The perfect gift guide for gamer friends and girlfriends
From the ugly sweater with Pikachu to the Spyro-shaped joystick
December 3rd, 2024
With Christmas just around the corner, there's no excuse for being unprepared. Those thoughtful, heartfelt gifts are truly the most challenging part of the holiday season. Over time, creativity tends to run out, and there's a risk of falling into the ordinary (though socks are never ordinary—they're always useful, especially the fuzzy ones that keep you warm on chilly winter nights). Some people love makeup, others books, and then there are sports enthusiasts, foodies… and gamers. Yes, among all our friends, we surely have at least one who's a video game fan, and each year it becomes increasingly difficult to come up with effective gift ideas. That's why we're here with a quick guide to help you find the perfect present for someone who can’t let go of a joystick or a mouse—or stop talking about the latest weekend marathon they spent gaming late into the night.
What to gift a gamer
Before diving into this little guide, let's clarify: when choosing a gift for a gamer, you must ensure you know what platform they play on and what games they enjoy. Otherwise, you might give a Pokémon T-shirt to someone who has never touched a Nintendo console or a gaming mouse to someone who has never played online. Do your research—it's essential for finding the perfect gift!
Ugly Christmas Sweaters
What's Christmas without ugly sweaters to wear on Christmas Eve (and beyond)? Thankfully, there are so many options out there, from classic Pokémon designs to League of Legends themes, in practically any size. These also extend to other nerdy realms, like Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings movies. If you’ve got that eccentric friend who isn't afraid to show off their gaming passion during the holidays, this could be the ideal gift. In general, clothing is a safe bet, especially T-shirts, hoodies, and caps.
Controller Stands
For PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo players, a stand to display and charge their controllers is almost essential. Why not pick one shaped like Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, or Master Chief from Halo? It's also a nice way to decorate a gaming room—or even just the living room. Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel-themed versions are also available, so finding the perfect match is just a matter of knowing their preferences.
Mousepads/Desk Mats
For PC gaming enthusiasts, a simple yet effective idea could be a themed mousepad—preferably a desk mat that covers the entire workspace. Whether they spend hours exploring Azeroth in World of Warcraft, leveling up in Hollow Knight, or building fortresses in Minecraft, there's a desk mat to suit everyone. Some even come with wrist cushions for added comfort—an excellent way to complete the gift.
Gadgets
Luckily for us, the gaming industry boasts a vast selection of fan merchandise. From mugs, posters, and collectible figurines (like the well-known Funko Pops) to keychains or PlayStation joystick-shaped stress balls, gaming-related accessories are everywhere. Want to go bigger? How about a doormat featuring Super Mario or Sonic to greet them at the door? For those who game into the wee hours, a themed lamp—like a Minecraft sword or a Pac-Man—could be the perfect room decoration.
Artbooks
Some video games are true masterpieces of graphics and lore, and there are often published collections of sketches and artwork enriched with character backstories and exclusive designs. These are collectibles any fan would treasure. The worlds of games like The Witcher, God of War, World of Warcraft, League of Legends, and The Legend of Zelda are worth exploring deeply—and deserve recognition for their artistic components. Even Super Mario Bros or Stardew Valley can be considered art. For gaming enthusiasts, these are pure wonders.
Collector’s Editions
Special edition, limited edition, limited bundle. These terms all point to one thing: exclusive collector’s items. Like the gadgets category, you'll find a variety of options—Funko Pops, artbooks, console covers (e.g., for the Nintendo Switch). Many gaming brands eventually release limited-edition products that sometimes become staples due to their popularity. For example, you’ll find Halloween or Christmas-themed Funko Pops each year. Whether small or big, these limited editions are a treasure trove for anyone looking for unique gifts. With a bit of research, you’ll have enough ideas for the next five holiday seasons!