Level Up With The 25 Best Gifts For Gamers
They'll love these fun accessories, controllers and gear!
From jumping on Goombas' heads as Mario and Luigi to chowing down on power pellets as Pac-Man, video games are one of the best (and coolest) ways to decompress. So it's no surprise that it's a diverse, multi-billion dollar industry with a little something for everyone!
But what do you buy the gamers on your holiday shopping list? It can be hard enough to choose a game to play, let alone a gift that makes sense for someone who can't get enough of their favorite titles. Thankfully, we've got your back, with 25 of the best gifts for gamers, hand-picked for everyone who enjoys kicking back, vegging out, and leveling up.
We think anyone, whether they play on Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch, will love our picks, and so will you. And while you're at it, don't forget to check out the 40 best Christmas gifts for Dad and gifts for teens under $50 so you've got everyone covered this year!
From Mario-themed Monopoly boards to slick new Xbox controllers, we've listed the top gifts for gamers that'll put a grin on any player's face. In our 25 best gifts for gamers list, we've included gaming accessories, decorations, board games, and all kinds of other gifts that should put a grin on any video game fan's face.
Keep on reading to explore the variety of controllers, keyboards, mice, and other goodies we've selected to make your December 2022 the coolest yet for all those gamers in your life.
Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
25 Best Gifts for Gamers
1. Meta Quest 2, $399 on Amazon
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In our Best Gifts for Gamers guide, we're jumping right in with one of the coolest ways to explore virtual reality games: the Meta Quest 2. Give the gift of VR gaming without the need for a gaming PC and pesky, restrictive wires everywhere. Enjoy first-person shooters, musical adventures, platformers, and even exercise programs while going hands-on with controllers that make it feel like you're right there in the game! Meta Quest 2, $399 on Amazon
2. Microsoft Xbox One Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller, $153.95 on Amazon
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This tried-and-true Xbox controller is the best of the best, and you can snag one at to improve any Xbox gamer's play session. It's designed for pro gamers, but its sturdy build, adjustable thumbsticks, rubberized grip, and interchangeable configurations mean it's built for performance. It offers 40 hours of rechargeable battery life, connects wirelessly, and comes in a case to keep it all protected. It's the best controller Microsoft has offered yet, by far, and it can also be used alongside gaming PC builds for titles that offer controller support. Microsoft Xbox One Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller, $153.95 on Amazon
3. Arcade1Up Pac-Man Partycade, $99 at Walmart
Some of the best gifts for gamers you'll ever find are retro products that transport people back to classic arcades. This $99 Walmart buy lets Pac-Man enthusiasts relive the days of Pac-Man fever by playing the classic game from the comfort of their home. It's half the size of a real arcade machine, and comes with seven other classic games: Pac-Land, Super Pac-Man, Super Xevious, Mappy, Dig Dug, Galaxian, and Galaga. It's everything a retro fan needs to be transported back to the golden days of arcade gaming. There's even an optional matching bar stool to fully recreate the experience. Arcade1Up Pac-Man Partycade, $99 at Walmart
4. Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone, $99.99 on Amazon
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One of the best gifts for mobile gamers is a way to make playing on an iPhone more comfortable. You can do just that with the Backbone One. It works with any iPhone model by connecting to the Lightning port, offering two side-by-side controllers that cradle the phone between them. This way, you can hold your phone like any other regular controller, with tactile analog triggers, buttons, and thumbsticks to create the best environment to enjoy mobile games on. Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone, $99.99 on Amazon
5. Acrylic LED Game Controller Light, $39 on Etsy
These neon game controller lights are a fun, yet understated way for any gamer to announce their favorite Nintendo console generation to the world. It's great for both kids and adults, with the option to engrave any name on the light stand, with up to 8 characters. Choose from the original Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, or GameCube in a variety of eye-catching colors. Everyone has their favorite Nintendo era, and this is a great way to show it off! Acrylic LED Game Controller Light, $39 on Etsy
6. Nintendo Retro NES Drink Coasters, $10.99 on Amazon
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Need a subtle yet functional gift for the gamers you're shopping for? These retro NES coasters are made to look just like Nintendo cartridges. They're a cute and inventive way to show love for a favorite gaming series while serving an important purpose: protecting the furniture! Nintendo Retro NES Drink Coasters, $10.99 on Amazon
7. Sony PlayStation Classic, $89 on Amazon
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Sometimes, the best gifts for gamers allow retro enthusiasts to enjoy the classics. This miniature version of the PlayStation comes packing 20 pre-loaded games, including Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Tekken 3. It comes with two wired controllers, a virtual memory card to save your games, and an HDMI cable for quick and easy hook-up to modern TVs. It's a no-muss, no-fuss way to experience some of the PlayStation games that started it all. And that makes it a great investment for any video game enthusiast. Sony PlayStation Classic, $89 on Amazon
