Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your List

40+ of the best gifts for gamers 2023: Consoles, bundles, accessories, collectibles, new releases, and more

Level up your gift-giving game.
By Dylan Haas and Haley Henschel  on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
a collage of gift ideas for gamers
Credit: Meta / CD PROJEKT RED Gear Store / Valve / LEGO / Nintendo / Abrams Books / Mashable composite

Shopping for a gift for a gamer is a double-edged Master Sword. On the one hand, there are so many cool games, consoles, and accessories to choose from — especially in a year like 2023, where every other release is a Game of the Year contender. But there's also just so much to choose from, to the point where you might feel underleveled for the "simple" task of picking one just-right gift.

That's where we come in. To help you on your side quest to find the perfect present for a gamer friend or loved one, we've compiled a massive list of more than 40 gamer gift ideas for the 2023 holiday season — including a bunch of games we've played and products we've tested ourselves.

If you're gifting on a budget, you'll do well with a new accessory for your recipient's existing setup, a few months' worth of their favorite video game subscription service, or a copy of a popular game from the past few months. Leveling up over the $100 mark expands your options to high-end peripherals, while $200 and above unlocks current-gen consoles, bundles, and gaming laptops. We've peppered in a few limited-edition collectibles at different price points, too.

Keep reading to check out our picks:

a Posh Paws Plush Pupstation Gaming Controller Dog Toy against a blue, purple, and orange abstract background
Credit: Posh Paws / Mashable composite

A Posh Paws Plush Pupstation Gaming Controller Dog Toy

This gamepad-shaped dog toy is designed for PC — as in, power chewers. It has a plush fabric exterior and a built-in squeaker that definitely won't be distracting during a "Fortnite" match.
Buying Options
$10.11 from Walmart
gaming chair
Credit: GTRACING
SPONSORED

GTRACING gaming chair from Walmart

Equally at home in both a home office or game room, this comfy and ergonomic perch will help any player level up. The adjustable chair comes complete with armrests, lumbar support, retractable footrest, and even a removable headrest. If you don't know your "Frogger" from your "Fortnite" but are gifting to an obsessive gamer, then this makes a great option for optimizing their experience.
Buying Options
$129 from Walmart
a screenshot from 'Dave the Diver'
Credit: Mintrocket

'Dave the Diver'

Nintendo Switch and PC

Mintrocket's endearing pixel RPG puts players in the flippers of its titular ocean explorer, fisherman, and sushi restaurant manager. It's a cozy game with the occasional edge: There's some scary stuff lurking down in the deep blue sea.
a close-up of three christmas-themed dwarf factory keycaps on a keyboard
Credit: Dwarf Factory

An artisan keycap

A custom keycap adds some extra pizazz to an otherwise standard gaming keyboard. The specialty keyboard retailer Drop has an ever-changing selection of limited-edition pieces from well-known brands like Craftkey and Dwarf Factory that range from $20 to $65.
Buying Options
$20 from Drop
the cover and two pages from 'the unofficial sims cookbook'
Credit: Adams Media / Mashable composite

'The Unofficial Sims Cookbook'

This cookbook contains over 85 recipes (plus corresponding photos) for well-known dishes from 'The Sims" — everything from lobster thermidor to baked Alaska. It's geared toward aspiring chefs at a range of skill levels. Shpansa!
Buying Options
$21.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
SPONSORED

An internet upgrade from AT&T

We don't know who needs to hear this, but a one-time upgrade to faster internet is the gift that keeps on giving. (Literally.) Think lag-free gaming, speedy browsing, and more, all without equipment fees or an annual contract. Pro tip: Order AT&T Fiber and get an extra $150 reward card when you enter code HOLIDAY150 at checkout.
Buying Options
See Details
packaging for the 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' Original Series Soundtrack
Credit: CD PROJEKT RED Gear Store

The 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' Original Series Soundtrack

