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Gifts For Crossword Lovers [TOP PICKS]

ByBen
Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

Gifting is one of those art forms that, when done right, can evoke the deepest gratitude and joy. But when you’re trying to find that perfect gift for a crossword lover, it can feel like you’re solving a puzzle in itself! Crossword enthusiasts aren’t just any average hobbyists; they live in a world of words, puzzles, and brainy challenges, and choosing a gift that taps into their passion is no easy feat.

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However, don’t worry. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, or even a colleague who can be found regularly sipping coffee while cracking open the New York Times Crossword, there are plenty of creative and thoughtful gifts out there that will make them feel truly understood.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about buying gifts for crossword lovers. From how to discover exactly what they want to avoiding common gifting mistakes, we’ll cover it all. So grab your favorite pen and pad-let’s decode the perfect gift for the puzzle aficionado in your life!

10 Gifts For Crossword Lovers

1. Crossword Puzzle Books

If someone you know loves crosswords, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a classic crossword puzzle book. These books come in all kinds of sizes, difficulty levels, and themes, so whether your friend is a casual solver or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s something perfect out there. They’re great for killing time on a commute, keeping the mind sharp, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a pencil and paper.

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2. Crossword Puzzle Calendars

Imagine having a tiny puzzle adventure waiting for you every single day-that’s exactly what a crossword calendar does. Perfect for someone who likes daily mental challenges, these calendars let you solve a new puzzle each day, keeping the brain active and entertained. Plus, they make for a cute desk accessory that brings a little joy and anticipation to every morning.

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3. Crossword Puzzle Games

Crossword puzzles aren’t just for paper anymore! There are interactive games and apps that bring crossword solving to a whole new level. Some of these games let you compete against friends or even solve timed challenges, which is perfect if your crossword-loving buddy enjoys a little friendly competition. Plus, these can be super fun for family game nights or solo brain workouts.

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4. Crossword-Themed Apparel

Why not let your love of crosswords spill over into fashion? Crossword-themed t-shirts, hoodies, and socks are hilarious, clever, and sometimes downright geeky, making them perfect conversation starters. Wearing something that reflects a personal hobby is always fun, and for a crossword fan, it’s like wearing a badge of honor that says ’I love a good mental challenge!’

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5. Crossword Puzzle Mugs

A crossword puzzle mug is basically a love letter to both caffeine and mental exercise. You can sip your favorite beverage while sneaking in a few puzzle clues, or just enjoy the design that shouts out your hobby to anyone nearby. They’re both practical and quirky, and they’re excellent for home offices, coffee tables, or as a gift that shows you really understand the recipient.

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6. Crossword Puzzle Journals and Notebooks

For those who like to create or record their own puzzles, a crossword-themed journal or notebook is perfect. These notebooks often feature clever crossword designs or grids on the covers, which instantly makes them more appealing than a plain old notebook. Whether someone wants to jot down clues, solve puzzles on the go, or just keep notes, these are functional and fun.

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7. Crossword Puzzle Puzzles for Kids

If you’re shopping for a younger crossword fan, these kid-friendly puzzle books are a total win. They’re designed to be fun, educational, and age-appropriate, often featuring bright illustrations and themed challenges. It’s a great way to encourage problem-solving skills early on, and kids love feeling like they’re part of the grown-up crossword world.

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8. Crossword-Themed Home Decor

Crossword puzzles aren’t just for paper-they can become part of a home’s personality too. From wall art to throw pillows, crossword-themed home decor is a quirky, stylish way to show off a love for wordplay. These items make homes feel personal and clever, giving crossword lovers an extra layer of daily inspiration.

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9. Crossword Puzzle Apps

If your loved one prefers digital experiences, crossword apps are a game-changer. These apps often include daily puzzles, hints, and even competitions with global solvers. The beauty of apps is that you can take them anywhere, play offline, or even challenge friends without needing paper and pen. It’s convenience meets mental stimulation in the palm of your hand.

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10. Crossword Puzzle Accessories

Accessories like pens, pencils, and puzzle erasers might seem small, but they can really enhance the solving experience. Think about it: a nice set of pens, a pencil with a built-in sharpener, or a quirky eraser can make puzzle time more enjoyable and stylish. These are perfect for crossword lovers who appreciate the little things that make solving feel special.

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Buyer Guide For Gifts For Crossword Lovers

Crossword lovers have a distinct set of interests that can make gift-buying a bit tricky, but also quite rewarding once you get it right. Here’s a detailed guide to help you zero in on the best ideas.

Puzzles & Puzzle Books

  • Traditional Crossword Books: You can’t go wrong with a high-quality crossword puzzle book, especially one from a renowned source. Books from The New York Times, The Guardian, or The Times Crossword are cherished by enthusiasts for their variety and challenge levels.
  • Specialty Crossword Books: There are also themed crossword books available. Whether it’s a collection of literary references, pop culture-themed crosswords, or puzzles about history or geography, finding something related to their specific interests can add an extra personal touch.
  • Large-Print Crossword Books: For crossword fans who might need a bit of extra help with readability, large-print versions of crossword books are a great option.

