Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the gamer in your life can feel like a final boss battle. With most new titles now purchased digitally via platforms like Steam, Xbox, Nintendo, or PlayStation, simply wrapping the latest Call of Duty is no longer an option. The good news is that a world of creative, non-digital presents exists, from useful accessories to lifestyle items that tap into their wider interests.
To help you conquer your holiday shopping, we've compiled a list of 16 original ideas, curated by the Guardian's games writers. Whether they're a seasoned veteran or a young enthusiast, these gifts are sure to be a critical hit.
Gift Ideas for Adult Gamers
For the retro gaming enthusiast, the Game Boy Lego set is a dream come true. Priced from £44.99, this near 1:1 scale replica comes with buildable game cartridges and a display stand.
The market for luxury video game books is booming. Publishers like Tune & Fairweather and Lost in Cult produce high-quality, in-depth studies on titles such as Elden Ring, available for around £32.
Enhance their portable gaming setup with the Arzopa Z1FC portable gaming monitor. At £89.99, this 16.1-inch, 144hz display is perfect for Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, offering a crisp, bigger screen experience on the go.
For stylish apparel, Insert Coin Clothing has been designing game-inspired gear for 15 years. Their latest collection includes a Resident Evil 4 bomber jacket and Persona 5 blazers, with items like jackets costing around £84.99.
Vinyl lovers will appreciate the growing range of video game soundtrack albums. Labels like Laced Records offer beautifully packaged records for Doom and Zelda, typically priced from £35.
Given anime's heavy influence on game design, consider a special edition Blu-ray. Seminal films like Ghost in the Shell and Perfect Blue are available from HMV for £29.99, offering a glimpse into the inspirations behind classics like Metal Gear Solid.
For a social gaming night, video game board games are a fantastic choice. Slay the Spire is a brilliant card-based strategy game, available for around £86.99.
Finally, elevate their wall art with a print from Cook and Becker. These high-quality prints, such as the Ghost of Yotei concept art, start at around $135.
Gifts for Children and Teen Gamers
A spare controller is always useful. PowerA offers hardy, basic controllers for Xbox, Switch, and PC for just £19.99, with the Advantage controllers for Switch 2 being a particularly nice option.
Brighten up their bedroom with an Omy video game sticker poster. This stylish, arcade-inspired poster comes with dozens of colourful stickers to place and costs approximately €11.83.
For a dose of portable retro fun, the Super Micro handhelds are tiny enough for a keychain. Games like Space Invaders or Burger Time (which includes two extra games) can be found for under £20.
Introduce them to tabletop adventures with the Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of the Borderlands starter set. This self-contained kit, complete with guides, dice, and quests, is priced around £45.
Combine strategy and a favourite game with a Minecraft chess set. This themed board, where villagers face off against creepers, retails for about £56.99.
For the budding coder, the Raspberry Pi 400 personal computer kit is an excellent gift. This tiny PC built into a keyboard, complete with mouse and cables, starts at £76.80.
Every young gamer needs a reliable headset. The new Turtle Beach Atlas 200 for consoles and PC offers crisp, immersive audio for just £49.99.
For Zelda fans, the officially licensed Bokoblin chest light is a fun novelty. When opened, it glows and plays the classic Bokoblin tune, and it can be purchased for as little as £11.29.
This Christmas, move beyond the digital store and give a gift that shows real thought. From retro collectables to creative tech, these ideas prove that the best presents for gamers aren't always found on a screen.
