It's that time again! Yes, it's December, which means that it's time for my annual Gaming Geek Gift Guide. I have to admit, I actually thought about retiring the guide this year. There's only so many different ways I can rephrase advice about giving the same darn gifts every year. And yet... it's one of the few holiday traditions I have, so I was reluctant to give it up. Luckily, inspiration struck me in the nick of time, and I'm happy to say that while I may run out of ideas someday, this isn't the day. And thus I present to you . . .

Gaming Geek Gift Guide 2010 The Luxury Edition By AJ Reardon

Let's face it. Most gaming geeks are broke. Oh sure, there's a few famous RPG players, and there's guilds of CEOs who play WoW and other MMOs, but for the most part, the sort of dedication that it takes to be rich and successful leaves very little time for weekly D&D sessions. That's not to say that I don't know a lot of hard-working gamers, I just don't personally know any filthy-rich gamers. So this guide is for the rich, benevolent uncle/grandparent/faerie godmother of a gaming geek. This is where I suggest what you, in your infinite kindness, can squander a small amount of your vast wealth on to make a gamer's Christmas (or other winter holiday of choice) deliriously happy. First, you can stuff their stocking with dice made of precious materials. Yes, you can in fact buy dice made out of semi-precious stones, silver and gold. I seem to recall a set of dice made out of genuine diamonds, but a Google search isn't turning them up, so it is possible I imagined them, or maybe they were a limited edition. I did find crystal-studded d6s, though, so that's another luxury dice option. Of course, the gamer won't actually use these dice often, as they'd feel horrible if one disappeared into the GM's couch or got thrown under the fridge by a playful kitty, but such valuable dice will raise their standing amongst their fellow geek. Next, you can treat them to collectors editions of all of their favorite player's handbooks. Sure, they already have the standard edition, but that will become the copy they freely lend out to their friends, while the collectors edition will become their own personal copy, carefully handled and kept far away from Big Gulps and Cheeto fingers. They'll lovingly think of you every time they crack open that pristine book to level up their character. If your gaming geek is the GM or game host, a true treat would be a fancy custom gaming table. No more using those cheap folding tables from Costco! Custom gaming tables are built sturdily from wood, designed to stand up to being leaned on by gamers. They often have a gaming mat (you know, the sort with a grid for use with miniatures) under a glass or plexiglass plate, for ease of marking out battles. They can have drawers for holding dice and miniatures, cup holders, and other neat features. They also tend to cost more than all of the other furniture in a geek's house put together, which is why most of us don't have one. But believe me, we dream about it. But if you're really wealthy, and really generous, why not hire contractors to provide your geek with the ultimate game room re-model? Sturdy, built-in book shelves for their sourcebook collection. A real fireplace, to capture that tavern feel. A full-size fridge, to keep everyone's drinks and snacks cold. Comfy seats. And of course, the above mentioned custom table. If your geek lives in an apartment, making the game room remodel impossible, but you still want to treat them to a big, memorable gift, how about an all-expenses paid trip to a major convention, LARP event, SCA war or Renaissance faire? I'm pretty sure most of us gamers have a long list of large events we'd like to attend, but by the time we pay for travel, lodging, food, and attendance fees, we've more than blown our budget and that's before we even start shopping. If you cover all the travel expenses, all your geek has to worry about is food and souvenirs. What's that you say? You'd rather give a physical gift, but those dice and sourcebooks just aren't expensive enough? Don't worry, I've still got more ideas for you. If your geek is into costuming, chances are he or she has a list as long as my arm of things they'd love to have for their costume which they can't make for themselves or afford to buy. For instance, have you seen the cost of custom made boots? Yikes. And a full suit of armor? Way out of the average geek's budget. These are the sort of gifts that wow, and which last for years. And don't forget the weapons. A lot of gamers collect swords and other weapons. Most of them are cheap replicas that can't hold an edge and would break if you hit anything stronger than a cardboard box with them. Few geeks can afford something as luxurious as a sword crafted from Damascus steel. Long after the Pakistani Highlander sword has rusted away to nothing, a gift like that will still be hanging proudly above their mantle (assuming they have a mantle). Ok, as nice as it was to daydream... let's also talk about a few luxurious gifts that are within the normal price range. For the gaming host, why not purchase some throws made out of chenille or other warm, cozy materials to be kept in the game room? Or create an elegant gift basket full of gourmet snacks to be enjoyed on a gaming night. How about a sixpack of their favorite local microbrew, or a bottle of their favorite liquor, to share with the group? What about treating them to a massage or spa day (if they're into that sort of thing) after they return from a big convention or faire? Let me tell you, spending a long weekend on your feet, in a costume, carrying bags of swag, will leave you sore and miserable. A massage, pedicure or soak in a sauna would be pure bliss and allow them to focus on all the fun they had instead of all the pain they're in. Or for that matter, just take your beloved gaming geek out for a nice dinner, and let them chat on about their games and other interests. We could all use a nice meal and someone who shows interest in what we do, even if deep inside you're thinking "What is a mindflayer and why should I care that you got a critical hit on it?" The truth is, most of us, gamers and non-gamers alike, can't afford the traditional luxuries that we'd love to shower our friends with. But knowing that you're loved, no matter how silly and eccentric you are, is a luxury that money can't buy, and it's something everyone can appreciate, during the holidays all year round. Have a safe and happy holiday season, dear readers. Enjoy your gaming, even if half your group is out of town and you're just playing Apples to Apples instead. We'll meet again in 2011!

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Copyright © 2010 By AJ Reardon E-mail AJ at: ErtheFae@aol.com Visit AJ at: www.erthefae.net