Looking for a gift for your favorite gamer? The gaming world runs deep with what feels like an endless supply of cool gifts for gamers. There are so many accessories, components and new technologies that emerge daily, you might feel the stress of choosing the perfect gift is creeping in as you try to navigate the gaming accessory underworld. Take a deep breath (in with the good, out with the bad) because we’ve got you covered with our official guide to gifts for gamers.
We know there are 40,000 gaming headphones available, hundreds of different gaming laptops and gaming keyboards out there. Fortunately for you, we have assembled a list of gifts for gamers to take the crippling guesswork out of finding a gift. We’ve supplied a healthy spread of everything from the best gaming laptop to the best gaming t-shirt. Whether you’re looking for a small gift for a PC gamer, an old-school Gen X gamer or the best streaming microphone for your Gen Z nephew, we have gift ideas for anyone who plays video games.
So, shed the gift-giving paralysis and pick up the best gifts for gamers in your life.
1. Homall Gaming Chair
BEST GAMING CHAIR
Regardless of whether you stream on Twitch, or just want to be comfortable for long gaming sessions, the Homall Gaming Chair looks like a serious gaming chair and provides support like one, too. With adjustable lumbar support as well as adjustable armrests and headrest, you can get in position to kick ass and take names in marathon gaming sessions. This gaming chair comes in multiple color options and boasts the classic racing style for an immersive gaming experience.
If you really care about the recipient, this is one of the best gifts for gamers money can buy. This curved monitor comes in multiple sizes, from 27 inches all the way up to 32 inches, shown here. Gamers will rejoice as the smooth gameplay streams across the screen thanks to the 165Hz refresh rate and as the 1,920 x 1,080 resolution brings out even the most finite details. It even features Extreme Low Motion Blur for a smoother gaming experience. Now, this monster does weigh a whopping 15 pounds, so make sure you have a gaming desk that can support the weight.
This may seem like the world’s most boring gift you could give to someone, but for a Switch owner, this 400 GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card might as well be gold. The Switch’s 32 GB of internal storage doesn’t go very far when the top games often take up 10 or 15 gigabytes of space and having one of these microSDXC cards sidesteps the tediousness of having to constantly delete and redownload games. Offering up one of these to a friend or family member will be akin to saying ‘I understand your pain, and I want you to be happy.’
If you’re looking for gift ideas for gamers that don’t cost an arm and a leg, consider blue blocking glasses. The Gunnar Intercept Blue Blocking Glasses have a blue light blocking rating for each of its lenses. Only a casual gamer? The clear BLPF (blue light protection factor) 35 glasses will be right for you. Are you the marathon gamer who plays into the wee hours of the night? Pair your frames with the Amber Max BLPF 98 lenses for ultimate protection. The frames come in dark oak, indigo and onyx, so you can match your style. If you aren’t sure how you’ll look in them, you can try them on virtually through the Gunnar website. Your computer camera will scan your face and take an image of you so you can see how they look before you buy.
Not only does this headphone stand keep your gaming desk tidy, but it also charges your devices. With three USB ports and two power outlets, you can charge your phone, watch, or keep your laptop plugged in as you game. Not to mention the orange headphone rest and bottom trim make this headphone stand look awesome as well.
Let it be known that you are team PlayStation with the vintage icon t-shirt. That’s right, you’ve been going hard on PlayStation since day one, now it’s time to show people that when it comes to gaming on the Sony console, you’re not one to be messed with. This is one of our favorite unique gifts for gamers. They probably already own a gaming headset, gaming chair, and console. But a stylish gaming-related tee? Probably not.
Great gifts for gamers are those that are useful for everyday gaming. Now you can have the comfort of gaming with your Xbox controller while on your PC with the Wireless Adapter for Windows 10. One adapter can support up to eight controllers, so you and a group of friends can team up and take the battlefield together. You can also remap the buttons and create different profiles with the Xbox accessories app.
If you’re looking for a memorable Christmas gift for gamers this holiday season, consider an eye-catching gaming chair. The red racing stripes down each side not only look awesome but also show your Twitch viewers that you’re serious about gaming. Beyond aesthetics, the lumbar support and adjustable armrests as well as the reclining back keep you comfortable for marathon gaming sessions.
Nothing has plagued first-place drivers in Mario Kart more than the dreaded blue shell. Even though it haunts first-place driver’s dreams, it can now be your young gamer’s comfort pillow. If the blue shell isn’t your favorite, there are a handful of different designs to choose from. Gaming related lifestyle products make for special and unique gifts for gamers.
Don’t let your computer, PlayStation or Xbox consoles get bogged down by full storage. The WD 5TB Game Drive has speeds up to 140MB/s and a ton of storage for plenty of games and data. Its portable design and metal casing allow you to bring your external drive wherever you go while keeping your data and games protected.
Being back in the office doesn’t mean you can’t bring a little bit of your gaming prowess to work. This necktie a way to look fresh in the office, but show some personal style. Plus, you can show your co-workers that after office hours you put in work on your console. Again, if you have a gamer in your life but aren’t sure what kind of gear or games accessories they already own, try finding unique ways for incorporating their hobby into another type of gift. The best gifts for gamers show them you pay attention to their likes and dislikes.
