Our Picks for Gaming
1Joy Laforme Spring Terrace 1000 Piece Puzzle
Featured in CNN Underscored's gifts under $25; a bright, illustrated 1,000 piece puzzle for anyone who likes a slow evening in (for christmas-gifts-for-friends,
$19.99Galison
3Game Boy™ 72046 | LEGO® Super Mario™ | Buy online at the Official LEGO® Shop US
CNN Underscored's nostalgic pick for a brother; a near-scale 421-piece Game Boy that is fun to build and display.
$59.99LEGO
2Forbes Vetted names this pink-and-green set its upgrade pick for mahjong, and an editor likes the carrying case; a splurge for a mum who plays or wants to start
$400.00Oh My Mahjong
4Backbone Pro Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller | Backbone
A CNN Underscored brother pick; a pro-grade phone controller for gaming on the go.
$169.99Backbone
The accessory upgrade over the obvious console
A better controller, a proper headset, a game they have mentioned but not bought: these show more thought than the console itself, which they have almost certainly already got or would rather choose themselves. Check which platform they play on before you buy anything, because accessories rarely work across every console and PC.
Comfort and setup gifts
Gamers spend hours in the same chair, so comfort gifts are quietly excellent. A good desk mat, a wrist rest, a monitor stand, a controller charging dock or a decent set of headphones for long sessions improve every game they play.
These also suit the person who already owns the best kit. They rarely spend money on the small things that make a setup tidier and nicer to use, which is exactly why they are welcome as presents.
Games, edition and format
If you are buying a game, be exact. The same title often comes in a standard edition, a deluxe edition and a physical or digital version, and a gamer will care about which one. Ask a friend who plays with them, or look at what they have been talking about lately.
A gift card for their platform is a fair fallback for the person who already owns everything, as long as it is for the store they actually use.
Gifts for the gamer who does not want more kit
Not every gamer wants more hardware. Books about their favorite series, an art print of a game they love, a board game for evenings away from the screen or a small collectable are easy wins that show you pay attention to what they like.
Skip generic gaming themed novelties, because they are rarely used after the day. A mug with a controller on it is forgettable, while a proper print of their favorite world is something they might actually hang up.
Save the exact title the moment they mention it
Gamers tend to know exactly what they want next, and say so in passing: a new release, a specific edition. It is worth saving as a hint there and then, rather than trying to remember the exact name of something mentioned months before their birthday actually comes round.
Frequently asked questions
What do you buy a gamer who has everything?
Buy around how they play rather than what they own: a better controller or headset, comfort gear like a desk mat or wrist rest, or a specific game or edition they have mentioned wanting.
Are gaming gift cards a good present?
They are a safe fallback if you are sure which platform and store they use. Make sure the card matches their console or PC, since credit rarely transfers between them.
How do I know which game to buy?
Ask them, ask a friend who plays with them, or ask them to keep a wishlist. The right edition and platform matter, so a guess can easily be the wrong version.
What can I get a gamer who does not want more kit?
Try a print of a game they love, a book or art book about their favorite series, a board game for time away from the screen, or a small collectable. Avoid generic themed novelties.
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