ince the 1990s, anime has absolutely exploded in popularity in the United States. Thanks to shows like Pokemon, Sailor Moon, and Dragon Ball Z, what started out as a niche interest of die-hard fans has become totally mainstream. And that also means being an anime fan is better than ever – now instead of waiting months for new episodes to release with subtitles in your language or getting stuck with dubs that are now considered nostalgic but downright painful, anime fans can find tons of cosplay inspiration on any social media app or even watch their favorite shows on dedicated streaming platforms like Crunchyroll.
With 33% of Americans saying that they’re fans of anime and over 40% of Gen Z reporting they watch anime weekly, chances are you’ll be shopping for anime-inspired plushies or trading cards for someone in your life at some point. So if you’re looking for some gift ideas for anime fans, you’re in luck – you don’t have to navigate the fandoms and Japanese terminology alone! We’ve gathered some of the best gifts we can think of for the anime lover in your life, including:
- Collectibles like pins and trading cards
- Books, guide books, and manga any anime fan would adore
- Gift cards that let them choose their own anime-themed gift
Sound good? Let’s get to it!
1. Hit Up Their Local Merch Shop
When you think Hot Topic, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is pyramid stud belts and band t-shirts. But the popular mall store carries a surprisingly wide selection of officially licensed merchandise for popular anime movies and shows as well, like One Piece, Demonslayer, Hatsune Miku, Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service, and more… which means finding the perfect anime gift can be as easy as heading to your nearest shopping mall.
🥢 Cute anime home goods picks!
- Kiki’s Delivery Service Bamboo Chopsticks
- Junji Ito Horror Manga Ramen Bowl Set
- Ninja Throwing Star Magnets
But if their favorite anime is a little less mainstream than the ones carried at Hot Topic, you can always search out their local kawaii shop and grab them a gift or gift card there. These stores are essentially stationary shops, where you can find all sorts of gifts and toys related to popular characters. Look for unique collectibles, home goods they’ll use all the time like character bento boxes or chopsticks, Asian skincare products featuring their favorite characters, and all of the other anime gifts an otaku could want.
🥫 Anime drinks with collectible cans + bottles:
- Dragon Ball Z Energy Drinks (Set of 4)
- Sailor Moon Anime Soda - Five Senshi (Set of 5)
- Sailor Moon Anime Soda - Outer Senshi (Set of 5)
- Naruto Ramune Soda Variety Pack (Set of 5)
- One Piece Ocean Bomb Soda (Set of 4)
2. Behind the Scenes “Memorial Book”
Do you know what their favorite anime or Japanese animation movie is? You might be able to track down a “memorial” book. Despite the name sounding pretty grim in English, these are generally just behind the scenes looks at popular anime. In some cases, it may even be the only real opportunity to capture a story in book form, since not every anime arc or movie matches up exactly with the manga (comic book) form of the story.
For example, Sailor Moon R: The Promise of the Rose features the beloved anime characters of Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask, and the Sailor Scouts in a plot line only ever seen or referenced in the movie itself. Which means the only way to get the book version of the story to put on their shelf would be to pick up a collectible like the one pictured above.
Another example: in Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might, Gohan befriends a young dragon named Icarus. Despite being a beloved character, Icarus is non-canon, which means the best chance you have at finding an Icarus related gift or book is to look at behind the scenes sources like this.
3. Anime Character Resin Lamp
There’s plenty of anime home decor out there that would make good gifts, but these resin lamps are particularly cool. They feature popular anime characters encased in clear material, which can be lit up for a really unique effect. This would look great on any anime fan’s bedside table, home office desk, or even as a centerpiece in their bookshelf surrounded by their manga collection.
Here are a few individual lamp designs + shops to get you started:
- Gundham Night Lamp by Hirosart on Etsy
- One Piece Treasure Chest Lamp by BBDecorDesign on Etsy
- Super Saiyan Goku Resin Lamp by PaintingForYourSpace on Etsy
- Umbreon Pokemon Lamp by DesignPetStudio on Etsy
- Ichigo Bleach Lamp by BreakWooden on Etsy
4. Custom Anime Portrait
Sometimes, it’s tough not to want to jump through the screen into a particularly exciting anime. The pulse-pounding action, the swoon-worthy romance – any fan would love to be a part of it! And while you can’t transport the anime lover in your life to Amestris or Attack on Titan’s city within the walls, you can get them the next best thing: a portrait that puts them right into the drama.
Thanks to the variety of customization options, this gift works for one anime fan or a whole family. Choose up to six figures (people, pets, or characters from the show) and a background style. Then specify what you want the image to look like, or ask the experts to come up with something brilliant. Send your mom to train with Naruto at Mount Myoboku or help your husband power up to Super Saiyan God while hanging out with Goku and Vageeta. The options for personalization are endless.
