Need Perfect Gifts for a Gamer? 🎮 These Get a High Score.
Wayyyy back in the day, gaming used to be a pretty niche hobby, reserved for only the techiest among us. But these days gamers are everywhere – in fact, a study by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) found that 61% of Americans play video games for at least one hour every week.
That’s a whopping 190.6 million gamers in the US alone!
And gamers aren’t just dads playing their childhood favorites or kids putting off schoolwork – gamers are made up of every generation and gender identity, and they log in for reasons ranging from entertainment to stress relief to social connection. So how in the world do you find the perfect gift for a gamer, when “gamers” are such a diverse group?!
Don’t worry – we’ve done the legwork for you. Whether they’re a console gamer who’s glued to their Xbox or Playstation, a Nintendo fan obsessing over their Switch 2, or a PC gamer who loves to customize their setup, we’ve got the perfect gift for the gamer in your life on this list.
So let’s go! 👾
Upgrade Their Controller
With a custom controller, the only limit is your creativity. Image courtesy of SCUF Controllers.
Different games require different types of controllers. Some need some extra buffer under the D-pad to prevent it from getting worn down from repeated button mashing, others benefit from high-end features like anti-drift thumbsticks for precision aiming. For avid gamers, finding their favorite controller is really a matter of personal preference – but chances are, they’ve got several cool controllers in their arsenal, and they’re always excited to add a new one to the collection.
Brands like SCUF offer cutting-edge controllers optimized for all different platforms (Xbox, PS5, PC, and even mobile), including fully custom options your favorite gamer can hand design. For vintage and arcade games, it’s hard to beat 8BitDo, which has lots of affordable controllers that look and play great. You can even choose from retro-inspired styles or modern finishes that match the aesthetic of their setup.
But you don’t need to buy them a new controller to upgrade their controller – you can also choose from accessories and gadgets like:
Silicone thumb grips for their analog sticks, ranging from classic characters to cute animals to spooky Pokemon
Custom skins to change up the look of their favorite controller
Unique holders for their controller that enlist a Disney character to cradle their device, leave their controller stuck in neon muck, or elevate their whole operation with a sleek walnut finish
GOVEE Gaming Pixel Light
Add a nostalgic (but totally awesome) touch to their gaming setup. Image courtesy of GOVEE.
Take them back to a simpler time—when every final boss fell to a Super Missile, a Master Sword, or a few well-timed button combos. Whether they grew up saving pixelated kingdoms or exploring alien landscapes, that old-school gaming magic never truly dies. With the GOVEE Gaming Pixel Light, they can bring that magic into the modern era—and completely level up their gaming setup.
This isn’t just a light. With 150+ preset scenes, dynamic gifs, and AI-powered DIY modes, it transforms their gaming space into a personalized visual playground. Want glowing pixel flames, pulsing retro waves, or an animated battle sequence? Done. They can remix existing effects or create something entirely new—no tech wizardry required.
The GOVEE Pixel Light also responds to music and game audio, syncing lights with every beat, blast, or ambient tune. Whether they’re chilling with a cozy game or in the heat of online battle, they’ll get a fully immersive, audio-visual experience that adapts to every vibe.
Nostalgic, customizable, and seriously cool—this is the kind of gear that makes any gaming session feel legendary.
Gaming Gift Cards
Gift cards make a great gift for anyone, and gamers are no exception.
Between consoles, accessories, furniture, in-game purchases, and the ever-growing list of new releases, gaming can become a surprisingly expensive hobby. That’s exactly why gaming gift cards make such a thoughtful and practical present. Whether they’re saving up for the next big release, renewing their online subscription (again), or just need a few extra Robux or V-Bucks to customize their character’s outfit—a little financial boost can make a big difference for any gamer.
Here are a few of our favorite gaming gift cards to give:
Best Buy: Perfect for gamers who like to browse and upgrade. Whether they’re picking up the latest console, shopping for a new headset, or grabbing a new release on launch day, Best Buy has a little bit of everything.
Xbox / PlayStation / Nintendo / Steam: No matter their platform of choice, a gift card for their preferred gaming ecosystem goes a long way. It’s the easiest way to help them snag the latest DLC, preorder an upcoming title, or finally buy that game they’ve had in their wishlist for months. And if they’re anything like most gamers, they'll be grateful to have it ready when a flash sale hits or a long-awaited title drops.
GameStop: A classic for a reason. GameStop isn’t just for new games—it’s also a treasure trove of gaming merch, collectible figures, vintage finds, and accessories. A gift card here lets them choose exactly what they want, whether it’s a retro title from their childhood or a new controller that finally doesn’t drift.
Local arcade or barcade: For the gamer who loves the classics, nothing beats the real-life thrill of chasing a high score or beating your friends at Street Fighter over drinks. If they haven’t been to a local arcade in a while—or ever—it can be a nostalgic (or completely new) experience. Look for digital gift cards or call ahead to see if the venue offers them.
