Holiday Gift Guide for Tabletop Gamers – 2024

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As a seasoned board game enthusiast and self-proclaimed “Queen of Quirk,” I wholeheartedly approve of this tabletop gift guide! It’s a delightful medley of strategy, creativity, and a touch of the supernatural that caters to both young and old gamers alike.

We’ve created an extensive 2024 pop culture gift guide to ease your holiday season burden. However, if you’re searching for the ideal present for your dedicated gaming geek (who might just be you!), we’ve tailored a unique tabletop gift guide specifically for you. As fellow members of this distinguished group, we’ve carefully selected a variety of fantastic new games that have hit the shelves this year, as well as some tabletop-themed gifts for those seeking something distinct in their shopping.

What Board Games Mean To Me, Edited by Donna Gregory ($19.95)

Delight in the finest aspects of the board games community through this compilation of essays penned by designers and enthusiasts alike. In this book, players express their affection for this shared interest that binds numerous individuals together. Compiled by “an avid hobby gamer” and editor of game books, What Board Games Mean To Me provides an enjoyable means to maintain a connection with tabletop games even when not physically engaged in one.

Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Player’s Handbook – 5th Edition ($59.99)

This year, Dungeons & Dragons, the iconic role-playing game, pulled off an extraordinary 50th anniversary celebration. To mark five decades of engaging tabletop entertainment, it released its most impressive Player’s Handbook yet. This updated 5th Edition, celebrating a decade this year, is a must-have for gamers. With countless stunning illustrations, it doubles as an art book. Pair it with Wizards of the Coast’s latest Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual, and your holiday shopping list will be complete in no time. It’s undoubtedly one of our top picks for tabletop gifts this season.

Monopoly Board Crawl, A Drinking Game for Adults ($19.99)

It’s well-known that Hasbro introduces numerous versions of its classic game annually, but Monopoly Board Crawl stands out from the crowd. Indeed, it’s quite distinct and rather alcoholic in nature. This entertaining twist on the traditional game is explicitly intended for adults aged 21 and above (EXCLUSIVELY!) as victory hinges upon imbibing. While it’s possible that someone might get upset enough to overturn a table, that can certainly occur with standard Monopoly too. The unique aspect of this version lies in the opportunity to socialize and have drinks with friends before such situations arise.

The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth ($34.99)

If you’re looking for an exceptional two-player game reminiscent of Middle-earth, consider venturing beyond the Shire to “The Lord of the Rings”: Duel for Middle-earth. This game is essentially a reimagining of “7 Wonders Duel,” but it’s steeped in the captivating lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic epic, making it an exciting choice for fans of The Lord of the Rings. You can either side with the Fellowship or delve into the darkness as Sauron, depending on your allegiance. Regardless of your choice, this game makes a fantastic gift for any gamer or tabletop enthusiast reading this guide, but it’s an ideal pick for those who are also avid fans of The Lord of the Rings.

Talisman: The Magical Quest Game – 5th Edition ($59.99)

2023 marked the release of the fifth installment of “Talisman: The Magical Quest Game” in retail outlets, and we believe this edition surpasses all previous ones. Suitable for players aged 12 and above, this timeless epic adventure race continues to captivate audiences over 40 years after its initial debut. Moreover, its visually appealing design and intricately detailed character figures make it a sight to behold.

Charcuterie: The Board Game ($39.99)

Among the standout new games launched this year, one could say that “Charcuterie: The Board Game” is a scrumptious treat. The game invites 2-6 participants to create appetizing tile arrangements, with the player who assembles the most visually appealing selection of meats and cheeses emerging victorious. This engaging and highly replayable game caters to both novice and seasoned board game enthusiasts alike, and serves as a delightful pretext for sharing a genuine charcuterie platter among players during gameplay.

Magic: The Gathering Foundations Beginner Box ($31) 

As a gamer myself, let me tell you that the best present for us isn’t always the latest release or fancy dice set. What truly makes gaming more enjoyable is another player to share the experience with! However, finding someone who’s willing and knows the ropes can be tricky since many of our favorite games might seem a bit daunting to beginners. That’s why the Magic: The Gathering Foundations set makes an ideal gift for both you and the lucky recipient. With its 350 cards, covering the entire history of this legendary game, it offers everything needed to construct their first deck while learning how to play. Once they get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself needing an extra chair for those exciting game nights. This tabletop gift guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning it!

Monkey Palace: A Lego Board Game ($39.99)

Our hearts leap for any game that involves constructing something physically, but it’s only Asmodee’s Monkey Palace that lets us do this with LEGO blocks. This strategic game (suitable for ages 10 and above, with 2 to 4 players) requires you to assemble increasingly tall and long stairs in order to reach heights that earn Banana Points. The end product is a thrilling game that never fails to surprise and encapsulates the joy of playing both board games and constructing with LEGO bricks.

Life in Reterra ($29.99)

2024’s Life in Reterra was highly anticipated due to being developed by designers Eric Lang and Ken Gruhl. As expected, it lived up to the hype. This game offers a fresh take on post-apocalyptic settings, accommodating 2-4 players with three distinct themed building sets to construct their new community. The strategic tile game is visually appealing with stunning artwork and an enthralling narrative, ensuring an enjoyable and distinctive experience for both children and adults each time they play.

Betrayal: Deck of Lost Souls ($19.99)

Among our most cherished games is “Betrayal at The House on The Hill,” which we frequently enjoy playing. However, this year, we discovered an innovative method to deepen our involvement in that chilling tale. “Betrayal: Deck of Lost Souls” is a captivating, Tarot-inspired card game featuring secret strategies, and it’s visually stunning. This “cursed deck” invites 3-5 players to confront the numerous horrors that threaten to ensnare you forever. It’s a demanding game that becomes more intriguing as you learn how to triumph/escape.

That wraps up our list of tabletop gift ideas for this year! We hope your holiday shopping is just about done.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at TopMob. He wants to hear your best tabletop gift suggestions. You can tell follow him at Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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2024-11-27 18:03