"Edgerunners" is an award-winning anime series on Netflix that's set in Night City (of "Cyberpunk 2077" fame). This LP of its original score, pressed in fluorescent neon yellow vinyl, makes a sick collector's item.
SPONSORED

A curved monitor from Staples

Best for first-person gaming

Anyone stuck playing on a flat monitor will be thrilled to add a curved option to their PC gaming setup. Not only does the innovative design allow for a better field of vision (especially in first-person games) but it also just looks super cool. This model from HP features a fast refresh rate, a customizable display, and built-in dual speakers — all the stuff that really matters.
Buying Options
$129.99 from Staples
the cover of "video game of the year" next to an open copy
Credit: Abrams Books / Mashable composite

'Video Game of the Year'

Written by Jordan Minor, senior analyst at our sister site PCMag, "VGOY" dissects the most influential titles across 40 years of gaming history. (Spoiler: Something managed to beat out "Breath of the Wild" for 2017's slot.) Colorful illustrations and over 75 guest blurbs supplement Minor's voicey and thoughtful essays.
Buying Options
$27.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
a screenshot from a game in "The Jackbox Party Pack 10"
Credit: Jackbox Games

'The Jackbox Party Pack 10'

Windows, Mac, and Linux

The latest iteration of Jackbox's popular party games collection brings five new trivia, roleplaying, music, and drawing challenges — including "Tee K.O. 2," the updated version of a chaotic, fan-favorite entry from a past pack. They each support up to nine players, who tune in via phone or tablet.
Buying Options
$34.99 from Steam
a close-up of a sandisk microsd card next to a nintendo switch
Credit: SanDisk

A 128GB SanDisk microSDXC Card

The internal memory of a Nintendo Switch maxes out at 32GB to 64GB, depending on the model, so most regular players will need to add more storage eventually. SanDisk's fingernail-sized microSD card is the perfect solution and a nice little stocking stuffer.
Buying Options
$34.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
the B-12 & Zurk Cat Toy Set by Stray x Travel Cat in its packaging against a blue, purple, and orange abstract background
Credit: Travel Cat / Mashable composite

The B-12 & Zurk Cat Toy Set by 'Stray' x Travel Cat

This limited-edition set comes with two cat toys inspired by the B-12 drone and a robot-eating Zurk from "Stray," Annapurna Interactive's hit indie adventure game (which will soon be a movie). They both have hidden Velcro pockets for catnip; four grams of it are included.
three xbox series xes wrapped in microsoft's console wraps against a gray camo background
Credit: Microsoft

An Xbox Series X Console Wrap

Microsoft's Xbox Series X wraps make its flagship console look a little less fridge-y. They're made with sleek microfiber fabric that comes in three designs: Arctic camo, Mineral camo, and a "Starfield" variant inspired by Bethesda's sci-fi RPG.
hero art for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
Credit: Nintendo

A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership

The highest tier of Nintendo's subscription service unlocks online multiplayer, over 100 classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, the "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" DLC, and all six waves of the "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" Booster Course Pass. (Two words: Rainbow Road.)
Buying Options
$49.99 from Nintendo

A PlayStation Plus Premium subscription

PlayStation Plus' beefiest membership plan includes hundreds of downloadable games on demand, streamable classics from older-gen consoles, free game trials, online multiplayer, and exclusive discounts.
a collage of screenshots from games available on xbox game pass ultimate
Credit: Microsoft

An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription

Your recipient gets access to an ever-changing library of Xbox and PC games (including day one titles), a bonus EA Play membership, special discounts, and online multiplayer with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Buying Options
$49.99 from Best Buy

The LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant

LEGO's newest Super Mario building set is a miniature, posable version of the cute-but-chompy Piranha Plant, complete with its own green p̶o̶t pipe. It contains 540 pieces and is meant for ages 18-plus. (Pro tip: Get it from a third-party retailer instead of the LEGO Store, where it's on backorder already.)
Buying Options
$59.99 from Target
a Logitech G Yeti Orb mic in front of a gaming monitor and keyboard
Credit: Logitech

