A Star Wars Day guide – Gifts, costumes, parties & more

The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and while Christmas and Easter are great fun, Star Wars Day is just around the corner! George Lucas’ science-fiction brainchild has brought joy, excitement, and sometimes even tears to millions across the globe and has been a cultural cornerstone for almost half a century.

Over the years, we’ve been treated to 11 live-action films, several TV series, a collection of video games and more. With its enduring legacy, Star Wars has shaped pop culture’s history to such an extent that it even has its own day.

With Star Wars Day fast approaching, we’ve created the perfect guide for tips on enjoying the annual celebration with costumes, parties, and more. We’ve also gathered some wonderful gifts to treat your Star Wars-loving friends and family to this year. 

So, buckle up in your starfighter as we take you through our complete Star Wars Day guide. May the 4th be with you!

Table of contents

• The history of Star Wars day
• How to celebrate Star Wars Day
• Best Star Wars Day gifts
• Themed gifts at Faith Jewellers

The history of Star Wars Day

Star Wars Day is, of course, on May 4th. The chosen date comes from the iconic line first delivered by General Dodonna (Alex McCrindle), “May the force be with you”. General Dodonna briefs the fighter squadrons on new Death Star plans when he first utters the phrase, but it is repeated shortly after by Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to a fresh-faced Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). This personal exchange between two of the series’ most popular and engaging characters cemented its status in history.

While it’s easy to assume those who started the annual celebrations coined the clever play on words “May the 4th be with you,” it actually comes from an unlikely source. On May 3rd, 1979, just two years after the release of A New Hope, Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The following day, the Conservative Party displayed a newspaper advertisement, “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations.”

The phrase was used further in politics and media until 2008. Facebook groups used the line in ’08 to celebrate what was then known as Luke Skywalker Day before the first official Star Wars Day event, which was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2011.

In the decade-plus since, Star Wars Day has become a phenomenon almost as big as the films themselves. The most touching Star Wars Day moment we can remember was when Carrie Fisher received her well-deserved Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 4th, 2023.

How to celebrate Star Wars Day

One of the best things about Star Wars Day is the almost limitless ways you can celebrate it! The huge fanbase gained through the films over three generations means everyone has their traditions for the special day. We’ve collected a few of our favourites for your consideration this Star Wars Day.

Movie marathon

It’s the obvious choice, but nothing beats a good old-fashioned marathon of one of the greatest film series ever. Get lost in a galaxy far, far away and relive the greatest moments, lines, scenes and action.

How you watch them is up to you! You can go release order all the way through, or you can go by episode and follow Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padmé through the prequels. We won’t judge!

Boxset binge

If watching the films has been your go-to tradition and you feel like mixing it up, there are plenty of Star Wars TV shows to get stuck into! Disney+ is the place to watch all your favourite series, including The Mandalorian, Andor, Ashoka, Clone Wars, and more.

Stock up on snacks and get ready for the binge of a lifetime!

Games galore

If you’re an avid gamer and a Star Wars fanatic, you’re in luck! A whole host of Star Wars video games awaits you on every console you can think of. Go old school with classic titles such as Knights of the Old Republic or Battlefront II  on the PlayStation 2, or give the newer games a whirl with the stunning gameplay and visuals of Jedi: Survivor.

No matter your taste in gaming, there’s a Star Wars game that will tap into your inner Jedi and lead to hours upon hours of lightsaber-duelling fun.

Costume party

What better way to pay tribute to the characters you love than throwing or partaking in a Star Wars-themed costume party on the big day? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.

There’s plenty of fun to be had cosplaying as your favourite character from the series, whether that’s Luke, Leia, Rey, Finn, Vader, or even Jar Jar! If you’re inspired to throw a costume party this year, why not extend the theme with Star Wars-themed snacks and decorations?

Best Star Wars Day gifts

Why limit the joy of gift-giving to just Christmas and birthdays? This May 4th, surprise your loved ones or yourself with the thrill of Star Wars presents. Not sure what will make Star Wars Day even more special? Trust Faith Jewellers to bring that excitement to your doorstep.

Our collection of stunning Star Wars by Swarovski ornaments will make the perfect gift for any Star Wars lover in your life. These beautiful ornaments are available at discounted prices and range from the franchise’s beloved characters to the Galaxy’s famous aircraft!

Having an Ewok and Obi-Wan by your side through the day will help you immerse yourself in all things Star Wars Day, and if you have a big Mandalorian fan in your life, our model is the ideal present.

Make Star Wars Day extra special with a sparkling Millennium Falcon resting on the mantelpiece or a glimmering Yoda and Boba Fett on show at your May 4th party!

Themed gifts at Faith Jewellers

Now that you’re all prepared for the intergalactic festivities, why not browse more of the amazing themed products we offer at Faith Jewellers? Browse adorable Disney watches and jewellery for gifts for the young ones or big kids in your life.Our Swarovski ornaments collection features lovely pieces based on your favourite Disney, Marvel, and DC films and characters. This collection has something for everyone, so find the perfect charming addition to your home today!