Do you have a gamer on your holiday shopping list? Get them something they’ll love!
We’ve asked the gamers in our network what their top Christmas wish list items were and are bringing you tons of ideas on gifts for gamers for birthdays, Christmas, and any other gift-giving holiday throughout the year.
Find out what’s hot, thoughtful, and what your gamer friend will absolutely adore!
The Best Gifts for Gamers
The top gift ideas for gamers can get expensive, but they are guaranteed to be on most gamers’ Christmas wish lists this season.
Hey folks! Transparency Disclosure- Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. That means I’ll receive a small commission if you decide to click on it and buy something. Don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra!
Gaming PC
If you have a large budget for gifts and want to blow your gamer’s mind, get them a gaming PC. Gaming PCs differ from standard PCs because they have better graphics cards and faster processing, allowing them to handle even the most robust PC games.
The big drawback to a gaming PC is the expense. I have an MSI GS66 Stealth Pro, which costs about $3000. It’s a top-of-the-line laptop that can handle gaming and video editing.
Don’t worry if that’s not in your budget. There are plenty of affordable gaming laptops available.
Low-Cost Gaming Laptops
You can find mid-line gaming laptops on Amazon for between $1300 and $1800. Although you will find cheaper options for under $1000, remember that these PCS’s graphics cards and processing chips are typically lower quality and may not run top-of-the-line games.
If you aren’t sure what you need, check the specifications on the hardware required for a few of the games your loved one enjoys. Most will list the minimum requirements for a computer to run the game.
If that’s still too pricey and you are set on getting your gamer a PC, you can go with a desktop, which is generally cheaper. You can get a great gaming desktop PC for around $1000. Many stores offer discounts, so you can find them for even less if you sleuth.
Remember, the prices generally don’t include peripherals, like a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. If you plan on getting the entire setup, consider those costs or ask others to contribute the small things while you get the expensive item. This way, you can share the price of the complete gaming setup amongst multiple gift-givers.
Mac users might be interested in the Mac M1, the newest generation of Mac computers with robust gaming capabilities.
A New Gaming Console
Two of the biggest gaming brands in the world launched new consoles in 2020, and four years later, they’re still highly coveted.
The Xbox Series X and PlayStation PS5 are the latest generation consoles, but they were hard to find in the first few years following their release. If you couldn’t get your hands on them before, check again this year for a gift sure to please any gamer on your list.
PS5
The PS5 was the most highly anticipated console of 2020 and is still the hardest to find. The system flies off the shelf faster than retailers can restock.
The PS5 is available through the PlayStation store on Amazon, but you can also find it at various retailers.
Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is the newest console, released at the end of 2020. Before this, Xbox hadn’t had a new console since 2013, and the Series X was still nearly as hard to get as the PS5. The Xbox series X is available on Amazon and at your favorite gaming retailer.
Either console would be a fantastic gift for any gamer on your list.
An Older Console
Those two consoles are the hottest things in video gaming. As such, they might be prohibitively expensive or challenging to find. There are other consoles still on the market that would make great gifts.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is reasonably priced, and although it’s a few years old, it’s the latest Nintendo console and has tons of fun games like Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild, and Super Mario Bros 3D Allstars.
The Switch recently added a collection of retro games from N64 and Sega to its online offerings, so if you’ve been waiting to buy one, now’s the perfect time.
Xbox One or PlayStation 4
There’s no shame in not wanting to (or not being able to) spend three to five hundred dollars on the hottest new console. One great thing about having these new systems available is that the old ones will be on sale.
If a close family member always wanted a PS4 but couldn’t afford it, it might now be in the budget. People are offloading them to get the new systems, so you can probably find them for reduced prices at places like GameStop.
The Coolest Gifts for Gamers
Virtual Reality systems top the list of cool gifts for gamers. The technology is still in its infancy but is getting better year by year.
These VR systems make excellent gifts.
Prostock-studio via Shutterstock.com.
Meta Quest
The Meta Quest is one of the most advanced VR headsets on the market. Since 2014, Meta has owned the leader in VR software, Oculus, but recently retired the “Oculus” gear in favor of the new “Meta” offerings.
Meta’s newest iteration, the Meta 3S, features a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset for smoother performance and faster load times. It also has 4.5 times the resolution of the Quest 2.
It’s available on Amazon – Check the price here!
PlayStation VR (PSVR)
PlayStation incorporated a VR bundle with a headset into the PS4 system, offering total immersion into several PlayStation games. The original PSVR works with the new PS5 and all backward-compatible PS4 games.
In 2023, PlayStation unveiled its newest VR offering, the PSVR2. Although this iteration only works with the PS5 console, it features a higher resolution and wider field of view than the original.
What are Good Gifts for Gamers
Maybe the gamer on your shopping list isn’t a spouse or a child, and you don’t want to spend a few hundred bucks on a video game console. That’s perfectly valid. There are many great gifts for gamers that are far less expensive.
Here are some great options.
The Hottest Games
A few games coming out just in time for Christmas are on most gamers’ wish lists. A gift of any of these games is sure to please.
Here’s a shortlist of the hot games for each console. Note that multiple consoles often offer the same game, so make sure you get the right one.
