The Ultimate D&D Gift Guide 2026
New gift ideas for D&D players and GMs, plus our 2025 favorites.
Published November 9, 2026
By Greg H. & Greg W., co-founders of Archivist
We are not affiliated with anything on this list except our own Archivist Gift Plan, and we earn no commission or affiliate credit from any link. Prices come from each seller, so check the shop before you order.
Free to $25
Small gifts that still show you know the person.
Digital Battle Maps
Prices varyFor the GMMaps made by independent artists
In our experience, AI image models still struggle with battle maps, so maps made by real people hold real value for immersion and storytelling. Etsy has plenty, and Crooked Compass is our favorite.
It is a download, so there is nothing to ship. Pick a pack that matches the setting they run.
Browse: Etsy digital battle maps →Our pick: Crooked Compass Maps →
Poké Ball Dice
Prices varyFor the playerA themed polyhedral dice set
Nobody has ever said, "Oh darn 🙁 another dice set." Players collect plenty and most sit unused, but a special set becomes a keepsake.
Best for the player you game with in person. A traditional set is always welcome, and a niche one like this Poké Ball set is more fun.
Browse: Etsy Poké Ball dice →
A New Group to Play With
FreeFor anyoneA website for finding a D&D group
For the friend who wants to play but has not found the right group. There are a lot of services like this, and Groupfinder is our pick:
- Browsing, posting a game, making a player profile, and messaging are all free.
- Filter by system, language, location, and the days someone is free.
- Works for online and in-person games.
Send them the link and offer to help write their profile.
Our pick: Groupfinder →
A Character Journal
Prices varyFor the playerA physical notebook for their character
Some players would rather write their notes on paper than type them. A journal gives their character a place for backstory, session notes, and sketches.
Browse: Etsy D&D character journals →Our pick: Field Notes 5E Character Journal →
$25 to $100
One gift that covers the whole table.
Starting at $30 for 3 months
Archivist Gift PlanFor the whole partyAutomated session notes, recaps, and a campaign timeline
Archivist takes your session and turns it into structured notes: full recaps, a structured outline, and a built-for-you compendium. It even includes awards for every player, analysis and insights for the DM, and a whole lot more.
- Give the gift of time: less to write up and less to prep between sessions.
- Give the gift of immersion: every player can relive the story, browse the timeline and characters, and ask Archivist about it.
At checkout, the buyer gets a code to share, can schedule an email to the recipient, or can print a certificate to hand over. The recipient redeems it on our site.
Recap. Every session written up, with the people and places linked.
A Custom Engraved DM Screen
About $30 to $50For the GMAn engraved or custom-printed screen
A screen with the campaign name or a sigil on it, for the GM who hides every roll behind one. The whole table looks at it all night.
Browse: Etsy custom DM screens →
The Story Engine Deck
$38For the GMA deck of 180 story prompt cards
For the GM who is stuck on what happens next. Some sellers show it sold out, so check stock before you plan on it.
Buy: Story Engine Deck →
Making Enemies
$33 list priceFor the GMA monster design book by Keith Ammann
Monster design inspiration for tabletop RPGs, from the author of The Monsters Know What They're Doing. A good gift for the GM who builds their own villains.
Buy: Making Enemies →
Keepsakes and Splurges
Prices depend on the seller or the dates, so ask before you buy.
D&D Plaque
Set by sellerFor the whole partyA hardwood D&D wall plaque
A hardwood plaque that says D&D, made for the game room. It fits a group where everyone takes a turn running sessions.
Browse: Etsy D&D wall plaques →Our pick: ShopGeektastik plaque →
A Commissioned Map of Their Campaign World
Quoted per commissionFor the GMA commissioned map of their world
A map of the world your group has actually played in. A battle map gets used up, but this one goes on a wall. Commissions take time, so ask about turnaround early.
Browse: Etsy custom campaign maps →
A Gift for the Person Who Does Not Play
Prices varyFor anyoneThemed candles, jewelry, or plush
For the partner or friend who has heard every session story but never rolled a die. A D&D candle, a beholder earring, or an owlbear plush shows you were listening.
Browse: Etsy D&D candles →Browse: Etsy beholder earrings →Browse: Etsy owlbear plush →
A D&D Group Getaway at airD&D
Rate varies by dateFor the whole partyA D&D-themed rental in British Columbia
Okay, this one is kind of silly. It is not what you would get the token nerd of your friend group. But a retreat at a D&D-themed rental with your friends would be awesome, and if the whole party wants to chip in, check the rate, guest limit, and dates on the listing.
Personal note: It is on the list for our group.
Our pick: airD&D on Airbnb →
Honorable Mention
A little goes a long way. Handwritten notes are always great.
A Letter from the Players
FreeFor the GMA physical letter from the players
Write down the specific moments from your sessions: the plan that almost worked, the line that stopped the table cold. A letter that names real memories means more than a generic thank you.
Cannot remember the details? Session recaps and key moments make them easy to find.
Still Great from 2025
Both made our 2025 list and we would still give them. Prices are from that guide, so check the shop.
Custom Dice Box
$25 to $50For the whole party
A personalized box for the dice they have been collecting for years.
Personal note: At the end of our first campaign, one of our players gave everyone a personalized dice box. We still use ours.
Custom Miniature
From about $8 digital, about $40 printedFor the player
A miniature of their character, made to match the look, pose, and gear.
Personal note: One of us has printed a custom mini for each of their characters in long-form campaigns. Each one is a memento of the story.
The rest of the list covers Foundry VTT, Dungeon Alchemist, the 3D printer, inspiration tokens, and more.
See the full 2025 gift list →
D&D Gift FAQ
What are good D&D gifts under $25?
A letter from the players (free), digital battle maps, Poké Ball dice, a character journal, or a new group to play with through Groupfinder. Check each seller for the current price.
What is a good D&D gift for a game master?
A custom engraved DM screen, the Story Engine Deck, the book Making Enemies, or a letter from the players. For software like Foundry VTT and Dungeon Alchemist, see our 2025 guide.
Can I give Archivist as a gift?
Yes. Gift plans start at $30 for 3 months. Players in the campaign can view its content and ask Archivist about the story, so the plan benefits the whole party. At checkout you get a code to share, a scheduled email to the recipient, or a printable certificate to hand over, and the recipient redeems it on our site.
Is Groupfinder free?
Yes. Browsing games, posting a game, publishing a player profile, and messaging other players cost nothing. An optional paid subscription adds extras.
Which D&D gift is best for the whole party?
The Archivist gift plan, the D&D plaque, or the airD&D getaway. The getaway is a rental, so the whole party can chip in on the rate.
Know a small maker we should add? Send us the lead. Want the full write-ups for the returning picks? See the 2025 gift guide.