DnD Gift Guide
It is officially the Holiday Season and I've seen a few questions out there from people looking to pick out something special for the Dungeons and Dragons lovers or the DnD curious in their lives. I love Dungeons and Dragons, and I made the Verdigris Table to spread the love of the game, so what better way to do that than a quick gift-giving guide.
The first and easiest answer for the DnD lover on your list is: Dice! Even if you have plenty every player is going to appreciate a cool set of dice. If you are going to get this person a little something or one singular super cool something go for a d20. You'll also find dice sets, packages of 7 dice that have a matching design or theme. You can always get a DnD player dice and not worry about if they have them yet or not. They do have dice and they want more, they'll be psyched to get them.
There are also dice holders, dice trays, dice towers, dice prisons, all sort of accessories, so if you know they have a ton of dice but they keep them in a plastic shopping bag or something that's a good road to go down. There are relatively inexpensive options, all the way up to custom inlaid beautiful handmade art objects out there. (Dice Accessories - https://amzn.to/3pKGUQo)
D20 themed shirts are also a safe choice. Hoodies, notepads, posters, there's a whole galaxy of DnD merch online but again, you can't go wrong with dice.
If the person you're shopping for, even if it's you, has never played Dungeons and Dragons before and doesn't have anything yet, I would recommend getting the Starter Set. It's everything you need to get a DnD game going, including a great starter adventure. It's a great on ramp to DnD for a reasonable price. It was crazy cheap last I checked. In fact I grabbed it and did an unboxing video.
The alternative to the Starter Set is the Essentials Kit. Similar in a lot of ways, but there is more in the box so it is a couple dollars more. I still like the adventure in the Starter Set more, but the Essentials Kit is better if there are only going to be two people playing. Normal DnD takes at least 4 people usually, you can get by with fewer if you are an experienced DM but the Essentials Kit does a great job making it easy and fun to play with smaller groups even if it's your first time. This one was also on sale so I grabbed it and made an unboxing video for this one too. Take your pick, either is a good fit for a person new to DnD.
If they have been playing DnD for a while the Players Handbook is like the game bible. If they do not have it they will want one, but if they have been playing for any real length of time they may already have one. Keep in mind they may have a digital copy if you don't see one on their bookshelves. Some might still might like a physical copy even if they already have it on DnD Beyond or whatever, but you made need to do some snooping around.
If they are not only a player but running a DnD game as the Dungeon Master they are also going to want the Dungeon Masters Guide and the Monster Manual. Again, they may already have them, and probably won't need an extra copy. These links are for fifth edition, which is the latest versions and by far the most popular. There are also different editions of Dungeon and Dragons, and there is a chance they play an older one, especially if they're old school.
If they have the core three books then the Everything series, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything being the latest and maybe greatest, would be the next thing for their shelf, but we're getting on thin ice now. If you don't have your own experience here or confirmation from them: Do not just go buying the latest book, whatever it may be when you watch this. There are always new books coming out and they are geared towards different audiences and without getting into it I'll just say your beloved DnD fan not be interested in the latest thing. Again, when in doubt, get them more dice.
If you do have experience and know the player well: custom minis are a great call. And if you're buying for a DM, there are some sweet DM screens out there these days ;) Happy Holidays!
