‘Tis the season to get all the ones you love in your life the best Christmas gift money can buy. Christmas shopping for gamers is easier than ever before because of the craze around the nerdy and niche. And while, yes, it’s pretty easy to find a copy of Fortnite or Red Dead Redemption at any big-box or niche store, we’ve given finding the perfect gift for the gamer in your life a bit more thought. We’ve got some great gifts on this list but also in our stores. And if you’re not sure what to get a gamer, you can always stop by any of our 3 locations; we’re experts in all things gaming and can make some solid recommendations that your gamer will no doubt love. 

A monthly subscription to Official Xbox Magazine

Arguably the best magazine for gamers on the market, a subscription to Xbox Magazine is the gift that keeps on giving (for at least 1 year). It has everything you need to know to make the most of your gaming experience if Xbox is your franchise of choice. Each monthly issue is packed with news, reviews, previews, tips, and behind-the-scenes insight into the making of the game and how to win. Here’s what you’ll find in each issue:

• Freebies, posters, and bonus magazines
• Exclusive interviews with the bigwigs behind Xbox game development
• Comprehensive reviews of all the latest releases
• News and previews on upcoming games and gaming gear
• Behind the scenes of the top Xbox games
• Hardware tips and recommendations for the best Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and accessories

For the child in your life

The Nintendo 2DS is a great gift for a child because not only is it a pretty affordable handheld console option but it’s designed for them too. It’s available in bright, fun colors, has easy-to-use buttons, and is built durably. It’s a great intermittent option for the child who wants to get into gaming on-the-go but isn’t quite ready for the heavier, more expensive Nintendo Switch. 

For the nostalgic gamer

The PlayStation Classic is the perfect gift for the millennial gamer in your life because they are just the right age to remember playing on the original PlayStation. It comes with 20 pre-installed classic PlayStation games that will take them straight down memory lane with two controllers and a built-in memory card. 

Now, we are aware that the PlayStation classic is not your perfect gaming console. There are some things that could use updating but it really has the classics from that gaming era and is the perfectly packaged console to make for a perfect gift. 

For the gamer that likes to read

If you know a gamer that must know the ins and outs of everything having to do with gaming, then Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made (quite a mouthful) is the perfect gift. Why? It gives readers a look into what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s largest game development studios and explores the stories behind many of the greatest gaming titles. It’s unexpected and potentially not something they specified on their list but honestly, those are always the best gifts anyway. 

For the budget gamer

Chances are, if you know a gamer that’s on a budget, they probably haven’t invested in a quality headset. It’s not absolutely necessary (although we consider it an essential) but it would still make the perfect gift for the gamer in your life who wants to become more serious without spending an arm and a leg. 

The best gaming headsets allow for clear communication with friends, rivals, and other in-game parties, but also offer noise-canceling qualities that make for an overall better experience. Plus, these headsets can often be used with other devices like their phone or laptop.