20 Best Gifts for Gamers That Won’t End Up in a Drawer

The tricky part about buying gifts for gamers is figuring out what’s actually worth wrapping up and what ends up shoved in a drawer. Gamers are infamously problematic when it comes to presents, so this list should make the choice easier.

It’s twenty pieces of gear gamers talk about, use every day, and rarely regret buying. The odds of any of these going to waste are close to zero. And because not every gamer plays the same way, the picks are split by platform: PC builders, handheld commuters, Xbox loyalists, PlayStation diehards.

These are the kinds of gaming gifts that stick around in a setup instead of gathering dust, and with any luck, you’ll get a hug of gratitude instead of a scowl. Now, let’s dive in.

Gifts for Handheld Gamers

Handheld gaming is brilliant, but it comes with trade-offs every player knows too well. The controls feel cramped, the storage disappears after a few installs, and the battery never lasts as long as you want. Throw a Switch or a Deck in a backpack without protection and you’re asking for scratches or worse. That’s why the right gear isn’t optional, it’s essential. Here are five gifts that deal with those problems head-on and make a handheld setup actually fit the way people use it day to day.

1. Multi-platform Portable Controller (The PocketPro)

Price: $49.99

This pocket-sized Bluetooth gamepad is a godsend for handheld and mobile gamers. Developed in partnership with 8BitDo, it packs the feel of a full controller into a retro-styled, slim design. The PocketPro uses advanced Hall-Effect analog sticks that eliminate drift entirely, so no more characters creeping on their own. It connects to everything from a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck to iPhones, iPads, and laptops.

2. Handheld Pro Controller (The Hori Split Pad Pro) 

Price: $45.73

Compatible with: Nintendo Switch (original) + the OLED version

If your friend plays a lot of Switch in handheld mode, this controller grip will be a night-and-day improvement over the tiny default Joy-Cons. The Split Pad Pro replaces the Switch’s side controllers with full-size gamepad halves that attach to the console. You get actual ergonomic grips, larger analog sticks, a proper D-pad, and full-size buttons designed for comfort and accuracy even during marathon sessions.. Essentially, it gives you a Nintendo Switch controller experience in handheld mode – no more hand cramps or misfires on small buttons. It even includes extra triggers and assignable rear buttons for advanced control. 

3. Mini SSD Drive/Enclosure case for Handheld Use (The SavePoint)

Enclosure-only version: $39.99

512 GB: $119

2TB: $249.99

Storage is a constant struggle for portable gamers, and this is the ultimate solution. The SavePoint is a miniature SSD enclosure built for handhelds: it supports up to a 2TB NVMe drive and 10 Gbps USB-C speeds for fast loading. It even has 100W pass-through charging and a protective capacitor to prevent data loss, plus MagSafe-style magnets to attach neatly to a device. In practice, that means a Steam Deck or ROG Ally owner can carry their entire game library (and then some) on this drive and run AAA games directly off it with no lag. They can even dual-boot into Windows or alternate OS without touching the internal storage.

4. Fast-charging battery bank for handhelds (The Energy Pack)

Price: $69.99

Every handheld gamer knows the pain of running out of juice mid-session. The Genki Energy Pack tackles that with a 37Wh capacity and 30W USB-C output — enough to triple the Switch 2’s runtime or roughly double the Steam Deck’s before needing a wall plug. The built-in dashboard shows real-time wattage, temperature, and battery status, so you know exactly what’s happening. On top of that, it adds Qi2 wireless charging for phones and MagSafe mounting, snapping neatly to Genki’s cases or any device with the included sticker. Last but definitely not least, it’s airline-safe, supports pass-through charging, and small enough to carry daily. 

5. Portable Gaming Monitor (ASUS ROG Strix 17.3")

Price: $479.99

Every handheld player hits the same wall: the built-in screen is fine for the bus, but sit at a table and it feels like you’re hunched over a toy. Hooking it to a TV works, but then you’re fighting for living-room space, and half the time the console doesn’t even look right blown up. That’s where this portable 17-inch ASUS monitor comes in. It’s pricey, no denying that, but that’s what makes it a perfect gift. Most gamers won’t splurge on it themselves. When they see their Deck or Switch running like it’s on a tournament rig, on a screen they can fold up and throw in a backpack, they won’t want to go back.

Gifts for PlayStation 5 Gamers

The PS5 is a powerhouse, everybody knows it, but living with one shows its limits fast. Storage disappears after a few installs, the stock controller feels plain once you’ve tried a pro pad, and not every game is best stuck to the TV. That’s where the right add-ons matter. Here are five gifts that cover the gaps PS5 players actually run into: more space, more control, and even a way to step right inside the game.

