Shopping for Comic-Con

16 JULY 2024

I'll keep this short. Today starts Amazon Prime Days; other big retailers have followed suit. With a week to SDCC, you'll probably be able to get whatever you need delivered in time.

Because there are so many first-timers this year, I will hit on even the most obvious items, those being:

Shoes. Thick, cushiony, supportive shoes. You're going to walk more than you can imagine and all vanity will fly out the window at that first ache in your feet. If you refuse to buy new shoes, at least get some orthotic inserts. Or buy some cheap recovery slides for your downtime. 

Air mattresses and camping pads. Test out the one you currently have to make sure it isn't leaking, make sure you have the right mechanism to inflate it, etc.

Collapsible stools/chairs. Always a gift in long lines.

Canopied chairs. I bought a massively fancy one 2 years ago and it was a godsend in the relentlessly sunny Hall H line.

New phones and power sources. People upgrade before the Con, then fumble with the camera function when their favorite celebrity appears. Give yourself time to learn all the tricks - and bring backup batteries or power packs.

Tumblers, water bottles, insulated lunch bags. Bringing water is just smart and carrying a small meal around with you eliminates the need to go into the Gaslamp for lunch.  

Clothing. I feel like this is something we all take for granted - but last year, a first-timer from Phoenix assumed "California" = "hot" and did not bring suitable clothing for the late-night chill. This year, someone asked me how many formal outfits she needed to bring; she was envisioning red carpet events for all the screenings and parties she was hearing about. The unglamorous truth is that SDCC is largely a casual affair, with disheveled attendees schlepping around in jeans and t-shirts - so just bring what you're comfortable in, with maybe a few spiffier options for nights out.

As I mentioned in my health post, you should also bring all the little items designed to keep you feeling your best: earplugs, sleep masks, sunscreen, knee braces, ibuprofen, moleskin and any other pharmaceutical mojo you rely on. Otherwise you'll pay $$$$$ at your hotel gift shop for a tiny sample or have to walk to CVS.

1 week + 1 day!