The Ultimate Guide to Gaming Gifts That Don’t Suck
Look, we get it. Trying to find the perfect gaming gifts for the gamer in your life is terrifying. We are a picky bunch. We have specific brand loyalties, we own three versions of the same game “just in case,” and we have very strong opinions about frame rates. But don’t panic. Whether you are shopping for a hardcore PC enthusiast or someone who just wants to play “Mario Kart” on the couch, this guide to the best gaming gifts of the year has you covered.
We have scoured the internet and dug through the specs so you don’t have to. From portable powerhouses to the kind of collectibles that make a shelf look legendary, here are the gaming gifts that will actually earn you some XP this holiday season.
Handheld Heroes: Gaming gifts on the Go
Let’s start with the heavy hitters. If you really want to win the holidays, handhelds are where it’s at right now. The Steam Deck OLED is basically the holy grail for PC gamers who want to take their library to bed. It features an updated display that makes colors pop like you wouldn’t believe, and it is customizable enough to handle outdoor gaming sessions.
For the Xbox loyalists, the ROG Ally X is a total game changer. It lets gamers take that console experience out of the living room without lugging a TV around. And if you are looking for something a bit more immersive, the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S are fantastic gaming gifts. These headsets connect seamlessly to Xbox Game Pass, meaning you can play your existing library in a portable virtual frame. It is basically the future, and it fits in a backpack.
PC Power: Laptops That Shred
Maybe the gamer on your list needs a serious hardware upgrade. If budget is no object and you want to see them cry tears of joy, the Alienware 18 Area-51 Gaming Laptop is an absolute beast. It can handle just about anything you throw at it on the highest settings without even breaking a sweat. It is an out-of-this-world experience for those who don’t have a price limit.
For a more reasonable option that still delivers, the MSI Katana 15 HX series offers a performance-level experience that won’t completely destroy your bank account. And for the multitaskers? The HP Victus 16.1-inch Gaming Laptop is a jack of all trades that offers high adaptability for both work and play.
Loot for the Shelf: Collectibles and Merch
Sometimes the best gaming gifts aren’t things you play, but things you stare at lovingly. If your recipient loves building things, the LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet Set is incredibly satisfying to put together. It looks amazing on a desk, just don’t try to snap your fingers.
For the lore nerds, art books are always a win. The “Elden Ring: Official Art Book Volume III: Shadow of the Erdtree” is packed with the kind of hauntingly beautiful imagery that fans of the game obsess over. “The Art of Destiny” and “The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts” are also fantastic coffee table staples.
If they are into “League of Legends,” check out the Arcane Season One Limited Edition Steelbook. It is a gorgeous physical edition for one of the best game adaptations ever made. And for the “Halo” fans, a Dark Horse Comics Halo Infinite: Master Chief Statue with the Grappleshot is a centerpiece item that screams “I saved the galaxy.”
Accessories to Level Up the Setup
You can never go wrong with quality-of-life upgrades. Good gaming gifts often solve problems we didn’t know we had. For the Nintendo Switch owner, the Turtle Beach PlayTrek Travel Case is essential for protecting that precious console.
On the PC side, a good mouse makes all the difference. The Razer Cobra HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Mouse features stunning RGB lighting and up to 170 hours of battery life, which means less time charging and more time clicking heads. If they need something ultra-lightweight, the Corsair Sabre v2 PRO weighs practically nothing at 36g, making it perfect for twitchy shooters.
Finally, set the mood with Govee RGBIC Gaming Light Bars. These sync up with the audio to create an immersive light show that makes any gaming den feel like a pro streamer’s studio.
Finding the right gaming gifts doesn’t have to be a boss battle. Whether it is a digital gift card for some Steam Wallet funds or a high-end laptop like the Lenovo Legion 9i, the thought really is what counts. But getting them something cool helps too.
