Anime has become incredibly popular among tweens and teens. If you have a 12 year old who loves anime in your life, there are so many great gift ideas you can get them. At age 12, kids are really starting to develop their own interests and personality. Anime is a way for many of them to explore stories and characters that really speak to them. There are so many amazing anime themed gifts that can let a 12 year old express themselves and enjoy their passion. Here are some of the best anime gifts for 12 year olds.
Figures and Plush Toys

Clothing and Accessories
Anime clothing and accessories make it easy for a 12 year old to showcase their interests every day. Popular items include graphic t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, bags, jewelry, lanyards, and more. Hot Topic, Box Lunch, and Spencers all carry tons of officially licensed anime merchandise. Etsy also has some handmade fandom jewelry and accessories. Anime clothing is a subtle way to express themselves at school or with friends. Accessories like hats, bags, and jewelry add some flair while keeping it low-key.
Room Decor

Anime Art and DIY Kits
For artsy tweens, anime art supplies and DIY kits make original gift ideas. reputable sites like Etsy have digital anime art prints your 12 year old can frame in their room. There are also wall scroll poster kits they can customize themselves with their favorite characters. DIY Unicode bookmarks, perler beads, and felt plushie kits are creative ways to make their own fandom items.
Subscription Boxes

Books and Manga
Does the 12 year old in your life love reading and manga? Check out the manga and light novel series they enjoy and get them the latest volumes. Barnes and Noble, Right Stuf Anime, and Kinokuniya all have great selections. You could also get them an anime artbook so they can admire character designs and concept art. If they like drawing manga, how-to-draw books make great gifts too. And graphic novel version of popular anime series let them reexperience the stories.
Video Games

Self Care/Beauty Products
For a tween girl getting into makeup and beauty, Japanese and Korean skincare products have exploded in popularity thanks to their use in anime. Face masks, makeup, nail polishes, lip glosses, and more from brands like Tonymoly, Etude House, and Colourpop let them explore makeup while matching their kawaii style. Bath bombs, scented candles, and relaxation products help them enjoy self care.
Tickets to Anime Conventions and Movies

Cooking/Baking Kits
Anime is full of delicious looking food. For 12 year olds who enjoy cooking and baking, Japanese cooking kits and baking kits make educational gifts. They can learn to make rice balls, ramen kits, sushi, matcha kit kats, mochi, Japanese candy, cookies, and more. It's a tasty way to experience a piece of Japanese culture.
Music/Soundtracks

Learning Japanese
If they're really interested in Japanese culture beyond just anime, educational gifts can help them learn the language. Get them beginner Japanese textbooks, flash cards, practice books, and audio lessons. Watching subtitled anime can help reinforce what they're learning. Classes on Outschool also offer fun ways for tweens to start exploring Japanese.
FAQs
Q: Is anime appropriate for a 12 year old?
A: It depends on the specific anime series. Some like Pokemon and Studio Ghibli films are very family-friendly. But other series aimed at teens may have violence, language, or suggestive themes. Check ratings and reviews to assess age-appropriateness.
Q: Are anime figures and toys from Japan safe for kids?
A: Generally yes, brands that produce officially licensed merchandise must meet US safety standards. Reputable sites like Crunchyroll Store and Right Stuf Anime sell authentic, safe products.
Q: Where can I buy anime gifts and merchandise?
A: Check major retailers like Hot Topic, Box Lunch, Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, and Target. Specialty shops like Crunchyroll Store, Right Stuf Anime, and Tokyo Otaku Mode also have great selections.
Q: Is giving money as an anime gift impersonal?
A: Not necessarily! Gifting them money to pick their own perfect items or a gift card to anime sites gives them shopping power. Combine with a heartfelt card to show you care.
Q: What anime franchises and characters are most popular right now?
A: Currently some of the top series are Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy X Family, My Hero Academia, Haikyu!!, Attack on Titan, and Tokyo Revengers.
Conclusion
Hope these anime gift ideas spark your creativity on what to get the 12 year old anime fan in your life. There are so many amazing options that let them proudly showcase their interests. At this age, finding a fandom community is important, so encourage their passion for anime. But don't forget to also supplement with offline activities, learning opportunities, and time with family and friends. Anime can be a healthy interest as long as it's balanced with real life connections and growth too.