This comprehensive guide covers the perfect gifts for board game lovers (men and women) who already have all the board games.
Finding the perfect gift for a loved one who enjoys board games and already has them all can be a tough task. You don’t want to buy them a game they already have or you don’t know what games they’ll like best. What can you get them instead?
Many gifts go beyond the board game itself and are just as unique and fun to have. Use the table of contents to jump to gift ideas.
An Experience Gift They’ll Never Forget
Local escape room
One of the best board game experiences someone can have by visiting a local escape room. What better way to experience the drama than being a character in it? Everyone I know who participates in an escape room enthusiastically shares how much fun they had.
You enter a room and are given several tasks or puzzles to solve to escape within a given amount of time. Each experience is typically thrilling, fun, and sure to put a smile on your face.
Check to see if The Escape Game has a location near you and make sure it is highly rated. They’ll usually have gift cards as well.
Create your own board game kit
Does your board game-loving giftee always think about the next best board game or insist on sharing how a board game could be better? Then maybe they’ll be interested in a DIY board game kit and it’ll be the perfect gift for board game lovers.
Get them a kit of blank components that will allow them to prototype and test their board game ideas. It includes a blank game board, a customizable box, playing cards, dice, multicolored player tokens, rule sheets, sand timer, multicolored stands, and a game spinner.
Create Your Own Board Game Set – DIY Game Kit
Create your own board game with the Apostrophe Games build your own game kit.
Visit a board game conference as a gift
Spiel Essen Game Fair (Best in the World)
Buy them tickets and a flight to Germany for the Spiel Essen game fair. This game fair is an annual four-day boardgame trade fair which is open to the public and typically held in October. Overall, it’s the biggest board game conference in the world and is a must for the most avid board game fan. Attendance has reached 200,000.
GenCon (Best in the US)
Buy them a ticket to GenCon in Indianapolis, Indiana. This game convention is the largest in the U.S., is the longest-running, and features vendors, tabletop gaming, and even video gaming. It was founded by one of the D&D creators and continues to thrive. The peak attendance reached 70,000.
PAX (Most Unique and Modern)
Buy them a ticket to one of the PAX conventions. They host a west, east, and special unplugged expo every year. PAX is a modern cultured general gaming conference that brings an array of fans. This conference is arguably the largest in the U.S. but GenCon typically gets the title because PAX is split over multiple events.
Bags and Travel Gear
GeekOn Ultimate Boardgame Backpack
Arguably the most versatile and travel-ready compact bag is the GeekOn Ultimate Boardgame Backpack. This backpack features weatherproofing, expandable pockets, and padding in the right places for comfort. It’s even carry-on compliant making it perfect for flying. It can even fit large boxes like Gloomhaven inside! Check out our top pick for board game bags.
Board Game Table Duffle Bag
What if you have many board games and need to travel for multiple days? Then the Board Game Table duffle bag is perfect. It’s a spacious carry-along bag that is highly rated and supported. If you want to large bag to carry board games then this is probably the one for you.
Board Game Bag
Let’s say you don’t want everyone to know you’re carrying priceless board games and desire a subtle bag that doesn’t flaunt I’m a gamer. Then this board game bag is probably for you. It’s stylish, durable, and can even be worn as a backpack. Choose the right color and know you’re getting a solid duffle bag.
Enhance Collectors Edition board game backpack
Want a board game bag that looks like you’re in an Indiana Jones movie? Then the Enhance Collectors Edition board game backpack is for you. This cool bag has a rigid design that won’t collapse and is highly rated. This backpack screams board gamer and perhaps your beloved gamer wants that.
Amazon Basics Duffle Bag
If you’re looking for something more affordable that’s going to do the job. Check out the Amazon Basics Duffle Bag. This bag is versatile, durable, and easily replaceable. Sometimes simple is best honestly. It’s reassuring to see the number of positive reviews.
Subscriptions
Tabletop Gaming Magazine
Give a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a great gift for board game lovers. We typically give magazines to kids because why buy them another toy? Can I say this is any different? Get your beloved board gamer so they don’t end up with another ‘toy’ in their home. Tabletop Gaming Magazine is arguably the best board gaming magazine out there. They’ll keep you up-to-date with new releases, reviews, and industry news.
