Otakultura’s Christmas Gift Special 2011

Posted on December 18th, 2011 by Prawnt

Toys, Gears and Random Stuff!

This next section will cover some toys, gears and other random suggestions ranging from cheap to the really extravagant, in the hopes that anything here are within your budget. Some entries might be a tad more general than the rest, and some may or may not have their prices posted. The items listed here are popularized by either a game or an anime/manga, causing mainstream popularity or buying raids from different walks of life. It’s up to you to take your pick from the list below. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to comment!

Kamen Rider Belts!
The eponymous tokusatsu series Kamen Rider has reached mainstream popularity once again with their Heisei era shows. Lately, a lot of Kamen Rider merchandise have been popping up in local toy stores. Bandai’s DX Kamen Rider Belt replicas have been sold in many toy stores in Japan ever since Kamen Rider Ichigo graced the television screen. It’s only recently that other countries have the privilege of purchasing these belts from local toy shops. With the popularity of Kamen Rider Ryuki’s western counterpart and Kamen Rider Kabuto’s english dubs in Cartoon Network, many of their belts have been widely popular and easily available.

Kamen Rider Kabuto belts go for at least $30 to $50.

The more recent fare, like Kamen Rider Decade or Fourze, can go as high as $100 to $150.

Cheaper replicas called the Legend series are a few centimeters smaller than their DX counterparts, and also have less features or buttons to prod. With luck, you can find a Legend series KR Ichigo belt for $20 at the most. KR Kuuga or Agito belts are also available in similar prices.

Gundam Model Kits!
Gundam-building is quite a pastime for mech lovers and tinkerers alike. Its popularity has soared over the years, and even hosts an international contest for customized models. Anyone trying this delicate and complicated hobby should first look to simpler models before venturing into the larger and more expensive ones. Depending on the scale and/or grade of the Gunpla, prices may range between $20 to $400, with Perfect Grade ones being the most expensive.

Bladeless Fan!
The bladeless fan is a technological feat popularized by Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka? series. While many doubt the existence of propeller-challenged air distribution appliance, the said item is actually available in many brick-and-mortar or online appliance shops. Prices may range from $30 to $50.

L’eau Par Kenzo, Pour Homme!
This fragrance skyrocketed in sales because of /a/’s persistent searching of the perfume bottle that appeared in the Sunrise series Tiger & Bunny. This perfume is said to be what Kotetsu Kaburagi wears. A small bottle of this superhero fragrance may cost around $40.

Fate/Zero Saber with Cuirassier
This figure of Saber with an awesome bike is generating buzz on different imageboards… mainly because of that bike. This set costs around $130. Planning on getting one? Get yourself in the queue right now. Stocks are about to deplete soon enough.

Look at that impressive detail!

AKG K701 Headphones
Popularized by Akiyama Mio from K-On, the AKG K701 is one sweet sounding pair of headphones at the top end of the ear gear spectrum. To fully appreciate the sound coming out of these cans, a beefy amplifier is required. This baby would sound like slush on any ordinary portable player’s headphone out. Because of its picky preference for amplifiers, you could be spending more than just $250 for it.

Panasonic RP-HTX7
Not to be outdone is this retro-looking pair of cans popularized by Ohana from Hanasaku Iroha. The Panasonic HTX7 comes in many different colors, and considers itself monitor headphones (despite the low power it requires to drive). Reviews have been pleasant so far, and they’re relatively cheaper than Mio’s cans. You can get a pair of these off Amazon for just $30.

Nendoroids!
These cute and tiny figures have a way of evoking a certain sense of “must-buy” feeling. Fortunately, most Nendoroid packages are within the $10-$20 range. More popular ones may sport a higher price though. Nothing says “chibi-fied version” than a Nendoroid.

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Part 1: 5 Gift Suggestions for a 100PhP (~$2) Budget
Part 2: Gifts one can give for themselves
Part 3: A List of Hard-to-Get Games from The Mistress

No matter how ridiculous or absurd this gift guide may be, we sincerely hope that it helped out you readers in search of some nice gift to your friends. More so, this gift guide is certainly aimed at you, for the purpose of giving something for yourself after all that hassle from shopping and packing up the gifts for everyone else.

From everyone here at Otakultura, we wish you a Merry Christmas!