1. The Ultimate Customizable Controller for PS5 (The DualSense Edge)

Price: $189

Sony’s elite gamepad is a dream come true for competitive and hardcore PS5 players. It comes with swappable stick caps, two back paddle buttons, and adjustable trigger stops to fine-tune the trigger pull. You can even save multiple control profiles and switch between them on the fly for different games. Essentially, it gives you the kind of personalization previously limited to third-party “pro” controllers, but with Sony’s official build quality and haptics. This makes a great gift for gamers who aim for the perfect headshot or combo, or those who play across many genres and could use different setups. It’s also just a heftier, high-end feeling controller with a grippy texture and USB-C braided cable for low-latency play.

2. PlayStation VR2 Headset

Price: $399

For a PS5 owner, getting this headset is like being handed a brand-new console. PSVR2 is Sony’s latest virtual reality headset, and it’s a GIGANTIC leap from the last gen. It features dual 2000×2040 OLED displays (one per eye) that deliver sharp 4K HDR visuals at up to 120fps. This means games look incredibly crisp and smooth in VR. The headset has inside-out tracking (no external cameras needed) and even built-in rumble, so you can feel headshots graze by. With eye-tracking technology, some games even let you aim or select menus just by looking. Yes, it’s a pricier gift, but it’s the kind of mind-blowing experience that reminds a gamer why they love this hobby. It transforms gaming from sitting on a couch to being inside the action. If you want to absolutely wow a PlayStation fan, PSVR2 is the gaming gift to do it.

3. Waveform Earbuds

Price: $111.16

The Waveform earbuds are a neat pick for PS5 players who don’t always want to wear a chunky headset. The case plugs right into the console with USB-C and acts as the transmitter, so setup is basically instant. 

What makes them stand out is the ability to blend two audio sources at once. This means you can keep your game sound going while staying in a Discord chat on your phone. They’re light, comfortable, and have enough punch in the sound to make gunfire and explosions feel exciting without drowning out voices.

For late-night sessions when you don’t want to wake anyone, or for players who jump between console and handhelds, these make a thoughtful and practical gift.

4. Samsung Storage Expansion ( 990 Pro 2TB) 

Price: $159.99

Here’s a very practical gift that will earn you eternal gratitude. The PS5’s internal storage, after system files, leaves only about 667 GB usable for games, which, with modern game sizes, gets tight fast. An M.2 SSD expansion lets them massively boost that storage and load more games at ultra-fast speeds. The PS5 has an open slot for these drives; something like the Samsung 990 Pro (a top recommended model) can double or triple their space with performance on par with the internal drive. Installation is pretty easy, and then the PS5 treats it as additional internal storage where PS5 games can be played directly. It’s a gaming gift that removes a pain point every console gamer knows…No more agonizing choices about which game to uninstall.

5. PlayStation Portal Remote Player

Price: $199.99

This is a brand-new gadget from Sony that’s tailor-made for the PS5 era: a handheld streaming device for your console. It connects to your PS5 via Wi-Fi (over your local network, or even remotely if your internet’s good) and lets you play your PS5 games on its 8-inch 1080p screen at up to 60fps. It supports all the DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptics, so you’re essentially getting the full PS5 controller experience in a portable form. It’s a very cool gift for gamers that can make their PS5 even more flexible.

Gifts for Xbox Gamers

Ask any Xbox player what keeps them hooked and you’ll hear the same two answers: Game Pass and online play. The hardware’s solid, but the experience gets better with the right extras. These five picks lean into what makes Xbox gaming tick and make the most of the platform’s strengths.

1. Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Price: $199.99

Microsoft’s top-tier gamepad is the pinnacle of personalization for Xbox (and PC) gamers. The controller lets players remap buttons and save custom profiles, so whether they’re into shooters, fighters, or racing games, they can tailor the controls to perfection. The build quality is premium – metal sticks, grippy finish, and it has an internal rechargeable battery (no AAs here). You can even adjust trigger sensitivity with built-in trigger stop switches, great for firing faster in FPS games.

2. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S

Price: $89 (512GB), $149 (1TB), $279 (2TB)

The Xbox Series X|S consoles have an elegant yet restrictive solution for more storage: proprietary expansion cards. It might not sound glamorous, but believe me, an Xbox owner who’s juggling installs on the base drive will love this gift. The Seagate Expansion Card (now also available from Western Digital in a similar format) slots into the back of the console and instantly adds extra gigabytes (available in 512GB, 1TB, 2TB sizes). It’s literally plug-and-play and functions as fast as the internal SSD, meaning you can run next-gen games straight from it with no difference in performance.

3. Xbox Wireless Headset

Price: $119.99

This official headset is a killer combination of performance and value for Xbox players. It was designed by Microsoft to seamlessly integrate with the Xbox. The headset supports spatial sound formats like Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic, so in games that take advantage, you get an impressive surround effect. It’s also great for chat: there’s a bendable mic that you can tuck up when not in use, and it has auto-mute and noise reduction so it doesn’t broadcast background noise. 

