Elevate your gaming experience with the perfect gift—upgrade their setup and power up their play!
Navigating the ever-changing world of gaming consoles, accessories, and frequent game releases can feel like a high-stakes challenge when choosing the perfect gift for a gamer. While it’s tempting to default to the usual tech gadgets, truly impressive gifts often require a bit more creativity. Instead of sticking to standard controllers or consoles, consider exploring unique, gaming-inspired items that offer a fresh twist and stand out from the crowd.
Our curated selection of gaming gifts includes top-rated headsets, cutting-edge smartphone controllers, and even nostalgic collectibles, all designed to thrill gamers of any type. Whether your loved one is a casual player seeking occasional adventures or a dedicated e-sports enthusiast, you’ll find something special that enhances their gaming experience and makes their setup even more exciting.
1. XREAL Air 2 Pro AR Glasses
One of the perks of my job is getting a sneak peek at groundbreaking tech before it hits the mainstream, and the XREAL Air 2 Pro video glasses are a standout example that truly impressed me. These glasses seem straight out of a sci-fi movie and would make a remarkable gift for someone who seems to have everything. They might look like a pair of sleek sunglasses, but they offer far more than meets the eye.
By connecting your device via USB-C, you can instantly transform your movie-watching, console gaming, or laptop use into an experience akin to having a massive external monitor or theater screen. For an even more immersive experience, consider pairing the glasses with the smartphone-like Beam Pro. This combo not only enhances your viewing pleasure but also keeps your personal device free from memory-heavy apps and distractions, providing a streamlined and enjoyable tech experience.
2. Lego Icons PAC-Man Arcade Building Kit
This iconic Lego set is a dream come true for retro-gaming enthusiasts. Boasting a meticulously detailed design—including an illuminated coin slot—it captures the nostalgic charm of classic arcade games. With interactive features and a touch of vintage appeal, it's an ideal gift for adults who cherish the golden era of gaming.
Your gamer will enjoy building, playing, and showcasing this collectible masterpiece. The set includes over 2,500 pieces and, once completed, measures 12.5x10 inches. It features a working maze, beloved characters, and authentic details that will delight both fans of Lego and retro arcade games.
3. BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller
With its ergonomic design, intuitive controls, and feature-rich companion app, the Backbone One is the perfect gift for anyone who loves gaming on their iPhone or Android device. It transforms a smartphone into the best portable game console possible with satisfyingly clicky buttons, responsive joysticks, and a headphone jack.
4. PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
Despite the impressive features offered by third-party controllers, none can truly match the haptic feedback experience of an official PlayStation controller. The enhanced vibrations and tactile sensations create a level of immersion that's hard to replicate.
The PlayStation DualSense Edge offers the best software integration with the PlayStation 5, along with adjustable triggers, user-replaceable stick modules, and customizable buttons. We’re also big fans of its included carrying case and braided cable that features a locking mechanism to keep it from getting yanked out.
5. Bellroy Venture Sling 6L Crossbody
The Bellroy Sling is a fantastic gift for any gamer who values style, sustainability, and practicality. It's the perfect accessory to keep their essentials organized and easily accessible, whether they're gaming at home or on the go. With its 6L capacity, it even offers enough room for a Nintendo Switch. Plus there’s a soft-lined pocket for sunglasses or easily scratchable tech.
It's crafted from recycled materials and has a magnetic clasp to ensure your loved one's possessions are always secure but within reach when they need them.
6. Nintendo Switch OLED Model w/ White Joy-Con
You will definitely make someone's year if you gift them a Switch OLED . What makes the versatile console so special is its highly immersive screen. It's an inch bigger than its predecessor and much brighter, so it makes a load of difference for gamers who primarily play their Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.
You can choose between three colors for your gift. They include the OLED-exclusive white pictured here, classic neon blue and red, and a red Mario edition.
7. Razer Kishi V2 Mobile Gaming Controller
If you're gifting someone who is always gaming on the go, the Razer Kishi smartphone gaming controller is a great option. It will transform their smartphone into a portable gaming console whose controls have better performance and tactility than those of a Nintendo Switch.
You can order the controller with a Lightning connector for older iPhones and a USB-C plug for the all-new iPhone 15 and Android phones .
8. Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (slim)
Whether you're shopping for a long-time gaming enthusiast or a new Xbox convert, the sleek and powerful PlayStation 5 console is a compelling choice. This updated model is 30% smaller than its predecessor, yet it maintains the same stunning graphics and advanced controller haptics that gamers love.
You can choose between the digital edition of the PlayStation 5 or one with a removable disc drive. If you opt for the digital edition, there's also the option to add a disc drive later, allowing the recipient to upgrade their console whenever they wish.
9. Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 headset offers stunning 4K visuals, 3D surround sound, and hyper-sensitive controls that help the gamer in your life experience highly-immersive experiences across gaming, entertainment, and even fitness.
With more than 500 immersive apps to explore, and plenty of on-board storage, the Quest 3 headset will keep your favorite person entertained for hours.
