I've been recommending nerdy presents for over a decade, and I think these are the best gifts for gamers in 2025

Features
By Contributions from published

Suggestions for fans of PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox, retro, and more

Donkey Kong amiibo, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, Gamesir G7 Pro, and Lego Fortnite minifigures divided by white lines
(Image credit: Future)
Jump to:
Why you should trust GamesRadar+

✅ Thousands of products reviewed
✅ We test accessories every day
✅ Years spent reporting on games

The hardest part about tracking down the best gifts for gamers in 2025 can be knowing where to start. There are so many different options these days that it's overwhelming to say the least, and that's why I'm helping you cut through the noise with these hand-picked recommendations from experts.

The GamesRadar+ team and I live and breathe games every day of the week, so we're well-placed to suggest all kinds of collectibles, curiosities, and other cool gear that your loved ones will adore. We either own these gifts for gamers ourselves or have them on our personal wishlists. In other words, we'd be very happy receiving or buying these ourselves if we haven't already – they aren't tacky novelties.

Crucially, I've been hunting down the best gifts for all gamers - regardless of what your loved one plays. No matter whether they prefer PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PC, or tabletop, I've got a recommendation just for them – and at a variety of price ranges. Not sure what you're looking for? Don't miss our advice on how to choose gamer gifts.

Curated by
Benjamin Abbott, Tabletop & Merch Editor at GamesRadar+
Curated by
Benjamin Abbott

Benjamin has been writing about games professionally for well over a decade, and he's covered everything from collectibles to hardware on GamesRadar+ since 2018. Before that, he spent years advising customers on the best gifts in a video game store.

Quick links

Best gifts for gamers 2025: Under $20/£20

Looking for stocking fillers, or to keep costs down while still providing a thoughtful gift? These cheap options should do the trick.

Best gifts for gamers 2025: Under $50/£50

Able to stretch your budget a little? These suggestions balance cost with quality, and they're amongst the best gifts for gamers as a result.

Best gifts for gamers: Under $100/£100

Want the ultimate gifts for gamers? Here they are. If you're hunting down something truly special, these are the best options available right now.

Best gifts for gamers: Gift cards

Not sure what to get? It's always nice to choose something for yourself, so a voucher is an easy gift for gamers if you're stuck for other ideas.

How to choose the best gifts for gamers

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

(Image credit: Future)

The GamesRadar+ team and I have been writing about gifts for gamers since 2018, and many of us spent years advising shoppers on what to get their loved ones in retail before that. In other words? We've got a very good idea of what gamers want.

To get the ball rolling, this is what I always ask if someone's unsure of where to start when hunting gifts for gamers.

🎮 Find out what they play on
It may sound obvious, but figuring out what the person in question games on is going to help a lot. Are they a PS5 fan, or do they prefer Nintendo? Do they play on PC, or are they in love with their Xbox? These machines aren't interchangeable, which means that getting a PlayStation controller isn't going to do a Switch gamer much good.

🎁 If in doubt, prioritize merchandise
Although games and accessories are great options if you know what someone already has, it can be a risk. That's why I always recommend opting for merchandise or collectibles when it comes to gifts for gamers. It's unlikely that the person in question will have what you're buying, and means you can avoid doubling up.

🎲 Get dice for tabletop RPG fans
If your loved one adores the best tabletop RPGs (like D&D), get dice. In my experience, these are always welcome - you can never have enough of 'em.

Gifts for gamers FAQ

Photo of the end level amiibo display stand with wedding Mario and Peach sitting on top of it.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

What gift should I get a gamer?

If you're shopping for the gamer in your life, it's worth considering merchandise like collectibles based on their favorite franchise, themed t-shirts, mugs, and 'ugly' Christmas sweaters. Unlike games or accessories, they probably won't have these already.

In my opinion, a great go-to is Paladone. This company specializes in gamer gifts that are of a very high quality across the board. Numskull is similarly good, and its Christmas jumpers are a cozy must-have.

Should I buy games or accessories for a gamer?

Unless you know what the person in question has or is looking for specifically, getting games and accessories can be a risky business. There's a chance they'll own it already or, in the case of hardware like controllers headsets, they might have something better.

That's why it's always a good idea to opt for merchandise instead. Your loved one is far less likely to have the hoodie, themed cookbook, figure, or other tie-in you're looking at.

What is a good cheap gift for gamers?

For anyone trying to keep costs down, it's worth checking out branded heat-change mugs from the likes of Paladone themed around PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, etc. These usually weigh in at under $10 / £10, so won't break the bank but are thoughtful presents nonetheless.

For more gift-worthy suggestions, why not check out the best board games or the best Lego sets?

Benjamin Abbott
Benjamin Abbott
Tabletop & Merch Editor

I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and now manage GamesRadar+'s tabletop gaming and toy coverage. You'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news.

With contributions from