The best gifts for gamers in 2024

The definitive buyer's guide to gifts for gamers, including retro consoles, iconic figurines and... socks

some of the best gifts for gamers

by Chris Duffill |
Updated on

Give the best gifts for gamers this Christmas, birthday, or any other time of year, and you can’t go wrong. They might have one of the best gaming consoles in existence, but there's always more room for fun. And if there’s one thing that all button-bashers and joystick-thrashers love it’s being on the receiving end of some of awesome gifts.

And wow, there are plenty to choose from. Our experts have had serious fun compiling this little lot - almost as much as playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder or Starfield and munching on snacks while all wrapped up in our gamer hoodies. Well, maybe not that much fun, but we did pick the best of the best and would seriously love to see these in our stocking or birthday haul this year.

Best gifts for gamers in 2024 at a glance:

• Best gift for Xbox gamers: Razer Kaira Pro - Wireless Headset for Xbox Series X - View at Amazon
• Best gift for PlayStation gamers: HORI Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation 5 - View at Amazon
• Best gift for Nintendo gamers: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Wheel Accessory Pair - View at Amazon
• Best gift for PC gamers: Razer Leviathan V2 - PC Gaming Soundbar with Subwoofer - View at Amazon

And there’s something for everyone: From old-school gamers who spend hours on some of the best retro gaming consoles, to gifts and gadgets for Xbox and PS5 fans. And we haven’t forgotten about gaming PC addicts either, with some brilliant accessories for those who like to immerse themselves in the latest triple-A First Person Shooter or racing games.

Handheld game devotees and even tabletop gamers will find something here, and we’ve also made sure that there are great budget gifts for gamers too. And that includes a range of trusty gift cards for the most popular gaming platforms - perfect for getting you out of a tight spot if you can’t decide what to buy the picky gamer in your life.

We’ve put our recommendations into handy groups and thrown in a short guide to help you choose. PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, PC and retro gamers are about to receive some of the best gifts for gamers we’ve ever seen. Game on.

Best gifts for Xbox gamers

Best gift for Xbox gamers

Razer Kaira Pro - Wireless Headset for Xbox Series X  - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £146.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$174.67View offer

Razer is a go-to brand when it comes to top-quality reliable gaming kit, and the Kaira Pro is a stunning example of a wireless headset that's going to enhance every game you play. Firstly, it has the company's Titanium 50mm drivers for precise and well-defined sound. Second, you also have a HyperClear Supercardoid mic for clear voice comms. Lastly, the fit is highly comfortable and the memory foam is breathable, so longer gaming sessions won't see players getting hot and bothered.

There's no active noise cancellation - but it does have good sound isolation. We'd have liked to have seen an option to use these via a wire if your battery runs out, but that's a nice-to-have rather than an oversight at this price point. We love the four EQ settings and an amplified Bass Mode. All in all, the Kaira Pro is ready for anything your game will throw at it.

Pros

  • High-quality drivers for superior sound and bass response
  • Memory foam padding for extra comfort and breathability
  • EQ settings and an extra bass mode for flexible listening options
  • Supercardoid mic with second hidden mic for the commute
  • Wireless with great battery life

Cons

  • Some users say the mic is too sensitive on an Xbox (but this is fixed via the Razer Headset Setup App)
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    4.0
  • Value for money:
    4.5
Compatibility:Xbox series X and S, mobile devices via Bluetooth
Power:Rechargeable, up to 15 hours of battery life
Weight:293g
Extra features:Extra hidden mic for commuting / mobile gaming, 4 EQ modes, Bass Mode
  • Customer review: "I have had many headsets in the past including Turtle Beach and I must say these are by far the best! I am an Xbox series X user playing such games as MW2, Dayz, Forza, Fallout etc and previously owned the official Xbox wireless headset however I find the Kaira's much better in terms of sound quality, comfort and battery life. I am very happy with my purchase."

Best accessory for Xbox gamers

Venom Charging Dock with Rechargeable Battery Pack - one of the best gifts for gamers

Rrp: £24.99

Price: £21.30
Alternative retailers
Walmart$24.99View offer

What Xbox gamer hasn't been halfway through an epic match only to lose battery power? It's frustrating, but not as frustrating as not being able to find a fresh pair of AAs in a hurry to get back to the action. That's where the Venom Charging Dock comes in. It's basically a handy way to make sure your controller is always well-topped-up. Doubling as a well-designed stand for all Xbox Series X, S and Xbox One controllers, it's powered by USB - so you can plug this into any device with a free port. The indicator light will also tell you when it's charging or full.

The battery itself is a 850mAh pack that can fully charge in about an hour - but when it's ready you'll get around 8-15 hours of uninterrupted play depending on the level of use. An ideal gift for active gamers.

