8 Best Gift Cards for Board Game Fans They'll Love

Finding the perfect gift for a board game enthusiast can feel like navigating a complex strategy game itself. With thousands of titles, expansions, and gaming accessories to choose from, gift cards offer the flexibility these passionate players crave. Let's explore the top options that'll have any tabletop fan rolling dice with excitement.

1. Amazon Gift Cards

Amazon's massive selection makes it a go-to destination for board gamers hunting everything from indie darlings to big-box releases. The convenience factor alone wins over many gift-givers.

Pros:

• Huge inventory covering every gaming niche imaginable
• Prime shipping gets games to the table faster
• Easy to find rare or imported titles
• Works for gaming accessories, storage solutions, and more

Cons:

• Can feel impersonal compared to specialty game stores
• Supporting local game shops matters to many in the community
• Prices aren't always the most competitive

Best For: Gamers who value convenience and selection over everything else, or when you're not sure about their local gaming scene.

2. Target Gift Cards

Target has quietly become a solid option for board game fans, especially those who appreciate mainstream hits alongside household essentials. Their gaming section keeps expanding, and the prices often surprise.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing on popular titles
• Frequent sales and promotions
• Can combine gaming purchases with everyday needs
• Good selection of family-friendly options

Cons:

• Limited selection compared to specialty retailers
• Focuses mainly on mainstream titles
• May not carry the latest releases immediately

Best For: Families who game together and shoppers who like bundling purchases during Target runs.

3. Barnes & Noble Gift Cards

The bookstore chain has carved out serious space for board games, creating an unexpectedly rich browsing experience. Many locations now feature dedicated gaming sections that rival specialty stores.

Pros:

• Curated selection feels more thoughtful than big-box stores
• Knowledgeable staff often includes actual gamers
• Pleasant browsing environment for discovering new titles
• Regular member discounts and special events

Cons:

• Higher prices than online retailers
• Selection varies significantly by location
• Limited hours compared to online shopping

Best For: Gamers who enjoy the ritual of browsing and discovering games in person, plus those who appreciate supporting traditional retail.

4. Local Game Store Gift Cards

Nothing beats supporting the heart of the gaming community. Local game stores create the spaces where friendships form over cardboard and dice, making their gift cards especially meaningful.

Pros:

• Supports the local gaming community directly
• Staff expertise helps with recommendations
• Often hosts events, tournaments, and game nights
• Builds relationships within the hobby

Cons:

• Limited to one location's inventory
• May have higher prices than online options
• Store hours might not fit everyone's schedule

Best For: Active community members and anyone who values the social aspect of gaming over pure convenience.

BoardGameBliss Gift Cards, Miniature Market Gift Cards, CoolStuffInc Gift Cards and etc

5. BoardGameBliss Gift Cards

This Canadian retailer has built a loyal following among serious board gamers. Their focus on customer service and competitive pricing makes them a favorite for hobbyists who know what they want.

Pros:

• Excellent customer service reputation
• Competitive pricing on new releases
• Ships internationally for global gifting
• Strong focus on the gaming community

Cons:

• Primarily online presence limits browsing experience
• International shipping can add costs and delays
• Less familiar to casual gamers

Best For: Dedicated hobbyists who prioritize service and pricing, especially those comfortable with online-only shopping.

6. Miniature Market Gift Cards

When gamers talk about finding the best deals, Miniature Market often enters the conversation. Their pricing strategy and frequent sales have earned them a devoted customer base.

Pros:

• Consistently competitive pricing
• Excellent inventory management
• Fast shipping and reliable service
• Good selection of gaming accessories

Cons:

• Website can feel overwhelming for newcomers
• Focus on deals over discovery experience
• Limited physical presence for hands-on browsing

Best For: Budget-conscious gamers and those who prefer shopping based on price comparisons rather than impulse browsing.

7. CoolStuffInc Gift Cards

This Florida-based retailer has grown from local game store to national player while maintaining that community feel. They've struck a nice balance between selection and personality.

Pros:

• Strong community engagement and content
• Good balance of pricing and service
• Wide selection including hard-to-find items
• Active presence in gaming events and conventions

Cons:

• Not as widely known as larger retailers
• Shipping costs can add up for smaller orders
• Website navigation could be more intuitive

Best For: Gamers who want to support a company that feels connected to the hobby community while still getting good deals.

8. Steam Gift Cards

Wait, Steam for board games? Digital adaptations of popular board games have exploded on the platform, offering new ways to enjoy favorite titles and discover others.

Pros:

• Perfect for long-distance gaming with friends
• Often cheaper than physical versions
• No storage space required
• Can try games before buying physical copies

Cons:

• Loses the tactile experience many gamers love
• Requires computer and internet connection
• Social dynamics differ from face-to-face play

Best For: Tech-savvy gamers, long-distance friend groups, or anyone curious about digital versions of their favorite games.

Choosing the Right Gift Card

The best gift card depends on understanding how your recipient approaches the hobby. Do they love browsing local stores and chatting with other players? A local game store card wins every time. Are they always hunting for the best deals on the latest releases? Miniature Market or BoardGameBliss might be perfect.

Consider their gaming style too. Families who play together might appreciate Target's mainstream selection, while serious strategists probably prefer specialty retailers with deeper inventories. And don't overlook digital options – Steam cards can introduce board gamers to new ways of enjoying their hobby.

Whatever you choose, you're giving more than just purchasing power. You're supporting their passion for games that bring people together around tables, creating memories one roll of the dice at a time.

​8 Best Gift Cards for Board Game Fans They'll Love

8 Best Gift Cards for Board Game Fans They'll Love