To all my L.A. Harry Potter homies out there (you know who you are), I have a little Christmas present for you all. I know 2015 seems sooo far away – that’s when Universal Studios Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is slated to open, but if you need to get your magical fix in the meantime, then let me tell you about Whimsic Alley.

 

Now, I admit, I am going into this article blind – I have not actually visited this place myself (YET); however, I can happily report on the fruits of its existence. You see, the place was discovered by, of all people, my mom, who took a little trip down there WITHOUT ME and, by all accounts, had a freaking ball. Her bounty was  uncovered under the Christmas tree, and if that is any indication of how utterly Potter-epic this place is, then we all need to plan a field trip rill soon.

 

Among the wizarding bits ‘n’ bobs you may purchase from this glorious shop, located on Wilshire Boulevard in L.A., includes: stockings, knit caps, and scarfs in the House of her choice (check with the Sorting Hat first); round Harry glasses; packs of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans (booger flavor included!); lots of different badges with sayings like “I <3 Lucius Malfoy”; and chocolate frogs. Make no mistake, they look just like the ones in the movie.

 

This is just a sampling of the goodies that Whimsic Alley yields, and it has jumped to the top of the list of places in L.A. that I still need to visit (sorry, Griffith Observatory, some other time!). But you needn’t wait for me – YOU can go there too, at any time, no floo powder necessary! Whimsic Alley is located at 5464 (and ¾) Wilshire Boulevard.

 

So, start accio-ing some cool merch!

 

 

- Katie Marzullo, YH Staff Editor

@YHKatie