Pros

  • Looks are a great match for the Xbox itself
  • Handy front-facing indicator to show charge-state
  • Extra packs are available for seamless battery swapping
  • Additional USB output means you can attach a headset or other device to share power

Cons

  • Charging via USB is good, but make sure you're using an adapter rather than a port on another device for the fastest charging times
  • Design:
    4.0
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    4.0
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Compatibility:Xbox Series X, S and Xbox One
Power:Charger powered via USB cable, battery power 850mAh / 8-15 hours life
Dimensions:5.6 x 13.1 x 18.5 cm
Extra features:Comes with USB cable, USB output port
  • Customer review: "Had this for a year or two now and charges still like a dream, very small, robust, can do two at a time no bother, can swap put your controllers if you need and keep going, easy to use, perfect."

Best gifts for PlayStation gamers

Best gift for PlayStation gamers

HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5s - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £117.73
Alternative retailers
Walmart$12.00View offer
Best Buy$119.99View offer

Any fan of racing games on the PS5 is going to love being able to steer their way around the competition with their foot on the pedal. HORI is a leading brand for solidly built and ergonomic racing wheels and the Apex has plenty of extra bells and whistles to bring more realism to racing. All of the usual PlayStation buttons are there too, but the racing grip on the full-size wheel is a particularly nice touch. It can clamp securely onto any desk or table too.

The pedals do come with grips to keep them in place - but some users find this does move around on certain types of hard floors, so you might need to use gripper tape or pads for yours; But that's really part and parcel of any racing wheel set - they're large peripherals that will need to take some pushing and pulling around. And anyone who gets this as a gift is going to be doing a lot of that as they fight to come top of the leaderboard.

Pros

  • Full-size means this feels more like a car and less like a peripheral - adds to the realism
  • Programmable and adjustable dead zone with a full 270-degree turn ratio for extra control
  • Sturdy pedals with sensitivity controls for more fine-tuning
  • Also compatible with PS4 and PC

Cons

  • Mounting the wheel means clamping to a suitable desk or table. If you can't do that, you'll need a dedicated stand.
  • Pedals can slip on hard floors despite rubber feet so you may need to adapt to suit
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    4.5
Compatibility:PS5, PS4, PC
Power:USB
Dimensions:30 x 32.5 x 29 cm
Extra features:Full-size, dead zone adjustment, pedal sensitivity adjustment
  • Customer review: "Easy to set up! The pedals do have grips on the bottom but since we have a laminate floor, we did need to put something behind them to stop them moving while my husband was playing! All in all, within 30 minutes he was playing Gran Turismo! Works really well and he is very happy with it!"

Best accessory for PlayStation gamers

Venom PS5 Controller Rack - one of the best gifts for gamers

Rrp: £19.90

Price: £15.57
Alternative retailers
Walmart$15.99View offer

Second only to getting one of the best PS5 headsets, this is one of the best additions for any PS5 gamer's setup. The PS5 is a little notorious for its love-it-or-hate-it looks, and that contoured shape can often make for a tricky setup if you like things to be neat but have less room. This Venom PS5 Controller Rack is the answer to every gamer's prayers if they're always misplacing their controller. Not only the ideal way to keep two of them in view, but it's also a great way to store them neatly - and that's even more important in smaller gaming setups.

The plastic is tough too, with styling to match the PS5. Crucially there are pads to stop the rack from marking the console, and it'll make hanging up your controllers at the end of a hard day's gaming that much easier. If you need to charge them at the same time, there's enough room down the back for a charge cable too.

Pros

  • A simple and effective solution to gaming clutter
  • Looks are in line with the PS5 and make for a great-looking two controller display rack
  • Rubberised protectors to prevent marking the console
  • An excellent, sturdy fit for the console

Cons

  • Not for those who like the look of the console on its own
  • Design:
    4.0
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Compatibility:All PS5 consoles and DualSense controllers
Dimensions:25.8 x 8 x 3.2 cm
Extra features:Rubberised protective pads
  • Customer review: "Very pleased - I got this for my PS5 controllers and it has protective strips to save marking your console. No more leaving controllers around my home. Happy days."

Best gift for PlayStation game rooms

Paladone PP4140PS Playstation Icons 3 Light - one of the best gifts for gamers

Rrp: £26.99

Price: £21.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$29.49View offer

When Sony launched the first PlayStation a few decades ago, the button icons were new to us all. Since then they've become, well, iconic. Any true PlayStation fan will love lighting up their games room with these multicolour lights, They'll react to music too, for even more interactive fun. There are three modes in total - standard, music and colour phasing. It's powered by USB (or batteries) as well - so it'll be an easy and stunning game room addition.

Pros

  • Three lighting modes for extra control
  • USB or AAA battery options mean it'll be easy to power
  • 30 cm long, and bright - so this will be eye-catching in any room

Cons

  • Looks a little plasticky when off
  • Design:
    4.0
  • Build:
    3.5
  • Features:
    4.0
  • Value for money:
    4.5
Compatibility:N/A
Power:USB or AAA batteries
Dimensions:2.8D x 30.5W x 10.2H centimetres
Extra features:Three modes, including music reactive
  • Customer review: "The light is easy to use, looks good and is exactly as described. Given as a gift to someone who loves their Playstation. He is extremely happy with it and it sits proudly on his desk."

