Looking for the perfect gift? Here’s a list of 25 ideas, plus a few bonus suggestions! I’ve personally enjoyed these products, and I hope you and your family and friends will too! A list of books, video games, board games, movies, anime, and bonus movie suggestions kids may enjoy. For all fans of fantasy.
Books
#1
The Legend of Huma by Richard A. Knaak
In the realms of Dragonlance, the tale of one knight is legendary. The dark goddess Takhisis has unleashed evil on the world of Krynn, and only the Knights of Solamnia stand in her way. From amongst their ranks comes Huma, a man destined to be the greatest hero of this world. –excerpt from the book page
This was the first fantasy novel I read growing up, and I loved it! The author had me rooting for the hero the whole time. It introduced me to the world of fantasy, and it’s been my favorite genre ever since.
#2
Homeland: The Legend of Drizzt by R.A. Salvatore
Drow ranger Drizzt Do’Urden, first introduced in The Icewind Dale Trilogy, quickly became one of the fantasy genre’s standout characters. But Homeland first reveals the startling tale of how this one lone drow walked out of the shadowy depths of the Underdark, leaving behind a society of evil and a family who want him dead. It is here that the story of this amazing dark elf truly began. –excerpt from the book page
The Forgotten Realm series is fantastic, so I suggest starting with Homeland. There are many other books though, so take a look if this world is interesting to you.
#3
Green Rider by Kristen Britain
On her long journey home from school after a fight which will surely lead to her expulsion, Karigan G’ladheon ponders her future as she trudges through the immense forest called Green Cloak. But her thoughts are interrupted by a galloping horse bursting from the woods, its rider impaled by two black-shafted arrows. –excerpt from the book page
Again, this was another fantasy I got into growing up. I’ve followed the series from the beginning and I still look forward to each new book as it comes out.
#4
The Sword by Deborah Chester
Two men. One is a prince of royal blood. The other is a half-breed, part human, part elf. But the part that is human is also royal.
Two women. One is a princess, pampered and protected. The other lives in the forest, the leader of a band of rebels. She too has eleven blood.
This is their story–the tale of love and hate, courage and cowardliness, and magic both dark and light… –excerpt from the book page
I think I picked up this book a long time ago because the cover looked so cool. Then the story sounded exciting, and I read the entire trilogy.
#5
Dragondoom by Dennis L. McKiernan
A thousand years before the Winter War, Elgo, prince of the Vanadurin, killed the Dragon Sleeth and returned home with the fabulous wealth from the dead beast’s lair. But there was more in the bounty than gems and gold, for the treasure was cursed, and in time it brought death to noble and peasant, war between Man and Dwarf, strife and destruction beyond reckoning. –excerpt from the book page
Filled with a little humor, lots of action, and heart-wrenching moments.
(Bonus)
The Knight’s Order by J.A. Alexsoo
Immerse yourself in a mystical new world where magic rules supreme and
every day is an action-packed adventure. Accompany the heroes along their journey through battle, tragedy, and intrigue that will rouse the imagination and dare you to fall in love with this suspense-filled fantasy.–excerpt from the book page
Good for any budget, and a story any fantasy fan could enjoy.
Video Games
#6
Dragon Age: Origin
You are a Grey Warden, one of the last of a legendary order of guardians. With the return of an ancient foe and the kingdom engulfed in civil war, you have been chosen by fate to unite the shattered lands and slay the archdemon once and for all. –excerpt from the game page
I’m a huge fan of this series. Love love love the games. The story-line is amazing, and the game-play is fun.
#7
Thief: The Dark Project (first game) or Thief
The game’s prologue sees Garrett, the protagonist, describing his youth as a homeless orphan on the City’s streets. He is caught while attempting to pickpocket a suspicious man who reveals himself to be a Keeper. Impressed by Garrett’s ability to see him, he offers him the chance to join his order. Garrett accepts, but later leaves the order to pursue a life of thievery. –excerpt from the game page
I’m so glad I found and had the chance to play this game. If you can’t play the first one because it is an older game, or you don’t like old graphics, you can play Thief. I liked the old game more than the newest because the conversation between the guards could be amusing at times, and I preferred the actor’s voice. The newest game grew on me, but I still like the first one the best (even Deadly Shadows was pretty good).
#8
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
The minds of New York Times bestselling author R.A. Salvatore, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston have combined to create Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, a new role-playing game set in a world worth saving. –excerpt from the game page
Fun and entertaining.
#9
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions. Battle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself. –excerpt from the game page
Or if you’d like to try the older Oblivion game, it’s pretty good too! The only thing about games this size is that a lot of the environments are the same, but the stories and quests keep you entertained.
#10
Risen 3: Titan Lords
The world has been abandoned by its gods and is scarred from the rampage of the Titans. Humanity is struggling to regain strength. You, however, have more pressing concerns: your own life has been shattered and you must set off to reclaim what is lost amidst the darkness spreading throughout the world. –excerpt from the game page
You can choose between being a knight type of character, magic, or voodoo. And there are several instances when you sail your ship and have to battle sea monsters!
(Bonus)
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
As Raziel, stalk the shadows of Nosgoth preying upon your former vampire brethren in your quest to destroy your creator- Kain. After being betrayed and executed by Kain, return to Nosgoth on an epic mission of revenge. — excerpt form the game page
This is an older game, the graphics aren’t great, but the story is so cool.