Deadlybolt Mystery Society Subscription Box
If you don’t want the risk of getting duplicate board games then go with this highly-rated escape room mystery box. This box features immersive scenarios, intriguing characters, and compelling stories. Every month subscribers receive a new standalone investigation with everything needed to close the case.
Unbox Boardom Gaming Guru Subscription Box
Give the gift of a subscription box. They say the anticipation is the best part of gift giving. Perhaps the excitement of receiving a surprise board game in the mail is the best gift for your beloved board gamer. Unbox Boardom offers one of the best board gaming subscription boxes called Gaming Guru.
Box Inserts and Organizers
Game-Specific Inserts
Worried about buying a board game your beloved board gamer already has? Then get them new box inserts or organizers specific to a game they already own. Box organizers make it easier to store and set up a cinch saving time on setup — and giving you more time to play. Here are a couple of example box organizers for specific games your giftee likely already has:
Wingspan Inserts
Gloomhaven Inserts
Terraforming Mars Inserts
General Game Organization
If your giftee doesn’t have any of the board games above then perhaps general storage containers will work best. The organizers are easily allow you to store components and will fit in most boxes. They are also affordable and easily organizable. It’s a great gift for board game lovers.
Board Game Organizers
Storage Organizers
Card Sleeves and Covers
Give the gift of endless protection by helping your beloved board gamer protect their cards using card sleeve protectors. These are fairly simple and easy to come by but there are several high-quality and popular card sleeves that will protect any standard-sized card. They are perfect for any magic, Pokemon, or board game cards.
Clear Card Sleeves
High-Quality Sleeves
Game Specific Sleeves (Gloomhaven)
What if their board games have different-sized cards and they need something more specific? Look for card sleeves specific to a board game.
Component Upgrades for Specific Games
One of the most popular board game component upgrades is updated coins. Many board games use coins but many come with cheap paper or plastic coins. Pick up a versatile set of metal high-quality coins that can be game-specific or used generally. Stonemaier is known for the quality of its products and its Scythe-specific set can be used with other games as well. Your beloved board gamer will thank you for making money in-game instead of losing it on crypto.
Coins
Stonemaier Games Metal Coins
Best quality coins that are versatile in most situations. We recommend these coins for their quality and the ability to sort by easy increments.
The Dragon’s Hoard Metal Fantasy Coins
DnD Fantasy Metal Gold Coins
Upgraded Parts
Gloomhaven-Specific
Many well-known board games have upgradable parts and one of the most popular is Gloomhaven. We cover several upgradable parts you can find for Gloomhaven but be sure to look at parts for other games. The game comes with many components and the community has rallied behind this game to come up with ideas on how to improve their gaming experience. These are the highly recommended game upgrades:
3D Vikings Gloomhaven Player Dashboard
Gloomhaven Standee Bases
Gloomhaven Minis
Game Storage
Elastic Bands
Are your beloved board gamer boxes tearing and falling apart? Then you might want to consider these elastic bands to keep those boxes protected. These bands were designed by gamers, for gamers. They also make it easy to pick up and carry along. It’s a great gift for board game lovers.
Premium Elastic Box Bands
Bookshelves
Looking for board game storage because your board game giftee’s collection is overflowing? We know how that feels. Make their board game collection a statement piece in their home and showcase all their games in one place. Don’t hide them away in a closet.
The overwhelmingly favored bookshelf by gamers is the Ikea Kallax shelves. This affordable and high-quality bookshelf is an excellent go-to for presentable board game organization. There are several other bookshelves to consider to match a home’s design style.
Kallax Bookshelves by Ikea
Amazon Basics 4-Shelf Adjustable
Rolanstar Bookshelf 5-Tier
C&A HOME Cube Storage Organizer
ClosetMaid Storage Shelf Organizer
Dice, Towers, and Trays
The struggle is real. Crawling around the floor searching for a lost die that fell off the table during a roll. Keep them safe and in place.
Dice are a common component of any board game. Perhaps you’re looking for something to protect, store, or help your beloved board gamer roll their dice. Dice towers and trays help players roll without worrying about their dice rolling away. Maybe your giftee is tired of using plastic sandwich bags to store their dice and want something better. They also may like upgraded unique dice that are sure to turn heads. No matter the reason, taking care of dice is important to any board gamer.