Best gifts for Nintendo gamers

Best gift for Nintendo gamers

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Wheel Accessory Pair - one of the best gifts for gamers

Rrp: £25.69

Price: £23.44
Alternative retailers
Walmart$18.99View offer
Groupon North America$21.99View offer
Newegg$44.99View offer

Some of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids are racing games, and being able to detach those Joy-Cons from the Switch and turn them into a pair of steering wheels is so much fun. Also doubling as one of the best value gifts for Nintendo gamers, this set of two will bring a new dimension to games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

And, of course, there are no batteries or compatibility issues here. If you have removable Joy-Cons on your Switch console, you're good to go.

Pros

  • Super-simple to set up and use
  • Massive value, as this comes as a pair - ideal for competitive racing sessions
  • Compatible with all removable Joy-Cons
  • An official Nintendo product, so great build quality

Cons

  • Some adult racers might prefer a larger wheel
  • Design:
    5.0
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Compatibility:All detachable Joy-Cons
Power:N/A
Dimensions:10 x 1.5 x 15 cm
Weight:100g
  • Customer review: "Makes Mario kart a lot easier to play when using split Joy-Cons. Before purchasing these, I struggled to use a split joycon when playing with my daughter. No problems at all now."

Best accessory for Nintendo gamers

Orzly Carry Case - Compatible With Nintendo Switch  - one of the best gifts for gamersv

Rrp: £19.91

Price: £15.19

The great thing about all Nintendo Switch consoles is how portable they are. But, with great portability comes great risk (well, a little bit at least...). Help them enjoy getting out and about with their console and avoid bumps, knocks and scratches with this Orzly Carry Case. It's the hard-shell type too, so once inside the precious console and accessories will be nicely protected.

Inside there's a microfiber lining to keep the screen safe and cushioned, space for up to eight games, and even some spare Joy-Cons. Some cables will fit in here too, but it's not thick enough to house the typical UK adapter plug; We don't mind that though, as it keeps the case nice and slim.

Pros

  • Slim case with a snug but cushioned fit
  • Enough space for accessories as well as eight games
  • Dual zips mean it won't be opened accidentally when inside a bag or being carried
  • A hard shell case means it'll protect against impacts

Cons

  • Will not fit the charging adapter, so this will have to be carried separately
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Compatibility:Nintendo Switch and new OLED Switch
Power:n/a
Dimensions:12.7 x 12.7 x 1.78 cm
Extra features:Microfibre screen protector, hard shell design
  • Customer review: "The case is very firm and feels like it will protect the switch well. Fits my switch in even in its ergonomic case. Would be nice if the charger cable fitted but the 3-pin plug is just a bit too big to fit. However very happy with the case and it was a great price, I like how the elastic straps keep the switch in place and the flap protects the screen as well as storing games on the other side. I would recommend it!."

Best toy for Nintendo gamers

LEGO Super Mario 71426 Piranha Plant - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £61.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$47.95View offer
Target$47.99View offer
Best Buy$59.99View offer
LEGO$59.99View offer

What do you get the Nintendo gamer who has everything? LEGO of course. Any gamer who loves Mario will immediately fall for the deadly charms of this Super Mario Piranha Plant set. We think that the designers over at LEGO have outdone themselves with the way they've turned their legendary plastic bricks into something that looks as organic as this. It's also very faithful to the in-game original.

With 540 pieces, two coin pieces for a hidden play feature, and a Mario pipe as a base - this will look stunning on any gamer's shelf.

Pros

  • Excellent fun design and is faithful to the in-game original
  • Colourful and entertaining to build
  • Poseable for added display options

Cons

  • The neck joint is a little weak for the weight of the head, so pose this carefully
  • Design:
    5.0
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    4.0
Number of pieces:540
Dimensions:23cm high, 11cm wide and 17cm deep
Extra features:Includes 2 coin elements for the play feature
  • Customer review: "The dimensions are really perfect. It was fun to assemble. The design of the pot is really brilliant. Looks wonderful."

Best gift for Nintendo game rooms

Ohuhu Legend of Zelda Ocarina with Song Book - one of the best gifts for gamers

Rrp: £23.99

Price: £19.89

Back in the days of the N64 and Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time, every gamer would have wanted the game to come with an actual ocarina. Finally, you can make this a reality - thanks to the Ohuhu Legend of Zelda Ocarina. It has 12 holes and is a stunning display item made from glazed ceramic with a stand that echoes Link's hand. It comes with a 15-song Ocarina book to help you learn how to play. There's even a neck-strap cord and protective bag.

Musically, it's much more of a novelty than a serious instrument, but given how good this will look on the shelf next to other Zelda collectables, that's hardly important. It looks the part and has a quality build. Great for Nintendo and Zelda fans.

