Gift-Givers, Assemble
At first glance, the world of comics can seem a little daunting. Which issue should you grab your loved ones? Do they already have that omnibus? Do they like X-Men or Spider-Man more? Stop worrying! There are still plenty of heartfelt gifts to grab comic book nerds that won’t totally overwhelm you.
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1. Trip to a Comic Shop
Hang on! We know this sounds a little unorthodox but half the fun of building your comics collection is the hunt for them. Spend time with your loved ones and treat them to an outing at their fave shop—they’ll appreciate the gesture and your company.
2. Personalized Comic Art
With a little research, everything from custom comic book covers to full-blown books lies ahead. Depending on your budget, scope out artists to transform your love story into a comic strip, or put your loved one in a cape and have them don their very own poster.
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3. Coffee Table Books
A good coffee table book drums up all kinds of conversation—comic-inspired page-flippers are no exception. Give everyone a chance to peruse works like The Art of Mondo or Marvel Greatest Comics. Plenty come with rare artwork and classic characters we all love.
4. Keychain
Just because they’re comic book nerds doesn’t mean they want a home full of tchotchkes. Small, practical gifts can still bring out smiles without cluttering a space. Keychains of their favorite characters, or even LEGO figures, add a bit of pizzazz to their house keys.
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5. Figurine of Their Favorite Character
Speaking of figurines, these require a little more dough but they’re always worth it. Local comic book shops often have custom figures of popular characters, allowing you to shell out some money on the coolest memorabilia.
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6. Bookmark
They are readers, after all! Though most comics are finished in a day, not everyone can polish off a graphic novel in one sitting—nab a cool bookmark so they never lose their place. You have all kinds of choices from classic paper varieties to metal or wood.
7. Iron-On Patches
Whether on a backpack or a well-loved denim jacket, iron-on patches display personality. From funny existential phrases to the X-Men logo, the comic book nerd in your life is guaranteed to use one.
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8. Collectible Mug
You can’t go wrong with a nice mug—assuming your loved one isn’t already buried under them. If you’re looking for a more practical route, ditch the coffee mug and invest in a good travel mug instead. Either way, you know they’ll love it.
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9. Jigsaw Puzzles
Laugh all you want but there’s nothing like sitting down with a mug of tea and a puzzle. They’re good brain exercises, we have hundreds of options, and who doesn’t love looking at a completed one? Choose from 1000-piece Superman puzzles to 500-piece Spider-Man ones!
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10. Christmas Ornaments
If your loved one has a tree at home, gift the perfect addition to those pine needles. Funko Pop! has its own collection, or you can comb through comic shops for their selection. Even record stores or Hallmark might have what you’re looking for.
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11. Tickets to Conventions
We’d all love a shot to meet Marc Silvestri or bare our teeth with Neil Newbon, but convention tickets can be expensive and not everyone wants to spring for tickets. Cover the cost for even one day—your loved ones can get dressed up, make new friends, and maybe meet their heroes.
12. Board Games
The Marvel universe extends far beyond your console! Some classic board games have comic book editions while others are solely dedicated to the universe itself, like deck-building games. Whichever you indulge in, your loved ones have an entirely new world to explore.
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13. Wallet
Wallets come in all shapes and sizes—literally! Their versatility makes them a terrific gift, especially since you can pick just about any design. Opt for more subtle designs, like a simple Batman logo in the leather, or go hog wild and get a wallet covered in comic panels.
14. Comic Book Dividers
Everyone loves returning to their favorite stories, but comic books need a little more care than your average paperback. To ensure their longevity, grab comic book dividers or protectors. They’ll allow loved ones to sift through a perfectly preserved collection.
15. Book Ends
On the other hand, that omnibus collection needs just as much TLC! There’s an endless supply of book ends out there, all dedicated to popular duos like Iron Man and Captain America or Han Solo and Princess Leia.
16. Gift Cards
Some are quick to dismiss gift cards as impersonal, but they’re actually one of the best things to get your loved ones—especially when they’re into a specific niche like comic books. There’s no shame in admitting to yourself that you’re lost in their world! They’ll appreciate the chance to grab exactly what they want.
17. Throw Blankets
With the colder months swiftly approaching, now’s the perfect time to grab a throw blanket. Look into a nice fleece covered in old comic book covers or reach for a black-and-white retro style. At the end of the day, it’s a practical gift that doesn’t miss.
18. Comic Book Tees
Your loved one probably has an onslaught of tees already…but what’s one more? For some reason, funky tees and socks continue to land with comic book nerds, so feel free to grab them (unless, of course, they’ve explicitly asked you not to)!
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19. Kitchen Accessories
While too many accessories can cross into kitsch, the odd one jazzes up the kitchen! Simple tea towels or aprons get the job done without being too loud—though you can also grab toasters or utensils for more of a statement piece.
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20. LEGO Sets
LEGO isn’t just for kids! Intricate sets have thousands of pieces, allowing loved ones to build the Daily Bugle or Thanos’s infinity gauntlet. Keep in mind that more elaborate sets cost a pretty penny, but you can still nab a cool find whatever your budget is.
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