Christmas approaches! But fear not; there’s still time to pick up those last-minute stocking-stuffers that cap Christmas morning. If there’s a gamer in your life, here are some suggestions for small things to fill those stockings hung by the chimney with care:
- Dice! If your gamer plays roleplaying games, this is a no-brainer. There’s no such thing as having enough dice. If you know which is their favorite game, this becomes a lot easier. For players of Fate you’ll want what are called Fudge dice. These have the normal numbers replaced with two blank faces, two minus faces, and two plus faces. Those playing Pathfinder and D&D can never have enough d20s or, frankly, any of the other dice. Wargamers are a bit harder to shop for, but a brick of six-sided dice is a safe bet. Even folks who just play board games can usually use a few of those. While you’re at it, check out the many different styles of bags to hold dice.
Booster packs! The venerable booster pack is a staple of collectible card games like Magic: the Gathering. Since you never know what’s inside the packs, they’re always fun to open. Ask your friendly and knowledgeable Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy® associate which sets are the most recently printed and which are the most popular today.- Miniatures! Favorites of both roleplayers and wargamers, new minis are always a joy. If they play an RPG, find out what genre it is (fantasy, like Lord of the Rings, and sci-fi, like Star Wars and Star Trek, are the most popular) and buy miniatures that fit that setting. If you know anything about their character (especially the character’s race or class), the staff can help you find just the right miniature. If your gamer is the DM, it’s even easier: buy a cool-looking monster. For wargamers, you’ll want to be a bit more selective. While new brushes are always a good thing to have, only buy paints if you know what colors they’re using in their current army.
- Games to play together! Probably the best gift is something to play with the gamer in your life. There are lots of games that are small and cheap and will fit easily in your stocking, like the cute Simon’s Cat and Tempurra. More in the mood for something playfully macabre that involves storytelling? Get one of the Gloom games. Looking for a chance to flex your mental muscles? Try one of the Timeline games and show off your knowledge of history. If your gamer is into roleplaying games, there are a few that will fit inside a stocking and won’t empty your wallet, including Savage Worlds and Fate Accelerated. Fans of D&D who enjoy something a little different from the usual might enjoy one of the many Lamentations of the Flame Princess adventures.
As always, the folks at Dragons Lair Comics and Fantasy® are experts in all things gamey and geeky. Feel free to ask the staff if they have suggestions. Getting to talk about cool things like your favorite game and having the chance to point people to what may be a new favorite game is one of the big perks of the job.
