10 Great Gifts for Gamers

The holidays are coming up! It’s the season of gift-giving, and you want to know what to get the gamer in your life. This can be tricky, because every gamer is different, from their game preferences to their consoles.

Want to know what to get your gamer this holiday season? Check this list for some ideas based on your gamer’s preferences.

For the New Gamer: Console Bundles

So you’ve got a young gamer, or a gamer new to the world of console gaming. Maybe they’re transitioning from mobile gaming into something more intense. Maybe they’re transitioning from a PC. Whatever reason they have for not having a console, if you are close enough to them to get them a gift they will be using for years, then a console is a great gift for the neophyte gamer.

PlayStation 4 500GB Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection Bundle (Digital Download Code) Includes: 500 GB PlayStation 4 System, 1 DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, AC Power Cable, HDMI Cable, USB 2.0 Cable, Mono Wired Headset, and digital voucher for Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
Price: $320.00 Buy Now at Amazon.com

There are a number of console bundles you can buy, which will give your gamer both a console and a starter game. It’s best to get the input of your gamer for what console they might want, but you can surprise them with a particular bundle. For a negligibly higher price, they will have a game to play with their new console just as soon as it’s plugged in.

For the PS4 Gamer: Ortz PS4 Vertical Cooling Stand

Like every console or other piece of intricate machinery, the PlayStation 4 is susceptible to overheating. It also has controllers that must be charged, and tends to take up space when laid flat. If your gamer is a PS4 owner, they’re likely to have encountered these difficulties. Getting them this Ortz stand with a built-in fan and charging station will make things much easier for your gamer.

Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan ✔ ULTIMATE COOLER - Keep your Playstation 4 cool and calm with the vertical cooling stand. No worrying about your ps4 overheating and burning your table from long hours of game play.
Price: $24.99 Buy Now at Amazon.com

If you get your PS4 gamer this cooling stand, they’ll be able to charge their controllers without having to use the charge cords or built-in USB ports on the PS4. Their console will also be at far less risk of damage from overheating. Best of all, the stand does not require external power, meaning you do not need to plug it into an outlet.

For the Xbox One Gamer: Western Digital 4TB External Hard Drive

I hope Ben has impressed upon everyone the benefits of getting an external hard drive for the Xbox One. If your gamer has an Xbox One, this is one of the most useful things you can get for them. Their whole game library will load faster, they will be able to use the new multimedia features, and they will be able to use the drive very easily.

WD 4TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive - USB 3.0 - WDBFJK0040HBK-NESN Ultra-fast USB 3.0 connectivity
Price: $119.99 Buy Now at Amazon.com

One of Ben’s top choices for an external hard drive is the Western Digital My Book External Hard Drive. Since there are no upper limits on the power, you could get a drive up to 12 TB in size, though those can be prohibitively expensive. The 4 TB model should be more than sufficient for the average gamer’s needs.

For the Wii U Gamer: Nintendo Pro Controller

If you have a Wii U gamer in your life, they likely have a bunch of games that are optimized for use with the massive tablet controller. It does take some getting used to, but most of the Nintendo first-party games are made with the Wii U touchpad in mind. So while most of the games you can play on a Wii U will work for a Wii U, your gamer might appreciate the chance to use a more typical controller.

Nintendo Pro Controller Black - Nintendo Wii U Wii U Pro Controller - Black
Price: $48.99 Buy Now at Amazon.com

The tablet controller for the Wii U is useful for many things, and it is something that sets it apart from the Ps4 and the XB1. But if your gamer wants something a little more prosaic, they might like the Pro Controller. This controller comes with analog sticks, D-pad, and triggers for when you play games that are not designed to be played with the Wii U’s tablet. Need more ideas? Check this list.

For the PC Gamer: Razer DeathAdder Chroma Mouse

PC gamers are a selective bunch. Each likely has brands and models they prefer over others. While buying them hardware might be tricky if you don’t know their preferences (not to mention some kinds of PC hardware can be expensive) a mouse makes a great gift! A PC gamer uses a mouse like an artist uses a paintbrush.

Razer DeathAdder Chroma - Multi-Color Ergonomic Gaming Mouse Perfectly designed to fit snugly under your palm, the ergonomic shape of the Razer DeathAdder Chroma gives gamers the most comfortable gaming experience ever, especially during the most testing of battles.
Price: $51.99 Buy Now at Amazon.com

Of the brands of PC accessories on the market, Razer is accepted as a quality product, and the DeathAdder is one of their most popular, if unadorned models. It is a good mouse for any PC gamer, from casual gamers to pros. Even if your gamer already has a mouse, they will appreciate having a reliable and proven backup.

