Game gift ideas for gamers: from gear to gifts no store sells
Updated: · Disclosure: oin is our own product.
Buying for a gamer is hard because they already own the obvious things and know exactly which specs they want. The safest picks are either consumables they always use up or personal gifts they could never buy for themselves. This list has both.
12 gift ideas for gamers
A video game where they are the main character Our product
No store sells a game about them. oin draws them as a 2D pixel-art hero from a photo, writes your letters into the levels and adds a quiz only they can pass. Delivered as Windows, macOS and Linux builds in 3-7 days, for
$49$24.9USE CODE: OIN_50. See how it works →A digital store gift card
Steam, PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo credit. Not personal, but never wrong - they choose the game, you skip the risk of buying one they own.
A subscription month or year
Game Pass, PlayStation Plus or Nintendo Switch Online. A gift that keeps unlocking new games all year.
A co-op game you play together
Buy a two-player game for both of you. For a gamer partner, an invitation to play together often means more than the game itself.
Desk upgrades
A large mouse pad, a monitor light bar, a headset stand or cable management. Gamers notice desk comfort but rarely spend on it themselves.
Comfort for long sessions
A good cushion, blue-light glasses, a heated blanket or a quality hoodie. Practical, and unlikely to duplicate something they have.
A retro or pixel-art print of them
A pixel-art portrait of them, their pet or the two of you in the style of their favourite era of games.
A mini retro console
Plug-and-play consoles preloaded with classic games. Nostalgia is a strong gift, especially for someone who grew up on those titles.
A controller in a custom colour
Most console makers and accessory brands let you pick colours and finishes. Practical, and it feels made for them.
Tickets to a gaming event
A local tournament, convention or concert of game music. An experience they will talk about long after.
An art book of a game they love
Official art books are beautiful, and few people buy them for themselves.
A game night you organize
Snacks, friends, their favourite party game, everything set up when they walk in. The planning is the gift.
How to buy a game gift without getting it wrong
Do not guess at hardware specs or buy a game they might already own - check their wishlist or their library first, or choose a gift card. If you want the gift to feel personal rather than practical, choose something about them rather than something for their setup.
It also helps to know their platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch or mobile. A personalized game from oin runs on any normal Windows, macOS or Linux computer and does not need a gaming PC.
What is a unique gift for a gamer boyfriend?
A custom video game where he is the main character, a pixel-art portrait of the two of you, or a co-op game you commit to playing together. Unique gifts for gamers are the ones no store sells.
What do you buy a gamer who has everything?
Something personal they cannot buy: a custom game about them, a game night you organize, tickets to an event or an art book of a game they love. A gift card is the safe fallback.
Can I get a video game made about someone?
Yes. oin makes small personalized 2D pixel games from your photo, letters and quiz questions in 3-7 days. Larger custom-game studios exist too, at higher prices - see our comparison of custom game gift services.
Make a game where they are the hero
Email order support: oingift@gmail.com