Whether it’s for one of the popular winter holidays or for a birthday, graduation, or other special occasion, finding the right gift for the anime enthusiast in your life can seem like a daunting and difficult task. People often assume that giving an otaku anything with a licensed Japanese anime character will make a great gift, but in reality, everyone has tastes and preferences, and not all gifts are created equal. So to help take some of the pressure off, here are some fantastic otaku gifts in all price ranges.
Expensive: $200 or more
An iPad: While the iPad makes a great gift for anyone, it’s particularly great for the anime enthusiast in your life. The iPad can act as a media player on the go, without the need for a DVD input. With most media slowly moving toward streaming or downloadable content, portable DVD players aren’t what they used to be in terms of value, and you can’t get the latest fan subs on DVD anyway.
Moderate: $100-200
HIGH-QUALITY COLLECTIBLE STATUE: Not to be confused with action figures, these large, detailed figures depict beloved anime characters in dynamic poses and rich colors. These quality items can be hard to find unless your gift is a Japanese import, making it all the more valuable and treasured.
Cheap: less than $100
Licensed Reproduction Jewelry and Accessories: Subtler than an anime t-shirt, what otaku wouldn’t look dapper in Vash the Stampede’s sunglasses or Urahara Kisuke’s bucket hat? Many of the most popular anime series are known for their character and costume design, and by giving your favorite anime fan the gift of a genuine reproduction, you’re helping them stay on trend and proud to show off their fandom.