12. The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox
BEST GAMING BOOK
Gaming has come a long way. This is a great gift for gamers who appreciate where gaming came from and where it is going. This 264-page book has full-color images and photos of systems from the first Atari to some of the newest consoles available. It’s the kind of history lesson that gamers will actually pay attention to.
Gamers need a little rocket fuel during marathon sessions. There’s no better mug to re-energize your mind than drinking a coffee, energy drink or cocktail out of the Pokeball Molded Mug. If Pokeballs are strong enough to store Pokemon, they can surely handle your drink of choice. While this would make a great Christmas gift for gamers this holiday season, we think even non-gamers could appreciate it.
While couch co-op gaming has fallen off over the years in the advent of online multiplayer, it never hurts to have an extra controller laying around if you have roommates, siblings, children, significant others or friends who want to get in the action. If you’re shopping for someone who has a shiny new PS5, grab them an extra DualSense Wireless Controller, which comes complete with a touchpad, adaptive force-feedback triggers, and haptic feedback, so you can interact with and literally feel the game in your hands.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a great solution when joy-cons just don’t cut it. Similar to the stylings of an Xbox One controller, the Switch Pro is weighty and feels just right in your hands. A premium Switch controller is the best way to go from a Nintendo Switch zero to hero.
This version of the iconic kart racing franchise takes the action away from the screen and into the real world thanks to a physical, camera-equipped RC kart that turns a living room into a race track. Forget holiday train sets and opt for this Christmas gift for gamers instead. After setting up the track using special markers, the kart’s camera beams the action back to your Switch, which then uses augmented reality technology to overlay virtual competitors, obstacles and items to use as you control the action on your console. All the while, the kart is doing laps around your feet IRL.
Sometimes you need an extra HDMI port for all of your devices. That’s where the HMDI Switch comes in handy. No need for an extra power supply, just plug it in and it’s ready to go. Click the center button to activate one port or the other. The simple gifts for gamers can be some of the most useful in their arsenal.
If you had to choose just one game from the PS5 launch lineup to own, it would be Spider-Man: Miles Morales. It’s the followup to 2018’s Spider-Man, which was one of the best PS4 games, and the sequel does not disappoint, putting you in control of Peter Parker’s successor as he swings through the skies of New York City in beautiful 4K HDR. And if you happen to be shopping for someone with a PS4, don’t fret: This game is also available for Sony’s last-gen console as well.
Gaming keyboards are an essential piece of any computer gamer’s arsenal, and the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Keyboard might be the master sword of your gaming rig. Unlike many other gaming keyboards, the SteelSeries Apex Pro allows you to adjust the sensitivity per key. Yes — you read that right — you can literally adjust the sensitivity of each individual key exactly to your liking. This will improve your gameplay and give you an advantage over any gamer online.
The Apex Pro features a small OLED smart display in the top right corner that allows you to do things like adjusting your profile, viewing updates and changing your settings without having to tab out of what you are doing. Not a wrist rest kind of guy? You can easily detach the magnetic wrist rest if it bothers you. We think this keyboard is one of our favorite cool gifts for gamers because it might not be something they would splurge on themselves.
If the SteelSeries Apex Pro is the master sword of your gaming rig, then the Mr Ironstone Gaming Desk is most definitely your castle. The desk features a riser for a 32-inch monitor for your gaming station. The gaming desk comes with a removable monitor stand so users can customize their gaming experience. It’s anti-skidding, anti-scratch and easy to clean. There’s tons of surface area on this L shaped gaming desk, so gamers have plenty of room for headsets, keyboards and multiple monitors.
If the gamer in your life takes their gameplay seriously, they will definitely appreciate a controller upgrade (we’ve got options for Playstation 4 controllers as well). And nothing provides precision and customization quite like the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. Not only does it work with Xbox One, but you can also use it with PC games, and it is compatible with the new Xbox Series X. Gamers can adjust the tension on the thumbsticks for elite level control. The controller also has redesigned bumpers and triggers that feel more comfortable in your fingers and are easier to grip than stock controllers. The 40-hour battery life won’t leave your gamer without his weapon of choice after long sessions of gameplay. The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is a must for serious gamers.
Sometimes it’s nice to sit at the central command center that is your computer desk and sometimes it’s nice to just relax on the couch while you game, but with the Couchmaster Cycon, you can get the best of both worlds. This couch-like portable desk has enough room to fit a keyboard, mouse and laptop. Plus, the portable desk has a USB hub that you can use to route all of your cables to one place. It’s definitely not the most glamorous gifts for gamers, but they’ll appreciate the utility and comfort this portable couch-desk provides.
