As a busy year of hand-drawn, CG & stop-motion joys draws to a close, here is our painstakingly abridged catalog of delights for everyone on your list this season. For more inspiration, visit animationmagazine.net and check out previous editions of our monthly Must-Have List!
Set sail with Disney’s seafaring heroine on a behind-the-scenes adventure with The Art of Moana 2 [Chronicle Books | $45 | Nov. 26]; 160 pages packed with exclusive making-of details, production art and stories from the studio crew. For kiddos and collectors, the Little Golden Book [$5.99] adaptation retells the movie’s epic story for kids ages two to five.
The movie’s mythic world has also expanded with tons of toys from top partners — a timeless option like the Moana 2 Adventure Set [Mattel | $30], with six dolls and accessories (Moana, Sina, Chief Tui, Simea, Pua the pig, Maui and Matangi), is perfect to spark imaginative play.
We previously recommended the beautiful The Art of DreamWorks The Wild Robot hardcover released this fall [Abrams | $50], and now fans of the critically acclaimed movie can grow their collection with the 4K or Blu-ray release featuring an interview with director Chris Sanders, commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette and more [Universal | 4K $40, BD $34 | Dec. 3].
You can also explore Roz’s world with the three-book box set of author-illustrator Peter Brown’s novels [Little, Brown & Co. | $38].
Feel all your feels with a variety of apparel, accessory and toy options inspired by the Pixar sequel Inside Out 2 available from DisneyStore.com (not to mention endless brand partnerships and collab collections out there):
Act casual in the Anxiety Pullover Sweatshirt for adults [$40], carry your emotional baggage in the One of Those Days Tote featuring Sadness [$25] or squeeze your worries away with the 15″ Embarrassment Plush [$27].
BBC & Netflix viewers can enjoy a nice cuppa while watching Aardman’s new Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl movie with the absolutely crackers Gromit-Shaped Heat Changing Teapot [$40] — watch his nose change color as you brew, then serve in the deliciously devious Feathers McGraw Head Mug [$27] — both available from GromitUnleashedShop.org.uk.
Keep the invent-o-thon going with Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection 4K UHD Collector’s Edition set [Shout! Studios | $120 | Dec. 10] , featuring four W&G shorts plus The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and a 28-page book packed for a grand day out in a suitcase-style box.
The Art of Futurama
Written by Matt Groening, the first-ever art book delving into the development and history of the show in honor of its 25th anniversary.
(Check out a sneak peek at the pages here!)
[Abrams ComicArts | $35 | Nov. 12]
Arcane Season One (Limited Edition SteelBook)
Revisit the beautifully animated League of Legends world with this four-disc Blu-ray set packed with bonus features [Shout! Factory/GKIDS | $60]. For those that don’t mind a little delayed gratification, the gorgeous hardcover The Art and Making of Arcane is a must-have deep dive into Riot and Fortiche’s production vaults, shipping at New Year.
[Insight Editions | $60 | Dec. 31]
Spellbound by Creativity & Play
Take wing with Skydance Animation & Netflix’s new princess hero for a magical playdate with the Ellian, Gryphon & Cub Action Figures [Spin Master | $25] or brighten up your shelf with the Monster Ellsmere Funko Pop! [BoxLunch | $13]
Fans of the film will also find themselves utterly enchanted by The Art and Making of Spellbound book, which captures the magic of Lumbria with a collection of beautiful concept artworks and production materials. [Titan Books | $50 | Dec. 17]
The Boy and the Heron Warawara Stacking Miniature
Add a minimalist Miyazaki touch to your desk with this interactive figure set.
[Crunchyroll Store | $38]
Coraline X Converse
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of LAIKA’s first flick with some wicked kicks from this limited edition collab!
Shoe styles for kids and adults range from $45 to $80. The collection also includes a hoodie design [$75] and simple tee [$35].
[Converse.com]
Ultraman: Rising
Power up your wardrobe with a manga-inspired graphic t-shirt [$20] or adopt your very own kaiju baby with the 5″ Emi Soft Vinyl Figure [$15].
[Hot Topic]
Looney Tunes Collectors Choice Collection, Vol. 1-4
Packed classic cartoon dynamite created by Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng and all your looney idols!
[Warner Archive | $40 | Nov. 26]
The Simpsons Talking Krusty
Inspired by the classic Treehouse of Horror III, the 16″ doll recites 10+ phrases (good and evil).
[JAKKS Pacific | $40]
Uzumaki: Anime Series Original Soundtrack
Music from the new anime series composed by Grammy winner Colin Stetson. Featuring original cover art by Junji Ito and pressed spiral picture disc.
[Milan Records | $31 | Nov. 15]
The Garfield Movie Interactive Plush
This cuddly kitten version of the world-famous cat offers interactive play with petting, sleeping and eating-mode fun for ages 3+.
[Animagic | $45]
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Action Figure Set
Get hyped for the hyperspeed video game hero’s next adventure with 5″ deluxe figs of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow.
[JAKKS Pacific | $55]
Captain Planet: The Complete Franchise
All of the Planeteers’ iconic Saturday morning adventures across both series, on 15 discs.
[Warner Bros. | $70]
LEGO Minions and Gru’s Family Mansion
Despicable Me 4‘s Mega Minions and the whole family run amok in this buildable multi-part setup.
[LEGO | $100]
My Hero Academia: The Ultimate Advent Calendar
Unleash your Quirks with 25 days of surprises, including buttons, stickers & magnets.
[Insight Editions | $30]
Transformers One Power Flip Optimus Prime
For kids 6+, this 10″ interactive bot transforms between four different modes for tons of flippin’ fun.
[Hasbro | $45]
Operation: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 60th Anniversary
Grab your tweezers and pluck the humbugs out of Bumble the abominable snowman in this special edition.
[The OP Games | $40]
Kung Fu Panda 4 Po Noodles Tee
Embrace your inner Dragon Warrior and carb champion with this groovy mod design.
[Amazon | $25]