Dice Tower and Trays
Dice towers and trays are perfect for keeping your dice in one spot and ensuring you have a consistent roll every time. Check out these dice towers or trays that allow any player to make clean rolls.
Castle Dice Tower
C4Labs Travel Portable Draw Bridge Dice Tower
CASEMATIX Portable Dice Tower
Dice Trays
SIQUK 4 Pieces Dice Tray
Forged Dice Co. Dice Tray
Dice Storage
Storing dice well is important to the longevity of every dice. Especially when they’re more expensive and worth protecting. Consider these storage options to keep those pesky dice safe and nestled in your home.
Forged Dice Co. Mimic Chest Dice Storage Box
CASEMATIX Dice Tray and Dice Storage Case
Forged Dice Co. Dice Box and Dice Tray
Dice
Unique dice always catch the eyes of other gamers and are sure to turn heads. They’re also a simple and affordable way to improve any gaming experience. Consider these top-rated and reviewed dice options below that will surely make any gamer smile every time they roll.
Bicycle Dice
QMay DND Dice Set
Dungeon Craft Mystery Dice
HTPOW Rechargeable Light Up DnD Dice
Board Game Mats and Tables
Play areas are essential to any board gamer. If they have enough space, it’s worth looking into a nice gaming table or at least a mat for their current one. Gaming mats and tables are a wonderful way to improve any gaming experience and they also turn heads from fellow gamers. Every host should have gaming mats to play on. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors so be sure to find one that’ll work for your beloved board gamer. It’s a great gift for board game lovers.
Board Game Mats
Game mats typically come in foam or plastic materials, similar to a mouse pad. Some are even waterproof protecting them from accidental spills. It happens. The mats below are ideal for any avid board gamer.
Tidyboss Dungeons and Dragons Starter Set
Roll-Play Board Game Mat
Gloomhaven Frosthaven Playmat
Board Game Tables
Gaming tables take the game night experience to another level. Some can be quite expensive too. Perhaps you’re in a position to afford a nice table and are interested in the perfect setup. There are few choices but they turn any space into the ideal gaming location that’ll make any gamer jealous.
Wyrmwood board game tables
Game Theory Tables
Uniquely Geek Tables
Custom Gaming Table DnD Pathfinder
Painting Minis
If your lovable board gaming geek loves painting minis then any solid paint kit will work well. Refills are vital and having choices will make their zen time that much more fun. Consider new brushes as well if their old ones are wearing out.
Paint Kits
Getting the right paint is vital to making a mini figure glisten in its glory. Consider these paint kits below from high-quality manufacturers that produce solid paint bases and include everything you need to paint minis with.
The Army Painter Paint Set
Reaper Miniatures Paint Kit
Brushes
Quality brushes are vital to reach every nook and cranny of a mini. Consider these standard brushes they work well for any skill-level painter. These brushes boast an enormous amount of reviews validating their quality.
Detail Paint Brushes Set
Miniature Painting Kit
Home Decor
Decorating your home with the things you love says a lot about yourself to visitors and it helps you feel more at home. Perhaps you’re interested in buying your lovable board gamer decorations for their home or space.
Board game decor could mean several things but it helps to think about the gaming space and what is used while playing together. Improve the gaming experience by making the space more immersive and engaging.
Cup and Mugs
Having a warm cup of coffee or tea is a must when sitting down for an extended period playing a board game. Give everyone a laugh while they enjoy their matcha and a game of Gloomhaven.
Funny Mugs Board Game Mug
Funny Mugs LOL D&D Stats Mug
Coasters
Don’t let that cup of coffee leave a mark on your brand-new gaming table. Always make sure to have a set of board game coasters on hand for those late nights.
HQ Cork DND Coasters
Party Plates
Maybe you’re throwing a party and you need some supplies to go with your board game gift. Don’t forget to grab these.
JeVenis Dragon Party Plates Dragon Party Supplies
Posters and Wall Art
Every board game room needs wall art to go in it. Set the tone using fun posters that’ll impress your visitors during game night.
Game Room Sign 12″ x 8″ Table Top Hobby Games
Personalized Game Room Sign Vintage Wall Signs
Fourth Level MFG 12″ D20 Wood Wall Art
DND Decor – 7 Piece Wooden Dice Outline Wall Decoration
Wall Lights
Wall lights are a new trend for any game room and honestly do a spectacular job at creating ambiance in the room. They do something most home decorations can’t. Add accent lighting on the wall or around the gaming table. Change the color and immerse your guest in any storyline. It’s a great gift for board game lovers.
