Room Escape Artist

Welcome to our 9th annual Holiday Gift Guide.

We’re here to help you figure out what to get your family, friends, or yourself.

Each year the REA team spends 12 months slowly researching and building this list (as soon as we finish, we start working on the next one). With a little help from our Patreon supporters we compile a guide to help you find wonderful gifting ideas.

And the good news: this year the Room Escape Artist team has collectively destroyed Santa’s “Naughty List” at least 6 times, so we are certain that everyone is getting what they want this season. (If this joke didn’t land, you should play more escape rooms.)

Each year’s gift selection offers an assortment of games, puzzles, tools, and oddities. We don’t repeat gifts year to year, so you can always reference our past guides for more inspiration. We’ve put a lot of thought and love into each guide; they still hold up.

• 2023
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016

2024 Gift Guide

As always, we break this guide up into categories for your comfort and convenience.

Tabletop Escape Games

Our first category is always tabletop escape rooms and puzzle games. We play a lot of these over the course of the year. These are hands down our favorites.

The Morrison Game Factory (PostCurious)

$39 (Allplay)

Lisa Spira: “The magic trick of The Morrison Game Factory is that you aren’t thinking about the puzzles. You want to solve them not for the sake of the puzzles themselves, but for the sake of the character and the story. We played this game a year ago, and what we remember most vividly are the story and the emotion.” (Review)

Murder on the Ornament Express (CU Adventures)

$18 (CU Adventures)

David Spira: “This is a funny, punny, adorable game packed with well-crafted puzzles that allowed us to explore the world’s most family-friendly murder mystery. CU Adventures has an incredible capacity to cram more interesting gameplay into tiny packages than just about anyone, and that skillset was fully on display in Murder on the Ornament Express.” (Review)

Neil Patrick Harris Presents: Box Two

$35 (Target)

Lisa Spira: “Box Two was brimming with magic and personality… It felt so very Neil Patrick Harris. Creatively, this sophomore outing was different from the brilliant Box One (which it had to be) and it truly stands on its own. The design was beautiful, and the premium look and feel of the components made the $35 price really seem like a steal. This would make a fantastic gift for any level of puzzler.” (Review)

The Medusa Report (Diorama)

$68 (Sherlocked)

Matthew Stein: “Over the past few years, Diorama has raised the bar for tabletop puzzle experiences with first The Vandermist Dossier, followed by its sequel The Medusa Report. In The Medusa Report, every tiny detail was meticulously designed, and the puzzles were unforgettable. This should be on the top of the pile for puzzle- and story-lovers alike. And if you haven’t played The Vandermist Dossier yet, make sure to pick up a copy while you’re at it. You’ll want both boxes together for the full bonus puzzle experience!” (Review)

EXIT: The Game – Advent Calendar – The Missing Hollywood Star

$37 (Amazon)

Theresa Wagner: “Exit: The Game’s puzzle design truly flourishes in an Advent calendar format, and the 2024 release is no exception. Jam-packed with pop culture movie references, this countdown to Christmas is worth it.” (Review)

Escape from the Asylum

$47 (Sleeve Kings)

Cindi Saiewitz: “A choose-your-own-adventure style of gameplay that brings a level of immersion not usually seen in tabletop games.” (Review)

Jigsaw Puzzles

Wasgij Christmas Advent Calendar, Look Out Below! – 24 Days of Puzzles

$35 (Amazon)

Tammy McLeod: “Wasgij is a puzzle brand with a twist. The image on the box shows one side of the picture, while the image on the puzzle shows the other! It’s always a cute surprise to figure out exactly what is going on in the depicted scene. This year, they have a new Advent calendar with 24 little (54-piece) puzzles to put together. A little dose of fun for each day!”

The Big Twang – Laser-cut wooden jigsaw puzzle

$105 (Liberty Puzzle)

David: “If you’re looking for a premium jigsaw puzzling experience, Liberty Puzzle does a consistently beautiful job. This is my favorite puzzle in their current lineup. And on a semi-related note, if you’re looking for some incredible and different banjo music, I got you.”

Escape Room Tickets

Ok, I fibbed earlier. We have one repeat on this list from year to year, and that’s a reminder that there are some wonderful escape rooms out there, and escape room tickets make for great gifts.

We have regional recommendations guides for many cities all over the world. Find the one nearest you, and get into some fantastic games.

Puzzle Books

Off the Wall Word Searches

$12 (Amazon)

Theresa Piazza: “If you’ve always wanted more from word searches, this book delivers! Delightfully layered puzzles within the word search format will keep you entertained for hours. I especially recommend this for plane rides as it can be solved without the internet!” (Review)

A Compendium of Meta-Puzzles

$11 (Amazon)

Matthew Stein: “Looking to get into puzzle hunts? This book is a creative paper-and-pencil intro to the style of ‘puzzles that come with no instructions,’ and unlike many other puzzle hunts, no outside knowledge or unwieldy spreadsheets are required. Each of 22 mini puzzle suites (or ‘extravaganzas’) makes for a nice coffee break-length diversion.”

