When it's someone’s birthday, or the holiday season, one thing is for sure: you’re going to need to buy a lot of gifts. Usually, we like to look for inspiration in our friends and family’s interests and hobbies, to help us pick out something they’ll love.
This can be a lot of fun if that person is into video games. No one expects you to buy them a PS5 or the Switch 2 (when it finally releases), but luckily there are many gaming-themed items and merchandise ideal as gifts for gamers.
So, whether they’re an esports, Twitch streaming marathoner, a classic platformer, a cozy session gamer or a narrative-driven sword-wielding barbarian, there’s something that will suit them perfectly. Which is why we’ve created the ultimate video game gift guide. Let’s take a look!
Our birthday and Christmas gifts for gamers
Gifts for Nintendo fans
Nintendo fans are lucky that there is literally no end to the merchandise they can buy. Their licenses are fairly relaxed, allowing lots of third-party companies to create their own Nintendo-based gifts for gamers.
There are even Nintendo shops across Japan and the US where you can go in and buy various products relating to your favorite series.
All of which means there are some really cool products available for the gamers in your life.
For Legend of Zelda fans: Hyrule Historia
Any Legend of Zelda lover will agree: the lore is complicated. Not necessarily Kingdom of Hearts level of complicated; but with Link existing in multiple realms and forms, it’s definitely complex enough.
For those who want to dig deep into Hyrule’s history, the book Hyrule Historia is only $23, making it the perfect gift for Nintendo fans. Inside you can learn more about the complete history of Hyrule, see concept art from the games and get insights from the creators.
Mario Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.
If you’re old enough you just might remember the original version of the Game & Watch. This little device was released in Japan as Nintendo’s first handheld gaming system way back in the dark ages…. the 1980s.
In 2020 they introduced a new version complete with a digital clock and the original Super Mario Bros game. For retro gamers, this is a modern way to enjoy a piece of gaming history, at only $46.99.
Gifts for PlayStation gamers
Sony fanboys and girls sadly have somewhat less choice in the merchandise department than Nintendo fans. With stricter licensing laws and a shorter history, the products available can usually be quite expensive or niche.
But Sony does have one advantage: it has never changed its branding, leading to strong recognition across decades of gamers. Since the PlayStation One, Sony’s console names, logo and famous square, triangle, circle and cross buttons have been synonymous with high-level gaming. Luckily, that means making something instantly recognizable is quite simple.
The PlayStation icons LED light
A staple in many gamers’ bedrooms, the PlayStation icons LED light is an instantly recognizable homage to the four buttons.
It’s a great addition to any gamer set-up, showcasing Sony love and adding to the aesthetic of the gaming space. The PlayStation Icons LED lights are around $21.99, and come in several different layouts, making them the ideal Secret Santa present.
PlayStation clothing
For the gamer who wants everyone to know where their loyalties lie.
But in all fairness to Sony, they’re really leading the way in the clothing department compared to Microsoft and Nintendo. With a strong brand style and a good variety of clothing items available in the Sony online store, there are hoodies, jackets, t-shirts, hats, socks and more to choose from.
Plus, its usually stylish and understated, letting you display your love for a franchise without shoving it in everyone’s faces by plastering a giant mushroom on your chest. (No judgment to Mario fans…)
Gifts for Xbox gamers
The third in the gaming console trifecta, the Xbox Series X/S made a strong impact on the gaming market, despite its lack of standout IPs, proving itself as a worthy contender in the console wars.
So, if the person you’re looking for a gift idea for is Xbox or death, then here are some good choices for birthdays and Christmas. Other than just buying them an annual Xbox game pass (which is also an option).
Xbox logo light
Much like the PlayStation LED light, this Xbox logo USB lamp is an easily recognizable piece of merchandise for a gamer’s new setup.
A great piece of décor, the Xbox logo lamp is only $24.99, so it’s good for friends or family members. You can even plug it directly into your Xbox for maximum effect.
A smartphone controller
Even a big Xbox fan might have missed this option. Microsoft now offers some Xbox games on a system called ‘xCloud’ – a remote gaming service. Just download the app on an IOS or Android smartphone and game on the go!
Of course, as great as it is to play Fable or Forza wherever you are, these types of games typically need the nuance afforded by a controller to play well. It’s a lot harder to control things if you’re just jabbing at the screen with your thumb.
