Anime is bigger in the UK than ever, and so is the merch. Whether you love the cosy worlds of Studio Ghibli or the big battles of Naruto and Solo Leveling, there is something to collect, wear or use every day. This guide walks through the main types of anime merch, which series to look at, and how to choose the right piece.
Types of anime merch
| Type | What it is | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Mini and surprise figures | Small 5cm blind-box figures and keychains | Under £10 |
| Plush toys | Soft toys from 5cm to 30cm+ | £10–£30 |
| Mugs and homeware | Mugs, money boxes and lamps | £10–£30 |
| Prize figures | 10–20cm figures such as Ichibansho and Vibration Stars | £30–£60 |
| Pop Up Parade | Larger, detailed figures of about 17–24cm | £50–£90 |
| Bags and backpacks | School and everyday bags with series art | £20–£45 |
Studio Ghibli: cosy, gentle and gift-friendly
Studio Ghibli merch is a favourite with fans of all ages. It is soft, simple and easy to live with. Popular picks include the Kiki's Delivery Service Jiji cat plush, Spirited Away plush toys, and mugs featuring Princess Mononoke or Howl's Moving Castle.
Ghibli gifts work well for people who love the films but don't collect figures. A mug or plush is something they will use and enjoy every day.
Naruto, One Piece and Dragon Ball: the classics
The long-running shonen series have huge UK fanbases. For these fans, look at:
- Figures: Naruto Shippuden Vibration Stars figures and Dragon Ball POP figures.
- Bags: the Naruto Shippuden Shadow backpack (41cm) for school, college or work.
- Funko Pops: anime Pop! figures are a great, affordable way to start. Our Funko Pop collecting guide explains how to choose one.
Newer hits: Solo Leveling, Blue Lock and more
Newer series are some of the most searched-for anime merch right now. Look out for the Solo Leveling Sung Jinwoo money box, Blue Lock figures, and Among Us Monitor Top figures for gaming fans. Many of these are 10cm figures, which fit neatly on a desk. Browse our full 10cm figure range.
Cute and kawaii: Kirby, Rilakkuma and Kuromi
Not every anime fan wants action figures. Cute characters are perfect for bags, desks and stocking fillers:
- Kirby Friends figures and Kirby Cookie surprise keychains
- Rilakkuma Friends surprise figures
- Hello Kitty Kuromi backpack (41cm)
Surprise figures are a fun, low-cost way to start a collection, and fans love trading duplicates.
For serious collectors: scale and premium figures
For the collector who already has everything, a larger figure makes a real statement. The Berserk Guts "Black Swordsman" Pop Up Parade figure stands about 22cm tall. Ichibansho figures are known for sharp detail at a mid-range price.
Tips before you buy a larger figure:
- Check the height so it fits their shelf.
- Check the series is one they actually follow.
- Keep the box; collectors value it.
How to choose anime merch as a gift
- Find out the series. Ask, or check their shelves and phone wallpaper.
- Match the gift to the person. Collectors want figures; casual fans often prefer mugs, plush or bags.
- Set a budget. Surprise figures cost a few pounds; premium figures can cost £80 or more.
- Think practical. A backpack or mug gets used every day.
Looking for gifts across more fandoms? See our pop culture Christmas gift guide.
FAQs
What is the best anime merch for a beginner? Start with something small and affordable, such as a surprise figure, keychain or Funko Pop from a series you love.
What is a Pop Up Parade figure? Pop Up Parade is a line of larger, detailed anime figures, usually 17–24cm tall, sold at a lower price than traditional scale figures.
Is anime merch a good gift for adults? Yes. Mugs, plush and premium figures are popular with adult fans, especially from series like Studio Ghibli and Berserk.
Shop anime merch at PopCultureUK
From 5cm surprise figures to 22cm collector pieces, our range covers the series UK fans love most. Explore the Manga collection or see every Pop! figure in stock.