1. Best overall
2. PlayStation gifts
3. Xbox gifts
4. Nintendo gifts
5. Tabletop gifts
6. How to choose
7. FAQ
The hardest part about finding gifts for gamers can be knowing where to start. There's a continent's worth of tat out there right now, so how do you sort the rubbish from the treasure?
That's where the 12DOVE team and I come in. We seek out the best gifts for gamers all year round both as our job and personally (we have to make our own wishlists, after all). As a result, we won't ever choose tacky tie-ins that don't do much more than slap a brand label on the box; we'd actually be happy paying for everything listed here ourselves. And because they're from well-respected names, they won't be five-minute novelties that break soon after they're opened either.
You'll also find something to suit every kind of gamer here. No matter whether your loved one plays PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, or good old-fashioned pen-and-paper games, there will be a present to suit them in this roundup of gifts for gamers. Not sure what to get, on the other hand? Here's how to choose the right present.
Benjamin handles all of the site's gifting content, and has been writing about it for six years now. He plays everything from PS5 to Dungeons & Dragons, and is hoping someone grabs him shiny new dice this year.
Best gifts for gamers overall
Keen to cut to the chase? I've rounded up the very best gifts for gamers here to save you some time.
If you've left things a little late or are simply out of ideas (don't worry, I won't tell anyone), this is your best bet. It allows the recipient to buy whatever they want from the official PlayStation Store, and comes in a variety of amounts.
Unsure of what to get the Xbox fan in your life? This is the perfect choice. Besides allowing them to get whatever they fancy from the official Xbox store (be it games or add-ons), you can give as much or as little as you want.
If you're cutting it fine when it comes to presents for Switch fans, don't stress - you can pick up eShop gift cards at a variety of prices. The recipient can then buy games or downloadable bonus content from the official store.
For anyone struggling to find something a PC gamer will want, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a great choice. It provides a massive library of games to play on PC, sort of like Netflix for video games. Because there are so many big titles on the way, now's a good time to dive in as well.
Stuck for ideas? Gaming-themed cookbooks should do the trick. With options for fans of Fallout, Minecraft, and beyond, there's something to suit most people. Besides being an amusing novelty, they're also a fun activity to share as you cook meals inspired by gaming greats.
Does your loved one play tabletop games like D&D or Warhammer? You can never go wrong with dice. As a massive fan of miniature wargaming and pen-and-paper RPGs, I assure you that we can never have enough.
Gifts for gamers: PlayStation
Does your loved one play on PS5 or PS4? Here are some stocking fillers, novelty items, and handy accessories that should delight them. For more, check out our full guide to PS5 gifts.
Under $30 / £30
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This curiosity brings the console's iconic symbols to life with an atmospheric glow, and that eye-catching yet simple design should enhance any setup. It's probably my favorite gift for PS5 gamers.
There's no shortage of PlayStation-themed tees, so I've cut to the chase with what I think are the best ones. These shirts are surprisingly tasteful designs from Ripple Junction, a reliable brand known for its tie-in merch.
Not sure what to get someone, but know they own a PlayStation? These sleek mugs are the best 'playing it safe' present on offer. What's more, they're designed by industry giant Paladone - a company known for quality merch.
Under $50 / £50
Wearing your finest 'ugly' Christmas sweater over the Holiday is practically mandatory these days, so why not give your loved one a jumper celebrating their console of choice? I'm a fan of this classy Numskull design, personally.
You can never go far wrong with a hoodie, if you ask me - particularly when sweater weather closes in. That's why I'd point you in the direction of this handsome design from the ever-reliable Ripple Junction.
This fancy-looking gift for gamers is one of the more practical options out there, giving the recipient somewhere to store their headset so it's not just lying around. However, the fact it's an ambient light adds some pizazz too.
Gifts for gamers: Xbox
Trying to track down the ultimate present for Xbox gamers? Here's a whistle-stop tour of the best options, taken from our guide to essential Xbox gifts.
Under $30 / £30
As well as being well-made official merch, this looks as if it's been pulled from straight from a Twitch streamer's studio. An atmospheric addition to any setup, in other words, and one most fans should love.
You can never go wrong with a good old-fashioned mug, and this is the perfect choice for Xbox fans. For added novelty, it also changes color and design with heat. Perfect for a brew to power you through an intense gaming session.
Look, it's hard to beat socks in terms of iconic (but cheap) gifts. These are my favorite Xbox ones because they pay tribute to Microsoft's console without being overly garish. They're solid value, too.
Under $50 / £50
There's nothing like a cozy Christmas sweater, and these examples are made by Numskull and Ripple Junction. They're two of the most respectable brands for merch, so expect comfort.
The older I get, the more I appreciate loungwear and being able to vegetate on the sofa. With these comfy Xbox-branded PJs, I'm all set for a lazy afternoon around the house playing Xbox.
If the cold weather is biting, there's nothing better than snuggling under a blanket. That's why this officially licensed option jumped out at me - it has me day-dreaming about naps on the sofa or oh-so cozy gaming marathons.
Gifts for gamers: Nintendo
Searching for presents that a fan of Nintendo will love? No problem - here's a hit-list of accessories and stocking-fillers, with more available in our guide to the best Nintendo Switch gifts.
Under $30 / £30
Luckily, it isn't hard to find good Nintendo t-shirts; there are enough of them to bury anyone in tees. My personal favorites include a fancy Boo design that's made up of tiny Super Mario icons and this eye-catching Bullet Bill Kanji shirt.
