Gifts for Anime Fans

Anime fans tend to love a few series intensely rather than everything a little. So the best gift is tied to a show they already talk about. Official merchandise matters to them. They can spot a bootleg figure from across the room, and a knockoff is worse than no gift at all.

Under $25 8 ideas

  1. Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam (Revive) 1/144 Model Kit

    The starter Gunpla. It snaps together with no glue or paint and makes a good-looking display piece in an afternoon.

    Bandai SpiritsStocking stufferFor display

    See it on Amazon

  2. Mr. Hobby Gundam Marker Basic Set

    Fine-tip panel-lining markers that make a snap-together kit look painted. Every Gunpla builder needs a set and few buy them first.

    GSI CreosStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  3. Funko Pop! Animation: Jujutsu Kaisen - Satoru Gojo

    The fan-favorite blindfolded sorcerer from one of the biggest current series. An easy, official pick for a desk or shelf.

    FunkoStocking stufferFor display

    See it on Amazon

  4. Funko Pop! Animation: One Piece - Luffy Gear Five

    Luffy in his Gear Five form, the arc that took over anime social media. One Piece fans will know exactly what this is.

    FunkoStocking stufferFor display

    See it on Amazon

  5. One Piece Card Game Starter Deck

    A ready-to-play deck for Bandai's popular trading card game. A low-cost way to try it or to play with a friend who already collects.

    BandaiStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  6. Spirited Away (Blu-ray)

    Ghibli films are only on some streaming services in some years. Owning the disc means it is always there for a winter movie night.

    GKIDS

    See it on Amazon

  7. Glico Pocky Variety Pack

    The chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks that show up in half of all slice-of-life anime. A fun, cheap stocking filler.

    GlicoGets used upStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  8. Tamagotchi Original

    Bandai's original digital pet, still made and still fun. Nostalgic for older fans and a novelty for younger ones.

    BandaiStocking stufferWhite elephant

    See it on Amazon

Under $50 6 ideas

  1. Bandai Hobby RG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 1/144 Model Kit

    Real Grade packs Master Grade detail into a small kit. A good next step for someone who has built a few HGs and wants more of a challenge.

    Bandai SpiritsFor display

    See it on Amazon

  2. Pop Up Parade Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End)

    Good Smile's affordable scale-figure line, with real paint and sculpt quality at a smaller size. Frieren is one of the most loved recent series.

    Good Smile CompanyFor display

    See it on Amazon

  3. Sun Arrow My Neighbor Totoro Plush

    The official Studio Ghibli licensed Totoro plush, not the lumpy imitations. Soft enough for a bed, iconic enough for a shelf.

    Sun ArrowFor display

    See it on Amazon

  4. The Art of Spirited Away

    Concept art, backgrounds and character sketches from Miyazaki's best-known film. A coffee-table book for the Ghibli fan who pauses on every background.

    VIZ MediaBookFor display

    See it on Amazon

  5. Starting Point: 1979-1996

    Miyazaki's own essays and interviews on how he makes films. For the fan who wants to understand Ghibli, not just watch it.

    Hayao MiyazakiBook

    See it on Amazon

  6. Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

    A jazz-scored space western that still turns non-anime people into fans. Every episode on disc, ready for a rewatch.

    Funimation

    See it on Amazon

Under $100 4 ideas

  1. Bandai Hobby MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 3.0 1/100 Model Kit

    The original Gundam at Master Grade scale, with an articulated inner frame. A satisfying second or third kit after an HG.

    Bandai SpiritsFor display

    See it on Amazon

  2. S.H.Figuarts Son Goku Dragon Ball Z Action Figure

    Bandai's premium posable line, with swappable hands, faces and effect parts. Dragon Ball fans can pose Goku mid-Kamehameha on a shelf.

    Tamashii NationsFor display

    See it on Amazon

  3. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

    The whole landmark series on disc, which matters to fans who remember when it vanished from streaming. A classic every serious anime fan wants on the shelf.

    GKIDSFor display

    See it on Amazon

  4. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

    A huge-roster Dragon Ball fighting game with fast, flashy battles that look like the show. Check their console before buying.

    Bandai Namco

    See it on Amazon

$100 and up 2 ideas

  1. Bandai Hobby PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam 1/60 Model Kit

    The most ambitious Gundam kit Bandai makes, with an inner frame and armor that open to show the mechanics inside. A winter-long project for an experienced builder.

    Bandai SpiritsFor displayAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  2. Bandai Hobby MGEX Strike Freedom Gundam 1/100 Model Kit

    A showpiece kit with gold-plated frame parts and huge wings. For the Gundam SEED fan who has already built a few Master Grades.

    Bandai SpiritsFor display

    See it on Amazon