8. Tanlys 2-Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses, $19.95 on Amazon
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Spending long hours looking at screens isn't great for your eyes, but the world isn't going to save itself in your favorite game. Protect your friends and family's eyesight with this 2-pack of blue light blocking glasses. They'll help to keep harmful blue light from damaging those sharp gamer eyes, no matter how long their sessions are, from dawn to dusk or on their commute to work. Plus, they're quite stylish. Tanlys 2-Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses, $19.95 on Amazon
9. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, $44.99 at Best Buy
What's better than saving money on one game? Saving money on over a hundred! A subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a thoughtful gift for any gamer who loves to try tons of different titles. For one flat price, subscribers can play over 100 games on both Xbox and PC, then download and delete games as they see fit! This subscription is a great start for anyone looking to open up their access to Xbox games and try new things. It's like Netflix, but for games! Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, $44.99 at Best Buy
10. PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller, $69 on Amazon
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For the gamers on your list who managed to snag a PlayStation 5 this year, an extra controller can never hurt. Pick up a PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller for the video game fan on your list and prepare for some wide grins. This gamepad is comfortable, sturdy, and comes packing several features that make any game pop: adaptive triggers that mimic drawing back a bow and arrow and other actions, a touch pad to control the menu, and even a built-in microphone. PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller, $69 on Amazon
11. Razer Basilisk Ultimate Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse, $99 on Amazon
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A good gaming mouse is integral to a PC gamer's rig. When it comes to selecting the best gifts for gamers, choosing a mouse that can handle fast-paced movements and precision control is important. That's why this wireless mouse is such a fantastic option for anyone who plays games on their computer. It comes with programmable RGB lighting, a sturdy scroll wheel and buttons, and a 70+hour battery life so the games never have to end. On top of that, it's a low-latency mouse with a durability factor of up to 70 million clicks with 11 programmable buttons. It truly does it all, and it's compatible with both Windows and Mac. Razer Basilisk Ultimate Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse, $99 on Amazon
12. Tetris Strategy Game, $17.45 on Amazon
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Tetris is one of the most popular puzzle games in the world. Surprise your favorite gamer by bringing it into the real world by way of this board game. It's a great gift idea for any Tetris fan, let alone gamers who appreciate the puzzle title for its legacy and worldwide renown. And who doesn't like fitting those pieces together? Tetris Strategy Game, $17.45 on Amazon
13. Monopoly Super Mario Celebration Edition, $22.49 on Amazon
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Monopoly is a beloved board game all its own. Add Mario into the mix, and it becomes one of the best gifts for gamers we can think of. The Monopoly Super Mario Celebration Edition is a Mario-themed version of the property buying game. It features big, bright, and colorful artwork of the famous plumber as well as his various iterations over the years, with special cards and properties to purchase. It's a great choice for any Mario fan, or anyone who enjoys video and board games. Monopoly Super Mario Celebration Edition, $22.49 on Amazon
14. Nintendo - Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros., $41.99 on Amazon
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When it comes to the Super Mario Bros. series, retro is always in. This handheld Game & Watch console is a portable way to enjoy classic Super Mario Bros. games on the go. It's also an interactive alarm clock that's colored like the Japanese version of the Nintendo console, the Family Computer (Famicom). It's a retro gamer's dream, and it costs less than a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Nintendo - Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros., $41.99 on Amazon
15. Razer Kraken Gaming Headset, $39.99 on Amazon
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The best gaming gifts aren't always meant for controlling the game. Sometimes they're about hearing your teammates or chatting with friends online. The Razer Kraken gaming headset is an affordable and attractive headset that makes all of those tasks super simple, with clear audio to boot. With this headset, your gaming giftees can kiss repeating themselves and asking "what?" during crucial gaming moments goodbye. Razer Kraken Gaming Headset, $39.99 on Amazon
16. Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller, $69.99 at Best Buy
Nintendo Switch users looking for a more traditional controller method will love the Pro Wireless Controller. This Joy-Con controller alternative looks and feels like an Xbox or PlayStation gamepad. It features dual analog sticks, a translucent build, and grippy handles that make playing with it feel like a more elevated experience entirely. If you know a Switch gamer who takes their games seriously, this is the controller for them. Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller, $69.99 at Best Buy
17. Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Charging Station, $29 on Amazon
