Gifts for D&D and Tabletop RPG Players

Tabletop RPG players spend hours building characters and worlds together, and the hobby comes with a long tail of books, dice and table gear. Players love dice and novels; the person running the game (the Dungeon Master) needs rulebooks, maps and miniatures. Knowing which one you are shopping for is half the job.

Under $25 7 ideas

  1. Chessex Gemini Polyhedral 7-Die Set

    A full set of the seven dice D&D uses, in two-tone swirled colors. Chessex has made dice for decades, so these roll true and come in dozens of colors to match a character.

    ChessexStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. EXPO Vis-a-Vis Wet Erase Markers

    The marker every Game Master uses to draw dungeons on a battle mat. Wet erase means it does not smudge when someone leans on the map, then wipes off with water.

    EXPOStocking stufferGets used up

    See it on Amazon

  3. WizKids D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures

    Primed, unpainted official D&D miniatures, sold in pairs and small sets. A good match for a character they play, and a weekend of painting if they want it.

    WizKidsStocking stufferFor display

    See it on Amazon

  4. The Monsters Know What They're Doing

    Explains how each monster would actually fight, based on its stats and instincts. Game Masters read it and their goblins suddenly stop walking into sword range.

    Keith AmmannBook

    See it on Amazon

  5. Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master

    A short, much-loved guide to preparing less and running better games. Best for the friend who spends their whole Saturday prepping for Sunday.

    Michael E. SheaBook

    See it on Amazon

  6. Leuchtturm1917 A5 Medium Hardcover Notebook, Dotted

    Numbered pages and a table of contents, which is exactly what you want for campaign notes, NPC names and maps. Sturdier than the spiral notebook they are using now.

    Leuchtturm1917

    See it on Amazon

  7. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)

    The 2023 movie that actually feels like a D&D session, plans falling apart and all. Easy to watch with the group, and full of jokes players will catch.

    ParamountStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

Under $50 8 ideas

  1. Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Player's Handbook

    The updated core book every player uses to build and level a character. The one book a new player needs, and the edition their group is moving to.

    Wizards of the CoastBook

    See it on Amazon

  2. Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide

    The rules and advice for running the game, now with much more practical help for new Game Masters. For the person behind the screen, not the players.

    Wizards of the CoastBook

    See it on Amazon

  3. Dungeons & Dragons 2025 Monster Manual

    Hundreds of creatures with stats and art, updated to match the new rules. The third of the core books, and the one Game Masters use most at the table.

    Wizards of the CoastBook

    See it on Amazon

  4. Wiz Dice Bag of Devouring

    Twenty full dice sets in a drawstring bag, named after the D&D item. Enough to hand a set to every new player who turns up at the table.

    Wiz DiceWhite elephant

    See it on Amazon

  5. Chessex Double-Sided Battlemat (26 x 23.5 inches)

    A roll-up vinyl mat with one-inch squares on one side and hexes on the other. Draw the room, fight the battle, wipe it off. A staple of game tables since the 1980s.

    Chessex

    See it on Amazon

  6. The Army Painter Speedpaint Starter Set

    One-coat paints that shade themselves, plus a brush and miniatures. The quickest way for someone who has never painted to get a decent-looking hero on the table.

    The Army PainterAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  7. Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana: A Visual History

    A big coffee-table history of D&D, from the first 1974 booklets to modern art. Long-time players will find the books they grew up with in here.

    Ten Speed PressBookFor display

    See it on Amazon

  8. Betrayal at Baldur's Gate

    A board game set in a D&D city where one player secretly turns traitor halfway through. Good for nights when the Game Master cancels and the group still wants to play.

    Avalon HillAn experience

    See it on Amazon

Under $100 2 ideas

  1. Chessex MegaMat Double-Sided Battlemat (34.5 x 48 inches)

    The bigger version of the classic battle mat, enough to cover a dining table. For a Game Master who keeps running out of map halfway through a chase.

    Chessex

    See it on Amazon

  2. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

    A campaign dungeon crawler with a story and characters that level up, no Game Master required. A way for the group's usual Game Master to finally play too.

    Cephalofair GamesAn experience

    See it on Amazon

$100 and up 2 ideas

  1. Avalon Hill HeroQuest Game System

    The 1989 classic, remade with a box full of miniatures, furniture and a dungeon board. Many current D&D players started here, and it is easy to teach to kids.

    Avalon HillAn experienceFor display

    See it on Amazon

  2. LEGO Ideas Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon's Tale (21348)

    A huge official D&D set with a red dragon, a tavern and minifigures of classic character types. Builds into a display piece, and the set includes a short adventure you can play.

    LEGOFor display

    See it on Amazon