Board Game Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything

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We all know the person.

They don't need clothes—they buy what they want. Electronics arrive before you think to gift them. Their house is already decorated. They have "enough stuff, really."

What do you buy for someone who has everything?

Something that creates experiences. Something unexpected. Something that shows genuine thought.

Something like a board game.

Why Games Work for Impossible Recipients

Standard gifts fail because they're things. The "has everything" person has already acquired the things they want.

Games aren't things—they're invitations. They say: "Let's spend time together" or "Here's an experience you haven't had" or "I know you well enough to pick something you'll enjoy."

| Gift Type | What It Says | Longevity | |-----------|-------------|-----------| | Generic item | "I had to buy something" | Discarded or regifted | | Consumable | "Here's something pleasant" | Enjoyed once, forgotten | | Experience voucher | "Create your own memory" | Memory persists | | Board game | "Let's make memories together" | Replayable, shared |

The game keeps giving—every time it's played, the gift renews itself.

"The most meaningful gifts communicate time and attention, not financial value. A thoughtfully chosen game says 'I want to spend time with you' in a way that expensive objects cannot."

Matching Games to Recipients

The key is choosing appropriately for who they are:

Alternative Game-Adjacent Gifts

If a specific game feels risky:

Game Café Voucher

Let them discover what they enjoy. Most game cafés sell vouchers. The experience includes trying games they might later purchase.

Best for: Recipients who might enjoy games but haven't explored the hobby.

Gaming Subscription Box

Monthly deliveries of curated small games. Examples: Unboxing Board Games, BoardGameBox UK.

Best for: Adventurous recipients who enjoy discovery and variety.

Component Upgrades

Metal coins, premium sleeves, deluxe inserts for a game they already own and love.

Best for: Established gamers whose favourite games you know.

Game Night Kit

Combine a game with themed snacks, drinks, and perhaps a playlist or candles.

Best for: Couples or families you want to encourage toward gaming.

Board Game Table Accessories

Playmat, card holders, dice tray—accessories that improve any game.

Best for: Regular gamers who don't have premium setups.

The Presentation Matters

A well-presented gift communicates care:

Wrapping

Games are awkward to wrap. Consider:

• Gift bags with tissue paper (easy, effective)
• Fabric wrapping (Furoshiki style, reusable)
• The box unwrapped but with a bow and card (the box is already attractive)

The Note

Include a personal message explaining your choice:

"I know you don't need more 'stuff,' but this isn't stuff—it's an invitation. I'd love to play this with you at Christmas. The theme reminded me of your stories about the market stall you used to run."

The why matters more than the what.

The Offer

Promise your time, not just the object:

"The gift includes me—available to teach the game and play whenever you're ready."

This transforms a product into a relationship gesture.

Dealing with "But They Won't Play"

Common objection: "They're not 'gamers'—they won't play this."

Consider:

• Most adults enjoyed games as children
• Reluctance often stems from bad memories of Monopoly
• Modern games are dramatically better designed
• Social games (Codenames, Just One) feel less like "board games"

If they genuinely won't play:

• Gift with someone who will play with them
• Choose cooperative games (less intimidating)
• Accept they might never play—but the gesture still communicates care

Price Point Considerations

| Budget | What You Can Get | Perception | |--------|------------------|------------| | Under £20 | Small card games, travel games | Thoughtful, casual | | £20-40 | Standard family games | Substantial, appropriate for most | | £40-70 | Premium games | Generous, committed | | £70-150+ | Collector editions, deluxe versions | Significant, for close relationships |

Underspending for relationship: Looks thoughtless Overspending for relationship: Looks desperate or inappropriate

Match gift value to relationship depth.

When Not to Gift Games

Games aren't universally appropriate:

Skip games if:

• They've explicitly said they don't enjoy games
• Physical limitations prevent comfortable play
• They genuinely have no one to play with
• Previous game gifts went unused

In these cases, consider:

• Puzzles (solo, tactile, beautiful)
• Escape room experiences (social, one-time)
• Other experience-based gifts

Frequently Asked Questions

What if they already own the game?

Keep the receipt. Most retailers accept exchanges. Or: "Keep both—play one, gift one to a friend."

Should I teach them the game when I gift it?

If practical, yes. Lowering barriers to first play increases likelihood they'll use the gift.

Is regifting a board game acceptable?

Only if the original gift was inappropriate for you. Never regift something clearly chosen for you personally.

How do I know what games they already own?

Ask someone close to them. Check their social media for gaming photos. Or choose something new enough they're unlikely to have it.

Can I gift a used game?

Only to very close relationships who'd appreciate the history or rarity. Generally, gift new.

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The "person who has everything" has one thing they can always use more of: meaningful experiences with people they care about.

A board game is an invitation to create those experiences—wrapped in cardboard, yes, but containing something more valuable than any material gift.

Choose thoughtfully. Present carefully. Play together.

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Looking for specific game recommendations? Our Christmas gift guide covers the best options for every recipient type.