The Game is Afoot and Accessorized: Sherlock Holmes Gifts for Readers

On a Saturday morning in the early ’90s, Kid Me was deep in my usual cartoon lineup when an episode of Looney Tunes came on featuring a detective version of Daffy Duck. His name was Dorlock Holmes, he lived at 221 7/16 Bleeker Street, and his favorite pastime was deduction. He and his pal Watson, played by one Porky Pig, were trying to catch someone called the Shropshire Slasher, and I was absolutely riveted. The episode was full of references to Holmesian lore (and to Jack the Ripper, because why not) that went entirely over my head, but it didn’t matter. When I found out this Dorlock character was inspired by a famous literary detective, I all but ran to the library to get me some of that.

It was some time before I was old enough for the Arthur Conan Doyle originals, but I have been a steady consumer of Holmesian books, shows, and movies in one form or another pretty much ever since Dorlock put me on. That isn’t hard to do when new takes on Sherlock and friends pop up all the time (Sherry Thomas’ Lady Sherlock series, the CBS show Watson, and Netflix’s Enola Holmes films to name a recent few). If you too are a fan of all things Sherlock, celebrate this Sherlock Holmes Day (5/22) by treating yourself to these pencils, candles, artwork, perfume, and more. These Sherlock Holmes gifts pair perfectly with an afternoon of reading, or chasing down clues.

image from LitandWhimsyShop on Etsy

My favorite thing about these Sherlock quote pencils is that the quotes aren’t just the typical “the game is afoot” or “elementary, my dear Watson.” Those are great, but so are these! $14

three bookmarks in a stained glass window design with 221B at the top and an image below that text of Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes — image from AixenArt on Etsy

The stained glass motif on these bookmarks is great, and I think that’s supposed to be ol’ Benny Cumberbatch as Sherlock in the BBC production, Sherlock? Admittedly, my brain is seeing a young Martin Short, but I like these either way! $9

a black vintage motel key fob with gold text that says Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective 221B Baker Street London, UK — image from the3sistersdesignco on Etsy

I love the vintage motel key styling of these Sherlock key fobs, which taught me that hotels and motels used to indeed guarantee postage if you dropped one of these in the mail. You learn something new every day! $10

a sticker of a cat in a tweed coat and cap holding a magnifying glass resembling Sherlock Holmes — image from BraveMoonman on Etsy

Sherlock Kitty is the cutest kitty! This fella makes the cutest little detective, and the cutest sticker. $5

a magenta wax candle in a glass jar with a label that says Sherlock's Study: Unsolved Cases, Experiments, and a Violin — image from CandleChronicles on Etsy

Embark on a study in scarlet with this Sherlock’s Study candle, which is hilariously described as being a bit abrasive at first, but pleasant the more time you spend with it, just like me our man Holmes. Its scent contains notes of unsolved cases, experiments, and a violin… otherwise known as leather, whiskey, and fireside. $22

a brown wax candle in a clear glass jar with a black lid. The label on the candle says Book Lovers' Soy Cnadle: Sherlock's Study - sherrywood, tobacco, rain — image from Frostbeard on Etsy

I’ve been a big fan of Frostbeard candles since my days as an indie bookseller and highly recommend their many bookish scents. Here’s another Sherlock’s Study candle, this one with notes of cherrywood, tobacco, and rain. The 8-oz jar comes in at $24, but you can also get it in 2-oz and 4-oz tins or as wax melts.

a grey book nook insert of a bust of Sherlock Holmes holding a magnifying glass up to his face — image from 3DijkstraFinds on Etsy

See now this Sherlock book nook insert is very much giving me Benedict Cumberbatch. It comes in two sizes and three colors—choose your own Cumberbatch. $36

an antique silver key on a silver chain. The key is engraved with "221 B" — image from FandomPatchesandMore on Etsy

I love vintage keys as decor or jewelry. This key has the famous 221B of Baker Street fame and makes a lovely necklace. $15

a person with white skin wearing a beige crewneck sweatshirt with black text and design on the front. The text says 221B Baker Street Est 1892 and the design is a London skyline — image from Studiochateau on Etsy

I collect crewneck sweaters like some people collect totes. This Baker Street sweater is cute and cozy, just the way I like. $44+

image from ThimblesObjectDart on Etsy

Here’s a sleek Sherlock notebook for all of your journaling and notetaking needs. Could be a reading log, could be case notes. You decide. $22

an art print resting on a wood floor against a wall. the print is a black and white image of a man in a top hat and overcoat next to a howling dog — image from BooksnBobs on Etsy

Bring the mists of the Devonshire moors to your home with this Hound of the Baskervilles art print. $21+

a clear glass perfume bottle with black text that reads Smells Like Books: 221B Baker Street - Tobacco + Leather + Darjeeling Tea — image from SmellsLikeBooks on Etsy

And lastly, if you’ve ever wanted not just your home but your person to smell like books, enter Etsy seller Smells Like Books. Their 221B Baker Street scent is a blend of tobacco, leather, and darjeeling tea. $38+

If you need some Sherlockian reading to go along with your new goods, here’s our ranking of all 60 original Sherlock Holmes novels and stories, a deep dive into the many origins of Sherlock Holmes, and a look at the best Sherlock Holmes adaptation.

Source : The Game is Afoot and Accessorized: Sherlock Holmes Gifts for Readers