Formerly Oculus Quest 2, the Meta Quest 2 is one of the best VR headsets that you will find. We also ranked it as one of the best tech gifts. This headset allows you to paint your own boundaries and actually walk around in your game, so you can be completely submerged in the gaming experience. When we say paint your boundaries, we mean just that; while wearing the headset, you use the controller to set the allotted room space, then the game is generated within that space. When you step out of the allotted area, the passthrough cameras on the Meta Quest 2 allow you to see the real world without having to take the headset off. And there is a bundle of games that suit everybody from sports fans to first-person action-adventure gamers. And perhaps the best part — the self-contained design means it’s portable enough to take out of the house.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon may not be the most graphically impressive game, but it oozes style and like the other games from this RPG series, it has an engaging and deeply original narrative. In Yakuza, you explore Japan’s criminal underbelly, on a quest to settle some long-standing scores with rival Yakuza clans. The Xbox Series X doesn’t have the strongest launch lineup, so despite the fact this game isn’t all that next-gen, it still stands out as one of the best titles you can currently get for Microsoft’s new console (as well as the Xbox One).
Leveling up your audio while gaming will submerge you in the gaming experience, and there is no better way to do that than with the Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset. Powered by 50mm titanium triple drivers in each ear, this headset offer THX 7.1 spatial surround sound and comes with a USB sound card to ensure optimal audio. They’re only .58 pounds, so they can be worn for longer gaming sessions without any discomfort. For this price, you won’t be able to find another headset that boasts this caliber of features. It’s a perfect Christmas gift for gamers even if you’re unsure about your gamer’s operating system as it’s compatible across PS5, PS4, PC, and the Nintendo Switch.
The Razer Basilik Ultimate is a masterpiece in the gaming world. Its ergonomic design feels comfortable to hold, and the buttons sit exactly where you want them on your fingers. It has a finish that feels soft and remains comfortable even after your hand starts to get sweaty. The adaptive frequency technology creates a wireless connection that is as stable as a wired one. For the real hardcore gamers out there, the Razer Basilik Ultimate has an optical sensor that automatically calibrates itself across different surfaces, ensuring consistent lift-off and accuracy.
If the gamer in your life wants to take their talents global, getting them a good USB mic for their twitch streams is a no-brainer. The Blue Yeti USB microphone is great for vocals, voiceovers and podcasting. The Yeti has four recording modes including stereo, omnidirectional, bi-directional and cardioid which is best for solo podcasting and streaming. We recommend omnidirectional if you are podcasting with a group, but only using one microphone. Using the Logitech G software, you can customize the sound quality of the microphone to get great voice-overs during your gaming streams. Streaming gamers need a great microphone to sound professional, and the Blue Yeti is the ticket.
The Xbox Game Pass paired with the Xbox Series X/S is the perfect combo for a gamer. This pass gives your gamer access to over 100 games, and every month, new games are added to the library so your gamer will stay entertained with new games to conquer. But Game Pass is also available for older Xbox One consoles, so this gift is great for any Microsoft loyalist out there.
Anyone that owns any gaming system with wireless controllers knows that a controller that has a dead battery is among one of the most frustrating situations, especially when you are ready to play. That’s why we recommend the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Paddle Dock as one of the best gifts for gamers. With this accessory, you can keep your paddles charged when you are away. The dock features LED lighting for the four paddles it can hold, so you can easily see which paddles have a full battery and which ones need to stay on the dock a bit longer.
It’s not often you find a gaming laptop, with all of the components for optimum gaming, in a slim and portable casing, but that’s exactly what is achieved by the Acer Predator Triton 500. The 11th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and RTX 3060 GPU hangs with the best of them. You can play your games with settings set to ultra and still get clean and smooth gameplay that looks incredible on the 1080p, 144 Hz display. When you have your laptop cranked to ultimate settings the insides tend to get really hot. Fortunately, this laptop does a great job at heat management internally and externally, which will keep all the components inside safe and sound.
Serious gamers need as much accuracy and control in their gameplay as possible, and that’s what the Corsair Gaming Mouse Pad provides. The surface of the mousepad is a sort of textile weave pattern and allows the mouse to smoothly glide across the pad. This effortless feel provides pinpoint accuracy and fast reaction times for gamers. It is also three feet long, which is almost triple the size of a conventional mouse pad. The extra real estate allows for gamers to move more quickly through large maps without having to pick up the mouse. Even after heavy use, the mouse pad won’t start to peel. The best gifts for gamers can handle as much gameplay as the player.
Not everybody has the cash to get their dream gaming monitor. With LED lights for your TV, you can turn your monitor or TV into an RGB gaming monitor with awesome backlighting and 15 different colors and 10 levels of brightness. Who said you had to spend an arm and a leg for sweet RGB lighting?
Legendary film critic Roger Ebert famously once quipped that video games could never be art. Then he turned it into an all-out debate, before admitting he was a bit out of his depth. In the years since, video games have evolved in complex and dynamic ways, definitively proving they’ve always been more than just mindless entertainment. Chances are you have a gamer in your life who is irritated whenever anyone dismisses the validity of video games, and for them, the book Extra Lives will read like gospel truth.
Writer Tom Bissell explores a handful of classic games, such as Braid, Far Cry and Mass Effect, breaking down not just the technical craftsmanship that makes them great, but the thematic and narrative expression which made them so groundbreaking. Books about gaming make some of the most unique gifts for gamers.
