As the holiday season approaches, let’s take a moment to express gratitude to the unsung heroes of our gaming adventures — our Dungeon Masters! These dedicated storytellers shape every roll and narrative. In this season of thanks, we’ve picked five perfect Dungeon Master gifts to help you show appreciation for the worlds they’ve crafted and the antics they’ve endured from us, game after game. Let’s take a look.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
A Fancy Dungeon Master’s Screen
Most Dungeon Masters prefer to play with a screen to shield rolls, miniatures, and notes from their players’ gaze. And while some of us have moved to running sessions without one, a classy Dungeon Master screen is a great addition to any DM’s collection.
The price range here is incredible. Some of the screens can be low in cost, $30-$50, like this one from Amazon, or up into the hundreds if it’s custom-made out of high quality materials on, say, Etsy.
Whatever your DM uses for their creative fortress, their concealed plot twists and surprises are undeniably more fun behind a fancy screen. The one I’ve linked from Amazon below features pockets for custom printouts, which are great for DMs who run campaigns with lots of homebrew lore or who have many NPCs to keep track of. Check it out using the button below.
A Functional (and Lovely) Rolling Tray
A rolling tray is one of a Dungeon Master’s nearest companions, keeping the chaos of dice rolls contained and enhancing the experience for everyone.
It makes a fantastic gift for a Dungeon Master, offering a designated space for dice rolls that adds both organization and flair to the gaming table.
The dice tray shown above, also from Amazon, ticks all the boxes for me:
- Dice storage around the perimeter (five or more polyhedral sets)
- Rolling space in center and in lid, and this can also be used for additional storage
- Padded rolling space
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Less than $40
I’ve used a dice tray in this style for years, I’ve gifted it to loved ones and players, and some of my players have gone out seeking a similar type, as well. It’s beautiful, keeps dice safe and organized, and provides a rolling space that won’t damage my more expensive dice sets. Check it out using the button below!
A New Initiative Tracker Set for Your Dungeon Master
Managing initiative can be a tedious task, often lacking the flair and drama it deserves.
An initiative tracker is a valuable tool for Dungeon Masters, streamlining the process of managing turn order during encounters. It enhances game flow, ensures fairness, and allows the DM to focus on storytelling and engagement rather than wrestling with tedium and logistics.
The initiative tracker pictured above, via Amazon, comes with a set of cards featuring beautiful and interesting artwork, and blank boxes on the back of each card. Your DM can write in and customize these to their needs, including stats and even a name for each creature.
These erasable acrylic trackers clip to the top of most Dungeon Master screens, including the standard cardboard versions sold by Wizards of the Coast.
Coming in at just under $30 as of this writing, it’s a solid Dungeon Master gift that is sure to please.
Tactical Battle Mat Starter Kit
If your Dungeon Master doesn’t have one yet, a tactical battle mat is an excellent gift. It provides a versatile and visual platform for immersive storytelling during combat, and helps everyone accurately visualize what’s going on.
There are many, many options for these. Below we show a set that retails for about $50, but was on sale for less than $40 at the time of this writing.
The mats pictured above come with three double-sided and gridded mats, markers, clips, and an eraser. Everything you need to get started with tactical battle maps.
These mats measure at 36″ x 24″ and will fit on most tabletops. This size gives your DM plenty of room to build the encounter. The mats also roll up nicely and fit in the included tube, which also make them great for the traveling Dungeon Master.
This set is a versatile starter kit for outdoor and dungeon encounters. Miniatures or tokens can be used in tandem with the markers for a fully tactical battle experience. If this sounds good to you, check out the mats using the button below.
Dungeon Master Gifts: Dice, of Course
Of course I have to include dice! We all know that in D&D and other tabletop RPGs, dice aren’t just tools; they’re the often beautiful artistic core of the experience, adding both glamour and unpredictability to every adventure.
Seasonal dice, dice themed to worlds or characters, dice made from unusual materials… we are in a golden age of unique dice suited to every taste and budget.
I love shopping for dice at Dark Elf Dice. Not only are they a small business, which I like to support, but they have tons of options and regularly run awesome deals with special gifts included in your purchase. They especially love to do this around holidays!
The best part? By clicking the links here or using the code MALICEINNANDTAVERN when you check out, you will get 10% off your order!
Closing Thoughts
Show your Dungeon Master some love! Express your gratitude for their hard work and dedication with one of these Dungeon Master gifts to add a reminder of appreciation to your gaming adventures.
From unique accessories to themed merchandise, you can show your Dungeon Master that their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed–without draining your pouch of gold.
Do you have an awesome gift idea? I’d love to read about it in the comments below.
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