Crossword Puzzle Tools & Accessories

  • Personalized Pencil Sets: A crossword lover’s best tool is their pencil. Get them a premium set with a personal engraving, like their name or a quirky crossword-related message.
  • Puzzle-Solving Apps/Subscriptions: Many crossword fans appreciate digital options. Subscriptions to crossword puzzle apps (like Crossword Puzzle Free, NY Times Crossword, or Crossword Compiler) offer a more interactive and convenient way to solve puzzles anytime, anywhere.
  • Magnifying Glass: For fans who love challenging puzzles, a quality magnifying glass can help with those tiny clues, especially in older puzzles.

Crossword-Themed Apparel & Home Decor

  • Crossword-Inspired Clothing: Items like T-shirts, hoodies, or socks that feature crossword grids or clues can be a fun and stylish way for them to wear their passion.
  • Art Prints & Posters: Framed prints of famous crosswords, or even custom-designed crossword posters with clues that are meaningful to the person, could add a personal and aesthetic touch to their living space.
  • Crossword-Themed Mugs: Everyone loves a cozy cup of tea or coffee while solving crosswords. A mug featuring a crossword grid, a favorite crossword puzzle clue, or even a humorous saying like ’I’m busy-don’t bother me, I’m solving a puzzle’ can be a hit.

Crossword Puzzle Workshops & Experiences

  • Classes or Workshops: If your recipient is an aspiring constructor, they might appreciate a crossword construction class, or even a lecture or workshop on the history of crosswords and puzzle-making.
  • Puzzle Tours: Some cities, especially those with a strong literary history like New York, offer puzzle-themed tours or scavenger hunts that can be an unforgettable experience for a crossword lover.

Gift Cards

  • Gift Cards for Books or App Subscriptions: If you’re unsure what specific book or app subscription your recipient would love, a gift card to an online bookstore or puzzle app store can be a great alternative.

How To Learn What Someone Really Wants

The secret to finding the perfect gift isn’t just about going off a wishlist or buying something generic. To make sure you’re giving a crossword lover something they’ll genuinely appreciate, it’s important to get inside their mind and understand their preferences. Here’s how you can dig a little deeper:

Pay Attention To Their Hobbies

  • What Puzzles Do They Enjoy? Do they prefer quick, easy puzzles or do they tackle the high-level ones that take days to complete?
  • Do They Follow Certain Puzzle Creators? Some crossword enthusiasts have favorite puzzle constructors whose work they admire. Discovering this could lead you to a special edition book or puzzle book collection from that creator.

Casual Conversation

  • Ask Questions About Their Favorite Crosswords: Find out if they like traditional crosswords, cryptic crosswords, or perhaps even Sudoku puzzles. You can easily slip this into a conversation.
  • Look for Hints in Their Home: Is there a spot where they keep their completed puzzles? Do they have a bookshelf filled with crossword-related books or puzzle collections? This can help guide your choices.

Ask Family & Friends

  • Get the Inside Scoop: Sometimes, family and friends know what someone wants better than they do themselves. Reach out and ask if they’ve mentioned any specific gifts they’ve been eyeing.

Use Online Wish Lists

  • Some people maintain online wish lists or Pinterest boards filled with items they’d love. If they do, a quick peek could give you a good idea of what they’re hoping to receive.

Top Gift-Giving Errors To Watch Out For

We all want to avoid that awkward moment when a gift doesn’t hit the mark. To ensure your gift for a crossword lover is appreciated, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Choosing Something Too Generic

  • You know they love crosswords, but don’t just grab any crossword book off the shelf. If you pick up the wrong type of puzzle (e.g., easy crosswords when they prefer tough ones), it could feel impersonal or thoughtless.

Buying A Puzzle They’ve Already Solved

  • If you’re picking a specific puzzle book, make sure it’s not something they’ve already worked through. Crossword enthusiasts tend to keep track of the puzzles they’ve completed.

Overcomplicating Things

  • Sometimes simpler is better. Don’t go overboard with overly complicated gifts (like a crossword puzzle-making kit) if they’re not interested in learning that aspect of the hobby. Stick to things they’ll actually use and enjoy.

Ignoring Their Skill Level

  • A beginner puzzle book can feel frustrating for an expert crossword solver. Be mindful of their level when picking out puzzles, tools, or accessories.

Missing The Personal Touch

  • Gifts that are too ’one-size-fits-all’ can come across as impersonal. Personalizing something, like a crossword-themed item that includes their name or favorite puzzle clue, can make all the difference.

Best Places To Shop For Gifts

Finding the perfect place to buy a gift can make the whole process much smoother. Here are some of the best spots to shop for crossword lovers:

Bookstores

  • Amazon: A great option for both physical and digital crossword books.
  • Barnes & Noble: If you prefer browsing in person, Barnes & Noble has a strong selection of puzzle books and related items.
  • The Strand (NYC): Known for its huge collection of books, this bookstore has an excellent range of crossword puzzle books and accessories.

Online Puzzle Shops

  • Puzzle Warehouse: Specializes in puzzles of all kinds, including crossword books and accessories.
  • Criminal Puzzle: If your crossword lover also enjoys a good mystery, this site sells unique puzzle books and mystery-themed crossword collections.

Specialty Sites

  • The New York Times Crossword: For those who love their daily crossword fix, a subscription to The NY Times Crossword will always be appreciated.
  • Etsy: For personalized or unique, handcrafted crossword-related gifts (like custom puzzles, jewelry, or art).

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