1. Best overall
2. Best under $30
3. Best under $50
4. Best games
5. Best accessories
6. FAQ
I know Christmas feels like a long way away, but now's a good time to start thinking about the best Xbox gifts. November sales are a great opportunity to secure presents for less, and because there's so much to choose from (be it games or novelties), planning ahead isn't a bad idea.
That's where we come in. The 12DOVE team and I are experienced present-hunters who have spent years recommending gifts for gamers, and you'll find our top recommendations below. Because the lineup includes everything from accessories to cool merch, there should be Xbox gifts to suit you regardless of who you're buying for, their age, or your budget.
Wondering why these Xbox gifts were chosen in particular? We've been playing on Microsoft's consoles for as long as they've existed, so the team and I have only recommended presents we'd actually want to receive ourselves. I've also been sure to include items we've been hands-on with, and whenever that's not possible, the items in question have been extensively cross-checked with user reviews to make sure you're getting the best of the best.
Benjamin handles all of the gifting content at 12DOVE and has been writing about present-worthy gear for six years now. He's played on Xbox since the mid-2000s, and is currently crossing his fingers for someone to buy him Star Wars Outlaws this Christmas.
Best Xbox gifts overall
If you're browsing for inspiration or need Xbox gifts quick, these suggestions should do the trick. Crucially, they're not as risky as games or accessories - the recipient is less likely to have them already.
Don't know what Xbox gift to get? Let the recipient choose for themselves. Store credit allows them to buy whatever they like, from actual games to downloadable content. Crucially, a host of different values are available from $10 and up. You can spend as much or as little as you like.
If you're stuck for ideas, get a novelty Christmas sweater. The version pictured here is from the highly reliable Ripple Junction, so it's of a reliably good quality. Just be aware that availability may vary depending on your region. If you're in the UK, for example, check out this Numskull alternative at Amazon.
Besides being official merch from some of the best in the business, this will brighten up any space (very literally). It's a cool novelty, and the recipient is unlikely to have it already. If you ask me, that makes it one of the best Xbox gifts... and it's certainly my favorite of the lot.
Trying to track down an affordable Xbox-themed gift, perhaps as a stocking-filler or secret Santa? This heat-changing mug is perfect. For starters, Paladone is a well-respected merch brand known for quality. Second, it changes from black to green when hot water is added. Cool, right?
This is another easy Xbox gift if you want something generic - but still thoughtful - that the recipient is unlikely to have. This brand has a lot of positive feedback, and there's plenty of five-star user reviews on Amazon to ease any worries about it being cheap tat.
I've got a lot of time for cozy apparel, and it doesn't get much cozier than lounge pants. These official Xbox pyjamas are very comfortable according to the product's many five-star reviews. I'd be more than happy to get these, personally.
Best Xbox gifts under $30
Want to keep costs low while still securing the best Xbox gifts? No problem - we've got you covered. These options make for great stocking fillers or Secret Santa presents.
Is there a more iconic cheap gift than the humble sock? I'd argue no, so have included this subtle but eye-catching set of three in our guide. There are plenty of alternatives, but this seems like the best value.
This novelty mug is perfect as a cheap but good Xbox gift. Along with being affordable, it sports a stylish design that changes from black to green when hot liquid is added. Neat!
Are these official Xbox coasters? No, but they're very clearly based on the buttons of an Xbox Series X/S controller so should be a fun (but affordable) present for the fan in your life. User-reviews are very positive too, so it's not cheap tat.
The easiest way to brighten up any space is by adding cool lighting, and you can currently grab an atmospheric Xbox design from Paladone.
Want to avoid clutter in the lounge or gaming space? This handy stand will sort that out, giving recipients somewhere to store their headset… all with some handsome mood-lighting.
Because it can be customized with whatever name you like, this is a particularly fun Xbox gift - especially if you're buying for a younger gamer.
Best Xbox gifts under $50
If your budget can stretch to it, these options up the ante from 'fun novelties' to 'actually dang useful.' So far as Xbox gifts go, it doesn't get much better.
There seems to be an 'ugly' sweater for every interest nowadays. The ones pictured here are by well-respected manufacturers Ripple Junction and Numskull, which means they're of a high quality.
Getting good audio on a budget can be tricky, so it's a good thing that this accessory exists. It packs better audio and comfort than you may expect for the price.
Does your loved one want to play split-screen, or need an extra controller? This is an excellent alternative that's a good bit cheaper than the standard Xbox handset, and a lot less than 'pro' alternatives.
What's cozier than a new set of pyjamas? This official set sports a surprisingly classy design and is very well-rated. It's the ideal Xbox gift for those lazy days where you just want to swaddle yourself in a comfy cocoon and play video games.
If your loved one is always leaving controllers or game cases lying around, this is the ideal Xbox gift - it has space for all of the above to be packed away, and it looks pretty tidy in and of itself.
Being cozy while gaming in the colder months is always a must, so this officially licensed blanket is just what the doctor ordered. Although it's relatively small, it's oh-so soft.
