What’s harder than finding a Father’s Day gift for dear old dad? Finding one when your dad is that rare breed of nerd—the anime fan (or otaku)! Should I get him one of those anime shirts I see everywhere? Where do I buy Japanese treats since he likes sweets? What kind of anime figure would my dad like?
Don’t worry, fam, we’ve got you covered! Below are nine gift ideas suggested by members of our staff who have otaku dads in their lives or are otaku dads themselves. One or more of these presents will surely make your otaku dad geek out this Father’s Day!
TokyoTreat Box Subscription
A little taste of Japan every month!
I’ve received treat boxes as presents in the past and they never disappoint! Treat boxes are an experiential gift that tickles the taste buds and also allows the receiver to get multiple presents: many little surprises as you open and try each item. With its latest box, TokyoTreat (which always features an awesome selection) is “bursting with an array of delectable snacks inspired by the bustling streets of Tokyo. From the savory goodness of Tokyo Shoyu Ramen to the sweet indulgence of Tokyo Skytree Mochi Snack, and even a KitKat inspired by Tokyo’s iconic Cat Cafe drink, Royal Milk Tea, and many more!” It all sounds yummy for Dad, and even better, we know this one is great as Laura’s family tried it and loved it! You can purchase just one or sign Dad up for a subscription! ~ Staff
The monthly plan—if you’d like to just get the one for Father’s Day and then cancel—is $37.50. There are longer-term subscriptions at discounted prices.
Cowboy Bebop Varsity (Letterman) Jacket from Atsuko
Help Dad carry that weight!
Atsuko has blasted onto the scene in recent years with super cool designs based on beloved anime franchises, including many classics. A recent addition to their line is this incredible Cowboy Bebop varsity jacket that’ll remind Dad twice over of his youth—both his days as a high school student and when he first watched this amazing series, which was a rite of passage for fans of a certain age! The look of the jacket is so classic—I mean, the aesthetic is almost exactly like my own letterman jacket in high school, including the script lettering on the back (“See You Space Cowboy,” of course), while featuring amazing designs to remind Dad of each member of the Bebop. I’ve already told my own family that if they’re looking for an anime gift, this is what I want! I think your own dad will want it, too. Bang! ~ Twwk
Chainsaw Man Original Series Soundtrack (Vinyl)
Get Dad one of the best soundtracks of recent years in a form that speaks nostalgia to him!
Are you addicted to vinyl? You’re not the only one. Remember that your dad was in the last generation to have grown up listening to the scratchy sounds of vinyl records. If you have a record player, why not get him a soundtrack as a really cool and unique present? We recommend the Chainsaw Man album, composed by the amazing Kensuke Ushio, whose other work includes the soundtracks for Devilman Crybaby, Liz and the Blue Bird, and A Silent Voice. Ushio absolutely rocks, as does this album. If you don’t think CSM is up his alley, there are plenty of other anime albums on vinyl to choose from these days. There’s sure to be one or two that Dad will love! ~ Twwk
The soundtrack runs $39.98 plus shipping, but if your Dad already has a Crunchyroll subscription (and you can hide this purchase from him!), you can get additional discounts.
Holo POP UP PARADE (Spice and Wolf 2024) Figure
Everything old in anime is new again!
Have you been watching the reboot of Spice and Wolf? If you haven’t, it may be because the title doesn’t carry the same nostalgia for you as it would for fans watching anime or reading light novels a decade or two ago. But do you know who was doing so then? Dear old Dad, of course! This POP UP PARADE figure of Holo the Wise Wolf features half of the titular duo in her brand new, 2024 anime design. It’s a pretty figure, and, as this collector will tell you, so are all the figures from POP UP PARADE, Good Smile’s line of beautifully designed, low-cost anime figures from series both new and old. The problem with this one is that it won’t arrive in time for Father’s Day (or even Christmas!), but perhaps a “coming soon” card will do? If not, maybe this cute prize figure of Holo will serve as a consolation. ~ Twwk
Much like the vinyl, this figure goes down from about $40 to $34 for Mega Fan level Crunchyroll subscribers!
My Lovesick Life as a ’90s Otaku, Volume 1
Love the 90s? How about diving into nostalgia while trying something new?
