11 Clever Gifts Under $30 for Crossword Lovers
Think outside the boxes with these unique ideas for puzzlers.
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The person in your life who religiously completes the morning crossword — whether in a newspaper or in their games' app — is likely content with this daily ritual. So when it comes to the best gifts for crossword lovers, you'll want to think outside the box ... well, boxes. They probably don't need a set of pencils or a Scrabble dictionary. While we do include two popular crossword book gifts on our list, our picks go beyond the obvious.
This good news-themed ceramic vase is the perfect pick-me-up for a loved one or neighbor. Gift it with a fresh bouquet for an added personal touch. "My partner and I do crossword puzzles every day, and it's so sweet to see one holding my flowers every morning," writes a 5-star reviewer on the ban.do site.
Puzzmo takes everything they love about those old newspaper games, like crossword puzzles, and brings it to life online. Lauded for its creative illustrations and clever clues, the site has officially launched its first-ever book puzzle book that they can use on the go, or when they need a break from the computer. You'll actually get two identical books (each have 30 games) for this price, so you can keep one for yourself or gift to two different people. Fans say it's great for beginners because it offers hints when needed through a QR code, but it's challenging enough for the pro puzzlers out there.
The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Crossword Puzzle Coffee Mug
The dishwasher and microwave safe mug comes with a pencil and clues to the first puzzle. The fun doesn't stop there, though — simply wash off the pencil and head to this link from the company for a new puzzle every month. There's also an option to sign up for an email alert when the next puzzle drops, and you can browse past puzzles.
A yearly desk calendar is a classic holiday gift. At under $20, this page-a-day New York Times Crossword calendar is an affordable gift idea for a co-worker or even to bring to an office gift exchange.
It seems like there's an advent calendar out there for every interest, and crossword puzzles are no exception. Created by a small business owned by a husband-and-wife, Amazon reviewers appreciate that the puzzles range in difficulty from easy to challenging. An answer key is included.
Wordsmiths and puzzle lovers alike will get a kick out of this surprisingly challenging word wheel puzzle. The goal is to arrange each of the wheels so that at least two four-letter words line up at the same time. It may sound easy, but according to the product description there are "17,576 possible unique positions of the wheels that will show more than 456,000 four-letter combinations," so your gift recipient won't run out of solutions any time soon. The wooden design also looks nice left out on the coffee table and serves as a conversation starter for when guests come over.
Created with older adult players in mind, this is more than just your ordinary Scrabble set. The tiles and racks are specially designed to make them easier to grasp for individuals with arthritis or other hand mobility issues, according to the maker. The letters are also larger and easier to read than the classic tiles.
As one 5-star reviewer on Amazon writes: "This game isn't about creating some kind of premium Scrabble experience, it's about turning the very idea of Scrabble on its ear. It's about finding a way to connect generations through a classic game that has been inaccessible to many people for a long time."
The New York Times Mega Book of Sunday Crosswords
Of course, a book of NYT Sunday crosswords has to be on the list. But this isn't an ordinary book. It has 500 puzzles for plenty of challenging play while relaxing at home or during holiday travels. Reviewers do note that the print is small, so it may be more difficult to read for older people.
This NYT Crossword pin is a sweet stocking stuffer for any loved one who's a daily devotee. If you're looking to spend a bit more, you can also gift a one-year New York Times Games subscription for $50.
Any crossword lover will get a kick out of Bananagrams, a quick-play word-building game that's easy to learn and travels easily in the compact pouch. Intended for ages 7+, Bananagrams can be enjoyed by 1-8 players.
RELATED: Word Board Games That Are Like Scrabble But Even Better
Upwords is similar to Scrabble, with the added element of stacking letters on top of one another to create even more word combinations. This is a great gift for someone who already owns Scrabble and is looking to switch things up. The lazy Susan-style game board is a welcome feature that makes game play easier for groups.
Jamie (she/her) is the news and SEO editor at Good Housekeeping. She oversees GH's digital news strategy, assigning and editing celebrity and entertainment news content. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she was the digital editor at Woman's Day. She has over 7 years of professional experience writing and editing lifestyle content for the Rachael Ray Show, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Insider, Elite Daily and more. She holds a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College and lives in Brooklyn with her cats Lumos, Linus and Milo.
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