Gamer Gift Guide

With gaming being as prevalent a hobby as it is today, it's likely that you have at least one gamer in your life. As the holiday season rolls around, an outsider to the gaming world might not know what to get for their gamer family members and friends. Luckily, we've got the inside scoop on all of the best gifts you can score for all of the beloved gamers in your life.

For Console Gamers

Though it'd be nice if there were a one-size-fits-all sort of solution for a gamer, the truth is you're going to at least have to know if they're a console gamer or a PC gamer. If your gift recipient plays on a video game console as opposed to a computer, here are your available options when it comes to gift giving.

Video Games

Of course, the easiest gift for a console gamer would be a new video game! Unlike PC gaming, console games still come in physical discs that you can buy at your local retailer or online. You're going to need to know what kind of games your lucky recipient is into. If they're into first-person shooter games, maybe check out the Call of Duty Franchise. If they're more into platforming games, which are all about movement mechanics rather than combat, something like the most recent Mario game might be best for them. Just keep in mind that certain games are console-specific, so you're going to want to check in with them to see which console they're playing on. If all else fails, a gift card to your local retailer or their preferred online console marketplace is always a good choice.

Video Game Consoles

A video game console is one of the best gifts you can get as a gamer. Whether it's the PS5, an Xbox Series X or the Nintendo Switch 2, getting someone a console expands their gaming horizon far beyond where it was before, opening them up to a whole new world of console exclusives. Be sure to get an idea of their preference before committing to a console, as some gamers are very loyal to one platform over another. If your gamer recipient already has their console of choice, then you can consider getting them a VR headset for a truly immersive gaming experience!

Gaming Accessories

You can also gift a variety of other gaming accessories to a console gamer. Getting someone extra video game controllers allows them to play locally with their friends, while getting them a gaming headset can improve the overall audio quality of their setup. This will also enable them to talk to their online friends. If you know your recipient could use an upgrade for their visuals, you can also consider getting them a new TV, ideally one with a high refresh rate to keep up with their fast-paced gameplay.

PC gaming is a whole other animal, and the gifts for a PC gamer differ greatly from those you would get for a console gamer.

If you have a close friend or family member who's trying to get into PC gaming, there's no better gift to get them than a gaming PC. Many hardcore PC gamers will build their own gaming computers, but most people who are just getting into PC gaming will start with a pre-built unit. Pre-built gaming computers come with the hardware needed to handle most modern games at decent graphics, making them perfect for someone who's just starting their computer gaming journey. While pre-builts simplify the process, selecting a gaming computer to give as a gift should still be a collaborative effort between you and the person receiving it so you can get a better idea of how much power they're going to need. If you want more information on what to look for in a gaming PC, feel free to check out our blog: What Makes a Good Gaming PC? If a full desktop model isn't the best option, you can also get your recipient a gaming laptop.

The keyboard is the single most important computer accessory, and for good reason. Having a good keyboard can heavily contribute to having a good experience playing competitive games, and each press of a key should feel satisfying if you have the right model. Gifting someone a keyboard comes with many questions though - you'll need to find out whether your gift recipient prefers a wired or wireless keyboard, and they're going to have to decide what kind of key switches they prefer. The key switches are the mechanical part of the keyboard that sit under the keys, and they are available in linear, clicky or tactile styles, which each come with their own benefits. If you want to learn more about what goes into a good gaming keyboard, check out our gaming PC accessories buying guide. You may also want to stop into your local retailer to try out some different keyboards with different switches before you commit to anything. Some popular gaming keyboard brands include Razer and Logitech.

Mouse

Having a good computer mouse is just as essential as having a good keyboard. Make sure the one you choose for your favorite gamer is built for gaming. That means a comfortable palm feel as well as programmable buttons that you can set to do different things in your games. Along with the keyboard, you're going to need to ask your gift receiver if they would prefer a wired or a wireless mouse. A mouse pad is a must-have companion gift, as the large movements required for gaming requires plenty of mouse pad space. Just like with keyboards, Razer and Logitech both produce high-quality gaming mice.

Monitor

Another great gift you can get for a PC gamer is a monitor. Even if they already have a monitor, a second or even a third monitor can be a major game changer. Most hardcore PC gamers rock multi-monitor setups due to the versatility multiple monitors can provide. Having more than one monitor will allow your gift receiver to play a game on one screen and use another screen to watch a video, work on an assignment, or even just check their socials.

When it comes to buying gifts for a gamer, there is no shortage of options. Choosing a gift for your favorite gamer is more than just shopping - it's a chance to understand how they engage with the hobby. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give anyone, gamer or not, is showing genuine interest in the things they love!