Pros

  • Looks fantastic and displays very well
  • Additional Zelda songbook brings additional fun to what would otherwise be a display-piece only
  • Lovely stand design - often an afterthought, this one looks great
  • Made from glazed ceramic, not cheap plastic, so this will last

Cons

  • The sound quality is not the same as the in-game version
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    4.0
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Controls and Key:12 Hole Alto C
Power:n/a
Dimensions:‎12.7 x 7.62 x 12.7 cm
Extra features:Made from Made from kiln-fired glazed ceramic, neck-strap cord and protective bag. Book with 15 songs from the Legend of Zelda - including Zelda's Lullaby, Sun's Song, Epona's Song and more
Weight: 229g
  • Customer review: "A present for a friend. They absolutely love it, it was a surprise how expensive it looks given the price and it can be both ornamental and used. Comes with a fairly simple instrumental book, was pretty easy to pick up."

Best gifts for PC gamers

Best gift for PC gamers

Any gamer who has their eye on a brand new PC for less than £1000 will be on a bit of a tight budget by the time they've finished. Why not give them a brilliant sound upgrade? Razer is well-known for quality gaming peripherals and more, so it's no surprise that this Leviathan V2 PC Gaming Soundbar with Subwoofer really delivers the goods. It will, of course, enhance the sound massively - but it also delivers dynamic in-game RGB lighting effects.

What's even more amazing is that this compact mid-sized package contains support for THX Spatial Audio works over Bluetooth for a clutter-free setup. 7.1 sound for any PC gamer has never been more affordable.

Pros

  • Full 7.1 THX Spatial audio support for maximum immersion
  • Compact but powerful subwoofer to bring movies and games alive
  • Low latency Bluetooth connectivity for clutter-free setup
  • Razer chroma RGB for customisable colours and in-game effects

Cons

  • Capable bass levels, but some users may want more
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    4.0
Compatibility:PC
Speakers:Full Range Drivers: 2, Tweeter Drivers: 2, Passive Radiator Drivers: 2, Down-Firing Subwoofer: 1
Dimensions:Bar: 500 x 91.3 x 84 mm Sub: 220 x 220 x 241.5 mm
Extra features:Bluetooth connectivity, and wired via USB-C, THX Spatial Audio, RGB lighting
  • Customer review: "Sound quality is excellent in my opinion especially given the size of the device, granted this isn’t a Sonos or a Bose home theatre type of sound bar, but for the price, it gets very loud and has good bass when listening to music. It is also very punchy when playing games. Overall I can’t fault it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a decent sound bar for their office or gaming set-up."

Best accessory for PC gamers

Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £95.80
Alternative retailers
Newegg$210.99View offer

Logitech's G502 LIGHTSPEED gaming mouse will elevate any gamer's performance. Not only does it have a 25,600 DPI sensor, but it's also wireless with low latency. Adjustable weights allow gaming pros to balance the feel of the mouse to perfection as well. It recharges fast and also takes disposable batteries. It also has a long battery life that can last a week of heavy use or longer under normal use To top it all off, the mouse supports different customisations - including 11 programmable buttons. There's also on-board macro storage for more advanced shortcuts like various in-game commands. The five user profiles also allow for the creation of multiple game-specific layouts. It'll work for Mac gamers too.

Pros

  • 25,600 DPI sensor means super-high pixel-perfect accuracy
  • 11 programmable buttons and five user profiles mean lots of customisations and gaming flexibility
  • Fully wireless with low latency to keep your gaming sharp and accurate
  • Adjustable weights for the ultimate in gaming feel and control

Cons

  • Left-handed users won't like the right-hand-only design
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Compatibility:PC / Mac
Connectivity:Lightspeed wireless
Dimensions:13.12 x 7.52 x 4.11 cm
Extra features:Adjustable weights, 11 programmable buttons, five user profiles, on-board macro storage
Weight:114g
  • Customer review: "Had this mouse for a while now and love it. No complaints, enough buttons to have a few options without being overwhelmed by 10+ buttons and functions. On the fly dpi changes too. I have big hands and it fits well for claw grip."

Best gift for PC game rooms

Most gaming headset stands are somewhat lacklustre. They have a single job to do - stay stable and provide a handy place to store your headset when not in use. But, the G-LAB K-Stand RADON is a cut above the rest. Firstly, it's a universal fit for all headsets and over-ear headphones. Secondly, the base is anti-slip so you can trust it with your expensive gear on top of it. The combination of a streamlined modern design and a seven-colour backlight will enhance every gamer's setup. This is so well designed and built that it comes with a two-year guarantee. The addition of a two-port USB hub a the back means you can charge up your headset or attach other devices - so you won't be taking up more precious USB ports in your PC.

Pros

  • RGB lighting gives a great gamer aesthetic
  • Modern design will enhance a modern gaming room
  • Highly practical and stable, with a non-slip base
  • USB hub at the back means you can plug this into your PC and gain a port

Cons

  • The lighting is great with an alternating 'breathing' effect - but you can't control it yourself
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    4.0
Compatibility:Any PC PS4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch headsets and over-ear headphones
Power:USB
Dimensions:‎13 x 13 x 26 cm
Extra features:Braided cable, 2 port USB hub, RGB lighting
Weight: 356g
  • Customer review: "Very colourful when in use stand is a good size will fit most headphones, the two USB on the base of unit are great for extra ports. The only downside is the light is not changeable to one set colour or preference as it’s a constantly changing cycle. But overall highly recommended."

