Buying gifts for the geeky loved ones in your life should be easy—after all, know their favorite movie franchise, their favorite TV show, or their favorite superhero, and you’re sorted, right? However buying gifts that your nerdy friends and family will truly want this holiday season (or for yourself, if you’re struggling to write a list this year) can feel impossible with the wealth of pop culture collectibles that are out there. To help you out and make gift-buying a breeze, io9’s curated a list of some of our own highlights that we want to see under the tree this year. We hope your loved ones will too!
Gifts Under $50
Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo ($17)
DC introduced the Absolute Universe last year, which made some big changes to its A-list heroes and villains. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman didn’t just make him big; it’s also made him more of a street-level hero battling twisted versions of baddies like Bane and Mr. Freeze, and this first volume is a good entry point to this new universe.
Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf (A League of Legends: Arcane Novel) ($17)
Go beyond the game, sleek music videos, and Netflix’s award-winning animated series, and read how Arcane standout Ambessa rose to power in this prequel novel.
Dan Da Dan Season One ($20)
The talk of the shonen town over the last two years, Dan Da Dan is a funny, sweet, occasionally uncomfortable love story between two teens caught in between supernatural and sci-fi shenanigans. It’s hard not to be charmed by Momo and Okarun’s misadventures, and for those without a Crunchyroll subscription, the season one Blu-Ray is a good way to get in on the hype.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Official Timeline ($22)
Let’s face it. The Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t been great over the past few years. One or two good movies, sure, but gone are the days of the 2010s when we got some of the biggest and best comic book movies ever. And now, with this gorgeous book, you can not only relive all those films, but you can also dig into it and remind yourself how they all link up.
Shin Godzilla 4K Steelbook ($35)
After it stomped its way back into theaters this year, experience the glorious 4K remaster of Hideaki Anno’s monster-fueled commentary on US-Japan relations and bureaucracy from the comfort of your own home, complete with its alternate black-and-white version. We promise it’s much more riveting than a commentary on US-Japan relations and bureaucracy sounds.
Superman: The Art and Making of the Film ($35)
Dive into the new DC Studios Universe with Superman: The Art and Making of the Film. Take a look behind the curtain of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC era of films, which kicked off cinematically with the release of Superman. See sketches and imagery of the hit film’s development, as well as the journey David Corenswet took to become the Man of Steel.
The Art of Final Fantasy Tactics ($36)
Be the envy of your gamer friends with a striking art book of Final Fantasy Tactics, casually displayed on your vanity table for when you have guests over, showing you’re a gamer with refined taste.
Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy IX Scene Box – The Siege of Alexandria ($42)
Magic: The Gathering’s huge Final Fantasy set made waves this summer, bringing the worlds of Square Enix’s beloved saga to the tabletop. Wizards of the Coast is coming back for more with a new line of special gift boxes that take cards from that set and present them with new art, inspired by key sequences from the games. Our favorite celebrates a special game celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Final Fantasy IX.
Godzilla: The First 70 Years ($45)
Look back at the making of a film titan in this brilliant book charting the complete history of Godzilla. Packed with tons of fascinating behind-the-scenes material, it’s the read you need to whet your appetite in time for Godzilla Minus Zero.
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure Criterion Collection ($45)
When we think of the Criterion Collection, we think of cinematic masterpieces. The all-time greats. And, we think, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure is exactly that. So if you’re a fan of this timeless classic, you have to get this amazing new edition that’s remastered for 4K and stuffed with brand-new special features. It’s like the Pee-wee’s bike of physical media.
Borderlands 4 ($48)
Need a shooter to blast away some hours? Enter Borderlands, reliably coming with a new entry that features a brand new world, new guns, and four new Vault Hunters to cause chaos with. Either on your own or with others, Borderlands 4 will take up your holiday time in the way only this series can.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ($49)
One of the surprisingly best games of the year that folks have been talking about is one to play, if you haven’t already. It’s French as all hell, but its turn-based combat and world are engrossing and more than worth diving into.
Gifts $50-100
Transformers: The Movie Anniversary Grimlock Figure ($60)
If you’re of a certain age, the 1986 Transformers movie is your Transformers movie. Every other iteration that comes out, you’re just chasing the highs, lows, and design of that movie. And in that movie, one of our favorite characters is Grimlock, the transforming T-Rex. So, we had to point out that Hasbro has a new Grimlock based on his look in the 1986 movie. And it’s perfect.
