14 Perfect Presents For Anyone Who Takes Word Games Very, Very Seriously

Maybe they don’t have a NYT Games subscription. Maybe they do, but they’ve already exhausted the archives. Or maybe they’re trying to cut down on screen time but still want their fix. Whatever the reason, this book of easy-to-hard puzzles is perfect for any giftee who needs a little extra Wordle in their life.

This sterling silver tile necklace is customized with the Scrabble letter of your choice (you can customize further by choosing the letter value), and either a brushed or polished finish. Order a single letter, or get multiple charms for initials or words. At just 1/2 inch square (smaller than a standard Scrabble tile), these tiles are dainty and the overall effect is subtle, and make this necklace a lovely gift even if you’re not shopping for a word game fanatic.

If you have a puzzle lover on your list but prefer to go a bit off script, this sampler platter of a book is a great option: Crosswords, Sudoku, Cryptograms, Logic Puzzles and more, offered in four different challenge levels. Every puzzle type also comes with an explanation of its specific brain health benefits.

Even if they already play multiple NYT word games on the regular, there’s a decent chance your giftee is intimidated by the paper’s standard-bearing crossword. Help ease them into it with this guide, which includes 60 Times puzzles; tips, clues, and step-by-step solving instructions for puzzles of every difficulty level; a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a crossword; and an introduction from the master puzzle editor himself, Will Shortz.

In the Wordle board game, a collab between Hasbro and the Times, a designated “Wordle host” picks the 5-letter word, and the other players each try to guess it in the fewest attempts. It can be played at a leisurely place, as a race in “fast mode,” as a beat-the-clock game in “timed mode,” or as a group in “team mode.” Sounds like a lot of fun, even for the uninitiated.

Brass Monkey’s Scrumble is a 2-person mini magnetic board game that’s part Scrabble, part build-your-own crossword puzzle: Players take turns placing their tiles on the board to form words either horizontally- or vertically-aligned words, all of which must connect in crossword-style intersections. It sticks to your fridge (or any magnetic surface) and is designed to be played over time.

In this electronic version of the classic board game, players are challenged to make their team guess a specific word or phrase before the timer runs out. The all-in-one handheld gaming unit provides the word prompts, keeps track of team scores, and has a built-in buzzer. And because it doesn’t have lots of separate pieces, it’s also a great backseat option for road trips.

If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate word games into game night, there are plenty of giftable options: A Retro Scrabble set, a Boggle Book, an elevated Bananagrams set (there’s also a Winter Wonderland-themed version), and a displayable wooden Wordwheel that’s a spelling game, word search, and brainteaser all in one.

If Spelling Bee is more up their alley, try this mug, which fills in the honeycomb grid with a 7-letter word or name of your choosing. This one also comes in 11 and 15oz options. And if you have an idea for even more customization, you can also connect the seller to see if they can accommodate it.

If you think your giftee would prefer to express their Wordle obsession in public, and/or they’ve reached their limit of novelty mugs, then this themed canvas tote is just the ticket. (Because you can never have too many canvas totes.)

This 60-by-50 woven cotton throw can be customized with multiple words of your choosing — pick one to have circled in red, and up to 14 more that your giftee to search for.

If you know someone who likes to use a tablet for games (or for anything else, really), this cushioned stand will let them do it hands-free. It also works great for actual paper books.

If you want to buy name-brand only, the Times store has a slew of Games-themed gifts to choose from. Our faves: A “Hard Mode” Wordle hoodie, sunny yellow Queen Bee tote, Connections sticker set, Strands baseball cap, and Crossword beanie. And if all else fails you can always opt for some themed wrapping paper.

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