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| May 4, 2017 12:30pm ET-
Credit: Hasbro
Celebrating 40 Years of ‘Star Wars’
It’s been 40 years since George Lucas’s original “Star Wars” movie hit theaters, kicking off one of the most popular science-fiction film series of all time. Fans of the franchise are honoring this special anniversary with a wave of commemorative toys and other merchandise.
Scroll through to see Space.com’s picks for the 40 coolest “Star Wars” anniversary gifts, both old and new.
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Credit: Hasbro
40th Anniversary Legacy Pack
Buy Hasbro’s 40th Anniversary Legacy Pack on Amazon.com
Hasbro is taking a blast to the past by recreating Kenner’s 1977 Early Bird Certificate package with this Legacy Pack. While only a special edition Darth Vader figure is included in the pack, the other 40th anniversary figures are sold separately . In addition to the 6-inch action figure, this kit comes with a display stand and reversible cardboard backdrop. ($40 on Amazon)
Why we love it: While Kenner’s original 1977 set contained only an envelope with a certificate to redeem the first four action figures, this kit is ready to go on display right off the bat. If you don’t get the other action figures with it, you can at least display those key characters with one side of the reversible backdrop. The other side recreates the main art from the original Kenner kit. [See more photos here ]
NEXT: A New Turntable
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Credit: Crosley
Crosley ‘Star Wars’ Cruiser Deluxe Turntable
Buy ‘Star Wars’ Cruiser Deluxe Turntable from Turntable Lab
For the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars” and the 10th annual Record Store Day, Crosley released this limited-edition turntable with artwork from “A New Hope.” You can find these at independent record stores across the U.S. or buy it online. ($110)
Why we love it: This “Star Wars” turntable more than just a beautiful record player. It’s also super functional, lightweight and portable. Play music through the built-in speakers or connect your headphones. It also features a wireless Bluetooth receiver.
NEXT: A New Vinyl
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Credit: Walt Disney Records
‘A New Hope’ Vinyl EP
Buy “A New Hope” Vinyl EP on Amazon.com
Also released for the 10th annual Record Store Day and the “Star Wars” 40th anniversary, this EP features tracks from the 1977 original film, “A New Hope.” The tracks are composed and conducted by John Williams and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. ($20 on Amazon)
Why we love it: If you’re thinking about getting Crosley’s new “Star Wars” turntable, don’t forget the matching vinyl EP! These two exclusive releases make an excellent, nostalgic combo gift for any “Star Wars” fan.
NEXT: “Star Wars” meets Shakespeare
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Credit: Quirk Books
‘William Shakespeare’s Star Wars Trilogy’
Buy William Shakespeare’s Star Wars Trilogy on Amazon.com
May the verse be with you! This boxed set includes Shakespearean rewrites of the original “Star Wars” trilogy, including “A New Hope,” “The Empire Striketh Back,” and “The Jedi Doth Return.” The boxed set comes with an 8-by-34-inch poster. ($24 on Amazon)
Why we love it: These books bring a quirky twist to the original “Star Wars” trilogy by retelling the same stories in the style of William Shakespeare. The set is a must-have for any poetry fan who loves “Star Wars.”
NEXT: A classic boardgame
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Credit: Hasbro
Monopoly: ‘Star Wars’ 40th Anniversary Special Edition
Buy ‘Star Wars’ Monopoly on Amazon.com
Travel around a galaxy far, far away while building fleets and bases for the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire with this special-edition “Star Wars” Monopoly game. ($33 on Amazon)
Why we love it: Monopoly has never been this epic and out of this world! For the 40th anniversary of “A New Hope,” this board game features scenes and ships from the original 1977 film. Relive the movie while battling your friends and family to be the last one standing.
NEXT: The Black Series
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Credit: Hasbro
Black Series: X-34 Landspeeder & Luke Skywalker
Hasbro revealed several new “Star Wars” figures from its Black Series line of premium toys at Star Wars Celebration 2017 in Orlando, Florida. In this set, a 6-inch Luke Skywalker is ready to whiz around Tatooine with his X-34 Landspeeder. The set will go on sale this fall with a suggested retail price of $60.
