Kara Dennison
December 14, 2020 
Hey, you — yeah, you. We see you. You haven’t finished your gift shopping yet, have you? That’s okay, neither have we. (We won’t tell if you won’t.) And if you’re looking for anime gifts for a friend or family member, we’ve got some ideas for cute, crowd-pleasing series to pop in their stockings or under the tree.
As a bonus, these are cute and accessible shows… meaning you can watch them with family and they might actually get into it!
Bananya
Want a show that’s simple, straightforward, and absolutely adorable? Here’s a cat who lives in a banana.
In terms of anime gifts, Bananya is one of the most laid-back, crowd-pleasing shows you could pick. Bananya and his friends go about their daily life at home, living in a regular house as they dream of eventually dunking themselves in chocolate (as you do). And if that sounds like something you need as much as possible of? The second season is coming to Blu-ray, too!
Azumanga Daioh
Whether in manga or anime form, Azumanga Daioh is an anime gift that keeps on giving. One of the most popular slice-of-life shows in recent years, it’s also been a gateway series for lost of newer fans. And understandably so. From the adorable Chiyo to the spacey Osaka, to Sakaki who just wants to pet a cat for once, all the main characters are entertaining and likable.
It’s also a well-localized series, especially considering a lot of its humor depends on preconceptions about Osaka’s hometown. Though be prepared for her to move around a little: while she’s localized as being from the Bronx in the manga, she’s decidedly Southern in the anime.
Lucky Star
Just in case Azumanga Daioh isn’t nerdy enough, there’s always Lucky Star: an anime gift perfect for fans with a little more old-school familiarity. The slice-of-life antics are still relatable, but long-time fans will get more out of protagonist Kona’s references to vintage series and video games.
It’s also a great time to give Lucky Star another look: its spiritual successor, Maesetsu! Opening Act is currently underway.
Will you be picking up any of these anime gifts for your friends (or yourself)? What else would you recommend?
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