11 Gifts for the Amiga Who’s Obsessed with Movies & TV

Raise your hand if you have a BFF who loves nothing more than to binge-watch Latinx films and TV shows. Have they watched all five seasons of Jane The Virgin or do they soak up the drama in the latest telenovelas? Perhaps they’ve made it a point to check out every film starring America Ferrera and Rita Moreno. There’s no doubt this friend is the perfect resource when you need recommendations on what to watch next.

With the holidays approaching, now’s the time to surprise your amiga with something that shows how much you care and support their pop culture obsession. What better way to do that than with a gift that spotlights Latinx culture in films and TV? This list is filled with ideas that are unique and fun and will put a sonrisa on your friend’s face.    

Disclosure: Every product is independently selected by our editors. Items purchased through our links may earn us a commission.

1. Betty La Fea Coffee Mug

There’s no denying that Yo Soy Betty, La Fea has left an indelible mark on telenovela history. The Colombian TV series was such a hit that it’s been readapted in other countries across the globe. And the friend you’re shopping for likely already knows all this. The show aired from 1999 to 2001 and centered on the character Beatriz “Betty” Pinzón Solano. Viewers loved witnessing the protagonist’s transformation and growth throughout the telenovela. 

The Betty La Fea Coffee Mug ($19.99) is wonderful for fans of the show who are also café drinkers. It features characters Betty and her love interest Armando. Your friend can get cozy watching Yo Soy Betty, La Fea while sipping on a hot beverage.  

Betty La Fea Coffee Mug, $19.99, available at walmart.com.

2. Funko Pop! TV: Wednesday – Wednesday Addams

Jenna Ortega’s witty portrayal of Wednesday Addams has attracted many admirers. From the hypnotic moves she showed off at the Rave’N Dance to her gallows sense of humor, she’s become everyone’s favorite Addams family member. The Funko Pop! TV: Wednesday – Wednesday Addams ($7.99) is a must-have collector’s item for devotees of the series. The figurine portrays Wednesday in her Nevermore Academy school uniform donning her signature braids. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product with a 4.8 star rating out of nearly 1,800 reviews.  

Funko Pop! TV: Wednesday – Wednesday Addams, $7.99, available at amazon.com.

3. Encanto Madrigal Family By Jhonny Nuñez T-Shirt

While Encanto may have been an animated film for kids, many adults loved it as well. It tells the story of the Colombian family, the Madrigals. At the heart of the Disney movie is Mirabel Madrigal, who is the only one who hasn’t received a magical gift like the rest of her relatives. Little does she know that she’ll go on an adventure to save her family’s magical powers. The vibrant Encanto Madrigal Family By Jhonny Nuñez T-Shirt ($18.99) features a design created by Colombian graphic designer and illustrator Jhonny Nuñez. The beautiful artwork depicts sisters Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabela, and celebrates love, family, and Colombian culture. 

Encanto Madrigal Family By Jhonny Nuñez T-Shirt, $18.99, available at target.com.

4. Funny Latino Telenovela You Are The Drama TV Tote Bag

Nothing compares to the drama you’ll find in Latin American telenovelas. The secrets, the deception, and the passion leave you wanting more. If your friend is addicted to telenovelas, they will cherish the Funny Latino Telenovela You Are The Drama TV Tote Bag ($18.99). The sobbing woman printed on the tote even resembles Soraya Montenegro, the iconic villain from María la del Barrio. There’s also a true crime design element for true crime podcast listeners. If there’s one thing telenovelas and true crime have in common, it’s plenty of escándalos. The bag is made by a Mexican-American cookie artist, baker, and illustrator who goes by the name Francielandia.        

Funny Latino Telenovela You Are The Drama TV Tote Bag, $18.99, available at amazon.com.

5. Jane The Virgin 20-PCS Stickers Pack

When you grow up as a Catholic Latina, you’re expected to save yourself until marriage. Jane The Virgin put a humorous spin on the concept and was a great readaptation of the Venezuelan telenovela, Juana la Virgen. If you have a friend who loved the show and is an avid sticker collector, surprise them with this Jane The Virgin 20-PCS Stickers Pack ($9.95). The set illustrates key moments and characters from the series and can be a nice stocking stuffer.

