Mahjong Must Haves and Fun to Haves

Here are links to some of my favorites

I have officially become that friend — the one who offers to show up to game night with her own tile set, her own racks, and strong opinions about cute mahjong gear that is actually worth the money. What started as a borrowed set at someone else’s dining table has turned into a small, slightly embarrassing collection of things I now consider essential. So consider this the list I wish someone had handed me three months ago: the tiles, the accessories and the extras that actually made a difference once I was in deep. Some of these are practical, some are just pretty enough that I wanted an excuse to buy them — no judgment either way.

Tiles

This is a beautiful set that combines my love of literature and my love of mahjong, the Gatsy Mahjong Set. It’s by a lovely company specializing in all things mahjong, Oh My Mahjong! I actually purchased their Limoncello tiles that have since been discontinued. They are great quality and absolutely stunning in person. I am sure these are just as gorgeous and heavy in hand. Well worth the price tag.

If you want a set that is just as pretty but much more affordable, here is one that I found on Amazon. It is an American Mahjong Tile set in Rose Pink. It has vibrant colors with feminine hot pink backing. Also, if you aer just starting out, the images are exactly what they are supposed to be – bams look like bamboo, dots are dots and craks are truly craks. At times, speciality sets are designed in the spirit of traditional mahjong tiles but adapted for a certain theme. These are beautiful and traditional,

Mats

Here are three beautiful mat options in varying price ranges. All ship quickly and up your mahjong game presentation.

This feminine floral mat even includes rules on it as helpful reminders for your friends. It matches perfectly with the pink tiles.

Here is a mat that reminds me of a summer in Positano. With this one, you can host an Italian themed mahjong party. I envision a menu of a summery salmon pasta salad, lemonade, bellinis and tiramisu.

This one lets your tiles be the stars of the game. It’s plain white with a scalloped trim. It comes with shuffle cards, dice and a carrying case.

Racks

These are clear lucite racks with the detachable pushers. They match with all your mats and tiles. There are also wooden racks and racks in various colors.

Mahjong Accessories

Here are a few accessories you may find helpful:

• Line readers
• Line highlighter tape
• Mat carrying case
• Super cute tile bag
• Canvas mahjong set of bags & organizers

That’s the collection so far, though I have a feeling this list is going to keep growing. Mahjong has a way of turning “I just need the basics” into a whole aesthetic. If you’re just starting out, don’t feel like you need all of this on day one; the annual National Mahj Jongg League card, a tile set and a rack will get you into your first game. Everything else you can add as you fall further down the rabbit hole, the way I clearly have.

Got a favorite mahjong find I missed? Drop it in the comments. I’m always looking for a reason to add one more thing to my table.