XBOX
- Alan Wake 2
- Ara: History Untold
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Shop Microsoft games at Best Buy:
PlayStation
- Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail
- Until Dawn (remake)
- The Last of Us Part II (Remastered)
- Sonic X Shadow Generations
- Silent Hill 2
Shop PS5 Games at Best Buy:
Nintendo Switch
- Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Pentiment
- Mario and Luigi: Brothership
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition
- FC 25
Shop Nintendo Switch Games at Best Buy:
Used Games
At fifty to sixty dollars apiece, these new games can get pricey. Another great gift idea for the gamer on your list is opting for a used game. You can find used copies of the hot games above for a few bucks cheaper, but there are quite a few fantastic games that are just a few years old that would also make good gifts.
Gamestop offers a fantastic selection of used games and has very reasonable prices. You can also find great deals on eBay.
What Every Gamer Needs
Gamers need more than games and consoles. Many peripherals enhance the gaming experience and make great gifts for gamers.
Headphones
A headset is a must-have for gamers who like to play online party games or anyone trying to become a Twitch affiliate. Headphones ensure that every group member can hear each other, preventing others in the household from having to listen to the entire conversation.
Gaming Chair
Most gamers want to play comfortably, so a nice chair is essential! You can find a wide range of gaming chairs in various colors and styles on Amazon.
Mouse
A specialized gaming mouse is a great gift for avid PC gamers. These gadgets are more than just the three-button traditional office mouse – they often have the functionality of a controller built-in!
I’m not mechanically inclined enough to figure out how to use these super fancy devices, but those who have been playing computer games for a long time swear by them.
Controllers
Speaking of controllers, it’s always nice to have a backup, especially if your gamer has a Nintendo Switch. Those controllers are renowned for drift issues, making some games almost unplayable.
There are also a variety of specialized game controllers available for PC gaming. Logitech makes some great options that work with virtually any operating system, so they are a great place to start.
The Best Gifts for Gamers who Want to be Streamers
Some gamers want to be Twitch Streamers, and need a few extra items to make their streams stand out.
If your gamer friend wants to pursue a Twitch career, ensure they have these critical items.
Microphone
A fancy microphone isn’t essential for the average gamer. If most folks just talk to their friends online, they can probably get by with the built-in computer or headset microphone.
However, it’s a different story if someone wants to be a professional gamer. A good microphone with a crisp sound is essential!
I use the Blue Yeti microphone. It offers professional sound quality for gaming, podcasting, and any of your gamer’s promotional needs.
Capture Card
Whether your gamer needs a capture card depends on their streaming setup. A capture card is essential for many, especially Switch streamers. Discover what a capture card does to decide if the gamer on your list needs one to start streaming.
Webcam
A webcam isn’t essential, but it’s nice to have. A webcam makes a stream stand out and helps viewers feel a little more connected to the streamer.
The great thing is that you can get a decent webcam for a low cost on Amazon. Mine was only forty dollars, and it’s great for streaming.
What to Get a Gamer Who Has Everything
It’s possible that the gamer on your list has all these things, or you don’t know what games they have. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for the gamer who already has everything else.
RiotPWR Wired Game Controller
The RiotPWR Wired Game Controller allows gamers to play their favorite games from their mobile devices. It’s a traditional controller that connects directly to your phone. The RiotPWR controller’s companion app, Ludu Mapp, offers a wide variety of games, but you can also play your favorite Xbox and Playstation games with the appropriate remote app.
Sculptures/Figures from Favorite Games
If you have a gamer obsessed with a particular character or game, you can get them a model or figurine from that game. These decorative pieces are generally just for display purposes, but your gamer will appreciate the thoughtfulness of such a gift.
Etsy is an excellent resource for models, action figures, and other gaming collectibles.
Game Art
Game art is another thoughtful gift idea for your favorite gamer. You can get a framed picture or poster of their favorite game scene that they can hang on their wall or display while streaming.
TeePublic is a great place to look for fan-created game art, but you can also find posters at GameStop and Amazon.
Projector
A projector isn’t necessary for gaming, but it’s a fantastic gift idea for the gamer who has it all. A projector can help them show off to their friends and enhance game nights.
Stocking Stuffers for Gamers
Gift Cards
You can’t go wrong with stuffing a gift card into your gamer’s stocking. All the big systems have their own gift cards: Steam for PC gamers, Nintendo E-Shop for NES lovers, and Microsoft Official Store for XBOX.
If you don’t know their favorite console, you can also get them a gift card to a gaming store like GameStop to make it easier.
Handheld Games
The Switch Lite is the best handheld game system out there, but at $200, it’s a little pricey for a stocking stuffer. However, you can get the previous generations, like the 3DS, on eBay or Amazon for much cheaper.
You can also get something like the Go Retro Portable gaming device at Amazon for less than thirty bucks. This handheld has many arcade-style retro games reminiscent of the old-school Game Boy. It’s sure to please both kids and older gamers who have fond memories of the very first handhelds.
Online Subscriptions
Another excellent stocking stuffer for the gamer on your list is an online subscription to their favorite gaming community. Nintendo Switch offers Switch online for twenty dollars a year, the cheapest option. However, to get all the games the Switch offers, including access to N64 and Sega games, you’ll have to upgrade to the Switch Online Plus Expansion Pack, which costs $50 annually.
PlayStation offers a variety of subscriptions under their PS Plus offerings, which include free games and online play.
XBOX offers several tiers of online play, including XBOX Live and GamePass. XBOX Live allows you to play online, while GamePass offers online play and free games.
Any of these subscription services would make great gifts for any gamer on your list.
Give Your Gamer an Epic Holiday
Any of these epic gifts for gamers will make your video game-loving friend smile this holiday season. Grab the best gifts in your price range and watch them unwrap the magic for Christmas, a birthday, or any other gift-giving occasion.