Best Xbox gifts: Games
While games can make for risky Xbox gifts (it's tricky to know what someone has already), they're a homerun if you get it right. That's why I've listed the year's biggest titles below. Make sure you don't lose that order confirmation in case you need to return them, though!
✅ Great companions
✅ Tough combat
❌ Linear hub areas
This is the game everyone's talking about right now. An epic fantasy RPG where your choices matter, it's perfect for fans of Baldur's Gate 3 or Mass Effect.
Read more: Dragon Age: The Veilguard review
✅ Superb combat
✅ Fun multiplayer
❌ Barebones story
If your loved one adores action games, this is a great choice thanks to intense combat and a rich world. Just remember, it's 'M' / 18+ so won't be suitable for younger gamers.
Read more: Space Marine 2 review
✅ Snappy combat
✅ Great atmosphere
❌ Poor stealth
Shopping for an Xbox gamer who also loves a galaxy far, far away? This is a must-have. It's a big-budget adventure that allows you to live out your Han Solo fantasies of being a no-good criminal making their way through the underworld.
Read more: Star Wars Outlaws review
✅ Gorgeous visuals
✅ Lots of secrets
❌ Slippery controls
Your loved one may have missed this critical darling when it launched years ago, so the remake is perfect as an Xbox gift. Great for the younger gamers and platform fans alike.
Read more: Epic Mickey: Rebrushed review
✅ Varied campaign
✅ Omnimovement
❌ Unlocks system
Call of Duty is still an absolute juggernaut in the gaming space, so it's hard to see anyone getting annoyed at receiving the latest one. Just be aware it's free with Game Pass, so make sure they don't have that first.
Read more: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 review
OK, sure, it's not a game per se. But because Game Pass is essentially Netflix for gaming, you get countless options for a fraction of the usual price with your membership. It's by far the most cost-effective way to play on Xbox. Just be sure to check whether the recipient has a subscription already! Even if they do, you can always top up their balance.
Best Xbox gifts: Accessories
Little can elevate your setup like the best Xbox Series X accessories, so they make top-tier Xbox gifts. To give you a better idea of what you should prioritize, we've listed a few of our favorites - from headsets to controllers.
One of the most annoying things about Xbox controllers is that they need AA batteries to work. (What year is this, 2005?) This handy accessory solves that issue, and removes the need to endlessly buy more batteries. Sure, it's not the most exciting option. But it is helpful.
This is our favorite headset on the market right now, period. A clever battery and hub solution paired with fantastic audio quality make it a winner so far as Xbox gifts go. You'll struggle to find a better choice with the best Xbox Series X headsets.
This is the best controller you can get for Xbox thanks to stellar responsiveness, extensive customization options, and other tweaks that give its wielder the edge. It's comfortably amongst the best Xbox Series controllers, and is one of our favorites.
Want the best storage solution for Xbox? This is it. The C50 is one of our top accessories for the console thanks to its speedy nature and reasonable price, so it's ideal if your loved one needs the best Xbox Series X hard drive or SSD.
If the recipient doesn't already have Game Pass, they need it in their life – it's basically Netflix for gaming, and is exceptionally good value. Even if they have it already, this will add to their subscription.
This Logitech wheel gets you everything you need for the most immersive driving experience on Xbox, including top-notch force feedback. It sits at the very top end of the best racing wheels spectrum.
Best Xbox gifts FAQ
Is an Xbox a good gift?
If you have the budget to get someone a shiny new console, it's guaranteed to be a hit (so long as they don't already have one, that is). But which one should you get?
It depends on how the person in question plays. If they primarily use discs and also like to watch Blu-rays or DVDs in super-sharp 4K resolution, the Xbox Series X is ideal. Indeed, it's the only one with a disc drive. It also happens to be a lot more powerful, so is perfect if your loved one is big into the best graphics and maximum storage space.
If they usually download games from the digital Xbox store and aren't fussed about the highest-end tech, on the other hand, you're all good to go with the Xbox Series S. While it's not as powerful as the Series X, it's a lot cheaper due to being discless/digital only.
Finally, there is a digital-only Xbox Series X. This doesn't have a disc drive, but packs the same high performance as the normal Series X.
What to get for someone who plays Xbox
Wondering what you should buy for the Xbox gamer in your life? While our guide will give you a wealth of options to choose from, these are the ones I'd recommend prioritizing:
Xbox Icons Light | View at Amazon
Christmas sweater | View at Amazon
Heat-change mug | View at Amazon
These are my favorite Xbox gifts personally speaking, and they're the ones I'd be happiest to receive as an Xbox gamer. I'd also say the recipient is unlikely to have them already, unlike games or accessories.
Can you gift games on Xbox?
Why you can trust 12DOVE Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
So far as I'm aware, it's not possible to gift games or other items to someone else on the Xbox store. If you'd like to get something for them digitally, you'll have to either buy a code from the likes of CDKeys or grab a generic gift card so they can buy the product in question themselves.
Looking for potential presents on other platforms? Don't miss these highly-recommended PS5 gifts, or the ultimate Nintendo Switch gifts.
