‘Tis the season for the Olympics—a steamy, leap year summer with plenty of controversy and plenty of anticipation. My own interest in the upcoming games was piqued when my in-laws, in Beijing on business, mailed my two-year-old son a package of Olympics mascots. They are wild, creepy, yet endearing stuffed animals, and they spurred my interest in what other interesting Olympics merchandise—from past, present, and future—is on the market.
Here are some of my favorites, starting with my son’s new cuddly friends.
Beijing Mascots
There are five Beijing mascots (called Fuwa), made to represent the color and number of Olympic rings. The mascots look like little children, yet at the same time exemplify the characteristics of a panda, a fish, a Tibetan antelope, a swallow, and the Olympic flame. The stuffed animals are perfect souvenirs to regale on a youngster. I don’t know whether it’s the spiky hair or the big, droopy eyes, but my son likes to hug and slobber on his mascots. You don’t even have to travel to China to buy these. For $49.99, a set of five can be purchased on Amazon.com.
Handcuffing Beijing
Because we don’t want to sugarcoat the Beijing Olympics—there are loads of reasons why people are angry that imperfect China is the grand host—let’s look beyond the cuddly mascots. If you want to make a statement about global politics while commemorating the 2008 Beijing Olympics, check out these $21.99 t-shirts featuring handcuffs in lieu of the five Olympic rings. You can get them in a variety of colors and sizes; you can even get a toddler size if you’re looking for a hipster gift for the next boring baby shower you’re forced to attend.
Carrying the Torch
This official torch was used in the run from Olympia to Athens, Greece, for the 1968 Mexico City games. While the price tag is a hefty $2,250, the history behind it is equally hefty. It’s one of five designs created for different segments of the Torch Run, and on August 23, 1968, “its journey followed the course of Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to the New World, symbolizing the union of the classic cultures of the Mediterranean with those of America.” The flame traveled 8,200 miles and was carried by 2,778 runners before arriving at the Olympic Stadium on October 12. It would make a great mantle centerpiece—or hand weight for your next training run.
It’s in the Bag
If you’re the kind of person who likes to sling your patriotism across your shoulder, consider this $64 Adidas Olympic handbag, a durable polyurethane purse with the Olympic torch emblem displayed across the front. The red, white, and blue accessory will free you up to wear anything you want, while still identifying you as an American and Olympics devotee.