Why we love it: This particular set was inspired by deleted scenes from “A New Hope” in which Luke Skywalker watches a space battle unfold above the Tatooine desert with his binoculars. His lightsaber hilt, slugthrower rifle, goggles and floppy hat are also included.
NEXT: Rey and her speeder
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Credit: Hasbro
Black Series: Rey and her speeder
Rey and her speeder will also join Hasbro’s new Black Series premium toys available this fall. The 6-inch action figure and her vehicle will cost about $60.
Why we love it: Inspired by the opening scene of “The Force Awakens,” Rey is all set to go scavenging on the desert planet Jakku with this new set. In the movie, Rey built her speeder from scrap parts she gathered from a starship graveyard. Even in toy form, the speeder looks pretty impressive. It comes complete with an opening engine panel, net full of junk and a display stand.
NEXT: Grand Admiral Thrawn
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Credit: Hasbro
Black Series: Grand Admiral Thrawn
Grand Admiral Thrawn, also known as Mitth’raw’nuruodo, is a “Star Wars Legends” character introduced in the “Heir to the Empire” trilogy by Timothy Zahn in the early 1990s. You can find the blue-skinned Imperial commander in toy stores this fall for about $50.
Why we love it: Though he started out as a non-canon character of the “Star Wars” expanded universe, Thrawn made his canonical debut in the animated series “Star Wars Rebels” in 2016 and stars in a new novel by Zahn titled “Thrawn,” which was released in April 2017. And now he has his own Hasbro action figure, too. Welcome to the official “Star Wars” club, Thrawn!
NEXT: Jaina Solo
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Credit: Hasbro
Black Series: Jaina Solo
A second “Star Wars Legends” character, Jaina Solo, has been reincarnated as a Hasbro toy after winning the Fan Figure Vote last year, in which fans selected a character to made into one of the premium Black Series action figures. Jaina comes with her own lightsaber and will go on sale this fall for about $20.
Why we love it: Jaina Solo may not be part of the canonical “Star Wars” storyline, but she’s still a fan favorite character, which is pretty remarkable. In the Expanded Universe, Jaina Solo is the eldest daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo. While she doesn’t officially exist in the “Star Wars” universe, her action figure is more than welcome in our world!
NEXT: Tarkin
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Credit: Hasbro
Black Series: Tarkin
Grand Moff Tarkin, commander of the Death Star and governor of the Outer Rim, will be available as a 6-inch Black Series action figure for the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars.” Find him at all major toy retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com this fall for $20.
Why we love it: In addition to his characteristically stern eyebrows, this Tarkin figure comes with the Interrogation Droid from “A New Hope.”
NEXT: Clone Commander Gree
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Credit: Hasbro
Hasbro ‘Star Wars’ Black Series: Clone Commander Gree
Hasbro is also adding a 6-inch version of Clone Commander Gree, also known as CC-1004, to their Black Series line of action figures this summer. Gree will be available exclusively at Toys “R” Us for $25.
Why we love it: This camouflaged, armor-wearing clone comes with his own pair of binoculars and a blaster gun.
NEXT: Inferno Squadron Pilot
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Credit: Hasbro
Black Series: Inferno Squadron Pilot
Pre-order Inferno Squadron Pilot from GameStop
This new character from the “Star Wars: Battlefront II” video game will be available exclusively at GameStop this November for about $20.
Why we love it: Now you can fend off the rebellion virtually and in-person with this action figure and video game combo.
NEXT: Princess Leia
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Credit: Hasbro
Titanium Series: Princess Leia
Buy Hasbro’s Titanium Series Princess Leia on Amazon.com
In honor of the 40th anniversary of “A New Hope,” Hasbro has added a new Princess Leia Organa figure to its Titanium Series. ($29 on Amazon)
Why we love it: This die-cast model of Princess Leia is beautifully detailed and comes with two blasters, a display stand and a reversible backdrop.
