As a gamer, I know how difficult it can be for a non-gamer to pick out a gift for a video game enthusiast. Maria never knows where to begin. The gaming world is a little confusing if you are outside of it. Got a video gamer that you’re struggling to find a holiday gift for? Well, let me help you out a bit. I game, albeit somewhat casually (shockingly, it’s hard to find the time with a baby), so I can at least give you some insight into what the gamer in your life might be interested in.
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Before you buy anything on this list, there are two things you should learn about the person you are shopping for:
- What gaming platform does your gamer use? There are a bunch of possibilities: Xbox One, Playstation 4, computer (most computer gamers use Steam, a program for buying and downloading computer games over the internet), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, and so on. You only want to buy games and accessories for the system(s) that your gamer uses.
- What type of gamer are you shopping for? What kind of games does he or she play? Sports, adventure, first-person shooters, puzzles, fighting, strategy, and role-playing are all common types of games. Your gamer’s interests will help you pick out what type of game to buy. Some gamers are only into sports games (the Madden series is the most widely loved football game, for example), while some love their first person shooters (the Call of Duty series is the gold standard, but I love Fallout 4, personally), while others love a wide range of games.
So, once you know both of those, you have a pretty decent shot of getting something that your gamer wants. Before you buy, though, you should double check the video game you intend to purchase isn’t something your gamer already owns.
Click anywhere on the image below to shop Rob’s picks.
1. Nintendo 3DS | 2. Creative Draco Gaming Headset | 3. Anker Powercore+ 26800 portable battery pack | 4. Fallout 4 for Xbox One, Playstation 4, and computer | 5. Bestek 200W Power Inverter for the car | 6. Roku TV Ultra HD Smart TV | 7. Steam Link for streaming computer games to a TV | 8. Xbox One X | 9. Madden NFL 18 for Xbox One and Playstation 4 | 10. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection for Playstation 4 only | 11. Netgear R6700 Router for faster home networking | 12. Playstation 4 | 13. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo Switch or Nintendo WiiU | 14. $50 Steam Gift Card | 15. Nintendo Switch
Non-Game Gift Ideas for the Video Gamer
If you’d rather steer clear of the games themselves, you can also buy accessories for your gamer’s system. For example, I have a Nintendo Switch, but I could use another set of controllers so we can play four-person games like Mario Kart 8. A lot of games are played online cooperatively, which means a headset with a microphone is essential, especially if your gamer lives with other people (these online sessions can get quite energetic and loud). And gamers always love a better TV, faster internet connection, or power supplies (like a battery pack for cell phones and the Nintendo Switch or a power inverter if you are in the car a lot) for their portable systems.
If you have no other ideas, you could always buy a gift card for whatever system your video gamer uses (Nintendo, Xbox, Playstation, or Steam for a computer gamer); trust me, they’ll find a way to spend it.
Got any questions? Ask them in the comments and I’ll do my best to help you out!
SHOP ROB’S RECOMMENDATIONS
Dessa keeps us pretty busy, but we have lots of ideas to help make holiday shopping easier for you. Are there any specific gift guides you would like to see from us?
Wow! I don’t have a gamer in my life but this is so thorough I may need to share it with a friend who does! You know your stuff Rob!
Thanks, Ericka! What can I say, I love games, even though I don’t really have much time for it anymore, haha!
Love this!! Wish I read it before I shopped for my brother – I ended up just going to with a year membership for Xbox live since I was lost!!!
Your suggestions are awesome and I’ll have to keep them in mind for his birthday!
Thanks, Karly! There’s always more presents to buy, haha! Though some of these games might not be as relevant in a few months (like Madden; they come out with a new one every year). Good luck!