What to get the gamer in your life, Holiday 2020

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Don’t forget to check out our special podcast episode about the Holiday Guide too! https://ttjourneys.com/archives/podcast/side-quest-1-holiday-shopping-guide-2020

I don’t know about you, but while we find it easy to find gifts for our game friends, it’s challenging to offer ideas for non gamer friends and family. We’re going to take a little time to put out some of the ideas we have come up with so our audience members and gamer friends have a little something to show the muggles we all have in our lives.

Anyone that has listened to the podcast knows that Josh has a lot of love for subscription boxes. Years ago, he got his son a subscription to LootCrate, and loved that for a lower, monthly price point, presents would come every month throughout the year. Here are some of his favorites!

  • Dungeon in a Box: Every month, you get an adventure (probably more than a one-shot), the minis to support it, 6-12 “Skinny Minis”, maps, and access to all their digital content. Good quality boxes, and mid-level price point around $30/month with discounts for 6 and 12 month packages.
  • Dungeon Crate: As soon as I saw this one, I subscribed. Not specific to an adventure, but more general accessories. Also a great store front where you can buy components from the boxes that have gone out. Wide variety of things flavored for Dungeons & Dragons.
  • RPG Crate: I Don’t subscribe to this one, but it gets great reviews. This box is great in that it provides material on a theme that is outside of one genre. Digital access too, and each box has a lot of 1980’s throwback source material. Check out this awesome unboxing review of Dungeon Crate and RPG Crate
  • Silver Beam Creations: We talked about this one on the podcast episode that came out with the list, but here’s the link. Check out the Side Quest episode for more information!

Alright, so what about those timeless options that work every year? Lewanika has compiled a great list of books and book series for all ages, because source material is key for any great roleplaying experience.

  • D&D Source Books: Looking for something for your gamemaster? Why not go in on books for their library!
  • Books for beginning readers:
  • Younger Audiences. Many of these titles are all choices that my youngest has asked for or received these books. He loves them and is constantly asking for more.
    • Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Rick Riordan
    • The Trials of Apollo series – Rick Riordan
    • The Last Kids on Earth series – Max Brallier
    • Star Wars: Jedi Academy series – Jeffrey Brown & later Jarrett J. Krosoczka & Amy Ignatow
    • Endless Quest Book Series – Matt Forbeck and Various
  • Modern Adventure books
  • Fantasy Series
    • The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings – J.R. R. Tolkien
    • Dragonlance Novels – Tracey Hickman & Margret Weiss
    • Finder’s Stone Trilogy – Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb. Lewanika says, “Azure Bonds is one of my favorite Forgotten Realms books.”
    • The Legend of Drizzt series – R. A. Salvatore
    • The Wheel of Time series- Robert Jordan
    • The Song of Ice & Fire series – George R.R. Martin
  • Modern Fantasy Series
    • The Dresden Files series – Jim Butcher
  • Sci-Fi series
    • Star Trek – any thing by Peter David. Currently reading Imzadi II
    • Star Wars – Anything by Timothy Zhan
    • The Expanse – James A Carey
  • For the Game Masters in your life
    • Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook – Check out our Holiday List podcast episode for a discussion on these awesome notebooks! And don’t forget add-ons, plenty of cover styles and colors available.

Who doesn’t love miniatures? Even though so many of us are playing remotely instead of in person now, miniatures are now an indelible part of our game. Here are some great ways to bring your character into the proper, three dimensional world.

  • Hero Forge. On the heels of their MASSIVELY successful kickstarter, their miniature design engine is fully online including colored minis! Check them out, and get a gift certificate for someone you know
  • Wiz kids. Huge catalog of fantastic stuff from large scale terrain, to miniature to accent pieces for rooms and dungeons. We recommend “Deep Cuts: Townspeople & Accessories”, and “Dungeons & Dragons Fantasy Terrain Pools & Pillars”
  • Worlds Over Run. Lewanika is a frequent contributor with adventures in this catalog. Fully support this company and their products, so check them out.
  • Josh also has two subscription service recommendations for the mini space.
    • Monthly Minis by Mystic Wylds. Great effort to support independent artists, great high quality minis, and fantastic customer service. Great value at about $3/figurine.
    • Magic Mini Mystery Box. If you are looking for something with a little more personal flair and a variety of options to buy in, this is your place. The boxes are personally curated, so no two subscribers get the same set, and you can get painted or unpainted miniatures. It’s a little more expensive than the Mystic Wylds box ($5-10 per figurine, depending on options) but is a unique subscription service.

Who doesn’t love stocking stuffers? Here are some ideas to pack those things all the way up to the frills with stuff your gamer is going to love!

  • Dice sets. You can never have too many dice, it’s like cooking with garlic. And you can find dice in every shape, size, color, material, and for every price point.
  • Gift cards to your local game store. They need our love more than anything right now, so show some support to your local store.
  • Merchandise. Don’t just play your character be your character! Some of our favorites:

Alright, we’ve gone on long enough. From both of us at Tabletop Journeys, to all of you and your families, we wish you safe, happy, healthy, and warm holidays.

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