Trying to figure out what to get someone as a present can be tough. For gamers, it can be especially tough, since not everyone has access to all platforms. In other words, the first step is figuring out which gaming platforms the person you’re shopping for has. The second step is figuring out if they need any accessories, or if all they need is more games. From there, it’s all about figuring out which gift card to get someone (based on whether they buy physical games or digital games).
In some circles, there’s a bit of a taboo against giving someone a gift card as a present. Some people worry that it comes off as impersonal, for example. However, if you give someone a gift card, you’re not risking buying them something that they already have, something that they can’t use, or something they don’t want. At the end of the day, while it is the thought that counts and it is rude to be ungrateful about a present, that does not mean that the gift-giver should not attempt to get the right present.
Console Gamers
Nintendo Gamers
For Nintendo Switch gamers, the first thing you should do is figure out if they need an extra controller, like an extra pair of joy-cons or a pro controller. If not, they might like a Nintendo Labo VR kit. Otherwise, if they don’t need any accessories, you should get them a $60 gift card, which is enough to ensure that they can buy any game they want. If they buy physical games, a gift card to a store like Best Buy or Gamestop is a good idea (those are only for $50 because they don’t sell $60 denominations). If they buy digital games, you can get them a digital Nintendo eShop gift card (a $50 card and a $10 card) that you can send to them as a code.
PC Gamers
If the person you’re shopping for is a PC gamer, the first thing you should do is figure out if they need an extra controller (PlayStation and Xbox controllers both work). If not, they might like a VR headset (but you would have to really love them for that). Otherwise, if they don’t need any accessories, you should get them a $60 gift card, which is enough to ensure that they can buy any game they want. If they buy physical games, a gift card to a store like Best Buy or Gamestop is a good idea (those are only for $50 because they don’t sell $60 denominations). If they buy digital games, you can get them a Steam gift card.
PlayStation Gamers
If you’re shopping for someone who mainly plays on PS4, the first thing you should do is figure out if they need an extra controller. If not, they might like a PS VR headset (but you would have to really love them for that). Otherwise, if they don’t need any accessories, you should get them a $60 gift card, which is enough to ensure that they can buy any game they want. If they buy physical games, a gift card to a store like Best Buy or Gamestop is a good idea (those are only for $50 because they don’t sell $60 denominations). If they buy digital games, you can get them a digital PlayStation gift card that you can send to them as a code.
Xbox Gamers
If the person you’re shopping for mainly plays on Xbox One, the first thing you should do is figure out if they need an extra controller. If not, they might like a racing wheel and pedal set to use with Forza games (but you would have to really love them for that). Otherwise, if they don’t need any accessories, you should get them a $60 gift card, which is enough to ensure that they can buy any game they want. If they buy physical games, a gift card to a store like Best Buy or Gamestop is a good idea (those are only for $50 because they don’t sell $60 denominations). If they buy digital games, you can get them a digital Xbox gift card that you can send to them as a code.
Mobile Gamers
Android Gamers
If your recipient mainly plays on Android, the first thing you should do is figure out if they need a bluetooth controller. If not, they might like a new phone (but you would have to really love them for that). Otherwise, if they don’t need any accessories, you should get them a $50 Google Play gift card, which is enough to ensure that they can buy a number of games.
iOS Gamers
If you’re shopping for a gift for someone who mainly plays on iPhone, the first thing you should do is figure out if they need a bluetooth controller. If not, they might like a new iPhone (but you would have to really love them for that). Otherwise, if they don’t need any accessories, you should get them a $50 iTunes gift card, which is enough to ensure that they can buy a number of games.
At the end of the day, the most important thing to know when buying a birthday gift for a gamer is buying something that you know they can actually use. All of the recommendations here would be surely appreciated by any gamer. Happy shopping!
