The perfect gift for a Metropolitan Opera fan is, naturally, tickets to an opera. Tickets can be purchased online through the Met's website and elsewhere. If the gift recipient doesn't live in or plan to visit New York City, tickets are still an option. The Met now broadcasts many of its operas live in HD on specified dates, and these broadcasts are shown in movie theaters across the United States and beyond, as well as in schools, performing arts centers, and other venues. You can purchase tickets for your local "Met Live" performances virtually anywhere movie tickets are sold.
Of course, if your intended recipient is a season-ticket holder, you'll have to dig deeper to find the perfect gift. For those who can't get enough of the Metropolitan Opera, a good gift choice is a selection from the collection of CDs and DVDs of Metropolitan Opera productions. There are many choices available, from DVDs (many in HD format) or Blu-ray discs of more recent productions to CDs of older and classic productions, and even boxed sets containing multiple operas and productions.
Another option for a Metropolitan Opera gift is the Met's selection of wearable items. Available at the MetOpera Shop are everything from t-shirts and baby onesies to sophisticated, elegant tops, scarves, and handbags inspired by various opera productions. The MetOpera Shop also offers jewelry, from chunky bracelets bearing opera-inspired quotes to elegant opera-inspired earrings and other jewelry.
If you are looking for a more practical opera gift, there are other options available. There are a large number of Metropolitan Opera and general opera-related books available. This includes everything from coffee-table books such as "Wagner's Eternal Ring" to children's books like "Pet of the Met" by Lydia and Don Freeman. The MetOpera Shop itself offers a variety of titles for everyone from opera novices ("What to Listen for in Music," by Aaron Copeland) to those who already know and have it all ("Opera Lover's Cookbook," by Francine Segan). Other practical gift options for Met fans include opera glasses in both feminine and masculine designs, mugs and tote bags.
If all else fails, there is no shortage of purely whimsical Metropolitan Opera gifts available. At the Met's website, shoppers can browse by opera for the recipient's favorite, and choose from such selections as Carmen-inspired toreador teddy bears, knitted winter Walkure hats, throw pillows, flip books, paperweights, and even snow globes.