It’s that time of year again. It’s time to pull out the Amazon wishlist and choose some Christmas gifts for gamers you love. But there’s a huge world of gaming out there and it comes packed with different playstyles and preferences, with plenty of collectables to match.
So, whether you’re looking for your gamer boyfriend, gamer girlfriend, gamer children or grandchildren, there are a lot of options to wade through. And if you’re not a gamer yourself, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s where we come in! At Horus X we understand gamers…. Because we are gamers! Our team likes a bit of everything, which is why we’re perfectly equipped to recommend the best gifts, guaranteed to be the highlight of your gamer’s Christmas.
So, without further ado, here is our list of Christmas gifts for gamers, from newbies to experienced old hats.
What kind of gamer are they?
Like every other hobby, there are levels to how into gaming someone is. Maybe your friend just likes a quick 10 minutes now and then, or maybe they’re someone who will break down in tears if they can’t play a round on COD every night.
So, like a Buzzfeed quiz, let’s figure out what type of gamer your recipient is, so you know just how hard to go with their Christmas gift.
👾 The Sunday gamer
Also known as filthy casuals.
Please note: We are kidding! At Horus X, we support all types of gamers and would love to spread gaming far and wide to everyone in your life… even if you can only persuade them to try Candy Crush for an hour!
This type of gamer is one who just likes an occasional family game on the weekends or to crush their little cousin at Mario Kart.
These gamers don’t take themselves or the game too seriously. They just want to have fun.
🆙 The Noob gamer (beginners)
Brand new, noob gamers just want to get started (and might want some accessories to help). But with little experience and know-how, they’re just now forging their path and deciding what type of gamer they want to be.
⚽The Casual Gamer
They play but not like… intensely. These gamers have typically been in and around games for quite some time and often enjoy a match on NBA 2k24 or Modern Warfare, but have never quite found the time to delve into the heavy narrative structure of Witcher 3 or Red Dead Redemption II.
These gamers typically have a console over a PC and like to yell about how badly a match is going.
👨💻The Advanced Gamer
These gamers usually require a high-level PC or the latest gaming console on the market. They play often and intensely. For these guys, gaming isn’t just a hobby but part of their lives, often meeting friends online or getting drawn into the confusing but compelling Dark Souls storyline for hours at a time.
Meanwhile, around the rest of the house, the laundry sits unfinished.
⚔️The Hardcore Gamer
Good luck if you’re friends with this gamer, we’re guessing the only time you see them is when you’re online. These gamers are hard to drag away and impossible to stop from talking about it. They’re probably a Twitch streamer, or Esports player or at the very least watch one or both devotedly.
They typically seek high performance at all costs (and trust us… it gets expensive) and are driven by the win above all us.
🎮 Bonus - Daddy/Mommy Gamer
For the gamer who still loves to play… but has very little time. The demand of owning and taking care of small humans, as well as your house, job and attempting to have a social life, leaves very little time for actual gaming.
It doesn’t mean they don’t want to game, however. In fact, in the few moments of calm, they probably stare wistfully at the console before realizing they’ll be pulled away before it even boots up.
This person more than maybe any other needs a Christmas gift that helps them get back in touch with their passion.
Know what type of gamer you’re buying for?
Great!
Now it’s time… let’s take a look at the best Christmas gifts for gamers, at every level of gaming passion in our ultimate gift guide!
Option 1: Buy a video game
Well…. Duh.
This seems obvious but with video games getting more and more expensive, it’s getting harder to afford every brand-new title as soon as it comes out. Gamers are forced to pick and choose a few AAA games to invest in each year and wait for the rest to either come down in price or be chosen as a present for them.
This is especially true of remakes or reboots that usually come in at a high price that only the really invested lovers of the franchise will pay. Looking at you, Silent Hill 2.
So, if there’s a game you know they’ve wanted for a while, just buying that can send your gamer into fights of happiness.
But first…make sure you get your system right!
If you know your gamer is exclusively a console player, then happy days! Make sure you know exactly which one and what version of the console it is (PS4 or PS5? Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S? Nintendo Switch?)
