Anime figures and posters are cool, but what if you want something different? Maybe your shelves are full, or that figure you love costs more than you want to spend.
You still have plenty of choices. Some are easy to miss when you’re busy looking for the bigger stuff.
Want to add something new to your collection without spending too much? Here are five ideas to check out.
Stickers You Can Keep or Use
Ever bought a sticker and thought, “It’s too cute to stick anywhere”? Keep the backing on and put it in an album. You can still look at it without sticking it to anything.
Try collecting stickers of one character or show. Or just pick the ones you like. You don’t need a full set.
If you draw your own characters and are looking for custom stickers cheap, Vograce offers great options like vinyl stickers, clear stickers, and sticker sheets. You simply upload your artwork to have it printed.
Use original designs you own or artwork you have permission to reproduce.
Before ordering, check how many you need to buy and what shipping costs. If you only want one sticker, buying one that’s already made may cost less than ordering a batch.
Keychains and Bag Charms
A tiny character hanging from your bag is easy to enjoy every day. Keychains also give you a way to collect artwork without putting more holes in your walls.
You could choose different characters from one show or collect different outfits of your favorite. Always looking for another version of the same character? Pick one pose or expression you don’t already own.
Before buying, check:
- Size: Will it fit where you want to hang it?
- Artwork: Does the listing show both sides?
- Hardware: Does it come with a ring, clasp, or chain?
Keep a favorite display piece away from loose metal keys if you’re worried about scratches. You can hang it from a small hook beside your desk instead.
Button Badges and Pins
Love the idea of a bag covered in characters? Start with a few button badges.
These give you a simple way to build a group around one anime. Try three characters from the same team, or choose badges with similar background colors.
Compare button badges with enamel pins before buying. They have different materials and finishes, and neither is always the cheapest choice. Check the actual price and size.
Don’t want pinholes in your bag? Put your badges on a separate fabric panel for display.
Check the backs, too. A lovely design won’t be much fun to wear if its fastening keeps coming loose.
Bookmarks for Manga Nights
If you still use an old receipt to mark your page, a character bookmark is a small upgrade you can actually use.
Look for a flat design that sits comfortably inside your book. Thick charms and bulky decorations may look cute, but you don’t want them pressing into the pages when you close it.
You can keep spare bookmarks in clear sleeves, grouped by series or color. That makes it easy to browse them before choosing one for your next read.
Buying a set? Check how many designs you truly like. One favorite can be better value than six you’ll leave in a drawer.
Washi Tape for Small Projects
For those who enjoy decorating reading journals, washi tape is another option to explore. Look for rolls with character faces, little mascots, or patterns that match your collection.
Before ordering, check the roll’s width and length. Two rolls can look almost identical in photos but contain different amounts of tape.
Try a strip along a journal page or use it around a handwritten manga reading list. Test it on spare paper first; don’t assume every tape will peel away cleanly.
How to Keep Your Collection Within Budget
Before you buy, go through this quick checklist:
- Set a limit. Decide how much you can spend before you start looking.
- Add shipping. Check the full price, not just the item’s price.
- Check the quantity. Are you buying one piece or a whole pack?
- Pick what you want. If you want one character, choose a listing that lets you select it.
- Think about mystery packs. You might get a character you don’t want or one you already have.
- Check your collection. Do you already own the same item?
- Give it a day. Not sure you want it? Save it and look again tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a wall of figures to enjoy collecting anime merch. Start with something you’ll use or want to look at often, whether that’s a bookmark, a charm, or a few stickers.
Give each new piece a place before buying it. If you can’t think where it will go, leave it on your wish list for now. A small collection you enjoy is enough.
