Finding thoughtful gifts for gamers can feel a little daunting, especially if you’re not into games yourself or aren’t sure what they already own or have played. But there are plenty of thoughtful options to choose from, including practical upgrades and little non-technical gifts inspired by their favourite games that they’ll reach for again and again.
This guide brings together gifts I’ve given, received and loved, alongside a few more ideas for the gamers in your life. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas or just because, you’ll find options for different interests and budgets.
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Extra storage for their Gaming Console
If the person you’re shopping for is forever running out of space on their console and having to delete games to make room for new ones, extra storage is a particularly useful gift. It might not be the prettiest present under the tree, but it’s one they’ll appreciate every time they download something new.
This 1TB Samsung SSD for PS5 I gifted last Christmas went down particularly well, and if the person you’re gifting plays on XBOX Series X or S, you can get them the Storage Expansion Card for Xbox.
A practical upgrade for the PS5 gamer who’s always running out of space. This 1TB Samsung SSD with heatsink gives them more room for their games, so they can spend less time deciding what to delete and more time playing.
PS5 or Xbox Controller
A new controller can be both practical and a little more personal, especially if you choose a colour or design they love. From bold red to camouflage, there are plenty of PS5 and Xbox options to suit their style, including wireless models and more affordable wired alternatives.
Big game releases often come with special edition controllers, so if you know someone’s favourite game, it’s worth checking for those too. Some examples include this GTA VI DualSense controller for PS5 (currently available to pre-order), and this Gears of War limited edition Xbox controller.
Gaming Headset
A gaming headset is a useful upgrade for any gamer, whether they want to feel more immersed in their favourite games, chat with friends while playing or keep the sound to themselves in a shared space. Alongside audio quality, look for comfort, a clear microphone and compatibility with their setup.
We’ve researched some of the best gaming headsets and narrowed it down to three options for different budgets and setups. For a smaller budget, the wired HyperX Cloud III is a good choice, with cushioned ear pads and support for PC, PS5 and Xbox. If you’d like to spend a little more, the wireless Razer BlackShark V3 is worth exploring for PC or PS5 gamers. For someone who plays on Xbox or switches between platforms, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Xbox version offers wireless connectivity across Xbox, PlayStation and PC.
Be sure to check the exact version before buying, as some headsets have different versions to work with different consoles.
A mechanical keyboard for their PC setup
A mechanical keyboard is worth considering for a PC gamer who’s been wanting to upgrade their desk setup. This was something requested by a younger gamer in the family, so it’s an idea that came straight from someone’s wishlist.
The RK Royal Kludge S98 is one option to explore. For a smaller desk, the HyperX Alloy Origins 65 has a compact design that leaves more room for their mouse. The Keychron V6 Max is a full-size wireless alternative, ideal for someone who uses their computer for work as well as gaming.
A game from their wishlist
Sometimes the best gift for a gamer is simply a new game. A little detective work can help you find something they’ve been excited to play.
Some titles to explore include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025, Grand Theft Auto VI (coming out in November 2026), The Blood of Dawnwalker and Silent Hill: Townfall. The games they already love can be a useful starting point, whether they enjoy big adventures, fantasy worlds or something a little darker.
A retro handheld console
For someone who loves older games, a retro handheld can make a lovely nostalgic gift. They’re small enough to throw in a bag for trips and lazy evenings on the sofa, and they’re a fun alternative to buying a full-size console.
A few years ago, I received an Anbernic handheld which I loved because it’s got so many old games that are no longer available straight out of the box. The Anbernic RG35XX Pro comes with a memory card included, has a 3.5-inch screen and supports Wi-Fi and HDMI output, so users can play on the TV too.
If the person you’re gifting loves the idea of collecting physical games, the Evercade EXP-R is a nice alternative. It uses cartridges of officially licensed retro games and comes bundled with Tomb Raider 1, 2 and 3. It costs a bit more, but extra cartridges make easy gifts later on.
Books for someone who loves how games are made
A gaming book is a thoughtful option for someone who’s interested in the stories and people behind their favourite games. It’s also a way to buy something connected to their hobby without breaking the bank. The Creative Gene by Hideo Kojima was a gift that went down well in our household. It explores the books, films and other influences behind the world famous designer’s creativity, making it especially interesting for any fan of his work.
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier is another good idea for someone curious about what goes into making games. The same author’s books Press Reset and Play Nice offer further reading for anyone interested in the industry behind them.
For a Nintendo fan, Ask Iwata is a lovely collection of thoughts on creativity and work from the late Nintendo president. And if they’re counting down to GTA VI, Jacked by David Kushner tells the story behind Grand Theft Auto. You’ll find the full selection, with a few more ideas, in the carousel below.
A puzzle inspired by their favourite game
A gaming puzzle is a lovely choice for someone who enjoys a quieter evening at home. You’re giving them something connected to a world they love, with an activity to enjoy away from the screen.
This Cyberpunk 2077 puzzle I gifted a few years ago for Secret Santa was a hit, which is what put this idea firmly on my gamer gift list. There are also designs inspired by The Witcher, Fallout, The Legend of Zelda, Minecraft and various others in the carousel below.
Choose a design they’ll enjoy and a piece count that suits how much of a puzzle person they are and you’re good to go!
Gaming mugs and T-shirts
A mug or T-shirt inspired by a game they love can make a thoughtful little gift, especially if you’re shopping for Secret Santa or looking for something to add to a bigger present.
There are plenty of designs to explore on Etsy. Try searching for their favourite game followed by “mug” or “T-shirt” to find something that feels right for them. Some can be personalised too, for an extra thoughtful touch.
If you want to splurge: a new console or handheld gaming device
If you have a bigger budget, a console or gaming handheld could be a particularly exciting gift. This is one where it helps to know what they’ve been hoping for, as the games they love and the hardware they already own will make a big difference.
Options to explore include the Nintendo Switch 2, the PS5 Slim (in disc or digital editions), the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S and the Steam Deck OLED. There are different models and bundles, so check storage, what’s included and whether they want to play physical games or download them.
For this kind of purchase, a little less surprise can be worth it. Knowing you’ve chosen the version they actually want is better than guessing.
The most thoughtful gifts for gamers start with knowing a little about how they play: their favourite games, the device they play on, and any potential new releases or upgrades they’ve had their eye on. From there, choosing something they’ll enjoy becomes a little easier. And if you’re really stuck, you can never go wrong with a gift card from Steam, the PlayStation or Xbox stores.
For more gifting ideas, browse the rest of our gift guides. Looking for something for a particularly tricky person? Let us know and we’ll add your suggestion to our list of upcoming guides!