Board Games
#11
Citadels
Game enthusiasts of all genres will be enchanted by this wonderful game of bluffing, deduction, and city-building. Wrapped in a medieval theme and gorgeously illustrated, players seek to be the first to complete a grand city of their own. Each game round players secretly take the roles of either the King, Magician, Architect, Assassin, Thief, Bishop, General, or Merchant and seek to use the powers of such offices in their efforts to win the game. –excerpt from the game page
Game-play video
I’ve played this many times. It’s definately fun, and is my first game of choice when I get together with family or friends.
#12
Love Letter
In the wake of the queen’s arrest, all the eligible young men of Tempest (and many not so young) seek to woo Princess Aneette. Unfortunately, she has locked herself in the palace, and everyone must rely on those within the palace to bring their romantic letters to her. Will yours reached her first? Love Letter is a game of risk, deduction, and luck, for 2-4 players. Get your love letter into Princess Annette’s hands while keeping other players’ letters away. Powerful cards lead to early gains, but make you a target. Rely on weaker cards for too long and your letter may be tossed in the fire! –excerpt from the game page
Game-play video
The strategy for the game can get pretty interesting.
#13
Coup
The valiant efforts of The Resistance have created discord, intrigue and weakness in the political courts of the noveau royal, bringing the government to brink of collapse. But for you, a powerful government official, this is your opportunity to manipulate, bribe and bluff your way into absolute power. To be successful, you must destroy the influence of your rivals and drive them into exile. In these turbulent times there is only room for one to survive. –excerpt from the game page
Game-play video: starts at 19:35
If you like bluffing, this might be a game you will enjoy.
#14
Roll for It
In Roll for it! players try to score 40 points by rolling dice and matching cards of specific point values. Each roll presents the player with new opportunities and fun decisions to make. The rules are simple – Roll It!, Match It!, Score It! But look out! Other players may steal the card you’re shooting for. –excerpt from the game page
If you like games that are simple, fast, and fun. Then Roll for it!
#15
Sushi Go
Pass the sushi! In this fast-playing card game, the goal is to grab the best combination of sushi dishes as they whiz by. Score points for making the most maki rolls or for collecting a full set of sashimi. Dip your favorite nigiri in wasabi to triple its value. But be sure to leave room for dessert or else you’ll eat into your score! Gather the most points and consider yourself the sushi master! –excerpt from the game page
Game-play video: starts at 18:45
Not exactly fantasy, but the game is so much fun that I just had to share it. And even people who don’t like to eat sushi can enjoy it!
Movies
#16
The Lord of the Rings
A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle Earth from the Dark Lord Sauron. –excerpt from the movie page
Great movie for a classic story.
#17
The Hobbit
A reluctant hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home – and the gold within it – from the dragon Smaug. –excerpt from the movie page
Entertaining with action and humor.
#18
Dragon Heart
The last dragon and a disillusioned dragonslaying knight must cooperate to stop an evil king who was given partial immortality. –excerpt from the movie page
I loved this movie growing up, and I’d suggest it to anyone.
#19
Robin Hood
In 12th century England, Robin and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power. –excerpt from the movie page
My favorite Robin Hood movie. It felt slightly more realistic which made it easier to like and relate to the characters.
#20
Underworld
Selene, a beautiful warrior, is entrenched in a war between the vampire and werewolf races. Although she is aligned with the vampires, she falls in love with Michael, a human who is sought by werewolves for unknown reasons. –excerpt from the movie page
This is more of an urban action fantasy, but who doesn’t love vampires and werewolves?
Anime
#21
Attack on Titan
After his hometown is destroyed and his mother is killed, young Eren Jaegar vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction. –except from show page
The concept of the story-line blew me away. It is a bit gory, but that’s what happens when giant humanoid creatures eat people.
#22
Fate Stay Night
There is a war going on between masters and servants in order to attain the Holy Grail. Each master can call up one servant each, and their task is to eradicate the other servants, either by defeating them or killing their master. When there is only one master or servant left, he or she is granted the Holy Grail, and any wish they desire will come true. –excerpt from the show page
I liked this one so much I want to watch it again!
#23
Avatar: The Last Airbender
In a war-torn world of elemental magic, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, and bring peace to the world. –excerpt from the show page
The story-line was a refreshing change, and the humor and drama kept me watching episode after episode.
#24
.hack//Sign
A strange boy named Tsukasa appears in the online video game “The World”. He claims to be alive, and without a computer. –excerpt from the show page
The end had an interesting twist, and the journey there was pretty entertaining.
#25
Spirited Away
During her family’s move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and spirits, and where humans are changed into beasts. –excerpt from the movie page
I can’t remmeber why I got this movie, but I’m glad I did. I rooted for the character the whole time.
Bonus – Movie Ideas for Younger Fantasy Fans
#1
Brave
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. –excerpt from the movie page
#2
How toTrain Your Dragon
A hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed. –excerpt from the movie page
#3
Tangled
The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is. –excerpt from the movie page
#4
Shrek
After his swamp is filled with magical creatures, an ogre agrees to rescue a princess for a villainous lord in order to get his land back. –excerpt from the movie page
#5
Ferngully
The magical inhabitants of a rainforest fight to save their home, which is threatened by logging and a polluting force of destruction called Hexxus. –excerpt from the movie page