I only recently discovered Hallmark's gaming range, and I'm in love. The Nintendo batch are my favorite by some way due to their quality, and I think the best ones might just be the Mario special items that add a subtle Switch spin to your tree.
Super Mario and Nintendo are synonymous, so a mood-setting light based on the series is sure to go down well with anyone that plays on Switch. It's made by the highly-respected Paladone as well, so you can be sure it isn't cheap tat.
Under $50 / £50
It's a grand tradition these days to break out your ugliest sweater for the Holiday Season, and it just so happens that you can get one based on Nintendo's premier characters from the esteemed merch-makers at Numskull.
Plushies are always a safe bet when buying gifts for gamers, and they're amongst my go-to presents. Nintendo is particularly well-stocked with cuddly toys based on its characters (I adore this Legend of Zelda Korok at Amazon, for example).
Regardless of whether you're buying for a kid or an adult, the bricks from Billund make for delightful presents - and there are sets that allow you to recreate everything from Super Mario courses to an Animal Crossing village.
Gifts for gamers: Tabletop
Trying to find some presents for fans of wargaming or tabletop RPGs like D&D? Don't worry, I've gone ahead and done it for you. For a more comprehensive list, check in with our D&D gifts guide.
Under $30 / £30
Here's a great gift for tabletop RPG or wargamers that always delivers: dice. Speaking from experience, players can never have enough of these... and the fact that this particular set can glow in the dark makes them one of the cooler novelty presents on the list.
You can't beat a classic mug, and these ones - ranging from jokes to tankard-style alternatives - should fit in well at the gaming table. I'm personally fond of the barrel beer mug, because it makes me feel like I'm kicking back ale at a tavern.
Themed cookbooks are a solid novelty present at the best of times, but this D&D version is better than I'd expected. It's crammed with delightful recipes from that tabletop world which are perfect for the next session.
Under $50 / £50
Is the person you're buying for a big fan of D&D? If you want to push the boat out, it's well worth considering a create-your-own HeroForge miniature. These make for a thoughtful, deeply personal present.
Want to stay comfortable during evening-long Dungeons & Dragons sessions? Grab some officially licensed cushions. Even though you're spoiled for choice, I'd make a beeline for the class-specific designs for that personal touch.
How to choose gifts for gamers
Not sure what to get for your loved one? Don't worry, this whole business can be overwhelming - but I'm here to help. I've been writing about gifts for gamers since 2018, and spent a lot of time recommending presents to shoppers before that when I worked in a video game store. With all that in mind, here are some general tips to point you in the right direction.
Gifts for gamers FAQ
What to buy if you're a gamer
It can be tricky to find good gifts for gamers, but don't panic; we have some tips. To start with, it's always a good idea to look at merch based on what they play (e.g. PS5, Xbox, Switch) because they're unlikely to have it already. This includes everything from mugs to 'ugly' Christmas sweaters, so the chances of them owning the present in question is low.
That's why we'd advise against choosing games or accessories. Unless you know for certain what they do and don't have, there's a good chance they own - or have something similar to - the item you're hoping to get. That can put a real damper on things.
If you ask us, the best merch companies right now are Paladone (which creates gifts such as lighting and cups modelled after each major gaming platform), Merchoid, and Numskull. While the latter two have plenty of other goodies to offer, they're perhaps best known for their top-tier Christmas jumpers.
What should a gamer get?
The answer to this question will obviously vary from person to person, but we'd always recommend presents that will enhance your loved one's gaming experience. Although we're wary of gifting games or accessories because there's a chance the recipient already owns them, finding out what they have in their setup can leave you with some great options. Do they have a headset, for example? If not, it's definitely worth prioritising one. This provides a more immersive experience that really elevates gameplay, particularly with RPGs such as Baldur's Gate or shooters like Call of Duty. Actually, we'd argue that it's an essential purchase.
Here are some more specific recommendations. Just make sure to check whether the recipient already has these!
- PS5: For players on Sony's system or those about to be given it, we'd highly recommend the Pulse 3D headset thanks to its fantastic three-dimensional audio. An alternate faceplate (like a black set) is also a good idea, because it allows for the console to fit in with the rest of a setup. As for games, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is probably one of 2023's best so comes highly recommended for anyone that doesn't already have it. Similarly, Baldur's Gate 3 is a must-have for fans of adventure games.
- Nintendo Switch: If you're buying for a Switch owner or someone that's about to get one, be sure to grab a Pro Controller or third-party equivalent from the likes of PowerA. These are more traditional handsets and make a world of difference in games you'll be spending a long time with; they're far more comfortable. Headsets (e.g. the excellent Razer Barracuda X) also come highly recommended, because the Switch is perfect for on-the-go-gaming or curling up with in bed. As for games, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is always a good shout for anyone new to the system, as is the single or multiplayer marvel of Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
- Xbox: Are you shopping for an Xbox owner, or someone who's getting one very soon? A headset like the official Xbox Wireless Headset is a good idea, because it provides a much more immersive experience. Xbox Game Pass needs to be on your list as well. This is essentially Netflix for video games, and it's phenomenally good value for money. We haven't bought a 'new' Xbox game in ages as a result.
It's always a good idea to look at merch based on what they play (e.g. PS5, Xbox, Switch) because they're unlikely to have it already
- Tabletop gamers: If your loved one adores pen-and-paper RPGs like D&D or Call of Cthulhu, dice are always a great shout. (You can never have enough of these, especially if they're pretty.) Gaming aids like adventure notebooks and spell-slot trackers also come highly recommended.
Want some more present ideas? You can drop in on our guides to the best Star Wars gifts and Disney gifts.
