Xbox gifts can brighten any fan's day no matter the time of year, but particularly over Christmas. The tricky bit is knowing where to start.
That's where we come in. As you can probably tell from our coverage of the best games and accessories for Microsoft's console, the team at GamesRadar+ knows a thing or two about what makes good Xbox gifts. To point you in the right direction, we've listed the most enticing gifts for gamers below that are sure to delight their recipients.
Hunting down last-minute Xbox gifts? You can get 52% off a subscription to the Edge gaming magazine (opens in new tab) right now, with a bonus 12% discount available if you're quick.
You'll find something here to suit any budget, too - no matter whether you're looking for a novelty mug, the latest blockbuster, or something else entirely, we've got you covered. Speaking of which, there are plenty of discounts floating around too. The Holiday season is well known for savings across the board, and fortunately for us, that includes Xbox gifts.
Best Xbox gifts overall
If you're browsing for inspiration or need Xbox gifts quick, these suggestions should do the trick. Crucially, they're not as risky as games or accessories - the recipient is less likely to have them already.
The best Xbox gift for Christmas
+ Comfortable and cosy
+ Covered in fun details
- Garish colors
'Ugly' Christmas sweaters are a godsend for anyone struggling to find presents; there seems to be one for every interest nowadays. Naturally, that includes Xbox. Designed by the well-respected Numskull, you can be guaranteed a high level of comfort and quality with this jumper.
The best cheap Xbox gift
+ Subtle but stylish
+ Affordable
- Pattern flakes off easily
Want to keep costs down when it comes to Xbox gifts? This novelty mug is perfect. Besides being very affordable, it sports a tasteful, stylish design that changes from black to Microsoft green when hot liquid is added. Neat!
The best last-minute Xbox gift
+ Delivered instantly
+ Recipient can choose
- Impersonal
Don't know what Xbox gift to get? Let the recipient choose for themselves. Store credit allows your loved one to buy whatever games or bonus content they like. Because it's a digital code, you don't need to worry about waiting for delivery either.
The best novelty Xbox gift
+ Atmospheric
+ Won't take up loads of space
- Doesn't come in green
The easiest way to brighten up any space is by adding some cool lighting, and you can currently grab an atmospheric Xbox design from Paladone. Besides being official merch from some of the best in the business, it looks like it's been pulled straight from a Twitch streamer's studio.
The best practical Xbox gift
+ Neat and tidy
+ Xbox theming
- Needs more space for games
Another option from Numskull is this clever storage solution. If your loved one is always leaving controllers or game cases lying around, this is the ideal Xbox gift - it has space for all of the above to be packed away neatly, including headsets.
The best premium Xbox gift
+ Funny and unexpected
+ Actually works
- Expensive for a joke gift
OK, we know how this sounds. But if you want to go all out in terms of Xbox gifts, it doesn't get much better than the official Series X Mini Fridge. Despite starting out as a joke, it's perfect for quick mid-game refreshments and looks fantastic.
Best Xbox gifts - games
While games can make for risky Xbox gifts (it's tricky to know what someone has already), they're a homerun if you get it right. That's why we've listed the year's biggest titles below. Just don't lose that order confirmation in case you need to return them!
+ Turn-based strategy fit for superheroes
+ Lots of personality
- Slow pace at times
This superhero-themed adventure came out of nowhere to rave reviews at the beginning of December, so as well as being an excellent tactical romp featuring everyone's favorite capes, there's a good chance whoever you're buying for doesn't have it yet.
Read more: Marvel's Midnight Suns review
+ Fascinating world
+ Superb exploration
- Enemy AI could be better
This one is a bit of a dicey play considering how it came out early in 2022 to critical acclaim (so there's a decent chance the recipient already has it), but if they missed the boat, we can't recommend Elden Ring enough. It's a truly fantastic action adventure game they won't soon forget.
Read more: Elden Ring review
+ Brilliant split-screen action
+ Gorgeous visuals
- Pretty simplistic
If you're shopping for a younger Xbox gamer or just want a good co-op game you can play with a loved one, this Lego take on the full Skywalker saga is a must-have. It's a delightful and often hilarious blend of platforming, puzzles, and combat, so deserves a place on anyone's shelf.
Read more: Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga review
+ Stunning visual and audio design
+ More grounded multiplayer
- Campaign is overly familiar
For the Xbox fan who adores multiplayer, Call of Duty remains the pinnacle game. Yes, the story-driven campaign is great... but the deathmatch arenas are where it's at. The latest version features new maps and weapons to spice up that classic gameplay, so it's the Xbox gift that'll keep on giving for a long time to come.
Read more: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 review (opens in new tab)
+ Great characters
+ Gotham can be beautiful
- Combat lacks depth
Despite getting a mixed reception, there's a lot of good multiplayer action to be found in this spin on the Batman universe. Set in a world where the Dark Knight died, it's a fun co-op experience with a great cast of characters. It's pretty cheap on the whole, too.
Read more: Gotham Knights review
+ Incredible value
+ Includes over 100 games
- Almost too much choice
OK, so technically this isn't a game. But it does get you access to over 100 of the blighters. Think of Game Pass like Xbox's answer to Netflix; you pay a monthly subscription that lets you play anything in the library. Brand-new blockbusters and old favorites are included, so it's exceptional value for money.
Read more: Best games on Xbox Game Pass
Best Xbox gifts - accessories
Little can elevate your setup like the best Xbox Series X accessories, so they make top-tier Xbox gifts. To give you a better idea of what you should prioritize, we've listed a few of our favorites - from headsets to controllers.
+ Practical
+ Good-looking
- Takes up a USB slot
This Xbox gift manages to kill two birds with one stone. Besides giving you somewhere you can safely store your headset so that it doesn't get tangled up with all your other accessories, this stand also adds an atmospheric, glowing setpiece to your setup.
+ Incredible value
+ Includes over 100 games
- Almost too much choice
As you might be able to tell from Game Pass appearing twice in this list of Xbox gifts, we're big fans of it. And for good reason - providing you with access to well over 100 of the biggest and best games, it's ridiculous value for money.
+ No need for more AAs
+ Decent battery life
- Not very exciting
It's not necessarily the most exciting Xbox gift, but it could be the most useful. These rechargeable battery packs allow you to sidestep the faff of constantly buying new AAs, and if you ask us, it's an essential purchase for any Xbox gamer.
+ Excellent customization
+ Grip on back and shoulders
- Not wireless
Controllers can be pretty expensive nowadays, so getting bonus ones for couch co-op action (or even just grabbing a replacement handset) is painful on the ol' wallet. Because this one is more reasonable in price and offers such high quality, it punches well above its weight in terms of Xbox gifts.
+ Excellent bass
+ Clear mic
- A bit small
This is one of the best headsets you can get for Microsoft's console, so it's also one of the best Xbox gifts. Providing enviable audio quality and plenty of comfort, it's a real step up from standard TV speakers.
+ System-level customization
+ Back-paddles and better sticks
- Expensive for a controller
Want to pull out all the stops for the ultimate Xbox gift? The Elite controller is arguably the best handset you can get for the console thanks to stellar responsiveness, back-paddles for quicker reactions, and other tweaks to give its weilder the edge in whatever they play.
Looking for other potential presents? Don't miss these highly-recommended Xbox gifts, the ultimate Nintendo Switch gifts, and the best D&D gifts. We also have tips on grabbing good Star Wars gifts or Disney gifts as well.
