Ghibli Park is a dream destination for fans of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki films, no matter their age. If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for kids, here are three must-have items from the gift shop, recommended by real moms in Japan.
1. Otori-sama Bird Spirit Squirt Gun and Hand Towel
These adorable bird spirits known as Otori-sama (オオトリ様), from Spirited Away, are a delightful addition to bath time thanks to their cute, round shape. Made from slightly stiff plastic, you might be concerned that a young child would find the toy difficult to handle, but water shoots out of the bird’s beak with just a squeeze, making bath time a blast. The hand towel features various Otori-sama designs, making it so cute you might hesitate to use it! However, being 100% cotton, it’s practical and gentle even on little ones’ skin. It comes packaged in a cardboard bucket adorned with a large “油” reminiscent of bathhouse flags, which will delight any devoted Ghibli enthusiast. This bucket can serve as storage or be used during playtime outside of the bath.
Otori-sama Bird Spirit Squirt Gun and Hand Towel (オオトリサマ水てっぽう付き浴用タオル)
¥1,980 (tax included)
2. Volucite Bubbles
While this brilliant blue pendant won’t allow you to defy gravity like the volucite stone that Sheeta wears in Castle in the Sky, it will certainly enable kids to create wonderful floaty soap bubbles that seem just as magical! This compact toy fits perfectly in a child’s hand, and when you remove the top, a bubble wand pops out, designed for little fingers to use without getting too sticky. Kids can blow bubbles for hours, and when they’re done, the bottle can hang around their neck for safekeeping while they play!
Volucite Bubbles (シャボン玉 飛行石)
¥770 (tax included)
3. Original Catbus Die-Cut Pouch
Forget waiting at the bus stop with Totoro — this Catbus is always ready to go! Shaped like the beloved animated character, this die-cut pouch can be easily slung over a toddler’s shoulder, perfect for collecting acorns and pretty stones all the way home. The playful patchwork design, complete with polka dots and mismatched button eyes, adds an extra touch of cuteness, while the distinctive grin leaves no doubt about its identity (unless you’re more partial to the Cheshire Cat). Kids will adore this unique Catbus design, and since it’s exclusive to Ghibli Park, it’s a special find. No one will confuse your cheerful Catbus with their own bag!
Original Catbus Die-Cut Pouch (ダイカットポーチ／オリジナルネコバス)¥2,200 (tax included)
These three items are fantastic gift options, sure to bring joy to any child, and make playtime even more special. Each one comes with the enthusiastic recommendation of a mother on the Japankuru team, who are also devoted Ghibli fans themselves! So, when you finally get a chance to visit Ghibli Park in Nagoya, or have a friend who can bring back souvenirs for you, don’t forget to add these delightful gifts to your list!
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