With the ever-evolving landscape of gaming consoles, accessories, and rapid-fire game releases, picking the right gift for gamers can feel like a boss fight. While it might be tempting to immediately opt for a tech-adjacent gift, truly impressing a loved one requires thinking outside the box. Instead of the usual controllers and consoles, consider exploring unique gaming-inspired gifts that offer something a bit different.
From top-rated gaming headsets to the latest smartphone gaming controllers, and even nostalgia-inducing collectibles, our carefully curated list of gaming gifts is designed to delight even the most discerning gamers. Whether your loved one is a casual player who enjoys occasional escapes into virtual worlds or a serious e-sports enthusiast, you’ll find something special for the “player number two” in your life that will make their gaming experience or setup even more enjoyable.
Paladone Gameboy Heat Changing Coffee Mug
Don’t gift a boring mug that has a logo of your friend’s favorite whatever on it. Get them something that looks like it was pulled straight out of the 1990s instead.
Although it won’t let them escape from a boring work meeting and play the iconic Gameboy, this mug will hold 10 ounces of coffee to help them get by. It will also showcase the screen of the console every time they fill it with hot liquid.
Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair
Long gaming sessions can take a toll on the body. A comfortable ergonomic chair is essential for preventing pain and fatigue. The Herman Miller Embody chair is hands-down the best gaming chair you can buy.
Crafted in collaboration with renowned furniture designer Herman Miller this Logitech Gaming chair is equally ergonomic and comfortable. With a highly adjustable design, cooling foam, subtle color accents, and 150 small supports throughout the chair to improve blood flow, I can promise you that this chair will make all the difference in the world.
BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller
With its ergonomic design, intuitive controls, and feature-rich companion app, the Backbone One is the perfect gift for anyone who loves gaming on their iPhone or Android device. It transforms a smartphone into the best portable game console possible with satisfyingly clicky buttons, responsive joysticks, and a headphone jack.
Lego Icons PAC-Man Arcade Building Kit
$270 at Amazon
$270 at Walmart
$270 at LEGO
This iconic Lego set is a must-have for retro-gaming enthusiasts. With its detailed design (it even has an illuminated coin slot!), interactive features, and nostalgic charm, it’s a perfect gift for adults who have a soft spot for classic arcade games.
The gamer in your life will love to build, play, and display this collectible piece, which features a working maze, iconic characters, and authentic details. The set has over 2,500 pieces and measures 12.5×10 inches when completed.
XREAL Air 2 Pro AR Glasses
$698 at AmazonCredit: Brandon Carte
One of the perks of my job is getting early access to groundbreaking tech before it becomes the norm. The XREAL Air 2 Pro video glasses are one such product that left me in awe. They feel like something from the future, making them the perfect gift for the person who has everything.
They look like a pair of sunglasses, but they’re so much more. Plug in your device via USB-C and immediately start watching movies, playing console games, or using your laptop as if it were connected to a massive external monitor or theater screen.
I suggest bundling the glasses with the smartphone-like Beam Pro to enjoy a more immersive and distraction-free experience. It also keeps memory-hogging apps, entertainment, and media separate from your personal device.
HyperX Clutch Gladiate Wired Xbox Controller
$45 at Amazon
$35 at Walmart
$35 at hp.com
The HyperX Clutch Gladiate is our favorite budget controller for Xbox (and PC) players, thanks to a cool design, rock-solid gaming performance, and buttons with excellent tactility. On the other hand, its integrated rumble motors deliver in-game feedback that belongs in a higher price category.
And unlike the original Xbox controller, the Gladiate has adjustable triggers. Overall, it’s an amazing low-budget gift option for gamers who need more versatility or just a great backup.
Netgear Orbi 770 Series Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
$1,000 at Best BuyCredit: Brandon Carte
A fast and flawless internet connection is instrumental for gamers who like to compete online, download storage-hogging AAA games, and stream ultra-high-resolution video. Speaking as someone who has tested routers for over a decade, the performance of the Netgear Orbi 770 Series mesh Wi-Fi router is best in class—especially if you have a Gigabit connection.
It offers more than 8,000 square feet of coverage, packs four 2.5Gbps ports, and supports Multi-Link Operation. The latter is a new feature that Wi-Fi 6 lacks to reduce latency and provide a more reliable connection. Priced around $1,000, the set doesn’t run cheap, but if you’re shopping for a serious gamer who values speed and reliability, this router’s performance is unmatched.
WTYCD Fidget Pad
This tiny fidget toy is a great gift option to help gamers focus and unwind via familiar and beloved interactions. The cheap, easily pocketable gadget has a built-in joystick, gamepad-like buttons, and a spinner, to name a few tactile bits.
Thanks to its compact size, the fidget pad will make an excellent stocking stuffer. It’s sure to leave a lasting impression even with its highly affordable price point.
CRKD Nitro Deck+ Handheld Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch
If you’re looking for a thoughtful and unique gift for the Nintendo Switch fan, look no further than the Nitro Deck+. This isn’t just a simple Joy-Con replacement. It’ll make their Switch (or Switch OLED) feel like an entirely new console, providing a more comfortable handheld gaming experience overall.
It offers reprogrammable buttons and a convenient kickstand and is powered by the console, so you don’t need bulky batteries or annoying cables.
Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink Solid State Drive
Now 29% Off
$187 at Amazon$200 at Walmart$190 at Samsung
This accessory will help gamers make the most of their PlayStation 5 console. It expands the console’s storage space so that you can download more games (both for the PS5 and PS4), as well as apps and videos. It’s one of the few options that meet the console’s performance requirements, and it’s highly power-efficient.