Tenmiro LED Lights for Bedroom 100ft
Gamerneon Game Room Large Neon Signs
Govee Glide RGBIC LED Wall Lights
Game Zone Neon Signs Gamer LED Sign
Rugs
Everyone has to use the bathroom eventually. Don’t forget to decorate the bathroom for visitors or maybe you want a nice rug in the entryway of the game room. No matter the reason, rugs complement any space well and add that extra pop.
Dungeons & Dragons Red D20 Dice Printed Area Rug
Roll for Initiative Indoor Doormat
Pillows
Pillows make any space feel comfortable. A good pillow can add color or make any room pop. Why not make your guest laugh while relaxing?
Jay Franco Dungeons & Dragons Red Box Decorative Pillow
Funny Board Game Gifts Did Someone Say Board Games Throw Pillow
Ambesonne Board Game Throw Pillow Cushion Cover
Tote Bags
Tote bags are a must when traveling quickly or needing a few things on the go. Give a bag as a gift because it’s always good to have one on hand for that last-minute game night.
Stellar Factory Board Game Tote
I read the rules so you don’t have to Board Games Tote Bag
TSOTMO Cat Throwing Dice DnD Dungeon Master Bag of Holding Zipper Pouch Gamer Dice Bag
Clothing and Wearables
Clothing can make a great gift for board game lovers. You can opt for hats, jewelry, or even baby clothes for that unexpected surprise. See if any of the items below stand out as an excellent gift for your beloved board gamer.
Hats
Dungeons and Dragons Game Red and Grey Striped Marled Knit Hat
Dungeons and Dragons Baseball Hat Fashionable Vintage Baseball Cap
Shirts
Bioworld Adult Dungeons & Dragons Shirt
Vintage Retro Old Man Get In Loser We’re Playing D&D Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Game Night Adults Funny Board Games I Read The Rules T-Shirt
Dungeons & Dragons Rolling Dice Builds Character Short Sleeve T-Shirt
The Meeples Board Game Addict T-Shirt
Patches
DM Dungeon Master Class Shield Iron On Patch
Bag of Holding Patch Funny Morale Patch. Tabletop Gaming Dungeon Roleplaying Patch
D&D Dice Embroidered Iron on Sew on Patch
Socks
Hyp Dungeons and Dragons D&D This Is How I Roll Men’s Crew Socks 5 Pair Pack
Hasbro Board Games Unisex 12 Days Of Socks Advent Box
Baby Clothes
inktastic Level 1 Human Baby Bodysuit
My Dad’s The Dungeon Master Baby Bodysuit/Toddler T-Shirt RPG Baby Clothing
Dungeons and Dragons Onesie 0-3 Months D&D Future Dungeon Master
Jewelry and Accessories
Pearlina Dragon Cultured Pearl in Oyster Necklace Set Silver-tone Cage
Design Your Own D20 Dragon Pendant, Custom Dice Dragon Necklace
Dungeons and Dragons Cufflink Dungeon Master DND Dragon Masters
WUSUANED Dungeon Meowster Keychain Dungeons and Cat
KSNDie DND Dice Earrings Silver Dangle Earrings
When All Else Fails
Get them Gift Cards ‘The I gave up gift’
Last but not least, if nothing on this overly extensive list stood out, you can always get them a gift card. Check out your local game cafes or opt to get a Barnes & Noble or Amazon gift card. It’s the not greatest board game gift idea but it works.
Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Barnes and Noble is a great place to pick up board games. They always have a great selection and sometimes have them on sale.
Image – Amazon.com
Amazon.com Gift Card in a Mini Envelope
When all else fails, go with the Amazon gift card. This is one of the best places to find board games on sale. They have one of the best selections too.
Image – Amazon.com
Buy them a board game
If all else fails. Ask them what game they want and get it!
No matter what you decide to get them in the end, know that your love is what counts most. We encourage you to spend time with them playing more board games. Even if it’s not your favorite thing. There’s nothing better than the time spent with a loved one. We wish you the best of luck in celebrating your beloved board gamer!