We’re not just writing this for geeks…we are geeks. The kind who can quote entire film scenes, debate which Star Wars duel was the best, and know exactly which Hogwarts house we’d be in. We’ve seen all the Marvel films (most more than once - we’ll never get bored of that epic battle at the end of Endgame). So when we find a gift that actually feels special, we get excited. And trust us, a deck of premium playing cards is it.
Playing cards might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of geeky gifts, but hear us out. They’re collectible, they’re beautifully designed, and they come themed around all the worlds we already lose hours talking about. Plus, they don’t need dusting or shelf space - a big win if your giftee’s room already looks like a museum of pop culture.
If their obsession lies in a galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars collection by theory11 is an easy win. You can pick your side, Light or Dark, or go full villain mode with the Year of the Dark Side deck, where every card features iconic baddies like Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Darth Sidious. Then there’s the Mandalorian (V2) deck, perfect for anyone who’s still not over Baby Yoda (sorry, Grogu). It’s packed with gorgeous, custom artwork featuring Mando, Boba Fett, Ahsoka Tano, Bo-Katan, and even Moff Gideon wielding the Darksaber. They’re the kind of decks that make you want to play, but also kind of frame them.
For fantasy fans, the Lord of the Rings playing cards collection is pure magic. The theory11 version captures that timeless, classic feel - elegant, gold-detailed, and reminiscent of traditional playing cards with a Middle-earth twist. Meanwhile, Kings Wild Project takes things to another level with The Two Towers and The Return of the King decks. They look like something you’d find in an old library in Gondor - intricate, hand-illustrated, and full of that rich, medieval energy that makes you want to light a candle and rewatch the extended editions.
If your giftee’s more into stealth than spells, the Assassin’s Creed Legacy Playing Cards by Room One are a seriously cool pick. The tuck box features the series’ signature hidden blade, and every card showcases characters from the games: Assassins, Templars, and all the lore you’d expect from the Animus. It’s one of those decks that feels alive with detail, perfect for anyone who’s spent way too long parkouring across rooftops in Florence.
And if you still can’t decide, we’ve got whole collections for sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero fans. Think Avengers, Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman - basically, a geek’s dream lineup in card form.
If you’d rather go for something different, a good board game always makes a solid geeky gift. We’ve played (and loved) everything from the heavier hitters like Mansions of Madness and Scythe, to mid-level favourites like Ticket to Ride and Wyrmspan. If you want something smaller but still brilliant, Odin’s Raven and Jaipur are both great picks - quick to learn, surprisingly tactical, and easy to squeeze in after dinner. You can find a few more of our go-tos in our Our Love of Games article if you need inspiration.
If board games aren’t their thing, there are plenty of other options that still hit that sweet spot between fun and thoughtful. A pop culture art print, a favourite Funko Pop, an enamel pin from their favourite fandom, or even a themed notebook make brilliant gifts that feel personal without being over the top. We collect pins ourselves - we love the kind that only other fans will notice and smile at. We’ve also got a soft spot for the MinaLima Harry Potter books; they’re stunning, full of little details, and the sort of thing you keep on display rather than tucked away on a shelf. And we love the idea of a candle inspired by a fictional world (yes, someone has made “The Shire” smell real) or a mini desk light shaped like the Death Star. Little things that make their space feel a bit more them - which, honestly, is what great gifts are all about.
Gifts for geeks don’t need to be complicated. Give them something that fits right into the worlds they already love, but feels a little more personal - something that’s theirs. A beautiful deck of cards does exactly that: it’s tactile, it’s clever, and it feels special. Just be warned, if they open it on Christmas Day, there’s a good chance you’ll end up roped into “just one quick game.”
And if the geek in your life is more into gaming or music, we’ve got you covered there too with our Gifts for a Gamer and Gifts for a Music Lover guides.
