Uncommon Goods vs. BoardGameGeek Store: Which Is Better for Buying Unique Games in 2025?
If you’re a board game enthusiast, gift shopper, or just looking to discover something fun and offbeat, you’ve probably come across Uncommon Goods and the BoardGameGeek Store. Both online platforms offer an interesting mix of tabletop games, puzzles, and collectibles—but they serve slightly different audiences. In 2025, the demand for creative, at-home entertainment continues to rise, and choosing the right store depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
In this comparison, we’ll break down how Uncommon Goods and BoardGameGeek Store stack up across key categories like product variety, pricing, audience, and shipping.
Product Selection
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods is a curated online marketplace that focuses on gifts, handmade goods, and unique experiences. Their board game selection reflects this focus: it’s quirky, design-forward, and often family- or party-oriented. You’ll find:
- Cooperative games with artistic designs
- Thoughtful trivia or storytelling games
- Conversation-starters, icebreakers, and DIY kits
- Brain-teasing puzzles and artisan-made wooden games
These are perfect for casual gamers, families, and gift buyers who want something beautiful, fun, and unexpected. However, their selection is limited when it comes to traditional strategy or competitive board games.
BoardGameGeek Store
The BoardGameGeek (BGG) Store is an offshoot of the world’s most comprehensive board game database, BoardGameGeek.com, and is made by gamers for gamers. Their focus is on:
- Expansion packs, promo items, and upgrades
- Exclusive game content not found elsewhere
- Gaming accessories like card sleeves, counters, and inserts
- Occasional full games, often niche or collector-focused
This store is a dream for serious board game collectors and hobbyists looking to enhance existing games or discover rare items. It’s not the best place for casual shoppers or those new to board gaming.
User Experience and Website Design
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods offers a highly polished, user-friendly website with gorgeous product photography, clear gift categories, and excellent filters (like price, recipient, occasion). It feels more like a premium lifestyle brand than a game store. You’ll often find editor’s picks, customer reviews, and even artist bios next to each product, adding to the storytelling.
BoardGameGeek Store
The BGG Store is much more functional and minimal. It’s designed with efficiency in mind, assuming users know what they want. While the interface is clean, it’s not designed to attract casual shoppers—it caters to BGG forum users and hobbyists who are already familiar with specific games and terms. Discovery is not its strength, but precision is.
Pricing and Value
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods tends to be on the higher side, as many items are handmade, small-batch, or artisan-crafted. You’re paying for creativity and originality—often with eco-friendly or charitable aspects attached. Games range from $20 to $60 on average, with occasional premium or personalized options.
BoardGameGeek Store
BGG’s pricing is usually reasonable and fair, especially for exclusive content. Most promo packs cost under $10, and accessories vary depending on complexity. You won’t find big discounts, but the value is solid for hobbyists who know what they’re getting. Shipping costs can add up, especially outside the U.S., but they often include hard-to-find or collector-grade materials.
Ideal Audience
Uncommon Goods
- Casual board gamers
- Gift shoppers
- Families and couples
- Fans of creative, design-led products
- People looking for conversation-starters or party games
BoardGameGeek Store
- Serious board game collectors
- Competitive gamers
- Fans of game customization and expansions
- Users of BoardGameGeek.com who want official promos
- Players with an existing game collection
Shipping and Availability
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods ships domestically and internationally with fast turnaround. They also offer gift wrapping and eco-conscious packaging. Many products are made to order, so shipping times may vary, but the customer service is top-notch and clearly geared toward a wide audience.
BoardGameGeek Store
Shipping is mostly focused on U.S. customers, though international shipping is available at a higher cost. Since many items are niche or limited-run, stock can sell out quickly—especially during conventions or restock events. BGG fans often follow restock updates closely to snag rare items.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a fun, beautifully packaged, and memorable gift, or want to discover quirky games and puzzles that spark joy and creativity, Uncommon Goods is the better choice. It’s designed to surprise, delight, and cater to a wider audience—including people who don’t identify as gamers.
If you’re a dedicated gamer looking to enhance your board game collection, or you want exclusive add-ons and accessories for titles you already love, then the BoardGameGeek Store is your go-to source. It’s built by the community, for the community.
In the end, both stores shine in their own way—Uncommon Goods with charm and creativity, BoardGameGeek Store with depth and dedication. Why not shop both and get the best of both worlds?
