September 22 is swiftly approaching! Do you know what that means? You better be prepping to celebrate Hobbit Day!
From baking feasts fit for a Hobbit to setting the mood with some LOTR music and vibes, here are 10 of the best ways to celebrate Hobbit Day (a.k.a. Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday).
1. Dress up like Frodo and hike in the woods
There’s no easier way to celebrate Hobbit Day than to dress up like our furry-footed friend and run around a nearby forest. You don’t even need to have the full outfit!
Just try to scrounge together a few items from your closet that are shades of brown, find a large stick along the way, and you’re set for a day in the woods. However, remember not to stray too far, or else you might end up lost in the realms of Mirkwood.
2. Bake Hobbit-esque treats that Bilbo would drool over
If there’s one thing that Hobbits absolutely love, it’s FOOD! Prepare a feast fit for a Hobbit by researching some iconic recipes, either on Pinterest or YouTube.
There are so many amazing things you can make from the Tolkien universe: Elven Lembas bread, potato rabbit stew (boil ’em, mash ’em, stick ’em in a stew!), buttered scones, or even this extravagant Hobbit hole cake if you’re exceptionally adventurous.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
Thorin Oakenshield (The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Check out this video from Bryton Taylor’s YouTube channel that details how to make Bilbo’s seed cake from The Hobbit:
For even more geek-spiration, check out Popcorner Review’s DIY hobbit door cookies that you can easily bake yourself (sneak peek below!).
3. Host a LOTR marathon (duh)
Okay, so maybe you don’t have time to watch all three extended editions, but the regular versions will do! You can’t celebrate Hobbit Day without watching at least one of the films.
Here’s a compilation of the top 5 scenes from all three extended editions:
Don’t forget to buy some Swedish Fish for light snacking—Gollum would be proud!
If you threw out your DVD and Blu-Ray player (like me, oops), never fear—you can always watch some of the extra cast interviews from The Fellowship of the Ring via YouTube!
4. Plan a long-expected party with fellow LOTR fanatics
While this might be a bit difficult depending on the current situation of the world, you can always host a safe, social distanced gathering! Sauron would even commend you and your guests for wearing face masks.
Check out Popcorner Reviews’ creative DIY guides on the second breakfast Hobbit sign, a “Speak friend and enter” welcome mat, Gandalf’s burglar mark, and Hobbit-esque herb garden maker sticks. Monica is an absolute genius when it comes to geek crafting and baking!
Also, check out some Tolkien inspiration from my friend Alyssa, who handmade every single item for her Lord of the Rings-inspired celebration a few years ago.
Talk about true geek admiration! You’ll definitely want to save all of these ideas to your Pinterest boards for future party and wedding reception planning.
Sidenote: Follow Alyssa on Twitch as she delves into the world of streaming about cosplay, SFX makeup, cocktails, and all things geek!
5. Support LOTR-related small business owners on Etsy
Online shopping has been booming more than ever this year, so why not support some creative talent who own their own LOTR-inspired shops on Etsy? Just a simple “Lord of the Rings” search will yield close to 20,000 results!
This stunning Evenstar necklace is from TimtimMol in the UK, and it’s far cheaper (and nicer) than the movie replica! I can personally vouch, since I own two Evenstar necklaces from Etsy.
Or these beautiful retro LOTR posters that would look amazing in your living room, via DanielleSylvan:
6. Cosplay as one of your favorite LOTR characters
You don’t need to break the bank or know how to sew in order to cosplay as one of your favorite LOTR characters! Just search YouTube or Pinterest for Lord of the Rings costumes, and you’ll be graciously rewarded with incredible DIY content.
You can even edit in photos of yourself in front of a Hobbiton backdrop, like Hailey does on her beautifully-curated Instagram.
7. Play the LOTR soundtracks while watching a virtual Hobbiton tour
Thanks to YouTube, you can also find virtual tours for everything. Check out this virtual tour of Hobbiton below:
There are also so many videos of ambient music online that will make you feel as if you’re truly in New Zealand. These will play on loop for hours if you like, so your home will take on some serious vibes of the Shire!
8. Re-read one of your fave Tolkien books.
Of course, it’s only fitting to pay respects to the creator of The Lord of the Rings himself by reading (or re-reading) one of the books. For the extra nerdy, check out The Silmarillion for the backstory and history of all things LOTR. Maybe even try your hand at learning Elvish or Black Speech!
9. Draw your own Middle-earth map
The Middle-earth map is one of the most detailed, beautifully designed creations of literary history. If you’re up for it, try making your own!
It’s definitely not for the lighthearted, but it would be a masterpiece of an achievement when completed. And most of us have more than enough time this year to pursue other projects . . .
Or, if you’re up for a larger project, consider painting a Middle-earth WALL like this fan below:
10. Make LOTR-inspired drinks
While most of us were probably in elementary or middle school when the LOTR films came out, it means one thing: we’re all adults now and can officially drink as much as Hobbits and the rest of the Middle-earth brethren!
Check out some LOTR-inspired cocktails like the Gandalf Grog below, which calls for less than 10 ingredients!
You can also try the Smaug-inspired cocktail below, but be warned—it contains Fireball! The gold sprinkles really add that magic touch:
Don’t want to whip up anything fancy? Make Elvish Elixir and Wines of Moria by slapping on some printed labels to soda and wine bottles. Easy peasy!
Summary
Whether you’re a hardcore Tolkienite or just want to celebrate Hobbit Day to channel your inner geek, there are plenty of ways to honor Frodo and Bilbo. While most of us sadly can’t travel to real Middle-earth this year, it’ll do just fine to celebrate in the safe realms of our own homes and backyards with fellow friends!
If you have any other great ideas, let us know in the comments!
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