NEXT: ‘The Princess Diarist’
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Credit: Blue Rider Press
‘The Princess Diarist’
Buy The Princess Diarist on Amazon.com
Carrie Fischer, the actress who played Princess Leia Organa (and later General Leia Organa) recounts some behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of “A New Hope” in her memoir. ($15 on Amazon)
Why we love it: While the world continues to mourn the loss of this iconic actress, “The Princess Diarist” offers a hilarious, entertaining and intimate way to feel a connection with Fisher. It includes the diary entries she wrote as a young actress on the set of “Star Wars” back in 1977 with details about the crush she had on Harrison Ford (Han Solo). It also delves into her struggles with fame, addiction and mental illness. It’s also available as an Audiobook that is narrated by Fisher herself.
NEXT: Something cute!
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Credit: ThinkGeek
‘Star Wars’ 40th Anniversary Plush Set
Buy ‘Star Wars’ 40th Anniversary Plush Set from ThinkGeek
The cuteness is strong with these exclusive “Star Wars” 40th anniversary plushies from ThinkGeek. The five-piece Luke Set shown here includes Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, C-3PO, R2-D2 and an exclusive Jawa. Or you can choose to go with the Darth Set, which comes with Darth Vader, Han Solo, Chewbacca, a Stormtrooper and an exclusive Tusken Raider. ($60 from ThinkGeek)
Why we love it: These are by far the most adorable new “Star Wars” 40th anniversary toys we’ve seen so far.
NEXT: Your personal BB-8
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Credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom’s Guide
Spin Master Hero Droid BB-8
Spin Master’s new personal BB-8 robot rolls, beeps and responds to voice commands just like the original robot from “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” It will be available in stores this fall for $230.
Why we love it: This is the closest thing you’ll find to a real-life BB-8. It will follow you around like a puppy and steal your heart.
NEXT: A New Lunchbox
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Credit: Vandor
‘A New Hope’ Lunchbox
Buy ‘Star Wars’ Episode IV Lunchbox on Amazon.com
“Remember, the Force will be with you always” – especially if you bring your lunch to school or work in this awesome “Star Wars” lunchbox! ($10 on Amazon)
Why we love it: Store your lunch, supplies or other junk with style in this tin box tote with original artwork from the 1977 original “Star Wars” movie.
NEXT: Evil Waffles
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Credit: ThinkGeek
Death Star Waffle Maker
Buy Death Star Waffle Maker on Amazon.com
Put a little evil in your breakfast with this spectacular Death Star waffle maker from ThinkGeek. ($40 on Amazon)
Why we love it: It may not create moon-sized waffles, but it will at least give your waffles a planet-destroying superlaser.
NEXT: Evil Toast
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Credit: Pangea Brands
Darth Vader Toaster
Buy Darth Vader Toaster on Amazon.com
Bring your sliced bread to the “dark side” with this novelty Darth Vader toaster. ($40 on Amazon)
Why we love it: Whether you prefer toasted bread, Eggo waffles, bagels or English muffins, this toaster will turn your boring old breakfast into “Star Wars” swag in minutes.
NEXT: Death Star Planetarium
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Credit: Jeremy Lips
Death Star Planetarium
Buy Death Star Planetarium on Amazon.com
Explore a galaxy far, far away without ever having to leave your home with this Death Star planetarium by Uncle Milton ($14 on Amazon).
Why we love it: Immerse yourself in the “Star Wars” galaxy and project alien planets onto your ceiling and walls. Or turn your bedroom into a planetarium with a projection of Earth’s night sky.
NEXT: Death Star Electronics Lab
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Credit: Uncle Milton
Death Star Electronics Lab
Buy Death Star Electronics Lab Kit on Amazon.com
Construct your own Death Star with this electronic circuit kit from Uncle Milton. Trigger light and sound effects from the “Star Wars” movies by completing circuits inside the Death Star. ($29 on Amazon)
Why we love it: With over 20 experiments and 75 components, this educational game can keep young “Star Wars” fans occupied for hours.
NEXT: A tiny Millennium Falcon
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Credit: Mattel
Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Millennium Falcon
Buy Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Millennium Falcon on Amazon.com
Even Hot Wheels is celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars” with limited-edition starships, carships and character cars. ($11 on Amazon)
Why we love it: Whether you’re a kid or a die-hard collector, these “Star Wars” character cars are a fun and affordable way to bring some exclusive 40th anniversary “Star Wars” toys to your collection.
