Forget boring flowers and meme mugs. Gifts for cosplayers should be as epic as their next build. These are the artists who can turn EVA foam into battle armor, craft wigs that defy gravity, and turn everyday items into works of art – so yeah, a scented candle just isn’t going to cut it.
Whether they’re suiting up for their very first Comic Con, or engineering a Gundam suit that could file for its own ZIP code, the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve rounded up the ultimate guide to good gifts for cosplayers: starter kits for beginners, advanced tech for seasoned pros, and even a few unexpected gifts that’ll make them more excited than spotting their favorite voice actor at a panel.
Already sounding too expensive? Fear not, as we’ve even included some budget-friendly and DIY options, because creativity doesn’t always come with a sky-high price tag. Ready to boost your favorite cosplayer’s power level? Let’s dive into the best gifts for cosplayers.
For Beginners: Starting Strong
Every legendary cosplayer starts somewhere — and it’s rarely with a fully functional Iron Man suit right out of the gate. The first step? A solid starter kit and a little crafting chaos. Because every great hero needs an origin story — and in this one, expect craft foam, contact cement, and maybe a few minor glue burns (battle scars, really).
Starter Kit for New Cosplayers
A cosplay starter kit from CraftCosplay is basically the ultimate cheat code. Instead of hunting down tools and materials across a dozen craft stores, these kits bundle everything a newbie needs into one box — from foam-working guides to the right adhesives, cutting tools, and pattern templates. It’s like handing someone the keys to a creative kingdom — minus the frustration of trial and error.
Perfect for any occasion, it’s a thoughtful, hands-on gift that says, “I support your transformation into a full-fledged cosplay legend.”
Budget-Friendly DIY Kits
On a budget or looking to create something more personal? Head to your local craft store or an online craft supplies website to build a custom starter kit based on exactly what they need. From needles and thread to specialty paints and adhesives, you can give them a head start on crafting their first masterpiece.
For Intermediate Cosplayers: Leveling Up
So they’ve mastered the basics. They can sew seams that don’t look like battle wounds, cut foam into the most OP weapons, and maybe they’ve even survived their first con debut. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of gift ideas.
This is where the real magic — and the serious tools — come in. These aren’t just upgrades; they’re game-changers. With the right gear, your favorite cosplayer can turn a simple build into a jaw-dropping masterpiece. Because in cosplay, the grind never stops — and every hero deserves the best loot.
Advanced Tools & Tech
Tools and tech might not sound glamorous, but for cosplayers, they’re basically magic wands. Take a heat gun — it can shape EVA foam and thermoplastics like Worbla into armor that looks straight out of a movie. It’s essential for smooth curves, bubble-free surfaces, and pro-level detail work.
Rotary cutters, meanwhile, slice through fabric, foam, vinyl, and even leather with precision — and with way less hand strain than scissors. Tools like these can unlock a whole new world of crafting possibilities. Best of all? They won’t break the bank.
Better Materials & Fabric Choices
Specialty fabrics and thermoplastics like Worbla are the secret sauce behind jaw-dropping builds. These are the materials that take a costume from “that’s cute” to “did you just walk out of an anime?”
Whether it’s high-quality spandex for superhero suits, faux leather for armor, or Worbla for sculpted details — these are the game-changers pros swear by, but don’t always want to splurge on. That’s where you (and your excellent gift-giving instincts) come in. Check fabric stores or browse the cosplay sections of online retailers like Mood Fabrics for tons of patterns and textures to choose from. This is the kind of gift that sparks epic transformations.
For Advanced Cosplayers: Master-Crafters Only
Advanced cosplayers live for the details — and those details require high-grade gear that takes their craft from incredible to iconic. Think industrial sewing machines, airbrush kits for flawless finishes, pro-level rotary tools, and smart storage solutions for all that gear.
But it’s not just about the build — it’s about the big day. Conventions can be an endurance event, so consider gifting smart extras like repair kits, portable glue guns, or hydration packs (because even heroes need to stay hydrated). These gifts can be lifesavers when a prop decides to self-destruct mid-photo op — and they’re a great way to show that you truly get them.
Pro-Grade Equipment
Looking to blow the budget? 3D printers and high-end airbrush kits are the ultimate power-ups. A 3D printer unlocks endless possibilities for creating designs with pixel-perfect accuracy, in exactly the shape or size they need them.
Pair that with a pro-level airbrush kit, and they’ve got everything needed for flawless gradients, metallic finishes, and screen-accurate detailing
Con-Ready Kits
Portable sewing kits, rechargeable power packs, and collapsible storage may not sound flashy, but they’re lifesavers on convention day — and no one knows that better than die-hard cosplayers. These practical essentials mean fewer emergencies, less stress, and more time enjoying the con in full costume glory. Small, thoughtful, and endlessly useful, these are the unsung MVPs of any cosplay kit.
Surprise Gifts & Quick Picks
Not every gift has to be a big-ticket item — sometimes the best surprises come in small, fandom-packed packages. Think of them as the loot drops of the cosplay world: unexpected, exciting, and guaranteed to make any fan’s day. These picks are your shortcut to instant cosplay cred.
Under $50
Under $100
Monthly Fairy Tale Cosplay Subscription
$100 Blue Moon Fabrics Gift Card
The Ultimate Gift For Every Cosplayer
When the glue has dried and the con’s over, every fan needs a space to retreat to and plan their next big build. That’s where Displates come in. Sleek, collectible metal posters featuring everything from anime icons to Marvel heroes, gaming legends, and more — they’re the perfect gift for cosplayers who want their walls to look as legendary as their latest creations.
Once you’ve armed them with the tools to craft their next masterpiece, give them something just as iconic to hang behind it. Find their perfect Displate and level up their fandom space — or give them a Displate gift card and let them choose their own metal masterpiece.
Need ideas for your next cosplay project? We’ve rounded up some easy cosplay ideas to inspire your next convention look.
