disney Springs, which has everything, The Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., and Discovery Trading Company/Island Mercantile in Animal Kingdom. There are plenty of options to explore. Ultimately, you know your preferences and what you'll use, but I've noticed that these 10 categories remain popular long after the trip is over. Happy shopping!