NEXT: Darth Vader’s Coffee
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Credit: ThinkGeek
Darth Vader Self-Stirring Mug
Buy Darth Vader Self-Stirring Mug from ThinkGeek
The Force is strong with this self-stirring Darth Vader coffee mug. ($15 from ThinkGeek)
Why we love it: Why stir your drink with spoons when you could just use the Force instead? (Disclaimer: This mug won’t actually give you the Force. You do have to push a button to make it work. But you can pretend!)
NEXT: Death Star tea time
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Credit: ThinkGeek
Death Star Teapot & Mug
Buy Death Star Teapot & Mug from ThinkGeek
That’s no moon – it’s … a pot of tea? This shiny, porcelain Death Star tea set comes with a 12-ounce pot and a 6-ounce mug base. ($25 from ThinkGeek)
Why we love it: It’s dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and won’t destroy any planets.
NEXT: #1 Darth Vader
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Credit: Lucasfilm/Disney
‘#1 Dad’ Darth Vader T-shirt
Buy “#1 Dad” Darth Vader t-shirt on Amazon.com
Now the #1 Sith lord in your life can flaunt his fatherly status with this Darth Vader t-shirt. ($14 on Amazon)
Why we love it: Father’s Day falls one month after the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars,” so if your dad is into the dark side, this shirt would make a perfect gift!
NEXT: A Stormy Night
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Credit: Lucasfilm/Disney
Stormy Night T-shirt
Buy Stormtrooper Stormy Starry Night T-shirt on Amazon.com
Van Gogh’s Starry Night gets a stormy twist with this “Star Wars” Stormtrooper t-shirt. ($14-20 on Amazon)
Why we love it: It was only a matter of time before someone turned the Starry Night into impressionistic “Star Wars” art. Now the Imperial Forces have invaded van Gogh’s famous painting, and we’re pretty thrilled about it.
NEXT: AT-AT Walker
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Credit: ThinkGeek
AT-AT Walker Model Kit
Buy AT-AT Model Kit from ThinkGeek
Get ready to crush the Rebellion by building one of “the most heavily armored ground vehicles in the Imperial Army,” the All-Terrain Armored Transport (AT-AT) combat walker. The scale model comes equipped with lasers and a display case. ($48 from ThinkGeek)
Why we love it: While the Imperial Walkers in the “Star Wars” movies were slightly terrifying, this little dude will do no harm. It’s only 1/144 the size of the real thing, or about 7 inches (18 cm) tall. And with flexible joints in its legs, you can even make it topple or faceplant for fun.
NEXT: Eat BB-8!
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Credit: ThinkGeek
BB-8 Cake Mold
Buy BB-8 Cake Mold from ThinkGeek
Now you can have your BB-8 and eat it too! This silicone BB-8 cake mold is flexible, heat-resistant and freezer-safe, and measures 10 inches [25 cm] long. ($15 from ThinkGeek)
Why we love it: This droid-shaped mold isn’t just for cake – you can also use it to make homemade ice cream, Jell-O or even a giant chocolate BB-8.
NEXT: Sit on the Death Star
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Credit: ThinkGeek
Death Star Bean Bag Chair Cover
Buy Death Star Bean Bag Chair Cover from ThinkGeek
We have a very good feeling about this Death Star bean bag chair cover. ($80 from ThinkGeek)
Why we love it: Fight back against the Galactic Empire with your backside! Crushing the Death Star has never been this easy (or relaxing).
NEXT: Deathtrooper swag
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Credit: ThinkGeek
‘Rogue One’ Deathtrooper Fleece Robe
Buy Deathtrooper Robe from ThinkGeek
Even elite Deathtroopers have to cover up around the house. Take some time off from serving the Galactic Empire and kick back in this soft fleece robe. ($35 from ThinkGeek)
Why we love it: This robe looks way more comfortable than the actual Deathtrooper armor in “Rogue One.” It comes equipped with a hood and two pockets to store your blasters.
