Gifts for Board-Game Fans
The best board game for someone is the one that fits their group and gets played. Ask how many people usually join, how much time they have and which games they already own. These ideas include ways to improve a familiar game night, so you can give something useful without guessing a complex new box that may never reach the table.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial ideas, not tested products. “Plan up to” is a suggested spending allowance, not a retailer price or a promise that every version costs that amount. Check the exact fit, current price and delivery before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Check player count and realistic playing time before choosing a game.
- Ask about language, complexity and existing titles to avoid duplicates.
- Buy expansions only for the exact edition of a game they own.
The ideas
- 1
A game from their exact wishlist
Plan up to £50A good fit for: Players who already know what their group wants next
An explicit title and edition remove much of the guesswork from a board-game gift. Check that the box supports the group’s usual player count and that the recipient has not already bought it since making the list.
Before you buy: Expansions and standalone games can have similar names; read the box contents.
- 2
Small component trays
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Groups spending time sorting tokens during setup
A few stable trays keep shared pieces visible and make tidying easier at the end of a game. Choose sizes for the games they play and a nesting shape that does not consume another shelf.
Before you buy: Check table space and avoid trays that make small pieces hard to reach.
- 3
Card sleeves in an exact requested size
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Players protecting a frequently used game
A correctly specified pack can replace worn sleeves or complete a game’s set. Ask for card dimensions, quantity and preferred sleeve type so the gift does not leave part of the deck feeling different.
Before you buy: Nominally similar sizes and thicknesses may not match existing sleeves.
- 4
A folding dice tray
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Players who want rolls to stay on the table
A shallow tray creates a defined rolling area and can reduce dice escaping under furniture. Check dimensions and edge height against the table and the games played, then choose a surface that is easy to read.
Before you buy: Some games need a large shared rolling area rather than individual trays.
- 5
A game-night score notebook
Plan up to £15A good fit for: Groups who enjoy remembering past sessions
A simple notebook can collect scores, dates and memorable moments without making the evening overly competitive. Leave room for different games and house notes rather than imposing a ranking system.
Before you buy: Check whether keeping scores fits the group’s style of play.
- 6
A board-game café visit
Plan up to £50A good fit for: Players who enjoy trying unfamiliar titles together
A visit gives the group time and a range of games without adding another box at home. Let the recipient choose companions and a date, and check whether staff can help with games suitable for the group.
Before you buy: Confirm table fees, booking length, food costs and age restrictions.
Save your favourites
Save your favourite ideas to a free WantThis list. Product picks include their retailer link; for general ideas, add the exact product link later. Price tracking is available for supported products.
Create your free listFAQs
How do I choose a game for someone with a large collection?
Use a wishlist or ask about a specific gap. Accessories or a café visit can avoid a duplicate, but still need to fit their group.
Are expansions a good gift?
Only when the base game and edition are confirmed. Some expansions require additional sets or change the game in ways the group may not want.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.