Best gifts for retro gamers

Best toy for retro gamers

LEGO 76990 Sonic the Hedgehog Sonic's Speed Sphere Challenge Set - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £43.00
Alternative retailers
Target$27.99View offer
Walmart$27.99View offer
Kohl's$27.99View offer
Best Buy$27.99View offer

It doesn't matter what era of retro gaming you're from, everyone loves a classic. And what could be more classic than Sonic The Hedgehog - the original Sega side-scrolling platformer that kickstarted a thousand others? But now, thanks to LEGO, you can recreate your favourite level in brick form. The Sonic The Hedgehog Speed Sphere Challenge Set will add a touch of tactile fun to a retro gamer's shelf, and lots of play value for younger fans. The Speed Sphere can be set spinning and players can launch the Sonic figure at obstacles.

It comes with three characters - including a Moto Bug Badnik figure, a DJ station, a deckchair and a chillout area, plus loads of Sonic accessories; All proving that LEGO really does make for a perfect gift at any time of year.

Pros

  • 292 pieces with lots of play value and displayability
  • Three characters included, with, of course, the iconic Sonic
  • Has a great spinning sphere feature that can launch Sonic at obstacles

Cons

  • Not that many pieces for the price, so you're paying for the Sonic brand here
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    3.5
Pieces:292
Play features:Spinning sphere
Minifigs:Sonic LEGO figure, Moto Bug Badnik, Flicky
  • Customer review: "My son adores this Lego! Affordable, arrived in good time and contains a Sonic the Hedgehog Lego mini figure which is all fantastic!!"

Best gift for retro game rooms

Numskull Space Invaders 3D Lamp Wall Light - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £29.99

Anyone who played one of these back in the day probably remembers other classic retro games and arcade machines - but this one is a true classic. Space Invaders machines invaded arcades the world over in the 1970s and, for many retro gamers, the cabinet design itself was part of the charm. Now you can get this extremely well-designed 3D-effect Space Invaders logo lamp. It's not too small either, at ‎9 x 21 x 24 cm. It's not mains powered - unless you plug the USB cable into an adapter, and it can take AAA batteries. Any retro gamer would love to see this on their shelf or displayed alongside their retro console collection.

Pros

  • Faithful logo and game art reproduction
  • The excellent 3D effect is enhanced by the internal light
  • Colourful and eye-catching addition to any retro games room

Cons

  • Not mains powered - battery only, or supply your own USB adapter
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    4.5
Power:USB / AAA x 3
Dimensions:‎9 x 21 x 24 cm
Extra features:Official Space Invaders merchandise
  • Customer review: "Bought this for my nephew and he love love loves it! His mother messaged me thanking me for buying it. Gives off decent light and perfect for gamers!"

Best gift for retro gamers

An exciting alternative to the many mini retro game consoles that have come out in recent years, the Evercade VS Retro Premium Pack is hands-down the best retro gaming product for anyone who misses being able to collect games. Evercade has a large and growing library of classic retro games on cartridges - games that originally ran on a variety of systems. Check out the list: Atari 2600 and 7800, Atari Lynx, Intellivision, NES and SNES, Sega Genesis / Mega Drive and the PlayStation. Plus, the Commodore 64 and Amiga for computer gaming, and even arcade game cabinets from back in the day.

Although you can plug a compatible USB joystick into the Evercade, one thing that will elevate your retro beat-em-ups is one of the best fight sticks for titles like Street Fighter II. A large range of sticks for other systems will also work on the Evercade, including the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha for Xbox X/S. As always, if you’re looking to go outside the Evercade-provided controller, check third-party controller compatibility for Evercade.

Pros

  • Compact retro-style case and controllers
  • Well-engineered hardware for excellent cross-platform game support
  • Brilliant collection of over 380 licenced retro games on physical cartridges
  • HDMI output with filter options for that retro look

Cons

  • Despite a huge selection of games, they don't have them all (yet…)
  • Controllers are not wireless
  • Game selection:
    5.0
  • Design and build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    4.5
Compatibility:Multiple games from various systems,
Included games:Technos Arcade Cartridge 1, Data East Arcade Cartridge 1
Dimensions:50 x 50 x 28 cm
Extra features:Two wired gamepads,Multiple screen ratios and filters, Supports 8,16 and 32 bit officially licensed games, multiple save states, 1080p HDMI output, WiFi
  • Customer review: "The Evercade VS has clearly been created by fans of old school videogames FOR fans of old school videogames. The styling of the machine, the controllers and cartridges just feels RIGHT! The price points of both the console and cartridges are spot on, giving great value for money."