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Gamers can sometimes put in long hours with their favorite titles. While the PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller lasts quite a while per charge, it still needs to be topped up every now and then. Instead of having to plug it up to the PlayStation 5 to charge it, however, you can set it on this DualSense Charging Station. Just drop it and go, and you'll always have another controller ready to go when one runs out of battery. Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Charging Station, $29 on Amazon
18. Orzly Nintendo Switch Carrying Case, $17.91 on Amazon
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Nintendo Switch consoles feature big, bold screens. That's especially true if you have a new Nintendo Switch OLED edition. This case is a safe and secure haven for the portable handheld. Not only does it have space to cradle and cushion the Switch, but it also has space for games as well. It's also attractive and svelte enough to fit into any gamer's collection, making it one of the truly great and versatile gifts for gamers. Orzly Nintendo Switch Carrying Case, $17.91 on Amazon
19. PowerA Game Card Case for Nintendo Switch, $19 on Amazon
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Nintendo Switch users have two options when it comes to storing their games: digitally or physically in the form of game cards. Switch game cards are quite small, however, and easy to lose if you don't keep them in a case. This PowerA Game Card Case is an excellent solution. It's shaped like the famous "Question" block from the Super Mario Bros. universe, and it holds up to 12 game cards and 12 micro SD cards. It snaps shut and it's compact so you can take it anywhere you need without losing the cards. Any gamer who can't get enough of their Switch would love to have one of these cases! PowerA Game Card Case for Nintendo Switch, $19 on Amazon
20. Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Membership, $49.99 on Amazon
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Nintendo Switch Online is Nintendo's optional plan for Switch users to play games online with friends. It also comes with a variety of extras, like a free collection of retro Nintendo games, support for voice chat, and other goodies. A 12-month subscription to the service for the whole family is one of the best gifts for gamers who want to get more out of their Nintendo Switch, especially since the portable console has so many titles that are great for online play. Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Membership, $49.99 on Amazon
21. HyperX Alloy Origins Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, $69.99 on Amazon
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Keyboards may be a dime a dozen, but mechanical keyboards are the best option when it comes to PC gaming. This HyperX keyboard is a fantastic addition to any PC gamer's arsenal of gaming equipment. It features an aircraft-grade aluminum body, customizable RGB backlit keys, durable keycaps, and a smaller form factor to free up desk space. It's perfect for first-person shooter fans, or even gamers who love to chat in their favorite MMORPG. Plus, it looks great when paired with a matching mouse pad. HyperX Alloy Origins Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, $69.99 on Amazon
22. Corsair MM700 RGB Extended Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad, $59.99 on Amazon
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PC gamers need a great gaming mouse for their battlestations. That means they also need a gaming mouse pad to go along with it. This Corsair option takes the cake. Not only does it offer a massive amount of space for smoothly gliding the mouse back and forth, but it has an RGB bezel that you can program and change to your liking. That's two benefits in one: plenty of mousing area for your desk and a great, colorful bit of decor. Corsair MM700 RGB Extended Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad, $59.99 on Amazon
23. Respawn W110 Ergonomic Gaming Chair, $102.71 on Amazon
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One of the best gaming gifts you could possibly give a friend or family member is a supportive gaming chair. This Respawn chair is a reliable, ergonomic seat that helps straighten your back, cushions your derriere, and supports your core while you settle in and get your game on. It comes in a variety of colors, and it's a massive upgrade from the run-of-the-mill office chair many of us might be using for our Call of Duty breaks. This one is built specifically to keep gamers comfortable, making it an excellent buy for anyone serious about playing all day and night. Respawn W110 Ergonomic Gaming Chair, $102.71 on Amazon
24. Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Wireless Controllers, $68.03 on Amazon
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The Nintendo Switch is a versatile handheld that gamers love to play at home on the go. Its Joy-Con controllers are great for use while attached to the console or used when detached from it for motion controls. Gift the gamer in your life a new set of colorful Joy-Con controllers so they can change up their style with fun new colors. Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Wireless Controllers, $68.03 on Amazon
25. SanDisk 512GB microSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo Switch, $80 on Amazon
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The Nintendo Switch comes with a small amount of storage space on board. But serious gamers who choose to download their games digitally can find themselves running out of space fast. This SanDisk 512GB memory card offers a massive boost of storage space in a tiny package. Plus, it's decorated with special Animal Crossing: New Horizon imagery and a sunny teal color that should put a smile on any gamer's face. SanDisk 512GB microSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo Switch, $80 on Amazon
