Best Gifts for Gamers: Cool Gift Ideas for Any Gamer
There are several times in the year when you’ll find yourself completely stumped over what to get your gaming friend or loved one. This is doubly true when you know little about games yourself. But don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
We compiled a list of the best gifts to get for gamers…as suggested by other gamers! In other words, you’re getting a pro list of gaming gifts. Whether you know a lot about the gaming world or you have no idea what gift idea for a gamer would hit the spot, we’ve got something for you.
We’ve divided this gift list into two sections to make it easier for you to navigate. The hardware section is dedicated to the best gifts for gamers as far as any type of hardware or accessory (computers, consoles, handhelds, chairs, headsets, etc) is concerned. The software section goes into the best gifts for gamers in terms of mostly digital items including games, passes, vouchers, and in-game purchases.
So let’s get right into it so that you can find the perfect gaming gift and get to wrapping.
Best Gifts for Gamers—Software
Gamers will always be happy to get a game (thank you, Captain Obvious). But with literally thousands if not millions of games to choose from, which do you pick?
There’s a couple of ways you could tackle this, even if you know next to nothing about what that special someone plays.
One way is to get a hold of their Steam wishlist which is a treasure trove of gifts for PC gamers. If you can’t, you take a crack at searching through Steam’s top wishlists to see what other PC gamers really want and pick a popular title from there. Another cool gift for gamers is to simply get them a voucher or gift card that’s valid for whatever platform they play on or like (e.g. Steam gift cards or PlayStation Store vouchers).
Game passes or monthly subscriptions are also great gift ideas for gamers. Almost all platforms offer some kind of monthly or seasonal pass (e.g. Xbox game pass) that not only gets you access to game libraries with tons of titles, there are also often deals and discounts that go along with membership. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving!
If you happen to know what someone is playing, do a little digging online and see if you can buy them a DLC, a game bundle, or some kind of limited or collector’s edition of the game. If your special someone is an avid online gamer, look into possibilities of buying some in-game skins, upgrades, special bonuses or deal packs, or other neat add-ons to level up their playing experience.
If you’re truly lucky and they’ve been whining about a specific title for a while now, all you need to do is buy that game. Make sure you know what platform they play on so that the game and hardware are compatible. Also look into any limited edition or collector’s versions of the game. Giving someone a game in some beautiful packaging or with some extra goodies just makes your gaming gift that much better.
Best Gifts for Gamers—Hardware
Sometimes that special someone would love to play the newest title of their favorite series…but can’t because their machine specs aren’t the best. That’s when you can come in with your hardware-lined cape and save the day. The great thing is that you don’t even need to be a hardware technician to choose a good gift for a gamer.
Obviously, if you know a gamer could do with a machine update, getting the newest version is a good way to go. Computers with better specs or next-gen consoles are relatively easy to find and with a little searching, you can find some deals that include games or controllers. Don’t forget about handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Steam Deck. Getting a Steam Deck for your special someone right when it launches will definitely be a top leaderboard gaming gift!
No matter what platform a gamer plays on, some better hardware is always a cool gift idea for gamers. An ergonomic (and stylish) mouse (like the Logitech G502 or G203) or a mechanical keyboard (like the Razer Ornata Chroma) are awesome gifts for PC gamers. If you have more cash to burn, look into getting a monitor with high resolution, good colors, and a high refresh rate. For the more tech-savvy gift givers, look into powerful graphics cards, RAM, memory extensions, or sound cards. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, a XXL RGB gaming mouse pad is a cool gift for a gamer. And hey, every gamer could use a heavy-duty cooling fan!
Console gamers will definitely sport an ear-splitting grin if they get a good-looking controller as a gift. Does your special someone like to play with friends? Get them a pair or set of controllers for a gift that brings fun to everyone. Take a look around to see if you can find custom controllers (e.g. these special edition Xbox controllers) for sale for that extra sense of special.
A really good, comfortable headset is a perfect gift for multiplayer gamers who love to engage with other players or friends (e.g. the Logitech G Pro X). If talking isn’t necessary, you can also just buy a really good pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earpods (like Airpods Pro) with stellar sound quality to level up someone’s gaming experience.
A gaming chair is a great gift idea for gamers where you can show your special someone that you care about their gaming experience and their spine. Be on the lookout for a high quality, ergonomic chair. These don’t necessarily have to be extravagant, expensive “gaming chairs” since office chairs, like the IKEA Markus, also have good ergonomics, the style is just a little less flashy.
But what if your special someone already has all that stuff? Well, then it’s time to accessorize with some cool goodies for gamers! Look into neat and modern gadgets for keeping their gaming space neat and tidy. Controller docks or headphone stands are good ideas to help keep that hardware from simply lying around on the table (e.g. Cable Guy phone and controller holder); holders in the shape of a superhero and favorite character are always awesome! Mobile gamers can really appreciate a mobile gaming clip that is compatible with Xbox controllers. If you’re buying something for a Nintendo lover, a Switch carrying case (like these) or controller (like these) is always a cool gift for a NS gamer.
But what if your hardcore gamer already has all those things or you just don’t feel comfortable with all that techy stuff? Or what if you have a limited budget? Or maybe you want to tap into other hobbies and interests your gamer has? No fear, there are still a ton of great gifts for gamers that won’t make your head or wallet want to explode.
There is hardly anything on the market nowadays that hasn’t been adapted in some way to gaming. From retro Gameboy drink coasters to Super Mario Bros fridge magnets, you can find a cool gift for a gamer. Some other great ideas for gifts are phone cases, gaming apparel (from shirts and socks to ties and hats), game-themed wall calendars, and even gaming bookmarks for gamers who love to read. It’s enough to Google any kind of gadget + “gaming” and see what pops up. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at all the gaming gift ideas you’ll see!
So those are our ideas for the best gifts for gamers no matter the occasion. Have you given any of these things as a gift to a gamer? What was their reaction? Let us know on our Discord!
Disclaimer: Any products listed in this article are simply suggestions given by gamers to our questions. We are not affiliated with any of these companies or products.