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The excitement around London 2012 didn’t just reach its peak in the summer—it carried on into the festive season with a range of commemorative gifts, collectibles, and merchandise that captured the spirit of the Games.
What Was Available
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Official London 2012 merchandise included everything from soft toys, mugs, tea towels, cushions, and Union Jack-themed household items. Mascots Wenlock and Mandeville featured heavily across many products.
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Collectible pins, stamps, and limited edition coins were particularly popular among memorabilia enthusiasts.
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High fashion collaborations were also part of the offering: clothing lines from brands like Adidas and Next, plus fashion pieces such as jackets or sweaters with Olympic motifs.
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For younger fans, there were toy ranges: mascot plush toys, figurines, sweets shaped as mascots, and replica items from venues and iconic London symbols.
A Few Highlights & Notes
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The LOCOG (London Organising Committee) launched an extensive merchandise range well ahead of Christmas 2011 to get items ready for the holiday season.
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Some official items became collector’s pieces, especially limited-edition T-shirts and vintage-style ranges inspired by past Olympic Games.
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There was controversy too: watchdogs highlighted that some retailers were charging excessively high prices for certain Olympic souvenirs—some up to three times the recommended retail price.
Why It Mattered
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Buying Olympic memorabilia for Christmas wasn’t just about souvenirs—it was about holding a piece of history. For many, these items were meaningful symbols of national pride and memories of the London Games.
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The variety meant everyone could find something: whether small and symbolic (like pins or mugs), or more substantial (clothing, homeware) — which helped the Olympic legacy live on after the closing ceremonies.
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For collectors, certain items turned out to be prized assets years later, especially limited-edition or officially licensed products.