A Logitech G Yeti Orb

This baseball-shaped USB mic from Logitech's gaming line (which recently ditched the "Blue" branding) is aimed at gamers who are just dipping their toes into streaming. It sports an RBG logo with customizable lighting and comes with its own stand.
Buying Options
$59.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
packaging for 'Stardew Valley: The Board Game' against a purple, blue, and orange abstract background
Credit: Stardew Store / Mashable composite

'Stardew Valley: The Board Game'

Now in its third print run, the "Stardew Valley" tabletop adaptation gives fans of the cult-favorite farming sim a new way to feed their obsession. "It’s a lot tougher than its namesake but that’s okay, as that’s a necessary step up for a fun board game," said our sister site IGN.
a screenshot from 'alan wake ii'
Credit: Remedy Entertainment

'Alan Wake II'

Xbox, PlayStation, and PC

Just as much of a masterpiece as the original "Alan Wake," Remedy Entertainment's long-awaited sequel takes players back to the town of Bright Falls to investigate the mysteries of The Dark Place (and attempt to survive a nightmare like you've never seen before). Headphone wearers beware — those jump scares can get wild.

'Lies of P'

Xbox, PlayStation, and PC

"Lies of P" is an incredible dark fantasy Soulslike game inspired by "The Adventures of Pinocchio." It's a no-brainer for any "Elden Ring" or "Bloodborne" obsessors you know and one of the year's biggest surprise hits; its publisher Neowiz already has plans for both a DLC and a sequel.
Buying Options
$59.99 from Best Buy

'Resident Evil 4'

Xbox, PlayStation, and PC

Calling 2023's "Resident Evil 4" simply a "remake" doesn't really do it justice. It's moreso a reimagining and expansion of one of the best survival horror games of all time, and it raises the bar that the original set in more ways than we can count.
Buying Options
$59.99 from Best Buy
a screenshot from 'super mario bros. wonder'
Credit: Nintendo

'Super Mario Bros. Wonder'

Nintendo Switch

"Wonder" is the first new Super Mario Bros. side-scroller in over 10 years, and it marks an "exceedingly silly and playful return to form" for the Nintendo franchise, said Mashable tech and games reporter Alex Perry. Up to four players can join locally for family-friendly fun.
Buying Options
$59.99 from Best Buy
front and back views of the Ellie's Backpack Replica
Credit: PlayStation Gear Store

A replica of Ellie's backpack from 'The Last of Us'

This real-life reproduction of the rugged, post-apocalyptic-chic backpack that Ellie carries around in "TLOU Part I" is a practical gamer gift (and one that doesn't outwardly scream "gamer gift" unless you're in the know). Switchblade and joke books not included.
a screenshot from 'Baldur's Gate 3'
Credit: Larian Studios

'Baldur's Gate 3'

PlayStation and PC

"Baldur's Gate 3" has set a new standard for CRPG games with its outstanding writing and myriad customization options. It's a must-play for "Dungeons & Dragons" fans — and anyone who appreciates a good romance plotline. (Seriously, this game is so horny.)
Buying Options
$69.99 from Steam
a screenshot from 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2'
Credit: Insomniac Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment

'Marvel's Spider-Man 2'

PlayStation

"Marvel's Spider-Man 2" takes everything you loved from the first two games and fine-tunes it to near perfection. Unrivaled traversal mechanics? Check. Web Wings? Check. A heartfelt story that'll keep you engaged throughout the game's entirety? Check. Exhilarating and stylish combat? Check. Two playable Spideys? Double check.
Buying Options
$69.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
a screenshot from 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom'
Credit: Nintendo

'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom'

Nintendo Switch

Instead of trying to one-up its predecessor (difficulty level: impossible), "TOTK" expands upon it with additional areas to explore, inventive new mechanics to play with, and more surprises to discover. "You still won’t find a more creative, hilarious, or straight-up weird sandbox anywhere," said Perry.
Buying Options
$69.99 from Best Buy
a screenshot from 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor'
Credit: Electronic Arts