5. Anime Cookbook
Anime food honestly looks pretty tasty. It’s hard to watch Usagi chow down on Makoto’s takikomi gohan, croquettes, and boiled quail eggs or Gohan put back, well… everything in sight without wondering if all of those fluffy steamed buns and colorful sauces would be just as good in real life. And that is precisely why there are a variety of anime cookbooks on the market.
You can always do some research to see if one is particularly highly recommended within your anime fan’s fandom, but here are a few popular anime cookbooks to get you started:
- Gastronogeek Anime Cookbook by Thibaud Villanova (Shop on Amazon)
- The Anime Chef Cookbook: 75 Iconic Dishes from Your Favorite Anime by Nadine Estero (Shop on Amazon)
- Cook Anime: Eat Like Your Favorite Character from Bento to Yakisoba by Diana Ault (Shop on Amazon)
- Bake Anime: 75 Sweet Recipes Spotted In and Inspired By Your Favorite Anime by Emily J Bushman (Shop on Amazon)
- Oishisou!! The Ultimate Anime Dessert Cookbook by Hadley Sui and Illustrator Monique Narboneta Zosa (Shop on Amazon)
Or if you feel like taking the DIY approach, prove yourself to be even better friends than Goku thinks he and Vageeta are and whip up a few of these dishes yourself! They’ll never forget an afternoon of watching their favorite anime and eating snacks as they appear on screen.
6. Anime Character Plushies
Cute dolls are popular all over the world, but they seem to be particularly common among anime fans, even as adults. Maybe it's because it's apretty inexpensive collection to start -- most plushies cost somewhere in the $20-$30 range, making it much more affordable than collectible art or signed manga.
But plushies and anime might also be linked so closely thanks to the popularity of chibi -- cute, childlike rendering of anime characters.
Regardless of why, plush toys are popular at anime merch shops, anime conventions, and online retailers -- so you really can't go wrong with a snuggly version of their favorite character!
🧸 Here are some snuggly anime plushies to get you started:
- My Hero Academia Squishmallows (set of 2)
- Eeveelution Plushies featuring Eevie, Umbreon, and Espeon (set of 3)
- Nezuko Demon Slayer Funko Plush
- Avatar the Last Airbender Appa Pillow Pet
- Fushiguro Jujitsu Kaisen Plush
7. Desk + Office Supplies
There are lots of subtle and not so subtle anime desk toys and office supplies out there, so there’s definitely something for everyone. An anime fan who likes to go bold will appreciate a gift like this mouse pad, which is jam packed with some of the most loved anime characters of all time.
However, there are also more discreet options for anime fans who work in a corporate office.
📝 They’ll love these anime stationary + desk gifts:
- Sailor Moon + Chibiusa Prism Ballpoint Pens (set of 2)
- Mini Samurai Sword Katana Letter Opener
- Black and White Anime Ballpoint Pens (set of 6)
Once again, at a stop to your local kawaii shop, you should be able to find lots of pens, stationary, and little collectibles that can sit on their desk, too.
8. Anime-Inspired Clothing
Anime-inspired clothing is another great gift idea for the anime fan in your life simply because there are so many different directions you can go with it, from a fun embroidered Pokemon sweatshirt to cozy pajama pants featuring Totoro, Jujutsu Kaisen, or even Sanrio.
Not to mention, there are tons of custom anime clothing options out there too, from streetwear…
to hoodies…
to vintage t-shirts…
to accessories like wallets…
and scrunchies.
And that’s before you even get into anime-inspired clothing that’s modeled after their favorite characters’ looks, like Naruto’s jacket or Jimmy Choo’s line of designer Sailor Moon shoes.
9. Soot Sprite Anything
The susuwatari (すすワタリ) aka soot sprites are some of the most beloved side characters in any anime, appearing in fan-favorite Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. The hardworking little creatures are created by a combination of magic and soot. They dwell in old houses and decide if inhabitants are good hearted or not… and respond to them accordingly.
Thanks to their helpful nature and adorable appearance, they also show up all over merch from lunchboxes to earrings to sweatshirts to pajamas to throw pillows.
🌟 Here are some cute soot sprite gifts for the anime lover in your life:
- Soot Sprite mini figures
- Kawaii embroidered soot sprite pullover
- Soot sprite earrings
- Soot sprite suncatcher
- Soot sprite glass
10. Manga + Books
Lots of successful anime started out as manga, so why not get them the book version of their favorite movie or show? Barnes & Noble has a whole section dedicated to Manga & Anime Books, which is full of the latest releases as well as nice box sets of classic runs.
