Shojo Manga Gift Guide

Author & Artist: Arina Tanemura
Publisher: VIZ Media
Compare Prices for Arina Tanemura Collection: The Art of Gentlemen's Alliance Cross

One of the many reasons why shojo manga fans love Gentlemen's Alliance Cross and Time Stranger Kyoko is Tanemura-sensei's intricate, lavish and pretty artwork. While the graphic novels only feature color artwork on the covers, The Art of Gentlemen's Alliance Cross features page after page of Tanemura-sensei's lovely illustrations in glorious color, as they were meant to be seen. A fabulous addition to their bookshelf for a shojo manga fan or aspiring manga-ka (artist).

Author & Artist: Saori Takarai and Japanime
Publisher: Manga University
Compare prices for The Manga Tarot

Is romance in her future, or is good luck in the cards? Shojo manga fans can divine their destiny or impress their friends by telling fortunes with this deck of manga-inspired tarot cards. This complete gift set comes with a complete 78-card deck, a guide to the cards and various spreads used for different types of questions.

Distributor: VIZ Media
Compare prices for Nana DVD Box Set 1

Follow the drama, romance, fashion, fun and J-rock excitement as two very different girls named Nana move to Tokyo to find love and/or fame. The long-awaited DVD version of Ai Yazawa's shojo manga sensation is now available in stores, and is uncut, just like fans like it.

Fair warning though! Things do get kind of saucy in some scenes, so this isn't a DVD to get for your tween sister!

Author & Artist: YiShan Li
Publisher: Watson Guptill
Compare prices for Shoujo Art Studio

For the computer-savvy aspiring artist, Shoujo Art Studio provides templates, samples and a handbook full of tips and tricks to make it fast and easy to create your own shojo manga story. While it does require a computer running Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, the enclosed DVD offers lots of short-cuts for the artist who's ready to dip their feet into the water of digital comics creation.

Available from: Mimoco

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hello Kitty, the folks at Mimoco teamed up with Sanrio to create these limited edition USB flash drives featuring Miss Kitty White herself. Sure, these pocket-sized pals are cute, but they're also a great way to save and tote your computer files.

Authors: The Manga University Culinary Institute, Yoko Ishihara
Artist: Chihiro Hattori
Publisher: Manga University
Compare prices for The Manga Cookbook

Rice balls, bento lunches, okonomiyaki and octopus-shaped hot dogs: these are all treats seen and enjoyed in manga -- so why not learn how to make them in your own kitchen? The Manga Cookbook offers fun, easy and tasty recipes for beginner and novice cooks to sample, with charming comic book illustrations and appetizing color photos.

Available from: Spicy Brown

A fashionable graphic tee with a touch of Japanese flair from Spicy Brown features a cute kokeshi doll surrounded by cherry blossoms. What could be more Japonesque than that?

A special deal for About.com readers! Get 20% off your Spicy Brown order by entering "Deb's Manga" at checkout, from now through December 20, 2009. Woo!

Available from: J-Box

Introduce them to the addictive joys of Japanese treats like Pocky, Hi-Chew, and chocolate pies and soooo much more. Be prepared for their inevitable sugar rush nuttiness once they get their hands on this package of Japanese junk food goodness.

Author & Artist: Chie Hayano
Publisher: Vertical
Compare prices for Cute Dogs

For dog lovers or crafters who are ready to take on a new challenge, Cute Dogs offers an adorable introduction to Hayano's adorable mini-critters, as well as patterns and step-by-step instructions to recreate these pint-sized pure-bred pups.

Available from: YesAnimation

What fuels anime or manga fans on those all-night convention film fests? Pocky, of course! These crunchy, chocolate-dipped pretzels have earned cult snack status in otaku-land, and what better way to show off your love for these utterly addictive snacks than a Pocky purse? I bought one of these and every where I go, complete strangers tell me "Oh, I LOVE Pocky!" It's totally my favorite bag -- a guaranteed conversation starter!

Author & Artist: Aimee Major Steinberger
Publisher: Go! Comi
Read a review of Japan Ai
Compare prices for Japan Ai

American animator and cosplayer extraordinaire Aimee Major Steinberger takes a trip to Japan and shares her experiences with witty observations and absolutely adorable illustrations in Japan Ai, her travelogue/love letter to the Land of the Rising Sun.

See tall girl (Yes, she's 6-feet tall) Steinberger tower over her geisha dressing assistants, make the cosplay scene in Harajuku, swoon over a Takarazuka revue, experience the joys of an onsen (hot springs) resort and more memorable, only-in-Japan moments.