Best gifts for all gamers

Best board game for gamers

Hasbro Monopoly: Fortnite Edition - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £24.56

Fortnite - it's the battle royale game that's taken the world by storm in recent years. But if you know a gamer who's mad about everything Fortnite, this is a great excuse to get them off their screens and around the table instead. Monopoly has teamed up with the franchise to bring a themed version of its classic property trading game. This time, players will be claiming locations, battling opponents and avoiding the Storm as they race around the board. There's even an action die that lets players build walls as a game concept. Player pieces are made up of your choice of 27 outfits - allowing players to dress as their favourite characters. Classic Monopoly - with a Fortnite twist.

Pros

  • The Fortnite theme is very well done and adapted for Monopoly
  • Gets gamers to try non-digital gaming with family and friends
  • Huge choice of player styles thanks to the 27 outfit choices
  • Action die adds a new dimension to classic Monopoly gameplay

Cons

  • Although rated at ages 13 and up, younger Fortnite players will want to play but may struggle to learn Monopoly as a game concept
  • Design:
    5.0
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    4.0
  • Value for money:
    3.5
Players: Ages 13 and Up, 2-7 players
No. of pieces:110 Health Point chips, 27 cardboard outfits with pawn stands, 15 Storm cards, 16 location cards, 16 loot chest cards, 8 Wall cards, 1 numbered die, 1 action die with labels
Dimensions:4.1 x 40 x 26.6 cm
  • Customer review: "Great hit with my family, my son is Fortnite obsessed so he was bound to love it but I didn't expect his 89 year old great grandmother to enjoy it just as much!"

Best game-related book

Fallout: The Vault Dweller's Official Cookbook - one of the best gifts for gamers

Rrp: £499.97

Price: £34.31

Okay - hands-up who hasn't found themselves hungry for Braised Deathclaw Steak, or BlamCo Mac And Cheese? If you (or your favourite RPG video gamer) have ever wanted to know what it might be like to eat the irradiated food you scavenge from the wastelands of Fallout, this is the gift of your dreams. With some in-universe tasty treats to make and enjoy, this recipe book has everything you need to whip up over 70 post-apocalyptic snacks. Nuka Cola Floats and Yum Yum Deviled Eggs? Give this as a culinary gamer gift and they'll have just as much fun making and eating this lot as you've had fighting Radroaches.

Pros

  • Lots of authentically-themed recipes that look suitably grim at times but taste great
  • The most unusual and entertaining gift for any Fallout fan
  • Beautifully photographed and illustrated for anyone more into reading than cooking

Cons

  • Anyone put off by the theme of some of the recipes may not feel like eating them
  • Design:
    5.0
  • Recipe range:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    4.0
Pages:192
Number of recipes:Over 70
  • Customer review: "I'm absolutely in love with this cookbook. I've only just gotten into the Fallout game series. This is a great quality cookbook full of fun Fallout-themed recipes. This would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves the game."

Best gift for handheld game fans

Paladone Game Boy Heat Changing Coffee Mug - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £14.99
Alternative retailers
Kohl's$15.00View offer
Walmart$18.99View offer

When is a mug not a mug? When it's a Nintendo GameBoy with a heat-sensitive screen. Yes, add a hot drink to this mug and watch classic GameBoy Mario and Daisy appear on one side, and the game title screen on the other. It's ideal for tea, coffee, and hot chocolate fans who love a bit of old-school handheld gaming. Officially licenced by Nintendo, it's a durable mug that faithfully reproduces the look of the original console - just don't try to microwave it, or the heat-changing feature might not work properly. A great budget gift choice, too.

Pros

  • Heat-changing design with Mario
  • 10 ounces capacity - ideal for thirsty gamers
  • Two different designs - one on each side

Cons

  • The colour-changing design is not microwave-safe
  • Design:
    5.0
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Capacity:10 ounces
Dimensions:‎5 Inches in diameter
Extra features:Two-sided, with difference screens appearing on each, comes in a box for gifting, Officially licensed
  • Customer review: "Still great to watch the screen appear when I have a brew - even after owning it for months! It's a decent quality and has held up well with no chips or permanent stains. The print is still as vivid as the day I bought it and it's even held up to some accidental microwaves! Especially good to consume a brew in this whilst playing the Switch to bolster the theme!"

Best wearable gaming gift

Minecraft Boys Socks - one of the best gifts for gamers
Price: £24.99

Minecraft has been around for a long time now and it's as popular as ever. As wearable gaming gifts go, socks are everyone's favourite novelty. Here we have some colourful designs inspired by the blocky world of mines and Creepers and TNT and more. This pack has five pairs - and despite being labelled as 'for boys' we think they'll suit any young gamer. They're available in a range of sizes and are cotton-rich for comfort - they're official Minecraft merch, too.

Pros

  • Great range of sizes and designs in the pack
  • Officially licenced Minecraft merchandise in great gift packaging
  • Cotton-rich material for good comfort and washability

Cons

  • Some people find the sizes come up slightly small
  • Design:
    5.0
  • Comfort:
    4.5
  • Designs:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Material:78% Cotton, 20% Polyester, 2% Elastane
Number of pairs:5 (or 3-pack available)
Sizes:Available in sizes 7-10 years (12.5-3.5 UK) or 10-13 years (4-6.5 UK)
  • Customer review: "Lovely socks, bought as a stocking filler for my grandson he is Minecraft daft, so was very happy with them. His words were I can now dress head to toe in Minecraft! Would buy again."

