Games & Puzzles

Throwing darts

6 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of throwing darts — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Darts gifts usually go to someone who already throws a few rounds in the basement, garage or rec room, or to a household setting one up for the first time. Whether a gift gets used mostly comes down to fit. A beginner needs a complete setup that goes up on the wall easily. A regular player will like upgrades and small add-ons more than a second board. Before you buy, find out if they play steel tip or soft tip, since the darts and boards don't mix. A classic bristle dartboard set suits a traditional game room. A digital scoring soft tip dartboard suits families who'd rather not keep score by hand.

Kind 1 of 6

A traditional bristle board for the rec room

A bristle board is the classic pub-style board, made of packed fibres that close up again after each throw. It suits someone who wants the traditional game, likes keeping score on a chalkboard, or is setting up a basement or garage for the first time. Before buying, check whether the set comes with steel tip darts and mounting hardware. Look for thin wire dividers, since they cause fewer bounce-outs. It also helps to know if the board can be rotated, so the popular scoring areas wear evenly over time. A set with darts included is the easiest gift for a beginner. A seasoned player may only want the board itself.

  • Representative photo-style image of classic bristle dartboard set — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Classic bristle dartboard set

    This comprehensive set provides everything needed for traditional dart games, perfect for new players or upgrading a home game room.

  • Representative photo-style image of high performance steel tip darts — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    High performance steel tip darts

    Designed for serious players, these darts offer enhanced grip and balance for improved accuracy and consistent throwing.

Kind 2 of 6

Flights and shafts to fine-tune their throw

Flights are the fins at the back of a dart, and shafts are the stems that hold them. Both wear out or bend with regular play, so a fresh pack actually gets used. This gift works best for someone who already owns a set of darts they like. Check the thread size on their current darts first, since most shafts share a standard thread but not all do. Look at flight shape too, because standard, slim and kite shapes fly differently. A mixed pack lets them experiment, and personalized flights with a name or design make it feel more like a gift and less like a spare part.

  • Representative photo-style image of customizable dart flight and shaft pack — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Customizable dart flight and shaft pack

    This collection of flights and shafts allows players to personalize their darts for different throwing styles and visual preferences.

Kind 3 of 6

A tool kit for the regular player

A maintenance kit usually includes a point sharpener, a shaft removal tool, spare O-rings, and sometimes a flight punch or extra point protectors. It suits someone who plays weekly or in a league and spends time fixing loose shafts and dull points. Check that the tools match the kind of darts they throw, since steel tip and soft tip players need different items. A compact case that fits in a dart wallet is handy for someone who plays away from home. For a casual player this can be too much. It fits best alongside a board or set of darts they already use often.

  • Representative photo-style image of dart player maintenance tool kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Dart player maintenance tool kit

    A compact kit containing essential tools for sharpening steel tips, tightening shafts, and making minor repairs to darts, ensuring peak performance.

Kind 4 of 6

A cabinet that turns the board into décor

A dartboard cabinet mounts on the wall, holds the board inside, and closes with doors when nobody is playing. Many include scoreboards on the inside of the doors and spots to hang darts. It suits a new homeowner finishing a basement, or anyone who wants the game room to look put together rather than improvised. Before buying, measure the wall space with the doors fully open. Check whether a board is included or whether their current board will fit inside. Wood finish matters more than you might think, so try to match existing furniture or trim.

  • Representative photo-style image of decorative dartboard storage cabinet — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Decorative dartboard storage cabinet

    This elegant cabinet protects your wall, conceals the dartboard when not in use, and provides convenient storage for darts and accessories.

Kind 5 of 6

Electronic boards that keep score for you

A soft tip electronic board has a plastic face with small holes that register each throw and add up the score automatically. Many come loaded with dozens of games and settings for several players. It suits families, mixed-age groups, and anyone who finds math between throws slows the fun. Check the power source, whether it takes batteries or an adapter, and how many players it tracks. Confirm soft tip darts come in the box. These boards are louder than bristle, so think about where it will hang. Committed steel tip players usually prefer to stick with bristle.

  • Representative photo-style image of digital scoring soft tip dartboard — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Digital scoring soft tip dartboard

    An interactive dartboard that automatically tracks scores and offers multiple game modes, ideal for casual play and family fun.

Kind 6 of 6

A surround and floor setup for the wall

A wall protector is a ring of foam or similar material that fits around the board and catches darts that miss. It keeps drywall and paint free of holes, which matters in a rental, finished basement or shared family room. Check that the inner diameter matches a standard board size and that it mounts without extra hardware. A throwing line mat pairs well with it. The mat marks the correct distance to the board and covers the floor where players stand. Together they make a practical add-on for anyone who just got a board or keeps patching the wall behind one.

  • Representative photo-style image of foam dartboard wall protector — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Foam dartboard wall protector

    A practical accessory that safeguards walls from stray darts, making it perfect for busy game rooms or less experienced players.

  • Representative photo-style image of regulation dart throwing line mat — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Regulation dart throwing line mat

    This durable mat clearly marks the official throwing distance and protects the floor from dropped darts, enhancing any dart setup.

How to choose throwing darts as a gift

  • Find out whether they throw steel tip or soft tip before buying anything, since darts and boards are not interchangeable.
  • For someone new to the game, a complete set with a board, darts and mounting hardware beats separate pieces.
  • For a regular player, choose upgrades like flights, shafts or a tool kit rather than a second board.
  • Think about where the board will hang, including wall space, noise and who else shares the room.
  • Pair a board with a wall protector or throwing mat to make the gift ready to use right away.

Usually safe to skip

  • Magnetic or toy-style dart games rarely satisfy an adult who already plays and wants a real board.
  • A heavy set of premium darts can miss if you don't know the weight and grip they're used to.
  • A cabinet or large board without checking wall space often ends up sitting in its box.

Questions people ask about throwing darts

What is the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?
Steel tip darts have metal points and are thrown at bristle boards. Soft tip darts have plastic points and are made for electronic boards with small holes. Using steel tips on an electronic board will damage it, so match the darts to the board they own.
Is an electronic dartboard a good gift for a family?
Often, yes. Automatic scoring keeps the game moving, built-in games add variety, and mixed ages can play together without anyone tracking math. Check how many players it supports and whether it needs batteries or an outlet near where it will hang.
What can I buy someone who already has a dartboard?
Look at add-ons they'll actually use. Good options include replacement flights and shafts, a maintenance tool kit, a wall protector, a throwing line mat, or a cabinet that tidies up the setup. These build on what they already play with.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All throwing darts picks

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