Kamen Rider Zeztz DX Zeztz Driver ($69)
Good morning, Rider! When we think of cool, low-key items to wear at a costume party or to cosplay at a convention, nothing beats minimalist pieces that are equally recognizable. And a Rider belt always works as shorthand to let the people know what you’re about. Plus, you can amuse yourself by going the extra mile by collecting all the different gachapons and showing off your side belt’s glowy lights and sound effects as a neat party trick, transforming you into the coolest tokusatsu nerd at the venue (or in the privacy of your home).
DIFF x Wicked Elphaba Wire Frames ($75)
Inspired by the asymmetrical glasses Cynthia Erivo wears upon arrival at Shiz, these Wicked glasses bring Elphaba’s iconic look to life. The rest of the collection includes glasses inspired by the rest of the characters, such as Glinda and Fiyero, with options for prescription lenses.
Dan Da Dan – Okarun and Momo Look Up Figure Set ($75)
Whenever you’re in doubt over whether aliens or demons exist, you can stare at these miniature versions of Okarun and Momo to put your mind at ease. Please don’t separate.
Phantasm Rug ($75)
In a world full of boring, cookie-cutter home decor, be the weirdo who finds a place of honor for Middle of Beyond’s area rug honoring one of horror’s most freaky supernatural weapons. Those familiar with Don Coscarelli’s 1979 tale of interdimensional body-snatchers will step across it and either instinctively duck or bellow out, “The funeral is about to begin!” Those who don’t know, well, may they never break into a mausoleum and have a close encounter with Phantasm’s dreadful silver sphere.
The Lottery and Other Dark Tales ($80)
The Folio Society does not mess around when it comes to gorgeous book presentation, meaning this collection of the legendary Shirley Jackson’s eerie tales—including the gruesome allegory “The Lottery”—will make a wonderful gift even if the reader on your list already owns a dusty paperback copy. This edition features illustrations by Angie Hoffmeister as well as an introduction by Jackson biographer Ruth Franklin.
X Trilogy: Collector’s Edition Box Set ($100)
Across one of the least conventional horror trilogies in recent memory, Ti West crafted a tale of show-biz ambitions that unspool in a dusty Texas town—both in cinema’s early age and in the burgeoning era of homemade porn—and neon-drenched 1980s Hollywood. X, Pearl, and MaXXXine tap into different styles and moods, but they all share a leading lady (Mia Goth, playing multiple roles, sometimes in the same film) and an energy that feels adventurous and dangerous at the same time. A24’s snazzy box set contains the first 4K UHD physical release of X and Pearl in the U.S., along with tons of extras, including commentary tracks and making-of featurettes.
Gifts Over $100
Good Smile Company The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Link (DX Edition) ($110)
Hyrule’s finest warrior gets the action figure he deserves in this lavish deluxe edition. Not only do you get Link himself in his Champion’s tunic, but also a ton of special accessories inspired by both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
The Monkey Official Figurine ($125)
You know it’s from Osgood Perkins’ splat-stick extravaganza The Monkey and not referencing Stephen King’s source-material story because the musical simian has drumsticks instead of cymbals. (That’s also how you can tell it’s not a character from Pixar’s Toy Story, though the horrible grin and piercing eyes should also make that fact crystal clear.) Pick up this nightmarish soft vinyl figure, which sits nearly 10 inches tall and has movable arms, from Neon’s studio store; it’s the perfect gift for the horror-loving person on your list who fears death the least.
Castlevania: The Complete Series, Limited Edition ($150)
Free from Netflix jail, now you too can spread the word of one of the best video game adaptations by pulling out this bad boy and getting your indecisive group of friends to watch some peak with Castlevania…all of it. No “Are You Still Watching” bumpers to interrupt you. Bonus points if you are a Trephacard shipper.
Lego Jaws Set ($150)
2025 is the 50th anniversary of Jaws, and throughout the year, there have been plenty of great ways to celebrate. Maybe our favorite, though, is this amazing Lego set that gives you the shark, the Orca, the three main characters, and so many details—it’s incredible.
The Muppet Christmas Carol 12-Day Countdown Calendar ($160)
2025 is the 50th anniversary of Jaws, and throughout the year, there have been plenty of great ways to celebrate. Maybe our favorite, though, is this amazing Lego set that gives you the shark, the Orca, the three main characters, and so many details—it’s incredible.
The Lost Boys David Bottle ($400)
Many movies have prop replicas made from them, but The Lost Boys is not usually one of those movies. It’s popular, but not so popular that you can buy merch everywhere. Which is why this insane replica of David’s wine bottle is so cool. It’s wildly niche and will make a fan very, very happy. Just don’t fill it with blood.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
