11 Gifts for Studio Ghibli Lovers
If you’ve got someone in your life who can’t get enough of Studio Ghibli, our bookstore and online shop have a trove of perfect gifts including books that inspired the movies, stories that have the same magical feel as a Ghibli film, and cool merch.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Manga Box Set by Hayao Miyazaki
Ever wish you could continue exploring the world of a Ghibli film after the movie ends? The Nausicaä manga will let readers do just that. The movie is only one-fourth of the story, and the manga offers all new characters and exciting plot developments through Hayao Miyazaki’s beautiful illustrations.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Inspired by a Korean myth and Spirited Away, this book has made several Best Fantasy of the Year lists. Mina throws herself into the sea, sacrificing herself to a god to save her brother and her village from tumultuous storms…and that’s just the beginning. When she finally reaches the deity’s home, she finds him trapped in an enchanted sleep. In hopes he’ll protect her village upon waking, she sets out to rouse him, but she doesn't have much time: a human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking.
Ghibli postcards
These cute shots from the films make fun postcards, but they’re also charming as a decoration for office desks, bedroom walls, and more.
Howl’s Moving Castle, Castle in the Air, and House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones
The book that inspired Howl’s Moving Castle is actually part of a series! Good for middle grade readers and adults alike, the books offer even more background, banter, and time with Howl, Sophie, and Calcifer. Though they aren’t the main characters in every book, the familiar cast appear throughout the series as chaotically as ever.
Totoro Sketchbook
Aspiring artists will enjoy this sketchbook’s design and draw inspiration from the classic character on its front. The cloth cover feels well-made and looks great!
Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
Originally a Japanese children’s book series, Kiki’s Delivery Service is as charming in print as it is on screen. The first book has been translated into English, and with any luck the others will follow!
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
With a princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse, this book offers plenty of excitement. It draws from East Asian folklore to create a colorful cast and winding threads of magic, and the strong-willed protagonist develops an extremely wholesome romance. It’ll enchant you in much the same way a Ghibli movie might.
Studio Ghibli Cookbooks
People who want to eat a meal alongside their favorite characters during a watch party may enjoy one of these Studio Ghibli cookbooks. Our staff members made the red bean bao from Spirited Away and the hot honey milk from Ponyo, and both were delicious.
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
This classic story of mice-sized people living secretly in the homes of “beans” - what they call human beings - inspired The Secret World of Arrietty. The book gives us an even more fiery protagonist and a different setting. It’s very British, very cute, and a very good companion to the film for any child who loves to read.
Tales from Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
The series may have inspired only one Ghibli movie, but there are six books set in this world. Check out A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, Tehanu, The Other Wind, and Tales from Earthsea to delve into Le Guin’s amazing literary vision. (online only)
Kiki’s Delivery Service Journal
Seeing this book on my desk or shelf makes me smile, and It makes a thoughtful gift for writers, notetakers, and daydreamers. There are also Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke versions!
Bonus: Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
Reviewers have compared this YA book to Howl’s Moving Castle, and it delivers on the whimsy. If your Ghibli fan has watched, rewatched, and read all the Ghibli-related material, it’s worth branching out to books like these that still capture a bit of that magic
This book doesn’t actually release until March 2023, but you can pre-order now!
