Gifts For Stage Riggers: Small, Tough And Theirs

The best gift for a stage rigger is something small, tough and theirs. Not another torch. Not another pair of gloves. A carabiner keychain made from real retired climbing rope does the job for £15, and a rope keyring starts at £3.

I am George. I run Forma Designs Collective, a workshop in Aberdeen, Scotland, that turns retired climbing rope into belts, keychains and coasters. Riggers and stagehands are a tricky crowd to buy for, so here is my honest take.

What do you buy a stage rigger for Christmas?

Something that goes in a pocket or on a belt loop. Crew days are long. Load in early, load out late, black clothes, and a lot of kit that belongs to the venue or the hire company, not to them.

That is the gap. Most of what a stagehand carries is issued, borrowed or shared. A gift that is only theirs lands well.

Why a rope keychain suits people who work at height

Riggers know rope. They know what a rope has done. So the story lands without me explaining it: this rope held a climber, it was retired, and now it holds your keys.

The carabiner keychain clips to a belt loop or bag in a second. The climbing gifts range has a few more small things in the same spirit.

Is a rope belt a good gift for a stagehand?

Yes, if you know the waist size. Every recycled climbing rope belt is cut to the exact waist, 22 to 50 inches. The 2 rope belt is £28 and the 3 rope belt is £33.

It sits flat under a tool pouch and it does not care about being knocked about. If you are not sure of the size, ask their partner or look at a belt they already wear.

What if you want something for the green room?

The rope cup cosy and can cooler is £30. Good for tea at the load in or a cold can after the load out. Check what is available now before you order, as some things are low.

One more thing. If you or the rigger have an old rope in a cupboard, send me your rope. It gets a second life here.

Stay classy and remember,
Make Waste Useful.

George