Best game-based toy

This is one of our favourite budget toys based on a game - and what better theme for a music box than the equally musical Zelda franchise? This exquisitely carved wooden box contains a little notched drum and accompanying bars - turn the handle and listen to a segment of Zelda music. It's a lovely little curio that will look great as part of a collection or on its own on your gaming desk - a pleasing distraction during any gamer's screen break.

Pros

  • Real wood with laser carving makes it look more expensive than it is
  • Delightful play value with mechanically-reproduced music
  • An amazing display item that's sure to attract attention

Cons

  • Only plays a short segment of music (music boxes like this don't have long play times)
  • Some users wish they could wind it up and let it play - this only plays while you turn the crank (we like this, though)
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Game franchise:Zelda
Power:Hand-cranked
Dimensions:‎9.6 x 6.1 x 4.9 cm
Weight:80g
  • Customer review: "Gave this to a friend on their birthday, they loved it. Highly recommend it, it isn't the full song but it's still a good little music box."

Best gift for tabletop gamers

Wiz Dice Cup of Wonder: 5 Sets of 7 Premium Glitter Polyhedral Role Playing Gaming Dice - one of the best gifts for gamers

Rrp: £22.99

Price: £20.69
Alternative retailers
Walmart$22.99View offer

We're not leaving tabletop gamers out of our list here, and this package of five seven-die Role Playing Polyhedral Role Playing Gaming Dice from Wiz is perfect. They even come with a black diecast and leather dice cup. With 35 pieces in all, and a great look and feel that can suit a multitude of tabletop games, the glitter die designs and colour schemes will add a touch of class to any board. Huge value too, with five complete sets included.

Pros

  • Excellent packaging and design - makes it really look the part, especially as a gift
  • Five complete sets of seven die pieces mean you'll never be short when playing
  • The glittered design isn't overdone, it adds an apt touch of magic to the overall design

Cons

  • Some users say they're a little lightweight
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    5.0
Number of pieces:35: 5 Sets of 7 polyhedral die, diecast leather cup
Package dimensions: 10.16 x 8.64 x 8.64 cm
Package weight:231.33g
Extra features:Real leather cup
  • Customer review: "I use this set as my DM dice for my campaign. I love the cute mimic box it came in and the dice roller cup! These are really pretty dice, I recommend these as a gift to players and other table top lovers. This is my second set of dice from this seller, and I would 100% purchase more again."

Best desktop accessory for gamers

Cable Guys - Halo Figures Master Chief Infinite Gaming Accessories Holder & Phone Holder  - one of the best gifts for gamers

Rrp: £33.21

Price: £24.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$37.99View offer

The Halo franchise launched many sequels and spin-offs, but whether your gamer played this on Xbox or PC back in the day (or even if they didn't), everyone knows Master Chief. And now this official Halo version of the iconic character can reliably hold your controller or mobile phone. Heavy and sturdy enough to carry the load, this figure is beautifully designed and finished and looks great on any gamer's desktop.

Pros

  • A fun version of the Master Chief character that looks great on display
  • Stable and reliable for holding your electronic gadgets
  • Adjustable pose means it could be used for holding other things

Cons

  • Anyone who likes their character figures to be anatomically accurate may not like the version on offer here
  • Design:
    4.0
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    3.5
  • Value for money:
    4.5
Material:Plastic
Compatibility:Xbox controllers, mobile phones, various
Dimensions:1.3 x 1.4 x 2.4 cm
Weight300g
  • Customer review: "I bought this as a gift for my other half as he is a huge Halo fan. He loved it! The product was heavier than I expected and felt very durable. It can hold your phone very easily as well as PlayStation and Xbox controllers."

Best gift cards for gamers

Best gift card for Xbox

Downloaded within moments, Xbox gift cards are one of the best gifts to give any Xbox gamer. Available in various values, they can be spent on anything from games, in-game currency, or peripherals and accessories from the Microsoft store.

Pros

  • A reliable way of gifting money to Xbox gamers
  • Available in multiple denominations

Cons

  • Nothing physical to actually gift - print out and give the code inside your own card
  • Design:
    3.5
  • Ease of use:
    5.0
Compatibility:Xbox / Microsoft only
Expiry:None
  • Customer review: "A good value Xbox gift card. Simply put the code in online or on the Xbox and you'll benefit from £20 to spend on games or other items."

Best gift card for PlayStation

Much like the Xbox card above, this can also be bought and downloaded quickly and are available in various values - but this time you have plenty of colourful game-related designs to choose from. So, if you're going to buy one and download it, at least you have something colourful to print out and gift.

