The Anime News Network Holiday Gift Guide
Gifts Under $25
by ANN Editorial Team,
Anime News Network's 2024 Gift Guide Gifts Under $25
Gifts that won't break the bank, gathered from all corners of the Gift Guide.
Under $25
Total Anime SPYxFAMILY 2" Scale Chibi Collectibles
Get excited for Total Anime SPYxFAMILY 2-Inch Scale Chibi 3-Pack! These 2-inch scale mini-figures of Anya and two mystery figures are based on their appearance from the popular anime SPYxFAMILY. Each features a fun, dynamic pose and comes attached to a display base with unique scenery. All Total Anime mini-figures are specially made in a cute chibi style. Collect this 2-inch Scale Chibi 3-Pack and other fan-favorite characters from the Total Anime line.
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Godzilla Egg Godzilla
Godzilla's been having a pretty great couple of years, which naturally translates to good times for toys. Not that the Big G was ever hard up for merchandise, but being an Oscar winner now means it's a cinch to find decent figures of the lovable lizard lining the aisles of your local Target. But if you just want to stuff the stockings of your favorite fans of harrowing nuclear allegory, you can go a bit more esoteric—or should I say, egg-soteric? Please don't kill me; these transforming egg figures represent a longstanding Japanese toy tradition of tokusatsu icons converting into eggs. Plus, you know you'll enjoy that moment of puzzlement from the giftee when they pull what looks for all the world like an actual lump of coal out of their stocking, only to unfurl it into Godzilla's unmistakable skreeonk-adonk.
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Total Anime Izuku Midoriya 6.5" Scale Action Figure
Go beyond (plus ultra!) with the Total Anime Izuku Midoriya action figure. Play and display this 6.5-inch scale figure to recreate Izuku Midoriya's journey through U.A. High School as he hones his Quirk, defends justice, and fights the powerful League of Villains. The figure is based on Izuku Midoriya's appearance from the action-packed Season Six of the popular anime My Hero Academia. It features 30+ points of articulation and comes equipped with two swappable faceplates, four alternate hands, and energy effects.
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Glass Swaying Smile Slime
Novelty glassware is a solidly reliable gift-giving option for otaku. They're fun, they're useful, and the more you use them for drinks, the more likely you are to drop them, shatter them, and need new ones. Square Enix offers some strong standby options in these "YuraYura" or "Swaying" glasses adorned with the faces of the lovable Slimes from Dragon Quest. It's a universal appeal for any RPG-loving weeb, and look, I had to get some Toriyama on this list somehow. They're available in both the original recipe and King Slime varieties and just waiting to be filled with any choice of ridiculously blue drink.
Where to purchase
PalVerse 6-Pack Boxes
A figure series I was just recently turned onto is Bushiroad's PalVerse series (not to be confused with an infamous Pokémon-alike!). They put out an adorable little set of BanG Dream! It's MyGo!!!!! figurines, the nicest I've seen for a series like that at that size and price, and they look to be repeating that pack strategy with several more anime coming up. Some sets like the ones for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure or Bocchi the Rock! won't be out until 2025, but others, including certified hits like Mob Psycho 100 and Oshi no Ko will see these cute little multipacked Munchkins released before the end of this year. That makes them perfect for pre-ordering just in time for the holidays, and either surprising your buddy who loves Chainsaw Man with a whole squad, or splitting everyone's favorite Haikyuu!! characters (and Tsukishima) up among the full friend group.
Where to purchase
Total Anime Yuji Itadori 6.5" Action Figure
Jump into battle with the Total Anime Yuji Itadori action figure. Play and display this 6.5-inch scale figure to recreate Yuji's life as a Jujutsu Sorcerer where he attends Tokyo Jujutsu High and defends humanity from cursed spirits. The figure is based on Yuji's appearance from the action-packed first season of the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen. It features 30+ points of articulation and comes equipped with two swappable faceplates, four alternate hands, and Divergent Fist effects.
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Monster Hunter Spinning Keychain
Both a decoration and a fidget toy, this keychain features the classic anime on-the-bone meat over a fire - and that meat spins so that you can roast your own monster meat whenever the mood strikes. It may be branded Monster Hunter, but it's great for any shōnen anime fan where meat is the meal of choice.
Where to purchase
One Piece Luffy Giant Peel and Stick Wall Decals
Who doesn't want to see Luffy grinning down at you from the wall? This set of peel-and-stick decals can be moved around so that Luffy can follow you everywhere you go…or you can decorate an unsuspecting family member's room in the night. So many possibilities!
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Spy × Family Anya's Daily Life Series Figures
It's all Anya, all the time with this series! Each blind box contains one of seven Anya figures, from her best-known facial expression to her pajamas to her training outfit for workouts with Yor. There's no option that includes Bond, but otherwise, this is hard to argue with.
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Total Anime Eren Jaeger 6.5" Action Figure
Give your heart to the Total Anime Eren Jaeger action figure. Play and display this 6.5-inch scale figure to recreate Eren's quest to join the Scout Regiment and destroy every last Titan on Earth. The figure is based on Eren's appearance from the iconic first season of the popular anime Attack on Titan. It features 30+ points of articulation and comes equipped with swappable faceplates, alternate hands, and ODM Gear Blades.