Visa or Mastercard gift cards: Want to give them total flexibility? These universal gift cards are great for anything—games, accessories, snacks for game night, or even saving up for something bigger like a gaming chair or monitor upgrade.
Whether you're shopping for a casual mobile gamer or a competitive console warrior, a gift card tailored to their gaming lifestyle is a simple but highly appreciated way to show you get them—and support the hobby they love.
Plus, it’s easier than ever before to personalize a gift card – whether you’re having them delivered by text, email, or mail. With Perfect Gift, you can create the perfect physical or digital gift card for any occasion in just a few clicks.
Put Them Into Their Favorite Game
Sure collectibles are always a great gift, but they’re even better when they’re customized to your favorite gamer’s interests. Image courtesy of Poke Pet Shop.
Not sure what’s out there in terms of truly unique gifts? You’re not alone—but the good news is, there are more and more creative options these days that let you put your favorite gamer directly into the action. From custom collectibles to personalized artwork, these gifts go beyond the usual and turn their love for gaming into something completely one-of-a-kind.
For example, you can now have their likeness added to a custom Pokémon card, complete with their own stats, type, and moveset—turning them into the legendary creature they’ve always dreamed of being.
This Legend of Zelda Shadow Box is a truly one of a kind gift for the gaming couple in your life. Image courtesy of Etsy.
Or, if they’re a fan of fantasy adventures, you can commission a custom Legend of Zelda-style diorama or shadowbox, where they appear as the hero, facing off against villains or exploring a familiar, pixel-perfect landscape.
With AI tools, it’s easier than ever before to customize a gift for your favorite gamer. Image courtesy of ImagineMe.AI.
Some artists and creators even offer fully personalized portraits, where your gamer is illustrated as a character inside their favorite franchise—whether it’s battling creepers in Minecraft, speeding through Rainbow Road, or wielding a Keyblade in Kingdom Hearts. These prints make incredible wall art and can be a great centerpiece next to their setup, blending their personality with their favorite game universe.
Game-Inspired Apparel
The embroidered Z on this hoodie is subtle, but any retro game lover will be obsessed. Image courtesy of Etsy.
Think Legend of Zelda hoodies with embroidered Hylian symbols (or better yet, printed to look like Link’s classic green armor!), vintage-style tees inspired by classic arcade games, or even sneakers themed after their favorite console colors. Some shops offer customizable apparel, so you can add their gamertag, favorite quote, or even a pixel art version of them to a sweatshirt or beanie.
Luxury fashion brands are getting in on the game. Image courtesy of Republique via Vogue.
There’s even high-end gamer fashion now—yes, really—designed for streamers and esports fans who want to look sharp on or off camera (and their avatars). Balenciaga and Fortnite, Louis Vuitton and League of Legends, even Marc Jacobs and Valentino and Animal Crossing!
Anbernic
Thought we snagged your old GBA from your mom’s attic for this pic? Look again! Anbernic is known for making faithful (modernized) reproductions of your favorite handheld games with more features than ever before. Image courtesy of Anbernic.
When you realize that the average gamer today is around 36 years old, it’s no surprise there’s a huge wave of nostalgia for the games and consoles of the ’80s and ’90s—think SEGA, NES, SNES, and early handhelds. Whether someone grew up blowing into cartridges or just discovered the magic of retro titles, Anbernic makes some of the best handheld consoles for reliving those golden gaming years.
These sleek, portable systems are modeled after classics like the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, combining vintage design with modern convenience. And because games from that era are tiny by today’s standards, thousands of titles can fit on a single memory card. That means you’re not just giving someone a console—you’re handing them an entire library of retro greatness they can take anywhere. For fans of pixelated adventures, side-scrollers, and chiptune soundtracks, this is pure handheld heaven.
Gear for their Battle Station
Cool lights are essential to any gaming setup – and they can control these tiles right from an app on their phone. Image courtesy of GOVEE.
If you’re shopping for someone who takes their gaming seriously—or just wants their setup to look seriously cool—then gear upgrades are always a hit. Whether they’re playing on PC or console, a few well-chosen accessories can turn an average space into a full-on battle station.
Start with the basics: a high-quality headset with surround sound makes a massive difference, especially in competitive games where hearing footsteps or distant action matters. A mechanical keyboard or pro-level controller can offer a serious edge in gameplay and just feels better to use. And let’s not forget comfort: an ergonomic gaming chair or even a cozy footrest can be game-changers (literally) for long sessions.
Aesthetics matter too. Think RGB lighting strips, wall-mounted panels, or the aforementioned GOVEE Gaming Pixel Light to create a fully immersive vibe. A monitor upgrade—especially to a curved or high-refresh display—can also make everything look and feel next-level.
The best part? You don’t have to go all out. Even one or two thoughtful upgrades can instantly elevate their space—and show that you understand their hobby goes way beyond just "playing games." You're helping them build their dream setup, one piece at a time.
