By: Madison Horne

8 Weird and Wonderful Gifts Elvis Gave His Friends: Photos

When it came to presents, the King never did ordinary.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Published: December 17, 2025Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Elvis Presley is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Known as the “King of Rock 'n' Roll,” his work has sold over 1 billion records, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in American pop culture.

This more intimate side of his life, photographed in Thom Gilbert’s book, Blue Suede Shoes: The Culture of Elvis, goes beyond the familiar image of Presley as a superstar and highlights the gifts he bestowed to those closest to him.

Presley often traveled with his jeweler Lowell Hays and would select pieces to give as gifts to friends, family and members of his entourage. Sometimes he even handed out jewelry during live shows to fans in the audience.

Here are eight thoughtful presents Presley gifted to his inner circle.

Blue Suede Shoes / Thom Gilbert

Emerald Ring

TV and radio broadcaster George Klein was one of those lucky jewelry recipients. The two met in the eighth grade and remained lifelong friends.

Presley's gifts to Klein included this gold, diamond and emerald ring. Presley served as the best man at Klein’s 1970 wedding and Klein was a pallbearer at Presley’s funeral in 1977.

Blue Suede Shoes / Thom Gilbert

RCA Belt Buckle

In 1957, RCA opened a recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee, where Presley often worked.

Presley, known for his generosity during the holidays, often selected RCA-branded items. This RCA Victor belt buckle was a common Christmas gift he gave his friends during the 1960s.

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Blue Suede Shoes / Thom Gilbert

Record Player

This record player, with an inscription inside the lid from Presley himself, was a gift to his longtime friend Louis Harris.

The two loved to relax together, go roller skating, watch movies and take a ride on Presley's favorite roller coaster The Zippin Pippin in Memphis, Tennessee.

Blue Suede Shoes / Thom Gilbert

TCB Necklace

Created to commemorate one of Presley's favorite phrases, this TCB necklace stood for “Taking Care of Business." When he returned to performing concerts in 1969, Presley even named his rhythm section the TCB Band.

These TCB necklaces (often gold and diamond-encrusted) were designed in collaboration with Lowell Hays and Priscilla Presley. Elvis gifted them only to his closest friends and associates.

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Blue Suede Shoes / Thom Gilbert

Sonny Sunglasses

Delbert “Sonny” West was among the longest-serving members of Presley’s entourage. The two met in 1958 and West became part of the famed “Memphis Mafia,” the nickname Elvis gave his inner circle of friends, bodyguards and aides.

West was gifted this personalized pair of 14-karat gold sunglasses.

Blue Suede Shoes / Thom Gilbert

Eagle Belt

Fellow performer Sonny Turner, lead singer of The Platters, was given this belt by Presley. It featured a design similar to Presley's own iconic eagle jumpsuits.

Presley’s eagle motif, which graced many of his patriotic stage costumes in the early 1970s, became a signature part of his Las Vegas and concert-era identity.

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Blue Suede Shoes / Thom Gilbert

Robe

Celeste Geller received this robe during a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, in March 1977.

Celeste was the wife of Larry Geller, Elvis’ personal hairstylist and spiritual advisor. The two started working together in 1964 on the set of Roustabout.

Blue Suede Shoes / Thom Gilbert

Signed Copy of 'The Prophet'

This copy of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran was given to Presley’s personal nurse, Letetia “Tish” Henley.

Presley often gifted meaningful books or personal mementos to those in his inner circle as tokens of gratitude.

Henley worked for Presley at Graceland and toured with him in the 1970s. After reading the book to him, she received this copy inscribed: “To Tish, My personal savior in the middle of the night.”

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Citation Information

Article Title
8 Weird and Wonderful Gifts Elvis Gave His Friends: Photos
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
December 17, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
December 17, 2025
Original Published Date
December 17, 2025

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