'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor'

Xbox, PlayStation, and PC

At a time where Star Wars content is…well, not that great, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor" is a breath of fresh air. The game's more open approach improves on the last entry's already fantastic exploration elements, and combat is more fun than ever with the addition of new lightsaber stances (including one with a badass blaster).
Buying Options
$69.99 from Best Buy
two custom xbox controllers
Credit: Microsoft / Mashable composite

A custom Xbox Wireless Controller

Hunting for a personalized gift for a gamer? You can customize two of Microsoft's joypads with different-colored components and shimmering hues in the online Xbox Design Lab. Choose from the standard Xbox Wireless Controller or the premium Elite Series 2, which has swappable parts and a rechargeable battery.
four pastel joy-con sitting on white and clear blocks on a pink surface
Credit: Nintendo

A pair of pastel Joy-Con

Available in two combinations (Purple/Green or Pink/Yellow), Nintendo's candy-colored Joy-Con are an adorable alternative to the standard controllers that come with its non-Lite Switches. Plus, it's handy to have some extras for multiplayer games like "Mario Party SuperStars" and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe."
Buying Options
$79.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
a gaming setup lit up by a Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit on a monitor
Credit: Nanoleaf

A Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit

This kit syncs the colors from a TV or monitor's screen onto an LED strip mounted behind it, creating immersive and cinematic "4D" backlighting that changes with every shot. It's a cool and unconventional upgrade to a gaming setup that your giftee probably doesn't have yet.
Buying Options
$99.99 from Best Buy
a close-up of someone playing a game on a backbone one
Credit: Backbone

A Backbone One

With support for apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, and GeForce Now, the Backbone One is an intuitive mobile controller that can turn a smartphone into a portable gaming console. There are Lighting and USB-C models available for both Xbox and PlayStation.
Buying Options
$99.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
a WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD in front of a lit-up gaming pc
Credit: Western Digital

A WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD

A beefy SSD will ensure that your giftee never has to delete games from their precious library to make room for new installs. The WD_BLACK P50 is available in several capacities (from 500GB to 4TB) for consoles and PC.
a PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller against a blue, purple, and orange abstract background
Credit: Sony / Mashable composite

A PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller

Anyone who takes their gameplay *very* seriously will adore Sony's high-end gamepad, which adds swappable components, remappable back buttons, and personalizable profiles to its DualSense design (but retains its excellent signature haptics and comfort). It comes with its own protective carrying case.
Buying Options
$199.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime

A PlayStation Portal Remote Player

The lovechild of a DualSense controller and a tablet, the Portal is an all-new PS5 accessory that lets users stream games from their console over WiFi. It'll be a life-saver for those whose siblings or roommates are always hogging the TV.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

The cushy BlackShark V2 Pro is an exceptionally comfy wireless gaming headset equipped with THX Spatial Audio, a detachable mic, and up to 70 hours of battery life. It's on the pricier side, but you shouldn't have a hard time finding it on sale closer to $120.
Buying Options
$199.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
all four sides of an analogue pocket against a bright green background
Credit: Analogue

An Analogue Pocket

If your gamer friend has a collection of old Game Boy titles that's just collecting dust, get them a Pocket: The unique handheld is built specifically to play those cartridges (not merely emulate them). It's an awesome gift for retro gaming enthusiasts — if you can find it in stock.
a first-person view of someone playing a game on an airplane using an xbox series s with a uspec gaming xscreen attached to it
Credit: UPspec Gaming

A UPspec Gaming xScreen

Giftees who already own an Xbox Series S will be able to play it anywhere (sans TV or monitor) with the xScreen, an attachable screen with a 60Hz display and built-in speakers. Preorders for a version that matches the new Carbon Black Series S are in the works, FYI.
Buying Options
$249.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
the xbox series s – 1TB and a black xbox controller against a smoky black background
Credit: Microsoft

