Kristian Wilson Colyard grew up weird in a one-caution-light town in the Appalachian foothills. She now lives in an old textile city with her husband and their clowder of cats. She’s on Twitter @kristianwriting, and you can find more of her work online at kristianwriting.com.
July 4th is Alice in Wonderland Day, so we’re celebrating all things Alice here. Below, you’ll find 11 perfect gifts for Alice in Wonderland fans. Keep scrolling to learn more about Alice in Wonderland Day and the history of Lewis Carroll’s novel for children.
Canonically speaking, May 4 is the day Alice slips down the rabbit hole and winds up over her head. So why do we celebrate Alice in Wonderland Day on July 4th? That goes back to July 4, 1862, when Charles Lutwidge Dodgson—a.k.a. Lewis Carroll—first told his story to the Liddell sisters: Lorina, Alice, and Edith. Three years later, in November 1865, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland appeared on store shelves. Through the Looking Glass followed in December 1871.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was an immediate hit. To date, the book has never been out of print. It has been translated into 175 languages—including Appalachian English, Cockney rhyming slang, Pitman shorthand, and Carroll’s own nyctography. Alice has been the subject of countless adaptations, including film and television, literary and stage plays, and even video games.
So a toast to Alice, for bringing us all the whimsy and delight of Wonderland. Here are the goods you need to celebrate.
Alice in Wonderland Merch for Alice in Wonderland Day
This Alice in Wonderland rocks glass features the opening lines of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and illustrations by John Tenniel. $20
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Have yourself a gay old time with this “eat me, drink me” cup and saucer. Available separately or as a set. $15+
English (US) · 