All the Unique Gifts Elvis Presley Gave to His Friends
Elvis Presley had a complicated relationship with money, shaped by growing up poor and becoming famous fast. Cash rarely lasted around him, because he believed money worked best when it made someone else smile. Family, friends, employees, and even strangers quickly learned that spending time with Elvis could turn an ordinary day into a story retold for decades. Here’s a closer look at some of the most memorable items he handed out.
Pink Cadillac for Gladys Presley
Credit: Wikipedia
One of the earliest and most famous gifts was a Pepto-pink Cadillac bought in 1955 for his mother, Gladys Presley. The car was brand new and wildly flashy for the time, even though she never learned to drive. It marked the first major moment when Elvis turned success into something tangible for his family. The Cadillac also kicked off a lifelong habit of giving away cars.
Emerald Ring for George Klein
Credit: history
George Klein met Elvis in eighth grade and stayed close until the end. A gold ring set with diamonds and emeralds became one of several meaningful gifts exchanged during their long friendship. Elvis later served as best man at George’s 1970 wedding, while George was a pallbearer in 1977.
TCB Necklace
Credit: Instagram
The TCB necklace stood for “Taking Care of Business,” a phrase Elvis lived by during his comeback years. Designed with jeweler Lowell Hays and Priscilla Presley, the necklace usually came in gold with diamonds. These were reserved for people inside the tightest circle, including band members and trusted aides. Wearing one meant access and trust.
RCA Belt Buckle
Credit: history
During the 1960s, RCA Victor belt buckles were a go-to holiday gift from Elvis. He spent a lot of time recording at RCA’s Nashville studio, and the branded buckle tied his professional pride to personal generosity. Friends often received them around Christmas.
Record Player for Louis Harris
Credit: history
Louis Harris received a record player with a handwritten inscription on the inside of the lid. The gift reflected shared downtime, since the two liked skating, watching movies, and riding the Zippin Pippin roller coaster in Memphis.
Gold Sunglasses for Sonny West
Credit: history
Delbert “Sonny” West spent years as part of the Memphis Mafia. Elvis gifted him a custom pair of 14-karat gold sunglasses that were as bold as they sound. The glasses fit Elvis’s habit of turning everyday items into luxury statements, especially for people who stayed close during long tours.
Eagle Belt for Sonny Turner
Credit: history
The eagle had become a signature symbol during the early 1970s concert era. Gifting that imagery to another performer showed shared respect between artists working the same circuit. And so, Sonny Turner of The Platters received a belt featuring an eagle design similar to those worn by Elvis in his stage jumpsuits.
Signed Copy of “The Prophet”
Credit: history
Elvis often gave books when emotions ran deep, especially when words mattered more than objects. Letetia “Tish” Henley worked as Elvis’ personal nurse and received a signed copy of “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. The inscription thanked her for caring for him during late nights at Graceland.
Cadillac for Mennie Person
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In 1975, bank teller Mennie Person crossed paths with Elvis at a Memphis dealership. After a short conversation, he promised her a car on the spot. Learning her birthday was two days away, he added a large check so she could buy clothes to match the new ride. The moment lasted minutes and changed her year.
Customized Cadillac for Kang Rhee
Credit: elvispresleymusic
Karate instructor Kang Rhee trained Elvis in a regular class setting during the early 1970s. After earning an eighth-degree black belt, the King of Rock and Roll gave Rhee one of his own customized Cadillacs in 1973. The gift reflected gratitude for being treated like any other student, which Elvis valued deeply.