4. Controller Charging station

Price: $34.99

Every Xbox player knows the little dance with AA batteries: controller dies, scrounge for AAs, or tether with a USB cable awkwardly. This gift puts an end to that. A play-and-charge kit or, even better, a dual charging dock with rechargeable battery packs, is a small investment with huge quality-of-life returns. This is a subtle gift for gamers, but incredibly practical. It means when they sit down to game, they grab the controller off the dock and are good to go – every time. No more mid-match “controller battery is low” warnings = less rage, more play.

5. ShadowCast 2 Pro Streaming card 4K60 Input & Output

Price: $99.99

Have an Xbox streamer or content-creator-to-be on your list? This tiny device could be what gets their channel off the ground. The ShadowCast 2 Pro is a super compact HDMI capture card that lets gamers record or livestream their console gameplay by piping it into your console or PC (even your iPad). This version supports up to 4K at 60fps capture and, importantly, has an HDMI passthrough feature. That means you can plug you Xbox’s HDMI into the ShadowCast (which goes into a computer via USB-C) and still output to your TV or monitor with zero perceptible lag, playing in 4K60 while the card captures the footage. It’s loaded with modern features like HDR capture and Variable Refresh Rate support for buttery smooth video.

Gifts for PC Gamers

PC gamers have strong opinions about their gear because bad peripherals actually cost games. To help you make a safe purchase decision and avoid any holiday scowls, I put together five gifts that gamers will actually use, not stuff that ends up in a drawer after the novelty wears off.

1. RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard

Price: $89.99

A quality mechanical keyboard is one of the most satisfying upgrades a PC gamer can get. If they’re currently using a membrane keyboard (or heaven forbid, a years-old dusty one), this will be a night-and-day difference. Mechanical keyboards have individual switches under each key, which provide tactile and/or clicky feedback and faster response times. In gaming, that means more precise and reliable keystrokes – no missed abilities because a key didn’t register. Typing on one feels great too. The RK S98 adds extra utility with a smart display and a dedicated volume knob, so quick adjustments never break your flow. It also supports triple-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless. This makes it super easy to swap between a gaming rig, laptop, or even a tablet without re-plugging

2. Logitech G502 X Gaming Mouse

Price: $ 159.99

The G502 X is the newest version of Logitech’s most popular gaming mouse, and it makes a strong case as a gift. The HERO 25K sensor gives razor-sharp tracking for both quick flicks and fine aim, and the hybrid optical-mechanical switches make clicks feel crisp and immediate. Side buttons, including a sniper switch for instant sensitivity drops, give gamers more control in fast matches. They’ll also appreciate the sculpted thumb rest and lighter frame, which help them stay comfortable through long sessions. It’s the kind of upgrade that instantly feels better in daily play, which makes it one of the most useful gifts for gamers who want precision and comfort in one package. 

3. High-Refresh Gaming Monitor (ASUS VG249Q1R)

Most PC gamers still play on plain old 60 Hz monitors, and it makes their games look choppy compared to modern displays. The ASUS VG249Q1R jumps to 165 Hz with a 1 ms response time, so motion looks fluid and input feels instant. Adaptive-Sync smooths things further by cutting tearing, and the IPS panel keeps colors accurate at any angle. It’s the kind of change you see right away in shooters and racers: aim feels steadier, and even Windows looks smoother. At 24 inches it fits most desks, and the price is reasonable. As a gift, this is an upgrade they’ll notice every single time they sit down to play.

4. Moonbase Charging Station for Multiple Devices

Price: $119.99

For PC gamers drowning in power bricks, the Moonbase makes an ideal gift. It replaces six different adapters with one compact hub that keeps their entire setup powered and organized. Every PC gamer knows the outlet struggle. Gaming laptops, monitors, handhelds, phones, controllers - the power bricks multiply until your desk looks like a server room. The clutter gets worse with every new device, and finding free outlets becomes a daily hunt. The Moonbase consolidates those power bricks and cables into a single neat 240W charging station.

The Moonbase charges devices faster than standard adapters, and has built-in protection against power surges. It has four USB-C ports: 140W output handles high-end gaming laptops, 100W works for handhelds like the Steam Deck, and two 30W ports cover accessories.

Three AC outlets accommodate monitors and desktop components. Everything charges simultaneously without hunting for free outlets or managing tangled cables.

5. USB Microphone for Clear Voice Chat/Streaming

Price: $139.99

If your gamer friend still sounds like they’re calling in from a drive-thru headset, this is the fix. The Blue Yeti is a plug-and-play USB mic that makes voices sound fuller and clearer, whether on Discord or streaming to Twitch. It has four pickup modes, so they can set it for solo chat, a co-op stream, or even a podcast without fiddling with extra gear. The built-in controls—gain, mute, and headphone monitoring—make it easy to adjust on the fly. It’s the kind of upgrade they’ll notice the first time someone says, “hey, you finally sound good.

Final Thoughts

These 20 pieces of gaming gear are absolutely practical and won't end up in the attic. They fix problems and annoyances gamers deal with in every session but never quite get around to solving themselves. Buy someone a mechanical keyboard instead of another branded mousepad, and you'll see the difference in their reaction. Good gear doesn't need RGB to prove it works.