Japanese animation, or anime, was once considered a niche part of pop culture: Directors like Hayao Miyazaki and movies like Your Name were obscure references. Thanks in part to streaming, which has made imported entertainment easily accessible, anime has exploded in popularity. It’s estimated that in 2021, roughly half of all Netflix subscribers globally watched at least some anime content.
If you have an anime lover, or otaku, on your list this holiday season, there’s no shortage of things to grab. Check out some of these best anime gift ideas.
1. Enno Vatti Anime Scratch-Off Poster; $20
Keep track of the best anime to watch with this scratch-off poster, which measures 16.5 inches by 23.4 inches and sports 100 classic anime features and series. Each square can be rubbed off, lotto ticket-style, to reveal a character or iconography from the movie or show.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Onebttl Tumbler; $23
Wear your love of anime proudly on this 20-ounce insulated tumbler cup that keeps cold and hot beverages at their ideal temperatures. The stainless steel container also comes with a see-through lid so you know what you’re sipping.
Buy it: Amazon
3. Zerowin Kitty Ears Cap; $14
Keep warm and go full cat with this charming knit cap that features kitty ears and will surely earn you some compliments at your next anime convention.
Buy it: Amazon
4. The Master Guide to Drawing Anime: Drawing with Christopher Hart; $12
If your love of anime extends to creating it, Christopher Hart’s introductory guide to designing characters will prove a highly useful resource. This well-reviewed book offers advice on drawing templates and various anime subgenres.
Buy it: Amazon
5. Fardes Anime Collage Posters; $14
Cover the walls of your game room or bedroom with this set of 4-inch by 6-inch mini-posters. There are 84 pieces in all, which allows you to create your own design. You can use frames or the included double-sided tape for mounting.
Buy it: Amazon
6. The Anime Chef Cookbook by Nadine Estero; $22
Take your love of anime to the kitchen with this 75-recipe cookbook by Nadine Estero that highlights popular dishes from classic anime: strawberry macaron pancakes from Your Name, Dragon Ball Z meat feasts, and more.
Buy it: Amazon
7. UNO Dragon Ball Z Card Game; $8
This new twist on the classic card game uses the anime staple Dragon Ball Z. Watch out for the Wild Shenron Wish Card, which can turn the game upside-down in an instant.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Akira 4K Blu-ray; $16
This classic 1988 anime feature was one of the earliest to capture the attention of fans in the U.S. This 4K version is newly restored, making its brain-melting vision of a future Tokyo all the more compelling.
Buy it: Amazon
9. One Piece Gift Set; $35
One Piece is experiencing a new wave of popularity thanks to the live-action Netflix series. This three-piece gift set from ABYstyle features a mug, keychain, and notebook emblazoned with the likeness of hero pirate Monkey D. Luffy.
Buy it: Amazon
10. Naruto Sock Box: $20
Fans of Naruto can walk off their fandom with this 12-pack of themed socks that fit shoe sizes 8 to 12.
Buy it: Amazon