Gifts for Gamers

Games, controllers and setup upgrades for people who play on PC, Switch, or anything cozy.

What are they into?

PC gamers

All 18 ideas →

  1. Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture

    The story of John Carmack, John Romero and the making of Doom and Quake. Anyone who grew up on LAN parties will read it in two sittings.

    David KushnerUnder $25BookStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made

    Ten chapters, ten games, each one a near-disaster that shipped anyway. It explains why their favorite game was delayed twice better than any forum thread.

    Jason SchreierUnder $25Book

    See it on Amazon

  3. Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse

    Wireless with no noticeable lag, and it runs for months on one AA battery. The easiest way to get rid of a cable dragging across the mouse pad.

    Logitech GUnder $50

    See it on Amazon

  4. Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam

    The webcam half of all streamers started on. Clear 1080p, a decent built-in mic, and it clips to any monitor.

    LogitechUnder $100

    See it on Amazon

  5. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

    Fifteen programmable LCD keys for muting the mic, switching scenes, launching games or running macros. Streamers use it constantly, and non-streamers end up finding a dozen jobs for it.

    Elgato$100 and up

    See it on Amazon

Nintendo Switch fans

All 24 ideas →

  1. Nintendo eShop Gift Card (Digital Code)

    Lets them choose their own game or DLC, which beats guessing. Arrives by email, so it works on December 24th.

    NintendoUnder $25Arrives by email

    See it on Amazon

  2. amiibo Mario (Super Mario Bros. Series)

    A small, well-painted Mario figure that unlocks bonuses in many Nintendo games. Fans line these up on the shelf by the TV.

    NintendoUnder $25Stocking stufferFor display

    See it on Amazon

  3. Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector

    Nintendo's own zip case, with a screen protector included. The console's large screen is worth protecting for anyone who plays on the bus or on trips.

    NintendoUnder $50

    See it on Amazon

  4. Mario Kart World (Nintendo Switch 2)

    The Switch 2's flagship Mario Kart, with an open world connecting the tracks and 24-racer races. If they got a Switch 2 without it, this is the first game to buy.

    NintendoUnder $100

    See it on Amazon

  5. Nintendo Switch 2

    The upgrade for anyone still on an original Switch. It has a bigger screen, runs games better, and plays their existing library. Newer Nintendo games more and more require it.

    Nintendo$100 and up

    See it on Amazon

Cozy gamers

All 18 ideas →

  1. Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

    For the person whose tea goes cold because they had to finish one more in-game day. Simple, and it does exactly one job.

    Mr. CoffeeUnder $25Stocking stufferWhite elephant

    See it on Amazon

  2. Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea, 30 Sachets

    Sweet and spicy without any added sugar, in a tin that looks nice on a desk. Pairs well with a long evening of watering crops.

    Harney & SonsUnder $25Stocking stufferGets used up

    See it on Amazon

  3. Stardew Valley (Nintendo Switch)

    The game the whole genre measures itself against. If they somehow do not own it, this is the first thing to buy. If they do, a physical copy is a nice thing to have on the shelf.

    ConcernedApeUnder $50An experience

    See it on Amazon

  4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)

    Years after release it is still the game people mean when they say cozy. If they have a Switch and do not have this, buy this.

    NintendoUnder $100An experience

    See it on Amazon

  5. Ember Mug 2, 10 oz

    Keeps coffee or tea at the exact temperature they set for over an hour. For the person who forgets their drink until it has gone cold, every single time.

    Ember$100 and up

    See it on Amazon

Minecraft fans

All 18 ideas →

  1. LEGO Minecraft The Chicken Farm 21585

    A small farm build with Minecraft's chickens. A good first LEGO Minecraft set, and it slots in alongside whatever sets they already have.

    LEGOUnder $25Stocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. UNO Minecraft

    Regular UNO with Minecraft art and a special creeper card. Easy, cheap, and it travels.

    MattelUnder $25Stocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  3. LEGO Minecraft The Fox 21588

    A large, blocky fox figure with movable legs, head, and eyes that open and close, so it can sit, sleep, or stand on a shelf. More display model than playset, for older fans.

    LEGOUnder $50For display

    See it on Amazon

  4. LEGO Minecraft Mini Biomes 21589

    A set of compact biome builds rather than one big scene, which is close to how the game itself feels. Kids can rearrange the pieces into their own world.

    LEGOUnder $100

    See it on Amazon

  5. Nintendo Switch Lite

    A handheld-only Switch that plays Minecraft and most of the Switch library. For a kid who is always borrowing a sibling's console, a light handheld of their own.

    Nintendo$100 and up

    See it on Amazon