With so many times during the year that we need to buy presents (birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, etc.), sometimes it can be hard to buy for gamers, especially if you are not sure what they really want. Well, I have simplified a list of 10 affordable gaming gifts for this year.
10.) Long Micro USB Cables
If you are tight on cash, but want to give a gamer something that they will truly be grateful for, give them some long micro USB cables. They are fairly cheap when purchased online and will give the gamer in question some freedom to plug in his/her current generation controllers when they are out of juice.
9.) Logitech Wireless Mouse
For about thirty dollars or under, you can get a PC gamer a great mouse that will give them a bit of freedom when unpacking for LAN parties, moving a gaming laptop around, or just not having to worry about the hassle of a mouse with wires.
8.) Controller Charging Station
Charging stations may seem frivolous, but they are actually quite handy for gamers. Sure, a gamer can just plug into a micro USB cable, but it’s so much handier to have a docking station instead. And it’s a cheap gift that will keep on giving: controller docking stations typically range from ten to twenty bucks. A full console/controller docking station is a bit more expensive, but could also be a great idea.
7.) PlayStation Silver
Since gaming is increasingly online, the gamer in your life probably needs a headset. If you know that they are using something very basic, such as the earbud that comes with a PS4, the PlayStation Silver may be a great gift. Sure, it isn’t the Gold–which is much more expensive–but it does the trick. Some have complained about the plastic breaking on it, but for the price, what else exactly would you get?
6.) PlayStation Plus Membership Card/XBox Live Membership Card
A Membership Gift Card is always welcomed to any gamer, especially since it’s pretty much mandatory to have an online subscription. Being able to choose the amount is a bonus as well. Just make sure that you check what console they use.
5.) Steam Digital Wallet Gift Card
For the PC gamer, a gift card from Steam is always welcome. PC gamers usually can get some good deals, particularly on Steam, so the gift card could go a long way. Just be careful. Getting it from some places will tack on a surcharge, especially if the store is a direct competitor of Steam, like Amazon.
4.) Extra controllers
Like I always say: you can never have too many controllers. There are also options for different colors and controllers that are linked with certain games. Of course, some of the custom controllers can get a bit pricey, so be careful.
3.) Retro consoles and games
Retro gaming is getting more and more popular. If you know your gamer has an old console, consider getting them an older game. You can find some of them for fairly cheap, although others can be quite expensive. Depending on where you are looking, you might even be able to pick up an older console for cheap. Does you gamer have a ton of retro consoles and games and you’re not sure what to get? Extra accessories like AV cables, controllers, or memory cards would be appreciated.
2.) Redbubble Merchandise
If you are unfamiliar with Redbubble, they sell artwork that can be printed on tons of stuff such as shirts, coffee mugs, posters, etc. Though they are not specifically gaming-related, type “gaming,” “geek,” or the name of any game in the search and behold all of the good merchandise they sell. You will definitely find things there that are sold nowhere else. Note: I have only received items from this company. I have not purchased anything. Buy at your own risk.
1.) Check out their wishlist; get them the game!!!
Seriously. What they probably want is a game that’s been sitting on their list for awhile. See if they have a wishlist on Amazon. Or, just ask them, right?