This article was created for eBay via Fractl in fall 2014.
If your Spidey-Sense starts tingling when it’s time to shop for gifts, set your worries aside. Buying for comic book readers is easy, even if you aren’t so familiar with their favorite fictional universe. Whether you’re looking for novelties to celebrate Marvel Comics, DC Comics, or other characters—or have no idea yet—there are plenty of off-the-wall options that are just plain fun for anyone.
Fun Stuff
Who isn’t curious about the blueprints and specs for the Batmobile? Or the Star Wars Death Star? What about a Klingon Bird-of-Prey starship, or all the vehicles of the Marvel Universe? See how they’re built and learn how to operate them in case, you know, the opportunity ever arises. The real question is, now that we have this information available in our own universe, who will be first to build them?
It’s a bird – it’s a plane – it’s a potato? This classic children’s toy is available with themed parts to match all the big names in comics, from Superman, to Darth Vader, to Spider Man, and beyond. We just think they’re missing one thing: potato-themed names. Darth Tater, anyone? Spudder Man?
It’s like a faux bear skin rug, but way, way better. This is completely necessary for any major Star Wars lover, or really, just anyone with a streak of absurdity. There are generally no additional charges for shipping long distance from the ice planet Hoth.
Comics and games go hand in hand. Find one that acts out a comic world storyline, or snag a comic-themed version of a classic game, like the Marvel or DC Comics special editions of Monopoly. Get ready to play and get dibs fast on your favorite character token.
Whether you’re 4 or 40, Legos are a classic (and challenging) toy or collector’s item. Find your favorite characters and building sets, often in very cool packaging.
For anyone who likes to bake (or be baked for), comic-themed bakeware makes a sweet treat. These special pans are also perfect for superhero-themed birthday parties, at any age.
Action Figures
Whether your comic book lover is the type to play with an action figure or to save it in the box, these collectibles can be for anyone. Go ahead and battle it out between your favorite hero and villain. Don’t worry, no one will tell.
Fans of the Walking Dead, general zombie lovers, and all sorts of survivalists will appreciate a specialized kit to help prepare for the coming zombie apocalypse. (Tip: even with a kit, survivors should plan to work together and move to higher ground.) Whether the kits are to be taken in seriousness or in jest is for the user to decide. But what the heck, they contain some gear good for any kind of emergency.
Cuddly, creepy, or both? Take your pick, and snuggle up to a plush throw blanket of the Joker or wrap up in a superhero Snuggie.
When facing the forces of evil, call for help from the Dark Night by shining the iconic bat-shaped light in the sky (or, well, on your office ceiling.) Disclaimer: not for use in real crime situations. Batman not guaranteed to appear.
Footwear
Score some comic art-covered Converse sneakers, casual slip-ons, or an amazing pair of heels. They’ll make the wearer feel about as cool as a character straight from the book.
What better backdrop for comic footwear than a tall boot? The amount of real estate provides plenty of space to highlight favorite characters or scenes, and the format of the rubber boot, which is casual and whimsical in itself, makes for a perfect fit.
They’re funny, they’re comfy, and they’re perfect for comic lovers who aren’t quite keen on wearing superhero gear out of the house.
You can’t help but smile when you see faux lace up boots, or superhero socks with capes attached to the back. Find some low cut ankle socks for those going incognito. Maybe Flash socks will make their wearers faster.
Clothing and Accessories
Superhero undies aren’t just for kids. Have a little fun. Just remind the recipient not to rip their clothes off and run to the rescue in their Superman briefs…. at least, not in public.
Comic-themed clothing options are endless, but women’s leggings are one of the most trendy. They’re also surprisingly versatile since they’re so comfortable, but can also look stunning when paired with fabulous boots or heels.
Appropriate for the office? Maybe! Whether it helps you channel your superhero business persona (Bruce Wayne, perhaps?) or you save it for an alternate venue, ties are always a classic option.
You can go subtle, or you can go all-out with adult-sized, footed pajamas in the style of your favorite superhero outfit. It’s basically the fun of a Halloween costume, but doable any time of the year.
These provide another great canvas for art due to their large surface area—and they would make a fantastic pairing with comic themed, rubber rain boots. Both give the owner the opportunity to wear their comic-inspired gear out in public but then shed it once they arrive at their workplace.
Whether for every-day use or as a classic collector’s item, lunchboxes (especially vintage) retain a timeless quality.
Seasonal
If you’re still not sure how to choose an every-day, comic-inspired gift, then Sweet Christmas, you can always find plenty of holiday-related options. Find an ornament of your friend or loved one’s favorite character—or find a regular figure that you can turn into an ornament yourself, with the simple addition of a hook or loop.
Stockings are another holiday item that can easily be found ready-made, or can be created with just a little effort, to make something truly unique and perfectly personalized. For the easiest route, simply glue comic images onto a regular stocking. These can be decals, cut-outs from another fabric, etc. Or, you could create an entirely new stocking by cutting the two sides from any comic-inspired fabric (or retired clothing) and then gluing or sewing the two sides together.