NEXT: Chewbacca Slippers
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Credit: ThinkGeek
Chewbacca Slippers with Sound
Buy Chewbacca Slippers from ThinkGeek
Get your Chewbacca on with these hilarious slippers that make Wookie sounds as you walk around. Oh, and they keep your feet warm, too. ($30 from ThinkGeek)
Why we love it: Everyone loves Chewbacca noises. But if you do get tired of your feet roaring, there’s also an off switch that allows you to sneak around without all the commotion.
NEXT: Exclusive Legos
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Credit: Lego
Lego Exclusive ‘Star Wars’ Detention Block Rescue
This exclusive Lego building set was given away via a raffle at “Star Wars” Celebration in Orlando. Only a limited number made it into the hands of “Star Wars” fans, and they’re not being sold in stores. You may be able to find it online at website like Ebay, however. [Lego Reveals Exclusive ‘Star Wars’ Celebration Set ]
Why we love it: Inspired by an iconic scene from the original “Star Wars” movie in which Luke Skywalker and Han Solo free Princess Leia Organa from captivity, Lego’s new Detention Block Rescue building set features a replica of Detention Block AA-23.
NEXT: Battle on Scarif
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Credit: Hanneke Weitering
Lego Battle on Scarif
Buy Lego Battle on Scarif building kit on Amazon.com
Reenact the battle on Scarif in “Rogue One” with this 419-piece Lego set released in 2017. The set includes four minifigures: Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor and two Scarif Stormtroopers. ($45 on Amazon)
Why we love it: Recover the Death Star plans from the bunker on Scarif, but look out for exploding floor panels! There’s also a hidden weapons stash.
NEXT: Darth Vader’s Transformation
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Credit: Jeremy Lips
Lego Darth Vader Transformation
Watch Anakin Skywalker become Darth Vader in the iconic scene from “Revenge of the Sith” with this brand-new Lego set coming June 1, 2017. The 282-piece set comes with three minifigures: a legless Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. It also includes a Medical Droid FX-6 ($25)
Why we love it: The Anakin Skywalker minifigure looks almost as rough as Hayden Christensen did in the movie.
NEXT: Rathtar Escape
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Credit: Jeremy Lips
Lego Rathtar Escape
Rathtars have now been officially introduced into the world of Lego “Star Wars” with this new building set coming June 1, 2017. The 836-piece set includes Han Solo, Chewbacca, Bala-Tik and a Guavian security soldier. ($80)
Why we love it: The vicious, octopus-shaped Rathrar looks almost as creepy as the aliens in “The Force Awakens.”
NEXT: TIE Striker Microfighter
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Credit: Hanneke Weitering
Lego TIE Striker Microfighter
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Credit: Kasandra Brabow
Lego Imperial Trooper Battle Pack
Buy Lego Imperial Trooper Battle Pack on Amazon.com
Get some reinforcement to help you take on the Rebellion with this new Lego “Star Wars” Imperial trooper battle pack. The 112-piece set includes an Imperial walker, two Dearthtroopers and two Stormtroopers. ($21.00 on Amazon.com)
Why we love it: The walker comes with two laser cannons and stud shooters to blast your enemies.
NEXT: A little green dude
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Credit: Hanneke Weitering
Lego Yoda’s Jedi Starfighter
Buy Lego Yoda’s Jedi Starfighter on Amazon.com
Everyone’s favorite Jedi master is back with a sweet new Lego set! The 262-piece building kit comes with a little Yoga and his starfighter, which has a special seat for the R2-D2 minifigure. ($25 on Amazon.com) [6 Awesome ‘Star Wars’ Lego Sets Coming This Year ]
Why we love it: This classic “Star Wars” ship comes fully equipped with Yoda’s lightsaber and spring-loaded shooters for an action-packed Lego adventure.
NEXT: Scout Trooper & Speeder Bike
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Credit: Hanneke Weitering
Lego Scout Trooper & Speeder Bike
Remember the chase scene in “Return of the Jedi” when the Scout troopers chased Luke and Leia through the forest? Lego’s new speeder bike and Scout trooper set lets you pretend you’re in the middle of the chase. This building set will be available June 1, 2017 and comes with 452 pieces. (%55)
Why we love it: That giant speeder bike looks seriously awesome.
NEXT: Desert Skiff Escape
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Credit: Lego
Lego Desert Skiff Escape
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