Your local comic book shop will also have a manga section, and probably some cool merch too. Plus, you get to know that you’re supporting a small business that really cares about their customers! Speaking of caring about their customers, the folks at your local comic shop will also know their stuff, probably better than the average employee at a big box bookseller. Which means if you aren’t super familiar with anime or manga yourself, they should be able to lead you to the perfect gift for the anime lover in your life.
PS - When you stop into your local shop, be sure to ask about upcoming signings, watch parties, and events. You may be able to supplement your gift by bringing your favorite anime fan to an event they’ll really enjoy!
11. Fire Demon Matcha Bowl
Matcha tea is more than just your slightly healthier than caramel option at Starbucks – the finely ground green tea powder has a unique cultural significance. While it’s been in Japan since the 12th century, it was in the 16th century that the Japanese tea ceremony focusing on the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility became popular – and it’s remained popular to this day.
So a matcha set is a nice homage to the culture and history of anime’s homeland, but you can also find fun anime-inspired sets like this Calcifer matcha set.
12. Anime Bento Box
Originally hand-carved wooden lunch boxes, the modern bento box is also a way of appreciating Japan’s cultural values of beauty, balance, and simplicity. Many bento boxes are even created following the Japanese rule of five, which dictates that a complete dining experience should contain all of the five food preparation methods (raw, simmered, fried, steamed, and roasted/grilled).
Not to mention, it’s a great way to encourage someone you love to have a balanced meal!
🍱 Cute anime bento box and home goods picks!
- Kira vs. L Death Note bento box
- Kaonashi (No Face) from Spirited Away - Studio Ghibli bento box gift set
- Orange and Blue Goku Dragon Ball Z Bento box
13. Anime Candle
Help them make their next anime watching night a fully immersive experience with a candle inspired by their favorite movie or show!
🕯️You can find anime candles inspired by their favorite characters and worlds here!
- Otaku Scents - Candles, wax melts, and air fresheners inspired by their favorite movies, shonen, shojo, and video games
- Mizu Crafts - hand poured soy wax candles made with love inspired by anime from Black Butler to Inuyasha to Genshin Impact to Studio Ghibli
- Etsy - also has tons of anime candles ranging from adorable to hilarious, plus handmade candle holders and lanterns. You can even create your own custom anime character candle!
14. Couples Sweaters
The couple that watches anime together, stays together, right? Anime is known for its beautiful artwork, but it’s also known for memorable characters, whether they’re best friends, rivals, or couples.
Consider a couple's gift, like this Goku/Chichi sweatshirt that can be customized with their names. But if you need inspiration for other gifts, look for anything related to these other iconic anime couples:
- Kyo + Tohru (Fruits Basket)
- Usagi + Mamarou (Sailor Moon)
- Yato + Hiyori (Noragami)
- Ichigo + Orihime (Bleach)
- Renji + Rukia (Bleach)
- Meliodas + Elizabeth (Seven Deadly Sins)
- Naruto + Hinata (Naruto)
- Kirigaya + Yuuki (Sword Art Online)
- Edward + Winry (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
- Inuyasha + Kagome (Inuyasha)
- Spike + Julia (Cowboy Bebop)
- Touka + Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)
- Bulma + Vageta (Dragon Ball)
- Krillin + Android 18 (Dragon Ball)
15. Nendoroids + Funko Pops
Funko Pops are vinyl figurines known for their distinct style, with a big head, tiny bodies, and small black eyes.
Nendoroids are a similar concept, but they’re specifically based off of the chibi version of characters.
Either way, these collectibles make great gifts for anyone who watches anime!
16. Convention Tickets
Anime conventions are a big deal for fans – these multi-day events often include costume/cosplay contests, vendors selling things related to anime, Manga, and Japanese culture, panels and interviews with writers, illustrators, and actors, and more. They’re hosted all over the world, but many diehard fans travel to attend the really big ones like Anime Expo in Los Angeles, Japan Expo France, and Comiket in Tokyo.
So consider grabbing your favorite anime fan tickets to the convention in their city, or if you have the means to, even plan a trip to go to one of the biggest conventions in the world together for a trip they’ll never forget!
17. Binge An Anime Together :)
For many people, the best gift you can get is when someone you love wants to share one of your hobbies with you. So set up an anime night, and see their favorite characters through their eyes!
Consider getting things like Japanese snacks or western popcorn and candies to munch on while you watch, cozy anime character socks or a blanket to snuggle up under, or a subscription to an anime streaming service like Crunchyroll, or HBO Max (which has all of the Studio Ghibli movies).
What could be a better gift than quality time? 🫶
Anime gifts don’t have to be hard to find.
As you can see, whether you’re an anime fan yourself or not, there are tons of anime gifts for adults out there. Grab them some anime merch for their favorite show, help them build their collection of figurines, or just spend some quality time together – any of these gifts are sure to put a smile on their face :)