But if they play on several different platforms or PC, you need to consider a few more things before purchasing:
- If they’re a fan of sports simulators (soccer, basketball, baseball, driving etc), then these are typically played on a console with a controller
- If you’re looking for cozy simulation games that require minimal customization or brainpower, then choose the Nintendo Switch.
- If your gamer prefers hardcore management or turn-based games, far more can be achieved with a mouse and keyboard than controller.
- For those who delve deep into RPGs and narrative-driven stories, a PC or top-end console are both appropriate.
If they’re a PC gamer
There is a range of specs and capabilities required for different games and it can vary quite dramatically. To check if a PC is up to handling Dragon Age Veilguard, go on a site like “Can I run it”, look for the game in question and run a test on the computer.
However… make sure you know exactly what types of games they enjoy and how much time they have to play them.
Planet Coaster 2 would be a pretty rubbish Christmas gift for gamers who only like fast-paced FPS campaigns!
Option 2: Gaming accessories
Every gamer loves an accessory to add to their setup or give them extra comfort when gaming.
These are great gifts for all gamers but the noob gamer in your life might appreciate this the most to kickstart their collection.
Classic controllers
Everyone loves a classic. A controller is something that’s almost always in use, meaning it’s always useful to have more than one.
It’s a great gift and a good way of not-so-subtly hinting you want to be player 2.
At Horus X we recommend always going with branded controllers from the console company. Other compatible ones usually have slight issues with lag or drift and just aren’t as well-honed for that specific console.
On PC, you could also use a PlayStation or Xbox controller, but here other compatible controllers might work just as well. Check out Nacon for some very good wired controller options, perfect for PC gaming.
That being said, if you can find a cool new version of something like an old school GameCube controller that still works, they’d probably love the nostalgic vibe.
Specialized controllers
The controller market is bigger than you might realize. This is a great Christmas gift for gamers who play a lot of driving or flying games and want top of the line performance and immersion.
Both wired and wireless options are available and include steering wheels, pedals, joysticks, flight controls, gamepads and more. We recommend checking out Thrustmaster for great quality at reasonable prices.
Gaming headsets
For online gamers, or those who enjoy full immersion, a good quality headset is a must.
It’s also a good choice for mommy and daddy gamers who want to switch off and not have a child screaming in their ear when playing. Assuming there’s someone else looking after them, obviously.
For console players, make sure to check the headset’s compatibility. If the controller has a port, you can choose either a wired or wireless headset for them.
But when choosing which headset to purchase, make sure to consider the microphone as well as comfort. Low-priced models can often have poor-quality microphone setups, making them hard to use for online gamers. Be sure to check reviews before buying!
For high quality, albeit at a slightly higher price point, check out Turtle Beach, experts in gaming headsets. They offer a cool variety of designs and options for every platform.
If your gamer wears prescription or gaming glasses, however, make sure your chosen headset will still fit comfortably. Our guide on headphones for people with glasses will help you find the perfect option.
Keyboards/mice
For PC gamers, a good keyboard and mouse are integral to successfully kicking ass on League of Legends.
Gaming mice in particular have greater precision and more buttons than a conventional mouse, allowing you to configure in-game shortcuts for better performance.
You can choose from a variety of models, designed specifically for gamers, and they can even add to the general aesthetic of the gamer’s set up, by adding some color and life with RGB backlighting.
Corsair offer a range of keyboards and gaming mice that would be highly suitable as a Christmas present.
Gaming glasses
You know we had to mention them.
As well as looking swish, gaming glasses have the added benefit of protecting your gamer’s eyes, so they can continue to stare adoringly into yours as they thank you for their present.
Gaming glasses are a must for competitive or marathon gamers in particular as they keep their eyes alert for longer, improving visual comfort and in-game performance at the same time. They’re also less likely to be up all night tossing and turning as gaming glasses block the blue light that disrupts melatonin production, affecting sleep.
In short, if your gamer mainly plays in the evenings, gaming glasses will help with headaches, tired eyes and interrupted sleep – which is why every gamer should have a pair!
Several brands offer blue light gaming glasses, but be careful as they are not all created equal. Go for a brand that has specific information on the blue light filtration rates of the glasses, and prioritize both comfort and efficiency over a low price tag.