Let me do some math…your Dad probably became your dad in his twenties or thirties…and you’re old enough now to buy a gift for him…crunching the numbers… reticulating splines…yep, it all adds up to this perfect manga for him! While many men in their 40s and 50s tend to live in yesterday when it comes to entertainment, Dad doesn’t have to—there are options for new ones that will tickle his need for nostalgia! My Lovesick Life as a ’90s Otaku does just that. It’s a modern, recently licensed story that has fun with the era your Dad probably treasures: the 90s! Laura had this to say about volume one: “Wow! I’m trying to think of the last time I laughed this much when reading a manga and found myself smiling almost through the whole volume?! Don’t get me wrong! I’ve read some fun and funny things, but this was a complete blast to read!” Seems like it’ll be a hit! ~ Staff
Volume one costs just $9.09 plus shipping!
Crunchyroll Subscription
Dad can stream all the anime he wants through Crunchyroll!
Parenthood sometimes means you get too busy to indulge in your hobbies. And while your family may have access to Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, Dad may not subscribe to the service he really wants—Crunchyroll. If you’re new to anime and not aware, Crunchyroll streams the vast majority of new anime series, but also features tons and tons of older ones that Dad may have grown up on, as well live-action dramas, music videos, and other media. I know CR provides a getaway for me when the chaos of kids and families gets to be a bit too much—and I bet your dad will experience the same relief in streaming practically any anime series he wants. In a world where there are way too many streaming platforms, this one is worth the subscription! ~ Twwk
Prices for subscriptions have increased recently, but if only your Dad will be using the service, you can subscribe to the economical Fan Tier at $7.99 a month.
Nintendo Switch
Flip the Switch For Dad This Year!
Okay, so we got Dad that Crunchyroll membership, but he needs something to watch it on while on the go. Yeah, you could get dear old pops an iPad or upgrade that old phone of his, but where’s the fun in that? And besides, think of the kids who have the often difficult task of teaching a 40-something-year-old how a modern-day tech device works. No, thank you. Give Dad something intuitive—a Nintendo Switch. He can get most, if not all, of his streaming services on a device that can be used in hand or docked to a TV. And what’s more, if you get the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, Dad can relive the glory days of gaming by playing all his old favorites like Super Metroid, Super Mario World, and Pilotwings. And of course, as most of the older staff of Beneath The Tangles can attest (stares pointedly at MDMRN) Animal Crossing: New Horizons is well worth the price of admission! ~ Josh
The price point for the Switch is still good at $298, considerably less than what you’ll pay for another console we recommend below.
Anime Expo Tickets
An otaku vacation for Father’s Day?
Have you seen the lineup for Anime Expo? The Crunchyroll panels and guests are insane, and that doesn’t include the many other features at the con! AX has knocked it out of the ballpark year after year, and it looks like we can expect more of the same this year—in part because there’s such strong programming for people of all interests in the anime realm. There’s certain to be something your dad will like at AX 2024. And if he’s anything like a lot of otaku his age, he may have either formerly been a con-goer who hasn’t been since he’s been married with kids, or he still goes from time to time, but hasn’t made a big trip to a major con. Imagine heading to LA with his kiddo (YOU) in tow as a Father’s Day gift? Anime convention + weekend getaway + time well spent with the family? Priceless! ~ Twwk
Actually, there is a price: $330 for two four-day attendee passes + additional costs associated with travel and board
PlayStation 5 with PS Plus
It’s time. Oh yes, it’s time.
There’s no stronger console out there than the PS5, but what makes it even better is adding on PS Plus. When Dad is tired and wants a new gaming experience, you better believe the combo of the PS5 with PS Plus is what he wants. Whether it’s an adventure that will leave pops on the edge of his seat or a thrilling RPG with hours of intrigue and battles to overcome, there’s bound to be a game he will enjoy. Sure it’s pricey, but think of it this way: with PS Plus he won’t even have to buy a game because it already comes loaded with them. It’s like a Netflix subscription, only better because he can play hundreds of games with his family and make some lasting memories around that huge 4K UHD TV you bought him last year…right? How else is he going to dive into Destiny 2 or The Last of Us in all their glory? ~ Samuru
The slim version of the PS5 is currently 10% off on Amazon at $449. Add a 12-month PS Plus Premium subscription at $159.99 for an approximate $610 price tag before tax.