Where to purchase
Total Anime Chainsaw Man 6.5" Action Figure
Give your heart to the Total Anime Eren Jaeger action figure. Play and display this 6.5-inch scale figure to recreate Eren's quest to join the Scout Regiment and destroy every last Titan on Earth. The figure is based on Eren's appearance from the iconic first season of the popular anime Attack on Titan. It features 30+ points of articulation and comes equipped with swappable faceplates, alternate hands, and ODM Gear Blades.
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Azami Figure
Okay, so the Uzumaki anime wasn't good, but it still had some of original creator Junji Ito's excellent imagery. And what better way to find something for the person in your life whose favorite holiday is Halloween? This black and white figure ensures that you can creep out visitors to your home with ease, and really, who can put a price on that?
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Total Anime 8" Plushies
Get so excited for the Total Anime Anya Forger plush. Snug and hug this 8-inch plush as you bond with the peanut-loving telepath. The plush is based on Anya Forger's appearance from the thrilling first season of the popular anime SPYxFAMILY. Made of super soft velboa fabric, it also features embroidered eyes and mouth. All Total Anime plush features authentic details and looks like they jumped right off the screen and into your arms. Collect Anya Forger and other fan-favorite characters from the Total Anime plush line.
Where to purchase
SPY x FAMILY: The Official Coloring Book
Even if your coloring skills peaked in third grade, the official SPY x FAMILY coloring book has you covered. Featuring images from Tatsuya Endō's original manga, the pictures are large enough that all skill levels of colorers can enjoy it, and the pages are thick enough to accommodate markers as well as crayons or colored pencils.
Where to purchase
One Piece: Pirate Recipes: Sanji Cookbook
Recreate some of the dishes from One Piece anime with these recipes! From that meat-on-the-bone Luffy loves to pumpkin juice to Frankie-sized burgers, this cookbook has all of the fun of seafaring cuisine with 100% less weevils and hardtack.
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Semantic Error Vol. 1 (Comic)
Computer science major Sangwoo Choo values reason, routine, and rules above all, so when the rest of his teammates fail to contribute to the group presentation, he doesn't hesitate to cut everyone's names from the project entirely—including design major Jaeyoung Jang, which ruins his plans to graduate and study abroad. Jaeyoung is more than happy to return the favor and strives to be the biggest thorn in Sangwoo's side—but as they spend more time together, a strange attraction begins to develop between them... Will Sangwoo be able to debug this Semantic Error from his life?
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I.L.
Osamu Tezuka's influence on manga and manga creators spans far and wide, but one of his early works is now finally published in English. Known for stories that appeal to children and teens, he experimented and blended adult-targeted themes, which came together for I.L. Described as a “fairy tale for adult readers” by the official Osamu Tezuka site, the stories are structured to be moral lessons around social topics such as political corruption and domestic violence. Tezuka's groundbreaking approach to storytelling in I.L. is a must-add to anyone's shelf.
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Case File Compendium Novels
Danmei fans rejoice at the long-awaited publication of Case File Compendium: Bing An Ben, or BAB. This hit Chinese Boys' Love novel follows a modern sci-fi story between He Yu, a university student, and his former doctor, Xie Qingcheng. Despite He Yu's initial interest in Xie Qingcheng's younger sister, he finds himself obsessed with the physician after a dramatic incident between the two of them. For those who are curious, this series features a nianxia (lit. younger) couple, where the top is younger than the bottom.
Where to purchase
H.P. Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu manga
One of H.P. Lovecraft's most well-known short stories is given new life through Gou Tanabe's eye for visual horror. Tanabe's interpretation of Lovecraft's cosmic creature and its accompanying existential dread is a masterclass in storytelling. Junji Ito, famed fellow horror manga artist, once considered adapting H.P. Lovecraft's stories himself. But he praised Tanabe's work for being so good that he simply wouldn't be able to compete.
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Monpoke: Pokémon RainbowWater Wonder Coloring Book
Coloring Pokémon can now be as endlessly fun as becoming a Pokémon Master with this reusable water coloring book. Cute, reimagined Pokémon like Pikachu and Piplup can provide infinite entertainment as a ‘magic’ pen uncovers colors and objects on every page. Once the pages are dry, you can refill the pen and do it all over again. It's no wonder why this book is a top seller on the Pokémon Center website. Enjoy a mess-free activity at home or on the road!
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Tobihachi Artworks - Nikoge no Tsudoi Artbook
Artist Tobihachi puts together an incredible collection of anthropomorphized animals in classical Japanese and Western clothing. The 176 paged artbook features Tobihachi's imaginative world of “fluffy” animals–from foxes to birds–in stylized poses and fashionable outfits. It's a beautiful assortment of detailed drawings and includes an explanation of the artist's drawing techniques and a closing interview. Japanese language only.
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Last Quarter
From the famed author of NANA comes a supernatural story of star-crossed lovers. Originally a three volume series from 1998-1999, Last Quarter will finally see its first English release after almost twenty-six years. Given Yazawa's flare for the dramatic, Last Quarter's romance is entwined with mystery and drama, and promises to keep readers on edge.
