// Contents
PropBuilds earns a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Good gifts for cosplayers are the supplies they use up and the gear that shows off their work: EVA foam and contact cement, a heat gun, a sharp knife with spare blades, paint and weathering supplies, a helmet padding kit, and a stand, case or wall mount for finished pieces. For a fan of a particular character, a LEGO helmet set of that character is a gift they'll build and display.
Match the gift to how they build. Cosplayers split roughly into foam smiths, 3D printers and painters, and most do some of each. Figure out which one they do most, buy supplies for that, and you can't go far wrong: nobody who works in foam has too many blades or too much contact cement.
Quick picks by the kind of maker
The links go to Amazon, where you can check the current price.
| If they... | Get them |
|---|---|
| Works in foam | 10 mm EVA foam sheet, Barge contact cement, a heat gun |
| 3D prints their props | digital calipers, a deburring tool |
| Paints and weathers | a paint starter set, Rub 'n Buff, flat clear coat |
| Wears helmets | a helmet padding kit, a helmet stand |
| Has a finished collection | a helmet display case, a two-hook wall mount |
For the foam smith
EVA foam is the cosplayer's sheet metal, and it runs out fast. A Foamory 10 mm EVA sheet (14 by 39 inches) is the armor-plate thickness, Barge All-Purpose TF Cement is contact cement whose listing says it stays flexible, and a heat gun with variable temperature shapes and seals the foam. Add an X-ACTO #1 knife with its #11 blades and a can of Plasti Dip to seal finished pieces. The EVA foam guide shows how it all gets used.
Pair heat and glue with safety. Contact cement and spray sealers give off strong fumes, so a 3M 6311 organic vapor respirator makes a thoughtful add-on to any foam gift.
For the painter
Paint is where a costume comes alive. The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic starter set has 11 paints of 18 ml each; Rub 'n Buff Silver Leaf gives armor and weapons worn-metal edges with a fingertip; and a flat clear coat protects the finish. The weathering guide covers the techniques.
For the one who wears a helmet
A printed or foam helmet is only as good as its fit. A helmet padding kit or this universal foam pad kit turns a shell into something they can wear all day, and a clear helmet stand keeps it in shape between cons. The padding guide explains the fitting.
For showing it off
- An acrylic helmet display case, 15 by 12 by 13 inches, which its listing says fits most helmets.
- A Hold Up Displays wall mount, heavy-duty steel hooks made in the USA, for a replica rifle or blaster.
- Battery puck lights with a remote to light a shelf or case with no wiring.
The display guide has more on stands, mounts and keeping props out of the sun.
For a fan of the character
LEGO helmet sets make great gifts for a cosplayer who loves a particular character: the Mandalorian Helmet 75328, the Boba Fett Helmet 75277 (625 pieces), the Iron Man Helmet 76165 (480 pieces) or the AT-RT Driver Helmet 75458 (775 pieces, with a nameplate). They build into display pieces that sit well next to a real costume. The video game LEGO sets guide covers sets for gamers.
If they 3D print
See the gift guide for 3D printing fans: calipers, a deburring tool and a heat-set insert kit are the useful upgrades most printer owners don't have yet.
FAQ
What do you get a cosplayer for Christmas?
Something for their next build: EVA foam and contact cement, a heat gun, a precision knife with spare blades, or a paint and weathering set. For someone who wears helmets, a padding kit and a helmet stand are useful and easy to get right. Display gear for finished pieces is a safe choice too.
What are unique gifts for cosplayers?
A LEGO helmet of a character they love, like the Mandalorian, Boba Fett or Iron Man sets, a proper acrylic case for a finished helmet, or a wall mount for a replica weapon: the kind of thing many cosplayers don't buy for themselves.
What are good gifts for prop makers and model makers?
Tools and supplies they use up: blades, glue, paint, sanding sponges and primer. For 3D printing prop makers, digital calipers and a deburring tool; for foam work, a heat gun and contact cement. A good respirator is a thoughtful extra for anyone who sprays paint or uses contact cement.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links on this page are affiliate links: check the current price and details on Amazon before you buy.
PropBuilds is a fan-run site, not affiliated with or endorsed by the studios or rights holders of the games mentioned.
LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.
Header photo: Satisfactory Helmet - Cosplay Replica (2 Sizes) by GizmoThrill on Printables, licensed CC-BY; cropped, with an overlay added.