A custom dakimakura is one of the most personal gifts you can give an anime fan, but the details matter. Get the size, fabric, artwork, and timing right, and it becomes a gift they can use for years. Get those details wrong, and custom printed products are harder to fix after production.
This guide walks you through what to check before ordering a custom dakimakura as a gift.
Step 1: Confirm the Size Preference
Dakimakura body pillow covers come in common sizes:
- 150 × 50 cm — Compact and classic.
- 160 × 50 cm — A popular standard size and a safe default if you're unsure.
- 180 × 60 cm — Oversized and best for dedicated collectors.
If you are not sure which size to choose, 160 × 50 cm is often the safest first-time gift choice. If the recipient already owns an insert, match the cover size to that insert.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fabric
Fabric is where a lot of gift-givers get tripped up. Here's a quick breakdown:
- 2WAY Tricot — Stretchy, soft, and premium. This is the fabric many experienced collectors prefer.
- Peach Skin — Smooth, lightweight, and budget-friendly.
When in doubt, 2WAY Tricot is the more premium gift option, while Peach Skin keeps the order more budget-friendly.
Step 3: Choose the Design Carefully
Option A: Use Their Favorite Character
If you know their favorite anime, character, or VTuber, high-quality artwork of that character can make the gift feel personal. Make sure you have permission to print the artwork.
Option B: Commission Original Art
For a one-of-a-kind gift, consider commissioning an artist to create a custom piece of the recipient's favorite character or OC. Pair the commission with the printed pillow cover for a more complete gift.
Option C: Ask Indirectly
If you want to keep the surprise, ask a soft question such as, "If you could have a custom dakimakura of any character, who would it be?"
Step 4: File Quality Matters
Custom dakimakura printing requires high-resolution artwork to look sharp at full size. Recommended setup:
- Resolution: 300 DPI at final print size
- Color mode: RGB
- File format: PNG preferred, or high-quality JPG
Our pre-production file check looks for obvious issues such as low resolution or layout risks, but it is not a full design, retouching, or color-proofing service.
Step 5: Shipping and Discreet Packaging
Orders are shipped in plain, unbranded packaging. This is helpful for gift orders being shipped directly to the recipient.
Production usually takes 2-4 business days after a usable file is ready. Shipping usually takes 7-10 business days after production is complete. Production time and shipping time are separate, so plan ahead for birthdays or events.
Do I Need to Order the Insert Too?
A dakimakura cover ships flat. The insert, or inner pillow, is sold separately. If the recipient does not already own a body pillow in the right size, consider adding a matching insert for a complete, ready-to-use gift.
Read the pillowcase vs pillow insert guide.
Gift Summary: What to Confirm Before Ordering
- Size: 160 × 50 cm or confirmed preference
- Fabric: 2WAY Tricot for premium feel, Peach Skin for budget-friendly
- Design file: high resolution, RGB, and print-ready
- Timing: include both production and shipping time
- Packaging: plain and discreet
- Insert: include one if the recipient does not already own one
Ready to place your order? Start with our custom dakimakura builder, or read the custom dakimakura ordering checklist before checkout.