Game Gifting Guide: Perfect Presents for Every Type of Gamer

Gifting games requires knowing the recipient’s platform, preferences, and existing library. A thoughtful $20 gift beats a mismatched $60 one.

Digital Gifts

Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo all support digital gift cards. When uncertain about specific games, gift cards let the recipient choose. Steam allows gifting specific games directly if you know they do not already own them (Steam shows “already in library” on a friend’s wishlist).

For the RPG Fan

BG3 for someone who has not played it. The Witcher 3 Complete Edition for someone entering the genre. A set of metal D&D dice for tabletop players. A Player’s Handbook for someone curious about D&D. A subscription to D&D Beyond for active players.

For the Strategy Fan

A Civilization anthology or Total War game. A premium board game (Terraforming Mars, Wingspan, or Root) for tabletop strategy fans. A gift card to the Paradox store for grand strategy enthusiasts.

For the Casual Gamer

Stardew Valley runs on anything and appeals to nearly everyone. Untitled Goose Game provides 3 hours of universal comedy. A Nintendo eShop card covers dozens of excellent indie titles.

Accessories

Quality peripherals make excellent gifts because gamers rarely upgrade their own. A good mouse pad ($15-30), a controller stand with charging ($20-40), or a headset stand ($15-25) are universally appreciated and often overlooked.

Research Before Buying

Check the recipient existing library before purchasing. Steam wishlists are public by default — look there first for guaranteed hits. PlayStation and Xbox profiles show recently played games, helping you identify genres they enjoy. If you cannot check their library directly, ask a mutual friend what they have been playing recently.

Avoid gifting games that require additional purchases to enjoy. A base game that needs DLC costing extra for the complete experience feels like an incomplete gift. Similarly, avoid MMOs unless you know the recipient is willing to commit to a subscription. Gift the complete edition when one exists.

Board Game Gifts

For tabletop gaming gifts, consider the recipient group size and experience level. A two-player household should receive games designed for two (7 Wonders Duel, Patchwork, Star Realms) rather than games that require three or more. Weight (complexity) matters: gifting Twilight Imperium to a family that plays Ticket to Ride will overwhelm them. Gifting Candy Land to a Gloomhaven group will insult them.

Premium gaming accessories make safe gifts for tabletop enthusiasts: a dice tower, card sleeves for their favorite card game, or a playmat for card games. These items enhance games they already own rather than adding to a potentially overwhelming collection.

Timing and Presentation

Steam sales (Summer, Winter, Autumn) reduce digital game prices by 40-80%. Wishlist a game and wait for a sale rather than paying full price. Humble Bundle provides curated game bundles where proceeds go partially to charity, combining value with philanthropy. For physical games, specialty game stores often provide gift wrapping and knowledgeable staff who can recommend games based on the recipient interests.

Gift Cards as a Last Resort

When in doubt, gift cards are perfectly acceptable. They acknowledge the recipient interest in gaming while respecting that personal taste varies. A 50 dollar Steam card funds multiple indie games or waits for a major sale. Frame it positively: you want them to pick something they are excited about, rather than admitting uncertainty about what to get.

The most memorable gaming gifts are not the most expensive but the most thoughtful — a game that connects to a shared memory or inside joke resonates more than the latest triple-A release.

For specific game recommendations, see Best Turn-Based RPGs. For board game options, check Best Tabletop Games for Families.