Last Updated on 22nd January 2024
Weebs and otakus are part of one of the biggest online and offline communities, as anime gathers people in forums and events worldwide. The anime fandom consists of individuals who love watching anime, cosplaying their favourite characters, playing anime-related games, and creating fan art within numerous subcultures.
Those who participate in conventions and cosplay go through a remarkable creative journey of sewing and crafting their suits to be as close to the original as possible. Besides making the costumes, participants are exposed to cultural exchanges, where they go deeper into Japanese culture by learning about origami or how tea ceremonies are done.
Overall, the otaku community is massive, and their love for this subculture translates into collecting manga oe anime-related products, from clothes to fun trinkets. So, here are some ideas if you have a weeb friend and want some kawaii gift ideas.
Figurines
Collecting figurines as an otaku or weeb is essential to showing off their commitment. Some people are so passionate about collecting figurines that they transform their entire houses into a collector’s dream. So, you can never go wrong with anime Funko pop vinyl figures because they’re representative and sufficient.
Don’t worry, regardless of what your friend is watching or reading, there’s always merch somewhere on the internet with rare pieces, and you don’t have to travel to Japan to access a large marketplace. Such figurines can be found online easily, so you must research their favourite anime-related content and get to work!
Anything Studio Ghibli-related
In the anime world, creations from Studio Ghibli are like the Holy Grail of this industry because Hayao Miyazaki’s creations have left an imprint on anime through emotional stories and striking visuals. So, if your friend is truly an otaku, they’ll appreciate such a gift.
Luckily, due to the studio’s fame, you can find numerous gifts and artwork with characters from Spirited Away or My Neighbour Totoro. You’ll be amazed at how many products have been created, from books that analyse Miyazaki’s directorial approach, Ghibli stationery, and toys to clothes, accessories, and décor. You might even get addicted to their cuteness!
Cutlery
As most anime lovers, your friend probably would love to have their coffee in a mug with Saitama form One Punch Man or a Pokémon inspired one. But stopping at a single mug might not be that exciting, so why not get them some cute cutlery sets to impress their co-workers at lunch?
One of the best gifts you can offer to a weeb is an original bento box made of bamboo, but you might find aluminium boxes more practical. These boxes are perfect for them to recreate Japanese recipes and decorate them with colourful fruits and vegetables. Anime-inspired chopsticks are also necessary, but spoon or fork sets are ideal for those who have yet to master chopsticks.
Clothes
Anime clothing merch is by far the most successful, as fans are thrilled to show off their T-shirts or hoodies with their favourite character printed on them. Luckily, these pieces can be found at most fast-fashion shops, so they’re the easiest to get.
These clothes are impressive as they’re created after remarkable artist designs, so you might find unique drawings with Naruto or Cowboy Bebop designs that will leave your friend speechless. Just ensure the garment’s material is high quality and the imprint is resistant to washing so they won’t ruin the clothes.
Jewellery
Anime-inspired jewellery is superior to every other gift, as its Japanese influences make it unique. Necklaces and earrings are especially appreciated as they include essential elements from anime series, such as the Egg of King from Berserk or the Shuriken from Naruto.
Besides jewellery you can find online, plenty of small business creators make unique products per your requests, so depending on what your friend likes most, you could get them a personalised gift on a ring, necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings. We promise you they’ll feel fabulous wearing their favourite anime!
Silly plushies
Who doesn’t like playing silly when it comes to the anime industry, where funny characters became iconic for their personalities? Gintoki Sakata from Gintama, Joseph Joestar from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Jiraiya from Naruto are only a few examples of entertaining characters.
If your friend is the funny one from your group, or they are simply always comedic, getting them a bizarre plushie will make their day. Plushies can be used for decorating their room and bed and wearing hats, such as the Kirby Hat, a prominent figure in the anime industry and outside of it.
Japanese food
Weebs and otakus are not only in love with anime but with the entire Japanese culture, including the food, which uses delicious and nutritious ingredients that make up incredible recipes known worldwide for traditional and modern tastes and techniques.
The easiest thing to do is take them to a Japanese restaurant where they can try various dishes and eat in a cosy place. However, if they’re already often eating at these kinds of places, you could take it to the next level and get them some unique foods or ingredients with which they can experiment with these dishes at home.
For instance, wagyu is one of the best steaks in the world that’s full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, but as it can be pretty expensive, you might be able to get only a tiny bite. Some special rice for sushi or curry should also be offered. Still, nothing tops buying them essential spices and condiments for cooking, such as bonito flakes, Japanese mayonnaise, chili oil and rice seasoning.
Bottom line
Having an otaku friend means being up-to-date with the latest anime shows and eating at Japanese restaurants, which immerses you in a unique culture. But whether you’re into anime or not, you’re a lucky friend, as finding the best present for otakus is easy.
You’re surrounded by anime merch everywhere, such as clothing and figurines, and Asian shops offer a varied array of foods and spices you can gift your friend to make the best homemade dish.