Pros

  • Choose from several colourful game-themed designs to print out or download
  • Lots of denominations to choose from - so give as little or as much as you like

Cons

  • Expire after 12 months
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Ease of Use:
    5.0
Compatibility:PlayStation only
Expiry:Use within 12 months
  • Customer review: "Love the fact you can choose a design for the gift card, really easy to create and print out, perfect present for a teenage gamer."

Best gift card for Nintendo

You guessed it - the Nintendo eShop card is just the same as the others mentioned above but for Nintendo fans. No fancy designs here, but you can choose from various denominations and let your favourite gamer go on a spending press at the Nintendo eShop.

Pros

  • Loads of games on the eShop, so gamers will have lots of options at great prices
  • Unlike some, Nintendo eShop does have a great range of physical goods as well as virtual

Cons

  • Can only be used in the UK Nintendo eShop
  • Design:
    4.0
  • Ease of use:
    4.5
Compatibility:UK Nintendo eShop only
Expiry:None
  • Customer review: "You get exactly what you ask for. Saves going to the shop. Arrival time is great too. The email comes through either instantly or within the hour."

Best gift card for PC gamers

While PC gamers may not have one single preferred supplier for their software, Valve's Steam platform has really become the de-facto standard for PC fans when it comes to getting new games. Like the others here, you can buy them in various values and spending is easy via the Steam store - but your gamer will need to open a (free) account if they don't have one already.

Pros

  • Over 50,000 games available on the Steam store
  • Steam is a trusted source for PC game downloads
  • Steam interface is excellent and is the PC equivalent of the dashboards on consoles

Cons

  • If your gamer doesn't have one, they will need to open a Steam account to use it
  • Design:
    4.0
  • Ease of use:
    4.0
Compatibility:Steam store / Steam account only
Expiry:None
  • Customer review: "Grandson prefers steam to anything else, and with the simple and easy on line purchase and quick delivery very happy."

Best gifts for gamers in 2024: Buyer’s guide

Gamers are a tricky bunch to buy for. And that’s really because there are so many gaming systems out there. Some players will own more than one of them (in fact, most gamers will) and that means thousands of products to choose from; From accessories like controllers, keyboards and headsets, to game-themed toys, plushies and more. Here are our top tips on how to buy the best gift for gamers in 2023.

Do your research

If you’re buying for a particular system, such as the Xbox Series X or PS5, take a sneaky look at your giftee’s setup. This is especially important if you’re thinking of buying actual games, as those who subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass, or PlayStation Plus will have access to many of the latest games already for free. If you are buying a game that comes on a physical disc, just make sure that the system you’re buying for actually has a disc drive. Some consoles are digital-only editions and can only add games via download.

And if you’re looking at accessories, check that they aren’t already nicely kitted out with gadgets like battery chargers, USB lights, controllers and headsets. Unless they’ve mentioned their favourite gaming gear needs an upgrade or replacement, don’t chance it -  getting them a new one could be just the fast lane to getting a refund. So, we recommend doing a bit of subtle digging first to find out what they need.

Don’t get hung up on games and controllers

Sometimes an avid gamer already has everything they need to play on, so that’s where the fun stuff comes in. Extras to bring a smile to their face could be game-themed toys, homewares and clothes - like some of the ones in our list above. And yes, that includes everyone’s favourite - ugly Christmas Jumpers for gamers. They’re fun, less costly than some other gifts, and will make any gamer’s day.

If in doubt…

Go the gift card route. Yes, we know this seems like a Christmas or birthday cop-out, but gamers love these things. It gives them a great excuse to fire up the console or PC and do a bit of online shopping for a start. They might have had their eye on a game they couldn’t quite afford, or a way to load up on in-game credits for more spending power when it comes to digital loot. If the card comes from a brand that has an online store that includes actual controllers and accessories, they can use the card to buy those goodies too. The ideal gifts for gamers who have everything.

Best gifts for gamers in 2024: FAQs

What are good gifts for gamers?

Any of our recommendations above would make brilliant gifts for gamers. We're massive gamers ourselves here at What's The Best, and we found ourselves hovering over the 'buy' button while we were researching products for this article. In short though, if you know your gamer well enough to know what games, consoles and gaming franchises they enjoy, you're bound to find a great gift from our list.

Do Xbox gift cards expire?

Microsoft states that they don't expire at all. The only cards that do are promotional ones given out by Microsoft themselves - as part of their Rewards Program, for instance.

Do PlayStation gift cards expire?

Yes - these expire 12 months after they're purchased. However, once the funds have been added to your PlayStation wallet, they do not expire.

What are the best gifts for PC gamers?

As PC gamers ourselves, we think that the best gifts are ones that can help to keep our gaming setups looking cool as well as tidy and usable. Unlike consoles, PCs can quickly turn into sprawling rigs with a ton of cables and limited desk space. So, anything such as stands for headsets and controllers are winning gifts in our book. Also, upgrading the sound of a budget gaming PC system with a soundbar and sub is a surefire way of making a big difference to a gamer's system for a relatively low price.

Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best and Yours. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.

He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.

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