So, you’ve got a friend, family member, or significant other who’s expressed interest in Dungeons & Dragons? That’s fantastic! D&D is an amazing hobby that fosters creativity, storytelling, and social interaction. But where do you even begin when it comes to buying them a gift? Fear not, this guide will walk you through the perfect presents to welcome them to the world of tabletop roleplaying.
1. The Essential Starter Set
The best starting point is, unsurprisingly, the official D&D Starter Set. These boxed sets are specifically designed for new players and DMs (Dungeon Masters). Here’s what they typically include:
- Rulebook: A simplified version of the core rules, enough to get started without being overwhelming.
- Adventure Booklet: A pre-written adventure for characters levels 1-3, providing a ready-made story to play through.
- Pre-generated Character Sheets: These let new players jump right into the action without needing to create a character from scratch.
- Dice: A set of polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20) is essential for playing D&D.
Two popular options are:
- Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle: A classic starter experience with dragons.
- Essentials Kit: Includes character creation rules, magic item cards, and a DM screen.
2. Leveling Up: Core Rulebooks
Once your newbie has cut their teeth on the starter set, they might be ready for the full D&D experience. This means getting the core rulebooks:
- Player’s Handbook (PHB): The essential guide for players, containing rules for character creation, spells, equipment, and more.
- Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG): A resource for DMs, providing guidance on world-building, running games, and creating adventures.
- Monster Manual: A bestiary filled with creatures to populate your D&D world.
3. Essential Accessories: Dice and More Dice!
No D&D player can ever have too many dice! Consider these options:
- Polyhedral Dice Sets: Look for visually appealing sets that resonate with their character or play style.
- Dice Bag/Tray: A stylish way to store and roll dice. A dice tray helps prevent dice from rolling off the table.
- “Pound o’ Dice”: A large quantity of dice, perfect for new players or those who like to lend them out.
Beyond dice, other helpful accessories include:
- Character Sheets: Having extra character sheets on hand is always useful.
- Miniatures: Representing characters and monsters with miniatures adds a visual element to the game.
- Battle Maps: Gridded mats for tactical combat.
- DM Screen: A screen for the DM to hide notes and dice rolls.
- Notebook/Journal: For taking notes, tracking character progress, and recording campaign events.
4. Advanced Tools for Immersive Gameplay
For players looking to enhance their D&D experience, consider these more advanced tools:
- Spellbook Cards: Handy reference cards for spellcasters.
- Condition Cards: Help players remember the effects of various conditions.
- Terrain Pieces: Add depth and realism to battle maps.
- Ambient Music/Sound Effects: Enhance the atmosphere with thematic soundscapes.
5. Where to Learn More: Online Resources
The internet is a treasure trove of D&D knowledge! Here are some excellent websites for learning the game:
- D&D Beyond: The official digital toolset for D&D, offering character creation, digital rulebooks, and adventure modules.
- Roll20: A virtual tabletop platform for playing D&D online.
- DnD5e Wikidot: A free, comprehensive database of D&D 5e rules and information.
- Donjon: A website with generators for encounters, treasure, dungeons, and more.
- Fantasy Name Generator: A tool for creating character and place names.
With these gift ideas, you’re sure to set your new D&D player on the path to epic adventures! Whether you choose a starter set, essential accessories, or online resources, the most important thing is to support their interest and encourage their creativity. Happy gaming!