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Power Blood Devil Black Tee
Channel your inner blood devil with this bright and bold official Power design. This statement-making shirt is part of Atsuko's site-wide holiday sale. Feel good shopping small this season with this offering from an independent anime streetwear line.
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Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Scott & Ramona Pajama Pants
Snuggle up in pajama pants that feature Scott and Ramona's faces as rendered in the Science SARU production. Make somebody's holiday cozier with loungewear that shows off their fandom and makes them comfy at the same time. (Also available in plus sizes).
Where to purchase
Jujutsu Kaisen UT Graphic T-Shirt Megumi Fushigoro
UNIQLO's anime offerings are a bit scarce right now, but this Megumi Fushigoro has an eye-grabbing design. The stark-white T-shirt shows Megumi's hands as he summons a shikigami; the Divine Dogs. The dark shadow stretches across the front of the shirt, warning that you too might summon a cursed creature if provoked.
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Uzmaki Square Shot Glass
Uzumaki is one of those manga that lives rent-free in my head—especially when it comes to this specific image. I have legitimate nightmares about it. I can't imagine the horror of doing shots, slowly but surely losing control of my mental faculties while this abomination stares at me. At some point, I'd probably just run out of the room screaming, slurring about how the spirals are going to get us all. So I guess this makes this shot glass the perfect gift for anyone who loves anime, getting drunk, and watching their friends freak out as they get wasted.
Where to purchase
Anime Tamagotchi
Great news for the anime fans who want to be running in the 90s: Tamagotchis transcend any and all time-related barriers. They're back, they still make for good gifts, and they now come in anime-branding flavor. For those unfamiliar, Tamagotchis are digital pets stored in a tiny electronic orb that you periodically feed/play with/take care of by way of simple button presses. They were pretty popular in the '90s, and have been seeing a resurgence in the past few years. It's in the midst of this resurgence that we've seen Bandai turn various anime characters into Tamagotchis; for example, there are Tamagotchis for characters from series like Spy×Family, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more. And the use of these modern characters adds a fun twist to the otherwise nostalgic toy, which I can't help but speculate would help these appeal to a much broader age demographic, making these Tamagotchis—even in the year 2024—feel like a cute gift for anime fans both young and old.
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Poptater Hatsune Miku
For the figure collector who thinks they have it all, I humbly pitch: the Poptaters Miku. There are a lot of gorgeous Miku statues out there, but anyone can get a statue of Miku as a human. But Miku as a potato—now there's something fresh and bold that's sure to grab the attention of anyone who looks at your/the anime fan in your life's figure collection. More specifically, if you know about Potato Head toys, that's what this is. And if you're not sure, it's simple and it works like it does in Toy Story: it's a plastic potato with holes, and that's where you put her eyes, ears, nose, mouth, etc. Everyone loves Miku, and anime fans love having cool and unique statues to decorate their spaces—there's no downside here.
Where to purchase
Pokémon Holiday Cookie Cutters
What has the power to turn the day around if not a delicious Pikachu-shaped cookie? Or a Snorlax? Or Teddiursa? If I walked into literally any function—no matter how much I didn't want to be there—and someone offered me a peanut butter cookie in the shape of a Slurpuff, I might shed a tear of joy. Pokémon routinely releases plenty of merchandise, especially around the holidays, and this year is no different. That's where these cookie cutters (which include stamps; you can see them in the image) are from—this year's holiday merchandise. They're fun for Poké-fans of all ages, they're festive, they're not too pricey, and cookies are just the start—they have a lot of crafting potential!
Where to purchase
One Piece Straw Hat Ceramic Bowl
They say it all the time on cooking competition shows: people eat with their eyes first. Plating is important. And bearing that in mind, let's just be honest: if the option were available, would you and/or your intended recipient of this item rather eat food out of a bowl that's made to look like Luffy's iconic straw hat, or literally any other bowl? The answer is obvious: this hat is the worthiest of vessels for soups, salads, and popcorn of all kinds. Sanji would surely buy these in bulk if only he could.
Where to purchase
Cubic Zirconia Sand Village Belly Ring 14 Gauge
This is one of those items that makes me wonder if there really is a market out there for it. After all, you'd need to not only have your belly button pierced, but you'd need to be a Naruto fan who likes the Sand Village side characters enough to sport their symbol as well. However, if you do know someone who fits into this very specific group, this could be a fantastic gift. It's a great example of stealth otaku fashion. To a non-anime fan, it looks just like a normal belly ring. However, to another fan, it's a clear signal showing that you love Naruto, too.
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Honkai: Star Rail Lordly Trashcan Mug Set
Do you have a friend or family member obsessed with free-to-play gatcha games? If so, there's a good chance they've put some time into Honkai: Star Rail. One of that game's more ‘unique’ enemies is the Lordly Trashcan—a walking, talking trashcan that quizzes a player before fighting them. With this mug, you can now drink out of your own Lordly Trashcan complete with its own trash can lid and scepter-shaped spoon. It's also available in a crossed-arm pose—and both poses are for sale in both silver and gold.
Where to purchase
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