At Horus X we offer several models of gaming glasses that maintain high quality at an affordable price. We’re completely transparent about our filtration rates, and offer a lifetime guarantee.
Our amber lenses are designed to offer a high level of protection (86% of the whole spectrum of blue light and 100% of the most dangerous wavelengths) so you can keep your gamer safe and healthy. Like you would a pet.
Check out our complete range of gaming glasses here.
For those who prefer a more subtle design, able to transition from gaming to outdoor activities, check out our range of clear lens blue light blocking glasses here.
👉 Psssst…. Are they a League of Legends or Valorant fan? We’ve got just the thing! Horus X is excited to introduce our latest collaboration: The Nexus Riot collection!! These glasses were made in partnership with RIOT games to give esports players the ultimate boost!
Option 3: Décor and setup
Many gamers are so into their hobby that they often have a small corner of a room (or even a whole room) dedicated to showing the world that. The best gaming setups have merchandise, memorabilia and other decorations that give their space a cozy, ready to game vibe.
Figurines
Some gamers are particularly and specifically attached to one franchise or developer. For those, there’s a ton of merchandise to choose from, but an always popular option is a figurine of their favorite character.
These can range from highly detailed (and usually expensive) models to Funko Pops that are available across a wide range of sites and games.
Wall decoration
Prints, metal posters, artistic interpretations… the world is your oyster! Gaming lends itself to a ton of awesome artistic memorabilia made by incredible creators in the industry.
Check out Etsy for a range of unique designs, or somewhere like Displate which offers cool customizable posters making them the perfect, thoughtful Christmas gift for gamers.
Ambient lighting
Contrary to how they’re portrayed, gamers don’t just sit in the dark, eyes glued to the screen. We like a setup that makes us feel happy and comfortable and ready to play.
A few well-placed LED lights are conducive to this and add a touch of style to a gaming space.
You can get a wide range of styles and colors, at an equally wide range of prices. Check out Amazon for a range of funky shapes that represent your favorite game (Mario Mushroom LED light anyone?), or simple strip lights to compliment your gamer’s room style.
Option 4: Furniture
Maybe you’re tired of them taking up the living room… or maybe they’ve been complaining of backache. Either way some new furniture would definitely be appreciated. Of course, this doesn’t come cheap however, but could be a great Christmas gift for a gaming partner or family member.
Gaming chairs
Not just for PC gamers, a gaming chair is also a good purchase for a console gamer as it improves posture and therefore, performance.
Gaming chairs come in all prices but good quality chairs tend to start at around $150, assuming you want extra options like an adjustable reclining seat and footrest.
Razer are the ultimate choice in gaming chairs, but with a price tag to match, this gift might be reserved for a very very important person in your life.
Gaming desks
Consoles don’t just have to be connected to TVs, and computers definitely need somewhere to rest. Hence, the need for gaming desks.
A gaming desk creates a dedicated space for your gamer to enter their zone and start winning. Given desks naturally are a more expensive gift option, it’s important you go for quality, practicality and durability so that it lasts a long time.
For tight budgets, a simple model like this reversible corner gaming desk provides a cup holder, headset holder and LED lighting.
For larger budgets, you could splash out on a MOTPK gaming desk that comes equipped with outlets, shelving, a monitor stand and headset hook.
Christmas gifts for gamers: Final thoughts
That’s all our suggestions! But if you’ve come to the end of our list and are still really struggling, the best gift could simply be an Xbox Game Pass, PS Plus for a year or a Steam gift card. You can’t go wrong if they choose their own game.
Don’t panic: Sit and think
What type of gamer is your recipient? What type of budget and gift do I want?
Never forget:
Gamers need friends, games and a good environment to enjoy it in. Accessories that improve the overall gaming atmosphere may be just as gratefully received as the games themselves.
If you want to protect their health & help them win:
Think about purchasing a pair of gaming glasses for the esports or marathon gamer in your life.
Merry Christmas! And always remember… when picking out what to purchase, the best gift is one you put a lot of thought and effort into.
Or a PSVR2…
….Definitely a PSVR2.