Enter: the smartphone Xbox controller! Xbox offers a range of these gaming accessories that clip to the sides of your phone for easy mobile gaming control. They’re typically around $100, so would be an ideal present for a VIG in your life (Very Important Gamer).
Gifts for a PC gamer
Ah the ‘PC Master Race’. True defenders of mouse and keyboard gaming, lovers of graphics cards that cost the same as a small car, and keen appreciators of fast FPS.
This type of gamer can be quite discerning with their merchandise and accessories.
Gaming glasses for screen to eye protection
PC gamers are the most likely to be afflicted with potential eye problems brought on by long gaming sessions. That’s because they naturally sit closer to the screen than console players, meaning they get an extra helping of overexposure to blue light.
This is problematic because it leads to issues like dry eyes, headaches, difficulty sleeping and can even cause long term health issues.
To protect the gamer in your life from these effects, you can gift them a pair of Horus X gaming glasses. An inexpensive option at roughly $40-$60, offering high rates of filtration for the most dangerous wavelengths of blue light.
PSSSSSSS….if your gamer is a League of Legends fan, then we have good news for you! Horus X has collaborated with RIOT to bring you an exciting new collection! Get a pair of League of Legends gaming glasses and watch them geek out at their next tournament.
LED lighting strips
No gaming setup is complete without some colored LED lights to finish off the look. This is a central element of most gaming spaces, adding a whole new layer to their aesthetic and general vibe.
But be sure to consider how your gamer likes their gaming experience. If it’s all relaxed and forest green, they’re not going to want bright blue lights, for example. Choose the right color and you’ve got all you need.
LED lights are a good, inexpensive option that make a great gift for gamers.
Gifts for retro gaming lovers
It might surprise some of you… but a world of gaming existed before Mario and Pokémon.
For older gamers, retro gifts are a great reminder of the halcyon days of gaming, when Tetris was top of the charts and the SEGA or OMEGA reigned supreme (Google it, young’uns).
So, when it comes to gifts, retro gamers might appreciate a different approach.
Mini retro consoles
Ever look fondly back at your Xbox One or Game Boy?
Mini retro consoles are a really cool way to revisit gaming titles from the past. Available as handheld or capable of plugging into a TV, mini retro gaming consoles come with classics pre-installed so you can replay some of the old favorites for the first time in years.
They’re a small, easily packaged up option for retro gamers to take with them on the road, and almost every company has at least one of their old systems available as a mini retro console.
For retro gamers, this is a one-stop-shop for all their gaming needs.
NES coasters
For a hint of nostalgia, these NES styled coasters are a great way to showcase your retro love, in your gaming room, kitchen, living room, and any other room of the house you can justify. As a lower cost option at only $12.99 these are a great choice for Secret Santa or a stocking stuffer for gamers.
This pack of 8 features classic NES titles like Donkey Kong and Legend of Zelda so the state of your table can be protected by gaming heroes of old.
Gamers without borders?
For gamers who don’t differentiate or discriminate between PC, Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation, choosing a specific console accessory could go down like a lead balloon. These ultimate gamers want to show respect and love for whole world of gaming, without tying themselves down to one allegiance. So, rather than a franchise or a logo, there are other gifts these gamers would appreciate more.
For readers: Blood, Sweat and Pixels
The book Blood, Sweat and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made is a highly regarded, raw look at the history of gaming. Written by one of the most well-known gaming journalists in the business: Jason Schreier, this book is a must read for those who aren’t just gamers, but are also deeply interested in all that goes into it.
Available on Kindle or for $11.29 in paperback, Blood, Sweat and Pixels reveals what went into building some of the biggest franchises in gaming history, including Dragon Age, Stardew Valley and Destiny.
When all else fails: The gift card option
Not just a classic gift for gamers, but an option that never fails, and a good stocking stuffer. Gift cards are customizable, can be bought for any store or console, and are an ideal gift for a gamer who seemingly has everything – but definitely still has 5 new titles in mind.
With a gift card they can purchase whatever they want, taking out the guesswork for you.
Gifts for gamers: Your options
By now you should have a good idea what gifts you’ll be purchasing for your gamers. These carefully selected options cover the gamut of gamers and gaming types, giving something for everyone.
If they’ve inspired you, let us know in the comments. We want to know what gaming gift you got this holiday season, and whether the gamer in your life was appropriately flattered by the effort (and awesome idea).