An Xbox Series S – 1TB

The new Series S makes over Microsoft's disc drive-free console in edgy Carbon Black and doubles its storage to 1TB (same as the Series X). It's only $50 more than the original white, 512GB model, which is cheaper than buying a storage expansion card for it.
Buying Options
$349.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
packaging for the Nintendo Switch - OLED 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Bundle against a purple, blue, and orange background
Credit: Nintendo / Mashable composite

The Nintendo Switch - OLED 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Bundle

New for the 2023 holiday season, the first OLED Switch bundle comes with a three-month Switch Online membership and a download code for "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate," an epic who's who of Nintendo characters. It's a $417.97 value altogether.

A Meta Quest 3

Meta's new wireless mixed-reality headset nabbed a Mashable's Choice Award for its sleek design, ergonomic controllers, automatic play mapping, and full-color passthrough. "[It] had me ducking behind my chair and fighting fuzzy alien creatures who’ve crashed into my dining room," said Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon.
Buying Options
$499.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
packaging for the PlayStation 5 (Slim) 'Marvel’s Spider-Man 2' Bundle against a purple, blue, and orange background
Credit: Sony / Mashable composite

The PlayStation 5 (Slim) 'Marvel’s Spider-Man 2' Bundle

Sony unveiled a new PlayStation 5 model this fall with a slimmer design and a detachable disc drive. This bundle tacks on a digital copy of one of the year's best PS5 exclusives for the price of the console itself — a great buy for current-gen upgraders.
Buying Options
$499.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime

A Valve Steam Deck OLED

The new version of our favorite handheld PC gaming console has a brighter OLED screen, a longer-lasting battery, twice as much storage, and a larger fan that helps it run cooler. It's a stellar update to the original Steam Deck, so don't be surprised if it's hard to find in stock this holiday season.
Buying Options
$549 from Steam

The VITURE One XR Glasses

Compatible with certain smartphones, laptops, and handheld PC consoles (including the Steam Deck LCD), these smart glasses are basically a portable and wearable 120-inch TV. They're another Mashable's Choice Award-winner, and Gedeon said they're "my favorite tech device I've tested this year."
Buying Options
$549 from Amazon Amazon Prime

A Legion Slim 7i (Gen 8)

If you have the budget to gift someone a brand-new gaming laptop, you might as well go all-out on our favorite model: the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i. This thin and lightweight 16-incher is a stunning machine that strikes the right balance between portability and power.
author photo
Dylan Haas
Lead Shopping Reporter

Dylan Haas is a Lead Shopping Reporter for Mashable, where he covers all things gaming, pets, fitness, sleep, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day. Before joining the team at Mashable, Dylan received a B.A. in Communications from Pace University and contributed to publications like Paste Magazine, Bandsintown, and others following a brief stint as a marketing and management assistant in the music industry.

When he's not writing or testing products, you can find Dylan playing lots of video games, working out, spending time with loved ones (especially his dog, Stevie), or watching reality TV. Follow him on X at @iamdylanhaas, or send him an email at [email protected].

Mashable Image
Haley Henschel
Senior Shopping Reporter

Haley Henschel is a Chicago-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable who reviews and finds deals on popular tech, from laptops to gaming consoles and VPNs. She has years of experience covering shopping holidays and can tell you what’s actually worth buying on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Her work has also explored the driving forces behind digital trends within the shopping sphere, from dupes to 12-foot skeletons.

Haley received a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and honed her sifting and winnowing skills at The Daily Cardinal. She previously covered politics for The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, investigated exotic pet ownership for Wisconsin Watch, and blogged for some of your favorite reality stars.

In her free time, Haley enjoys playing video games, drawing, taking walks on Lake Michigan, and spending time with her parrot (Melon) and dog (Pierogi). She really, really wants to get back into horseback riding. You can follow her on X at @haleyhenschel or reach her via email at [email protected].


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