Jane The Virgin 20-PCS Stickers Pack, $9.95, available at amazon.com.

6. Tarot del Toro: A Tarot Deck and Guidebook Inspired by the World of Guillermo del Toro

Award-winning Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is known for creating pure cinematic magic. If your amiga is a fan of del Toro, there’s a good chance she has an appreciation for horror and the macabre. The Tarot del Toro ($17.58) is a beautiful tarot deck with illustrations by Tomás Hijo. All drawings are inspired by the filmmaker’s movies, such as Pan’s Labyrinth and Crimson Peak. The deck also comes with a guidebook explaining how to use the tarot. Out of 2,122 reviews, this item has garnered a 4.7 star rating. 

Tarot del Toro: A Tarot Deck and Guidebook Inspired by the World of Guillermo del Toro, $17.58, available at amazon.com.

7. Like Water for Chocolate Paperback

Not only was Like Water for Chocolate turned into a film in 1992, but it’s also been revived and made into a TV series on HBO! This most recent adaptation has renewed interest in the story and introduced it to a new generation. If you know someone who is just discovering it for the first time or is a long-time admirer, then make sure they have the book. The Like Water for Chocolate novel ($15.30) by Laura Esquivel is where it all began. Getting acquainted with the original narrative will no doubt deepen your friend’s appreciation for the movie and TV versions. Plus, the novel has received a 4.4 star rating out of over 5,180 reviews. 

Like Water for Chocolate Paperback, $15.30, available at amazon.com.

8. Mi Life Is a Telenovela Mug

If your BFF lives for the drama, then they need this Mi Life Is a Telenovela Mug ($21.99). It’s a fun collectible that your amiga can use every day for cafecito or herbal tea. The cup is made of sturdy ceramic that will keep beverages nice and caliente. It’s created by a Latinx-owned brand called Latino Pride Shop that creates all sorts of items inspired by Latinx culture. The shop has received an average five star rating from over 3,800 satisfied customers.    

Mi Life Is a Telenovela Mug, $21.99, available at etsy.com.

9. Rita Moreno: A Memoir

When it comes to Latinx movie icons, Rita Moreno is definitely one of them. The Puerto Rican actress gained notoriety when she starred in West Side Story and since then, has broken down barriers for Latinxs in the movie industry. Written in her own words, Rita Moreno: A Memoir is a book every fan should have on their shelf. She opens up about her upbringing in the Bronx and the challenges she faced as one of the very few Latinas in Hollywood. The book was a New York Times bestseller and has a 4.4 star rating out of nearly 900 reviews.  

Rita Moreno: A Memoir, $14.12, available at amazon.com.

10. Ugly Betty: The Book

First there was Yo Soy Betty, La Fea, then came the American adaptation, Ugly Betty. The TV show aired between 2006 and 2010 and starred Honduran American actress America Ferrera in the lead role. Many fans of the original Colombian telenovela loved the new remake. While the series may have ended years ago, Ugly Betty: The Book lets readers relive the fun. The book is made to look like Mode magazine, the fashion publication Betty worked for. It gives a peek behind-the-scenes, features interviews with the cast and crew, and more. Out of nearly 50 reviews, it’s earned a 4.5 star rating.     

Ugly Betty: The Book, $23.16, available at amazon.com.

11. Viva Hollywood: The Legacy of Latin and Hispanic Artists in American Film

Any true cinephile will appreciate receiving Viva Hollywood: The Legacy of Latin and Hispanic Artists in American Film ($13.58) as a gift. Author Luis I. Reyes explores the influence Latinos have had on the film industry over the past century. Besides discussing prominent actors and actresses, the book also highlights Latinx individuals who have worked behind the scenes, such as crew members, makeup artists, and other notable film professionals. It’s a treasure trove of fascinating information and stunning photographs and has a 4.6 star rating out of 42 reviews.  

Viva Hollywood: The Legacy of Latin and Hispanic Artists in American Film, $13.58, available at amazon.com.