Buying gifts for Gunpla enthusiasts can feel like navigating a minefield if you're not familiar with the hobby. With hundreds of different Gundam model kits available, varying grades, scales, and series, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to find the perfect present for the Gunpla builder in your life. But don't worry! Whether you're shopping for your partner, child, or friend this Christmas, we've put together 10 practical tips to help you choose a gift that will genuinely delight any Gundam fan. From finding the perfect model kit to choosing thoughtful accessories, this guide will turn you from a confused gift-giver into a Gunpla shopping pro.
1. Use the Barcode Search Trick for Perfect Recommendations
Here's a brilliant hack that takes the guesswork out of gift buying: if you can get your hands on a box from their existing collection (perhaps while they're out, or from their recycling), look for the barcode on the box. Type that barcode number into our search bar, and it will take you directly to that specific kit. Once you're on the product page, scroll down to the 'You May Also Like' section. This clever feature is built from real customer purchase data, showing you what other Gunpla fans bought alongside that kit. It's like having a personal shopping assistant who knows exactly what complements their collection! This method is particularly useful for finding kits from the same series or mobile suits that pair well together for display.
2. Go Premium with P-Bandai Limited Editions
Want to give a gift that will make their jaw drop? Look no further than our P-Bandai Premium range. P-Bandai (Premium Bandai) kits are limited edition releases that are highly sought after by collectors and builders alike. These aren't your standard retail kits – they're special variants, unique colour schemes, or rare mobile suits that you won't find in regular shops. Because they're produced in limited quantities, it's unlikely your Gunpla fan already has them in their collection, making them perfect 'wow, I've never seen that one before!' gifts.
3. Browse Our Curated Gift Guide
Feeling overwhelmed by choice? We've done the hard work for you! Our Gift Guide collection is regularly updated with must-have kits that everyone wants, consumables that everyone needs, and plenty of cool items that Gunpla fans would love to receive. We handpick products based on popularity, new releases, and seasonal favourites, taking the guesswork out of gift buying. Whether you're looking for a starter kit for a beginner, a challenging build for an experienced modeller, or accessories to enhance their hobby, you'll find curated options that have been chosen specifically with gift-giving in mind. It's like having an expert Gunpla fan helping you shop, without having to explain what a 'Ver Ka' is!
4. Stock Up on Consumables for Stocking Fillers
Not every gift needs to be a full model kit! Consumable supplies make fantastic stocking fillers or can be bundled together for a thoughtful gift set. Every Gunpla builder constantly needs these essentials, and they're always appreciated. Consider picking up sanding sticks for smoothing plastic parts, panel liner markers for adding detail to panel lines, or Gundam marker sets for adding colour and finishing touches. These items typically range from £3-£17, making them perfect for smaller budgets or as additions to a larger gift. A bundle of consumables shows you understand the hobby and have put thought into what they actually use regularly. Pro tip: you can never have too many panel liners – they're like the socks of the Gunpla world, always needed and always welcome!
5. Gift an Action Base for Ultimate Display
Here's a secret: most Gunpla builders don't buy action bases for themselves, but they absolutely transform how kits are displayed. Action bases allow models to be posed in dynamic flying or action positions rather than just standing on a shelf. The Action Base 1 and Action Base 7 are the most versatile options, compatible with the widest range of kit sizes and scales. They work brilliantly with HG (High Grade) and RG (Real Grade) kits, which are the most common scales builders collect. An action base turns a static model into a showpiece, letting them recreate iconic battle scenes or dramatic poses from the anime. It's one of those gifts where they might not have thought to buy it themselves, but once they have it, they'll wonder how they ever displayed their kits without one!
6. Sort by 'New' to Avoid Duplicates
One of the biggest fears when buying Gunpla gifts is accidentally purchasing a kit they already own. Here's a smart strategy: browse our newest arrivals. The newer the kit, the less likely it is to already be in their collection, especially if they're not actively buying every release themselves. New kits also tend to feature the latest engineering and building techniques from Bandai, meaning they're often easier to build and have better articulation than older releases. You can filter by what's new on our site, and you'll find fresh releases that even dedicated fans might not have picked up yet. This approach is particularly useful if you can't easily check their existing collection without spoiling the surprise.
7. Decode the Grade System: Finding the Right Size
Understanding Gunpla grades is crucial for buying the right gift. Here's your quick guide to working out which size your builder prefers. If you can find a kit box, look for the logo in the corner – it will say SD, HG, RG, MG, or PG. Alternatively, if you can see their built kits, use this size guide: models under 3 inches tall are typically SD (Super Deformed – cute, chibi-style), 3-6 inches are HG (High Grade) or RG (Real Grade), 6-10 inches are MG (Master Grade), and anything over 10 inches is likely PG (Perfect Grade). Price-wise, SD kits run £7-£16, HG kits £10-£35, RG kits £25-£65, MG kits £30-£90, and PG kits £150+. Most builders have a preferred grade they collect, so matching this ensures your gift fits perfectly with their existing collection. HG kits are the most popular for their balance of detail, size, and price, making them a safe bet if you're unsure.
8. Look for Iconic Mobile Suits
When in doubt, go for the classics. Certain mobile suits are universally loved by Gundam fans, regardless of which series they prefer. The RX-78-2 Gundam (the original), Char's Zaku, Wing Gundam Zero, Strike Freedom, and Unicorn Gundam are all iconic designs that most fans would be happy to build, even if they already have a version in a different grade. These recognisable designs also make great display pieces and are often featured prominently in collections. If you know which Gundam series they watch or talk about most, try to find a kit from that series – it shows you've paid attention to their interests and adds a personal touch to your gift.
9. Consider Tool Upgrades for Serious Builders
If your Gunpla enthusiast has been building for a while, they might appreciate an upgrade to their toolkit. Quality nippers, precision files, or specialised tools can make a huge difference to the building experience and final results. While basic tools work fine, premium options like the GodHand nippers or professional-grade sanding tools are items that builders often want but hesitate to buy for themselves due to the cost. These make excellent gifts for serious hobbyists who have moved beyond beginner builds. Pair a premium tool with a challenging kit, and you've created a gift package that shows real understanding of their passion.
10. When All Else Fails: Gift Cards Are Gold
Sometimes the best gift is letting them choose exactly what they want. Our Union Gundam gift cards come with a generous 3-year expiry and are emailed instantly, making them perfect even if you've left your Christmas shopping to the last minute. There's no shame in giving a gift card to a Gunpla fan – in fact, many prefer it because they can choose the exact kit they've been eyeing, wait for a restock of something sold out, or save up for a premium release. It shows you support their hobby while respecting that they know best what they want to add to their collection. Plus, the excitement of choosing their own kit is part of the fun!
Final Thoughts
Buying Gunpla gifts doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you opt for a limited edition P-Bandai kit, a bundle of essential consumables, a versatile action base, or a gift card, the key is showing that you've put thought into understanding their hobby. Use these tips to navigate our collection with confidence, and you'll find the perfect present that will have them excited to start building on Christmas morning.
Still not sure what to choose? Contact us, we love all things Gunpla and look forward to helping you pick out that perfect gift! The Gunpla community is all about the joy of building and creating, so any gift that supports that passion will be genuinely appreciated. Happy shopping, and here's to making this Christmas special for the Gunpla lover in your life!