Buying for a teenager is tricky: they have outgrown the toy aisle, but they still love to play. This guide is built for gamers ages 13 to 17, with trading card games, miniatures, strategy board games and hobby gifts that feel grown-up, social and genuinely fun.
Trading card games they can play with friends
Magic: The Gathering The Fantastic Four Commander Deck – $43.99
A ready-to-play, 100-card Magic: The Gathering Commander deck built around Marvel's First Family. Commander is a multiplayer way to play Magic, made for a group of friends around one table. More on our Magic: The Gathering page.
One Piece TCG Set Sail Deck (SD01) – $24.99
Two constructed One Piece Card Game decks with guide books, so two friends can learn together. Perfect for anime fans.
Gundam Card Game Clan Unity Starter Deck (ST06) – $17.99
A Gundam Card Game starter deck. A great way into a newer game, and we run Gundam Card Game tournaments every Monday night at our store.
Miniatures and hobby projects
StarCraft Tabletop Miniatures Game Terran Starter Set – $94.99
The Terran Starter Set for the StarCraft Tabletop Miniatures Game. A great gift for teens who grew up on the video game. See the Terran page for add-ons.
Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team Starter Set – $100.30
For the teen who is ready to dive into Warhammer. More on our Warhammer 40K page.
The Army Painter Speedpaint Marker Starter Set – $39.99
Ten Speedpaint Markers with replacement tips and a painting guide. A clean, low-mess way to paint those new miniatures.
Strategy games with real depth
Teens who love video games often love modern board games too. These picks reward planning and make for great head-to-head or small-group play, no screens required.
Wyrmspan – $55.00
A dragon-themed engine builder from Stonemaier, the publisher of Wingspan, rated ages 14 and up. Great for teens who like to plan ahead.
Video Game Champion – $39.99
A competitive strategy board game for 2 to 5 players with a 16-bit video game theme. A natural pick for a gamer who lives on a console.
Catan: Starfarers Duel – $31.99
A two-player sci-fi take on Catan, rated ages 14 and up. Ideal for siblings or best friends.
Gwent: The Legendary Card Game – $32.99
The Witcher card game as a two-player tabletop game from No Loading Games. A fun pick for fans of the series. Find more on our board games page.
Party games for the friend group
Wavelength – $34.99
A team guessing game for up to 12 players with an easy setup. Great for sleepovers and holiday parties.
Telestrations – $25.99
The drawing-telephone party game for 4 to 8 players, ages 12 and up. Always good for a laugh.
Starting a tabletop RPG group
Cosmere RPG Stormlight Starter Set – $22.49
The Cosmere Roleplaying Game Starter Set: a 60-page rulebook, a 48-page adventure with battlemaps and tokens, pre-generated characters and dice. A great first RPG for teens who read Brandon Sanderson.
Gate Keeper Games Magnet Dice: Handmade Sharp Edge (7-Piece Set) – $44.99
A handmade, sharp-edge 7-piece RPG dice set from Gate Keeper Games. A dice gift that feels special. See more on our dice page.
How to choose for a teen gamer
- Social butterfly? A party game or a two-player starter they can share with a friend.
- Creative type? Miniatures plus the Speedpaint Marker set gives them a project.
- Strategy brain? Wyrmspan or a Commander deck will keep them thinking.
Frequently asked questions
Which of these are easiest to learn?
The One Piece Set Sail Deck and the Cosmere RPG Starter Set are both designed for brand-new players. Telestrations and Wavelength can be taught in a couple of minutes.
Are there places for teens to play?
Yes. We run weekly in-store events at our store at 35 S Van Brunt St, Englewood, NJ, including card game nights. See the events page.
What if I do not know which game they play?
A party game or a set of dice is a safe win. You can also email help@sagaconcepts.com and we will help you choose.
Browse more by game: trading cards, StarCraft, board games and RPGs. Or shop small add-ons in our Gifts Under $25 hub. U.S. orders over $99 ship free from New Jersey.