10. 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard
This mechanical keyboard by 8Bitdo is a gift that’s guaranteed to become an instant favorite to nostalgic gamers. The desktop accessory has a retro styling inspired by the iconic Nintendo NES console, mechanical switches with an amazing feel, and dedicated knobs for toggling between wired and wireless connectivity modes.
Impressively, the keyboard also comes with a duo of bundled oversized buttons that recipients can customize via a desktop suite. The add-on accessories will not only add more character to their desk but also speed up their workflow by offering quick access to shortcuts.
11. 8Bitdo Micro Bluetooth Gamepad
The impossibly tiny (it weighs less than an ounce) 8Bitdo Micro gaming controller is a great and inexpensive gift that Android smartphone and tablet gamers will particularly appreciate. Its customizable tactile buttons are vastly more enjoyable for playing their go-to games than the onscreen controls of their smartphone.
Of course, the controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch consoles, too. Its lack of a thumbstick makes it perfect for playing old-school 2D games.
12. JBL Quantum TWS Wireless Gaming Earbuds
Gamers not into over-ear gaming headsets will appreciate a gift like the JBL Quantum TWS true wireless earbuds . The gaming buds’ bundled USB-C dongle will deliver an instant, rock-solid connection to a laptop and a gaming console, while Bluetooth connectivity makes them easy to pair with a phone for everyday use. Dual connectivity for a simultaneous link to a phone and a gaming rig is also available.
As expected from a JBL product, the Quantum TWS earbuds produce high-quality sound and strong noise cancellation. Their onboard microphones are equally suitable for calls and in-game trash talk.
13. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
The Nova Pro is the be-all-end-all wireless headset. It comes with two long-lasting swappable batteries, a base station that delivers an outstanding wireless range and lets you mix multiple audio sources, and a retractable microphone that's clearer in quality than practically every microphone I've tested.
Yes, this noise-canceling headset doesn't run cheap, but it sounds incredible and connects to every console out there. Oh, and it’s as comfy as a cloud. What more could a gamer ask for?
14. Numskull ‘Halo’ Gaming Locker
Between snacks, drinks, game cases, charging cables, controllers, and headsets, it's easy for a coffee table to become extremely cluttered and fast. This gaming locker helps eliminate the chaos and puts everything neatly in its place — games, controllers, a headset, and small essentials.
The product is available in seven unique themes to match their console or favorite game or movie. Depending on which one you choose, you'll get a flashy or an understated locker.
15. WTYCD Fidget Pad
This tiny fidget toy is a great gift option to help gamers focus and unwind via familiar and beloved interactions. The cheap, easily pocketable gadget has a built-in joystick, gamepad-like buttons, and a spinner, to name a few tactile bits.
Thanks to its compact size, the fidget pad will make an excellent stocking stuffer. It's sure to leave a lasting impression even with its highly affordable price point.
16. OtterBox Protective Controller Shell for Xbox Controllers
This OtterBox protective shell is an excellent gift for PC, console, and mobile gamers who use the original Xbox wireless controller. It enhances the gamepad's handling with two sets of swappable grips and, true to OtterBox's reputation, provides robust protection against accidental drops.
Available in several translucent colors—black, white, purple, and blue—this shell not only adds a touch of style but also ensures durability. Additionally, OtterBox offers other Xbox controller accessories, including a universal smartphone mount that's perfect for gaming on the go.
17. Couchmaster CYCON Couch Gaming Lapboard
PC gamers who'd rather play cuddled up on the couch instead of hunched over on a desk will absolutely love this gaming lapboard . Inside the desk is a USB 3.0 hub you can use to plug in and route all your cables for your mouse, keyboard, and headset.
There are two side pockets: one for your mouse and the other for remote controls or drinks. It also comes with Velcro to help keep your keyboard from sliding around all over the place.
18. ARCADE1UP Class of 81’ Deluxe Arcade Machine for Home
For the retro gaming aficionado, this arcade machine is a nostalgic treasure. Featuring 12 classic games from 1981, including Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, it’s a genuine homage to gaming's golden era. The faux front coin door adds an authentic touch, making your recipient feel like they’re back in an old-school arcade.
Equipped with WiFi leaderboards, the machine allows players to post their high scores and compete with friends and gamers nationwide. This gift brings the excitement of arcade gaming straight into the home, delivering hours of classic fun and friendly competition.
19. Nintendo Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros
Nintendo's Game & Watch handheld proves that sometimes less is more. In case you’re unfamiliar, the Game & Watch was the precursor to the Game Boy with a design that was inspired by the Japanese Famicom console. The pocket-friendly device has a sharp backlit LCD screen, and it comes loaded with three games: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, and Ball.
My colleague Stefan Vazharov owns the Game & Watch and says that it exceeded his expectations. The console offers superb controls, a robust gameplay experience, and surprisingly entertaining sound. The handheld will also make for an excellent collector's item.
20. BirdRock Gaming Chair
Most gaming chairs stick out like a sore thumb and don't blend in with furniture, but not this option from BirdRock. It's a great gift option because the memory foam used in its making is comfortable and supportive for gaming on the floor.
Most importantly, this chair is much better looking than other options. You can choose between several colors to ensure the gift matches well with the recipient's decor.
