During the rush of preparations for the New Year, between decorating the tree and chopping festive salads, ideas for gifting a gamer can feel elusive. To save time, here is a curated collection designed to inspire to the last minute shopper.
Gamepad stand
This stand holds a gamepad, tablet, or phone with a practical shelf. Many designs feature game heroes or popular cartoons, blending function with personality.
Typically, the favorite character appears to cradle the gamepad, freeing desk space and allowing the device to charge if the cable runs from below. Some options showcase logos from beloved universes rather than characters.
- Wonder Woman;
- Harley Quinn;
- Star Wars Boba Fett;
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian – The Child;
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian Stormtrooper.
Smart lamp for monitor
This compact lamp mounts on the top edge of the monitor, keeping the desk uncluttered. Light from the front helps illuminate the keyboard for easier typing, while the backlight washes the wall with shifting hues.
The lamp can sync with software like Razer Chroma or Overwolf so every gaming gadget shines in harmony. In many popular games, the lamp adapts its color to gameplay moments. Simpler variants omit backlighting and a desk control unit but still serve well for basic productivity tasks.
- Yeelight LED Screen Light Bar Pro;
- Yeelight LED Monitor Light Bar Rechargeable.
Console bag or case
For trips to friends or vacations, a sturdy console bag is ideal. Most have a rigid frame to prevent damage and pockets for wires with dedicated compartments for gamepads. Protective cases for Nintendo Switch are also common in this category.
- PlayStation 5 bag;
- Xbox Series
- Bag for Nintendo Switch.
Headphone stand
Another staple accessory, this stand keeps headphones within easy reach. Some models include multicolor backlighting and extra USB ports for charging devices or data transfer to a PC.
This organizer helps maintain a tidy gaming space so the next session starts without a hunt for headphones.
- GMNG HSS-300;
- ONIKUMA ST-02 Oni Pink;
- Thermaltake ARGENT HS1 RGB;
- ASUS ROG THRONE;
- Fifine S3.
New consoles
A refreshed version of the PlayStation 5 has arrived, commonly referred to as Slim, though that label isn’t official. It occupies less space but maintains the same performance, with options for disc and digital editions.
The updated Xbox Series S in Carbon Black is another compelling gift, boasting a 1TB SSD that accommodates more games while keeping a compact footprint. It’s ideal for those who don’t need a disc drive but want solid performance.
- PlayStation 5 Slim with disc drive;
- PlayStation 5 Slim without disc drive;
- Xbox Series S in carbon black.
Steam Deck OLED portable console
Steam Deck 2 has not fully arrived, but Valve updated the first model with an OLED screen and longer battery life. The device shines on travel or business trips, though long journeys can be tough on the battery. Tom’s Hardware notes it as a top portable gaming choice of the year.
Have you found a dream gift?
A collection of recipes for your favorite game
Gaming-inspired cookbooks and film tie-ins remain popular. In addition to comics and novels, culinary volumes feature dishes seen in games, letting fans compare real life flavors with virtual favorites. It can be a fun way to bring a game into the kitchen.
- Witcher. Unofficial Cookbook;
- Official World of Warcraft Cookbook;
- The book Elder Scrolls. Official collection of recipes;
- Hearthstone. The innkeeper’s pocketbook;
- Assassin’s Creed. Culinary Code. Recipes from the Brotherhood of Assassins;
- Fallout. The official Vault Dweller’s cookbook.
Elite Gamepads
Gifts for gamers often start with the classics, and this year the focus shifts to premier controllers. The DualSense Edge from Sony arrives with a charging case and extensive customization options, including replaceable buttons, adjustable sensitivity, and saveable profiles. A Spider-Man 2 edition of the standard DualSense is also highlighted.
Microsoft counters with the Elite Series 2 Core, a streamlined version without a case, charging dock, or paddles, available in white, blue, and red. A Starfield-themed variant exists as well, priced with a modest premium.
- DualSense edge;
- DualSense Spider-Man 2 Limited Edition;
- Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 Core;
- Xbox Starfield limited edition.
Sony PULSE Explore headphones
Sony fans get a new option with the PULSE Explore wireless headphones for PlayStation 5. The set includes a USB adapter that also connects to a PC or Mac, and delivers solid noise cancellation and game sound quality.
Paint by numbers
Sometimes a break from games is welcome. Creative folks can pause and relax while painting a scene from a favorite game or movie. Framing can turn it into a striking centerpiece for a gamer’s space.
Oculus Quest 3 virtual reality glasses
The latest Quest model trims weight, boosts performance, and features improved mixed reality capabilities that let players work with virtual monitors inside the headset. Visuals in games are crisper, though initial setup can be a hurdle. Motion-sickness-prone users may want to proceed with caution.
Are you playing on New Year’s Eve?
New Year greetings to all gaming fans.