For the Mobile Gamer: AmazonBasics Portable Power Bank

If there’s one thing that gamers who love their mobile devices fear, it’s battery death. Not only does it bedevil the ever-expanding contingent of smartphone gamers, but also the gamers who own Nintendo 3DSes and PS Vitas. If they’re on the go and have no access to a power socket or a car charge port, the red light of imminent battery death will make their blood run cold.

AmazonBasics Portable Power Bank - 10,000 mAh Portable battery pack with 10,000 mAh capacity. Powered using a lithium-ion polymer battery for reduced weight and increased safety
Price: $24.99 Buy Now at Amazon.com

The AmazonBasics Portable Power Bank might be a lifesaver for your gamer on the go. It is basically a power pack that they can carry in a backpack or handbag, and which they can use to give their devices an emergency charge. It comes in a variety of sizes, from the small 2000 mAh model (about the equivalent of two AAA batteries) to the massive 16,100 mAh model. If your gamer’s device has a USB charging cord, it will be compatible with the Power Bank.

For the Gamer with Friends: Extra Controllers

Local multiplayer is starting to make a comeback, meaning that gamers are more likely to be playing next to each other in the same room. For those gamers, it is always helpful to have another controller around when you want to play with your friends. And having a spare controller never hurt any gamer!

Xbox One Wireless Controller Now features a 3.5 millimeter stereo headset jack that lets you plug your favorite gaming headset right into the controller
Price: $43.01 Buy Now at Amazon.com

But gaming is an expensive hobby, and while extra controllers are not prohibitively expensive on their own, most gamers will not buy them for themselves if they are trying to save up for a new game. Give the gift of co-op this year by getting your gamer a spare controller for their console!

For the Hardcore Gamer: Gunnar Optiks SheaDog Gaming Glasses

For some, gaming is an all-consuming hobby or even a job. Professional gamers and gamers who love to play as often as possible are unfortunately at a high risk of eye strain and accompanying problems such as headaches. It’s a side effect of staring at a bright screen with flashing colors constantly.

Gunnar Optiks G0005-C001 SheaDog Full Rim Ergonomic Advanced Computer Glasses with Headset Compatibility and Amber Lens Tint, Onyx Frame Finish Kill the glare with the only patented computer eyewear recommended by doctors to protect and enhance your vision through the use of their specially designed lenses featuring proprietary tints and coatings that block high-energy blue light, UV and glare
Price: $63.53 Buy Now at Amazon.com

Getting a pair of glasses that are designed to cut down on screen glare is highly recommended for gamers. If you have a gamer who can’t look away from their screens – out of professional obligation, sheer joy, or both – getting them a pair of gaming glasses can spare them a number of headaches in a very literal sense.

For the Gamer with Sore Thumbs: Grip-iT Analog Stick Covers

Controllers are very convenient and comfortable for gamers, and even PC users play some games with them. The problem with almost every kind of controller is that the ubiquitous analog sticks are not always sturdy enough to withstand the stress of constant use. They can also be hard on the thumbs and often are not easy to grip, particularly if your gamer perspires at all.

Grip-iT Analog Stick Covers, Set of 4 Improves Grip Comfort Enhancement Slip Prevention Prolong Analog Life Very Affordable 4 Grip-iT tabs per set
Price: $3.86 Buy Now at Amazon.com

These Grip-iT Stick Covers are a great complement to just about any controller. They fit snugly over the tops of the analog sticks and are designed to be easier to handle. Your gamer will appreciate the extra grip on their controller, especially if they play competitive multiplayer games, and they will also be happy with how these covers make their analog sticks more durable.

For the Gamer Who Has Everything: HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset

So your giftee is a gamer who owns all the consoles and all the games they could ever want. What do you get for someone like that? Well if your gamer wants to game with someone at any point, they will likely need a good gaming headset. It is one of the essential accessories for all but the most reclusive gamers. Trouble is that it’s often difficult to find a decent gaming headset that works with all consoles and gaming platforms.

HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset - White (KHX-H3CLW) Designed in Sweden and recommended by the world's most elite gaming organizations
Price: Too low to display Buy Now at Amazon.com

The HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset will be a hit for your gamer. This versatile gaming headset works with all current generation consoles, as well PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets. You will need to get a separate adapter if your gamer uses an Xbox One, but you can buy the adapter easily from Amazon. If you cannot afford to buy such an expensive headset, take a look at this list of alternatives under $25.

What will you get your gamer this holiday season? Have any good ideas we might have missed? Give us some extra gift ideas in the comment section below!