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The Deadhead fandom lives on, if not in an intergenerational obsession with the iconic rock band than in ongoing collaborations and products that celebrate their legacy.
For serious collectors, this year’s releases include
a newly remastered 50th-anniversary edition of “Steal Your Face,” a four-LP pressing of the band’s legendary 1985 Merriweather Post Pavilion performance and an expansive 20-CD box set revisiting the group’s 1985 summer tour. There’s also “An American Beauty,” a new photography book chronicling three decades of the band’s history, and Upper Deck’s first-ever Grateful Dead trading card collection, complete with rare parallels and autographed collectibles.
The band’s influence extends well beyond the record store, too. South Korean streetwear label thisisneverthat has released a new collection of Dancing Bears jackets, hoodies and knitwear, while designer Mira Mikati has put her colorful spin on the band’s instantly recognizable imagery. For something a little more unexpected, there are Grateful Dead-branded home goods, holiday ornaments and even a new streaming platform offering access to the band’s extensive archive of live performances.
Below, check out some of the best Grateful Dead merch to gift the Deadheads in your life this year — just in time for the holidays.
BESTSELLER
The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics
For the Deadhead who treats liner notes like scripture, The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics is the definitive text. Edited by David Dodd, the book gathers every officially released lyric and pairs it with rich annotations that unpack the band’s folk, blues and beat-poet influences. It’s a deep-dive companion for anyone looking to decode the mythology behind “Ripple,” “Dark Star,” and the rest of the Dead’s sprawling, psychedelic canon.
NEW RELEASE
An American Beauty: Grateful Dead 1965–1995
This large-format hardcover features 275 photographs by celebrated Dead photographers including Jay Blakesberg, Rosie McGee and others, documenting the band, its fans and its countercultural influence across three decades.
NEW RELEASE
Grateful Dead – Merriweather 6/30/85 Live on Vinyl
The previously unreleased complete June 30, 1985, Merriweather Post Pavilion performance gets a four-LP edition. One of the clearest choices for a Deadhead with a serious vinyl collection.
NEW RELEASE
Mira Mikati 'I Need a Miracle' T-Shirt
The designer’s five-piece ready-to-wear capsule reimagines classic Dead imagery with colorful, hand-drawn illustrations and playful Dancing Bears graphics. A particularly strong fashion-forward addition that goes beyond the usual band tee.
LIMITED-EDITION
Vineyard Vines x Grateful Dead
This capsule takes the band’s psychedelic graphics into prep territory, combining Vineyard Vines’ signature whale with Dancing Bears motifs across shirts, sweatshirts, hats and ties. Good for someone who wants something more understated than traditional concert merchandise.
NEW RELEASE
Upper Deck Grateful Dead Trading Cards
Upper Deck’s first-ever Grateful Dead trading card collection is one of the most novel gifts this year. Each box includes the complete 50-card base set plus five additional cards, with possibilities including rare numbered parallels and cards signed by archivist David Lemieux.
The Music Never Stopped (Live) LP Box Set
One of the best Grateful Dead live albums, “The Music Never Stopped” contains songs recorded in concert over 25 years (from 1969-1994), packaged in this six-record vinyl box set.
Here Beside the Rising Tide: Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead, and an American Awakening
This sweeping 528-page chronicle by Jim Newton traces Garcia’s journey from a raw folk–bluegrass musician to the face of a generation, while mapping the band’s odyssey across festivals, political flashpoints and cultural revolutions.
Dancing Bears x Slowtide Fleece Blanket
Slowtide partnered with Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart for this summer capsule collection last year. The lineup consists of three quick-dry towels, donning psychedelic graphics originally created on canvas with acrylic paint by Hart. “Slowtide towels offer a state of the art design that are both sand and water resistant. Paired with my images, these towels offer a unique take on what a beach towel of the future is,” Hart said in a statement.
Jammer Quick-Dry Kitchen Towel
Started by three friends, Slowtide creates comfort for outdoor hangouts. The brands whole vibe is basically creating various blankets and towels to keep your beach hangs both comfortable and stylish. You’ll spot their towels at trendy places including the Los Angeles, Portland and Palm Springs Ace Hotels. However, it’s their recent Grateful Dead collaboration that keeps selling out. This line includes over 12 different Grateful Dead-inspired blankets, towels and robes. Brighten up your kitchen with this adorable quick-drying towel, decorated with the band’s iconic Steal Your Face logo.
Shashibo Shapeshifting Box
This Grateful Dead fidget toy is a magnetic puzzle cube that can be transformed into 70 unique shapes. But aside from serving as a relaxing way to keep your hands busy throughout the day, it also doubles as a charming decor piece to add to your office or living room. For the partnership with the iconic band, the cube is upgraded with famous Grateful Dead imagery such as colorful dancing bears and the famous “Steal Your Face” album art.
Grateful Dead x Chinatown Market Classic Crocs
The Grateful Dead gets the Croc treatment with this limited-edition tie-dye release currently available on StockX.
Jerry Garcia Funko Pop
Jerry Garcia is the definition of cool even in Funko Pop form, which sees the famous rocker in his classic aviator sunnies and electric guitar.
Steal Your Face Backpack
This special day backpack will make the perfect companion for everything from the hiking trail to the beach to an outdoor concert. Tagged with the legendary “Steal Your Face” album artwork, the limited edition backpack also features MaxCold insulation, padded straps, two divided compartments to keep items organized and even a built-in bottle opener.
Kurt Adler Grateful Dead Bear, 3-Piece Ornament Set
Grateful Dead Tie-Dye Playing Cards
These make the best addition to any camping trip or long car ride. The full pack comes with different funky images, all featuring the band’s classic skull imagery and tie-dye patterns.
Dancing Bears Guitar Strap
If dad’s a true deadhead, it’s time for them to represent on their guitar while they slowly pick through the opening of “Uncle John’s Band.” If you’re looking for something a little less dancing bear, we love this Steal Your Face strap with the bands name printed across. And while you’re at it, pick up a few guitar picks as well.
Grateful Dead Stickers
Let’s not even pretend for a second that you’re not into stickers. If you’ve made it this far in the “Best Grateful Dead Merchandise” list, you definitely have a steal your face sticker on something or another in your life. What’s a few more?