Mechanical Puzzles

Cast Love

$18 CA (Puzzle Master)

Brett Kuehner: “Created by designer Scott Elliott, it was originally punnily named ‘Halve a Heart.’ This version is smooth, dense, and feels great to fiddle with. That’s important, since you’re going to be doing a lot of fiddling as you figure out how to assemble it.”

A-maze-ing Safe

$27 (Amazon)

Lisa Spira: “iDventure Cluebox Puzzles are intricate, and fun to manipulate. A-maze-ing Safe was unique because it was coin operated, and because I could see into it, so I had a clearer understanding of how to progress. Yet, it still required a major aha to unlock the safe… and retrieve all my money.” (Review)

Jigs4w

$40 CA (Nothing Yet Designs)

Brett Kuehner: “The first of several jigsaw-themed puzzles by Haym Hirsh. It has only 4 pieces, and is a moderate difficulty level, but the solution hides in some mental blind spot. The solve process is a series of ‘Oh, I think I got it!’ moments, quickly followed by ‘Nope, I don’t got it.’”

Ant Hunt Puzzle Lock

$149 (Puzzlocks)

Brett Kuehner: “Puzzle locks are in Boaz Feldman’s genes. His father, Dan Feldman, designed DanLock, which is one of the best puzzles ever created (and which appeared in the 2020 Gift Guide and is still available.) Boaz designed Ant Hunt, which is both literally and figuratively the next generation of this kind of puzzle lock: more steps to solve, more difficult to suss out, but still contained inside the shell of a standard padlock. It is a workout even for experienced puzzlers.”

Escape Room Tour

This spring, we’re running two sessions of our escape room Tour to Chicago and Champaign-Urbana. We have run more than a dozen group tours since 2017 and this brand-new destination makes one of our favorite escape room companies in the United States – CU Adventures in Time & Space – accessible in a way that it never has been before.

Learn more and come join in on the fun – availability is limited.

This spring we are also running two sessions of our escape room Tour to Montreal. This is the top escape room destination in North America and there aren’t very many tickets left!

Home

Popco Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper 

$15 (Amazon)

Peih-Gee Law: “I’m obsessed with this popcorn popper. No oil required, but of course I love to top it with cheese powder. The real secret to movie theater popcorn is using Flavicol, which is a very fine salt with a buttery flavor.”

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA

$126 (Amazon)

David Spira: “Last year after accepting the fact that the world is literally burning and I don’t want to wreck my lungs with the fumes, I bought a few HEPA filters for our home. I did a silly amount of research, and found that for small rooms, these would do well. A year and some forest fires later, I’m very happy with the purchase. Don’t forget to order extra filters ($21).”

Toto Washlet

$370 (Amazon)

David Spira: “Way back in 2020 when everyone was panic-purchasing toilet paper, I bought myself a Toto Washlet; a bidet. Now let me tell you: there is no item or appliance in my home that comes close to the practicality, comfort, and cost savings that this thing brings me. When I travel I miss it more than I miss my own bed. “Oh bUtt i UsE fLuShAbLe WiPeS,” you say? Stop lying to yourself. There’s no such thing as a flushable wipe. They are as bad for your butt as they are your plumbing, the environment, and your municipal sewers. Join civilization and get a bidet.“

Office

Uni-Ball 207 Signo Fraud Proof Pens

$15 (Amazon)

David Spira: “This past year, I’ve been doing work with a client helping to create educational tools on fraud prevention. One thing that I learned in the process is that check washing is back in a big way. If you mail checks, get yourself some pens that really dye the paper – like these. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Portable Lap Desk and Storage Bag

$28 (Amazon)

David Spira: “I love working on my computer with a lapdesk. The one that I have been using for 15 years isn’t for sale anymore, but I wanted to get a second, so I started researching. The options were pretty grim, but I did find one that I like. It’s not quite a replacement for my favorite, but it’s quite good. It has handles, a stable surface, wrist support, a bit of storage, and the size is just right. My one knock against it is that the elastic strap on the front is useless… which is fine.”

Padlock Plushy

$33 (Amazon)

David Spira: “Does this belong in the office category? Who knows, but they are hanging out in my office and they bring me joy.”

Lamy Fountain Pen

$37 (Amazon)

Lisa Spira: “For those out there who still handwrite with any regularity, the fountain pen is a smart choice. The ink flows smoothly and you don’t have to apply pressure. This has saved my hand when writing thank you cards for Patrons. These pens are also great because they have cartridges and don’t make a mess. My favorite nib is extra fine. Don’t forget to get ink refills ($5).”

REA Content

Nearly all of the content that Room Escape Artist produces is available for free on this website… but if you want to listen to the Reality Escape Pod Bonus Show or the Spoilers Club, you have to support us on Patreon.

All of our work is fan funded, and supporting our work with a few dollars per month helps us in ways that are incalculable. It means so much to the entire team here. If you have the means, please consider supporting us.

Tabletop Games

So Clover!

$19 (Amazon)

Peih-Gee Law: “You’ve gotta write a clue linking two words. The catch? There’s a whole lotta words to sift through. Using spatial and logical reasoning, players figure out the exact placement of your words based on your clues. This game is challenging but always a crowd pleaser.”

Scout

$20 (Amazon)

David Spira: “Compact, quick to learn, and easy to play while having a ton of depth… this is what I want most of tabletop games these days, and Scout nails all of these.”

Unboxed

$26 (Amazon)

Evan Broder: “Unboxed pretends to be about archaeology – discovering the remains of an ancient civilization’s games and challenging you to puzzle out the rules for those games. But it actually shines as a game design sandbox. Even once we found the “answers” to the puzzles, we debated whether that was the best game possible or how to improve it. It’s a great low-stakes way to practice making better games.”

Sky Team

$30 (Amazon)

Christina Rohlf: “Sky Team is an excellent 2-player cooperative dice placement game where players are tasked with safely landing a plane. Communication is key in the round planning phase, but once the dice are rolled players must silently intuit what the other player is doing. Additionally, the virtual implementation of Sky Team on Board Game Arena allows you to play with a friend worldwide!”

Sagrada

$37 (Amazon)

David Spira: “Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most spectacular structures that I have ever seen. Sagrada is inspired by the remarkable stained glass windows that illuminate the cathedral… and this dice roll and placement game is dynamic, and beautiful. It’s another game that’s easy to learn, difficult to master, and always enjoyable to play.”

The Quacks of Quedlinburg

$40 (Amazon)

Lisa Spira: “We were quack doctors competing to make potions. The Quacks of Quedlinburg had an incredible on-ramp in its design, and as we got better, it opened up more opportunities for play.”

Turing Machine

$40 (Amazon)

Kurtis Rohlf: “Turing Machine is a quick deduction game, with scaling difficulty, and a satisfying solution confirmation system. You can play this game solo or with a group. The online version at boardgamearena.com, which requires a premium subscription ($36/yr), provides new daily challenges to expand on the gobs of content available.”

Tools

Klein Tools 2-in-1 Insulated Screwdriver

$20 (Amazon)

David Spira: “I’m a real big fan of not getting electrocuted. This Phillips and flathead screwdriver works great, and is nicely designed. The swapping mechanism feels like a fidget toy and that kind of thing wins me over every time.”

KNIPEX – High Leverage Bolt End Cutting Nippers

$80 (Amazon)

David Spira: “Ok, hear me out. There are lots of tools that can cut nails, screws, and the like… but these things make such quick work of them, AND they cut ludicrously flush, reducing sanding work. If you need this kind of thing, these KNIPEX cutters are 👑.”

Books

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

$13 (Amazon)

Lisa Spira: “This is a beautiful sci-fi story about unlikely collaboration and teamwork. Plus, the fictional science comes together so brilliantly. I found myself thinking about the characters and their world long after I finished reading it.”

The Women: A Novel by Kristin Hannah

$18 (Amazon)

Lisa Spira: “This novel might be a cliché choice this holiday season because everyone seems to be recommending it. In fact, I had this book out on the table this summer before I started reading it, and every person who came over commented on how great it was. It tells a story that needs to be told, and the characters are captivating. It lives up to the hype.”

Ink Blood Sister Scribe: A Novel by Emma Törzs

$14 (Amazon)

Lisa Spira: “Books and magic are two of my favorite things, and I love how they come together in this novel. The story follows multiple characters until their lives intersect, and they come to understand their powers and write their own destinies. This is the novel version of one of my favorite escape room themes.”

Everyday Carry Items

Loop Experience Plus – High Fidelity Earplugs

$45 (Amazon)

David Spira: “If you ever see me at an event, the odds are good that I have these little earplugs in my ears. They lower the volume without reducing audio fidelity, and they dramatically improve my life. Whenever I leave the house, they are in my pocket. They are also especially helpful in noisy restaurants and loud horror escape rooms.” (Review)

GEOMETRICAL Pocket Tripod Pro

$40 (Amazon)

David Spira: “This credit card-sized tripod really performs well. It fits any phone, holds it with remarkable stability, and folds away almost like it doesn’t exist. It’s surprisingly useful to have around. It’s especially great on planes.”

Leatherman Skeletool – Lightweight, Minimalist, Multi-Tool (Plus Mallet Modification)

$75 (Amazon) $17 Mallet Mod (Etsy)

David Spira: “I love being able to fix things on the fly with tools that are in my pocket or backpack. I also hate carrying lots of things. The Skeletool has become an EDC tool for me because it’s light and small, and I use literally every part of it (unlike with most multi-tools). I also added this ‘hammer’ modification which is better described as a mallet… or just basher. I love this thing.”

Bellroy Wallet – Hide & Seek Premium Edition

$129 (Bellroy)

David Spira: “Last year Lisa gave me this wallet after my old one started falling apart from 20 years of use. I love this wallet. Plus it has a hidden compartment and that is exceedingly on-brand for me.”

Travel Kit

Nulaxy Airplane Phone Holder

$10 (Amazon)

Theresa Wagner: “I’m someone who tries to travel as light as possible in my carry-on, and this phone stand has been a game changer. Being able to clip it onto the tray table and watch shows or movies on my phone while kicking back makes the long travel and tiny economy seats way more bearable.”

Gonex 40L Foldable Travel Duffle Bag

$22 (Amazon)

Theresa Wagner: “Any time I go to an escape room destination, you bet I’m going to bring back souvenirs, merch, and so many local snacks. This duffle bag folds down incredibly small, fitting in my carry-on for the way there, and can be checked on the way back. It’ll save you money in the long run by only bringing a checked bag one way!”

EPICKA Universal International Travel Adapter 75W

$50 (Amazon)

Heather Burns: “I eliminated a bag full of adapters with this one, compact unit that works wherever I go. Multiple USB ports allow me to charge multiple devices with just 1 adapter.”

For the Little Ones

Sleeping Queens

$11 (Amazon)

Deb Laufer: “Usually games for young kids are incredibly boring. I played this one 8 times in a row and I didn’t want to die.”

Make Clay Charms

$17 (Amazon)

Sarah Mendez: “For the kid who’s ready to graduate from the ephemeral worlds of Play-Doh and Model Magic, the Make Clay Charms kit offers a straightforward on-ramp to creating lasting treasures from polymer clay. The instruction booklet offers ideas and explanations for a ton of adorable miniatures, and the baking and glazing steps are a breeze.”

Hurry Up Chicken Butt

$20 (Amazon)

David Spira: “Exploding Kittens basically redesigned Hot Potato and made it a lot more interesting. This has become our go-to gift for younger kids (and their parents who are tired of trash games). We also have an interview with the game’s designer on our Podcast.“

Makedo Explore Upcycled Cardboard Construction Toolkit

$27 (Amazon)

Peih-Gee Law: “These tools make cutting up and assembling cardboard boxes a piece of cake. I mean, you could literally use it to form a piece of cake. Or a rocket ship, or robot costume. The possibilities are endless. And if anyone has ever tried taping cardboard together for projects, you’ll know that the cardboard screws alone are worth the price.”

PYXEL A Coder’s Best Friend

$76 (Amazon)

Sarah Mendez: “PYXEL the programmable dog is a delightful way to sneak coding into your tween’s life. Using either Scratch or Python, they can control the dog’s appearance, behavior, and responses to various sensor signals, tapping into an array of surprisingly nimble movements. Note: A patient, tech-savvy adult is required for initial setup, but then it’s approachable for children.”

For the Dogs

Fridially Squeaky Dog Toys – 6 Piece Set

$15 (Amazon)

Peih-Gee Law: “This ball gets stolen by other dogs every time I bring it to the park. Inevitably the owner will sheepishly ask me where to buy these because every single dog LOVES these squeaky toys.”

Dog Scent Training Kit

$25 (Amazon)

Peih-Gee Law: “Escape room enthusiasts might be bad at searching, but dogs love it! This scent training kit will keep your dog’s nose entertained and occupied. My dog Yum Yum always looks so proud when he finds it.”

For the Cats

TRIXIE Cat Puzzle

$14 (Amazon)

Kurtis Rohlf: “Let your feline companion join in on the hunt. Through sliding drawers and hidden cubbies your cat will have a fun challenge to find their treats.”

Gen. 7 Cat Exercise Wheel

$200 (One Fast Cat)

Christina Rohlf: “This cat exercise wheel is the perfect solution for an active cat with Zoomies living in a small space. We have two Abyssinian mix cats and they absolutely love it! Some training with wand toys and treats was required in the first couple of months to get them used to using the wheel, but after that, they will be jumping on and sprinting to their heart’s content!”

For The Person Who Has Everything

The Marginally Aware Banana

$34 (Etsy)

David Spira: “Be the talk of the holiday party. Grasp all of the attention with gusto. Be the story that your friend tells for years. Give them The Marginally Aware Banana and seize your destiny.”

Support Room Escape Artist’s Mission

There are lots of ways to support Room Escape Artist, like buying from Amazon or Etsy after clicking into the links included in this post or backing us on Patreon.

The money that we make from these helps us to grow the site and continue to add more value to the community that we love so much.