Gifts for gamers in the UK

Check the platform

The Orzly case and racing wheels fit a Switch 2 and nothing else. The Numskull Minecraft locker has space for Xbox games. If you do not know their setup, look at what is plugged into the TV or ask someone in the house.

The safest gifts here do not care about the console at all. A microphone, a headphone stand, the iFixit kit and a board game work for anyone.

What we would buy

For a teen or adult who talks to friends while they play, the Wave:3 MK.2. They will hear the difference on every call. For a streamer, the Stream Deck, with an hour of your help setting it up. For a Switch 2 household, the Orzly racing wheels cost little and make Mario Kart night louder.

For a group that likes puzzles, the Taskmaster escape room game is one long evening at home, and the Crystal Maze is a day out in London. A Bitmap Books card suits someone who grew up on retro consoles and likes a big book on the shelf.

Budgets and post

Under £20: the iFixit kit, the racing wheels, the Sonic lamp and the family games. From £20 to £50: the Orzly case, the Taskmaster game and the Minecraft locker. Above £100: the Stream Deck, the Wave:3 and the Crystal Maze.

Small UK shops get busy in December, so order physical gifts early in the month and allow for slow post. The Apple gift card and the Thirsty Meeples card can arrive by email at the last minute.

Wrap it with a reason to play

Wrap an accessory with something to use it on. The Orzly case pairs with a new Switch 2 game, the headphone stand with a note about their messy desk, and a board game with an offer to play the first round. If the gamer is a kid, ask a parent what is already in the house before you buy a game, because digital codes cannot be returned.

Questions people ask

What do you get a gamer who has everything?

Skip games they might own and look at gear or experiences. A better microphone like the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2, a Stream Deck, or desk speakers improve every session. For retro fans, the ModRetro M64 plays their old N64 cartridges on a modern TV. For puzzle lovers near London, the Crystal Maze LIVE is a day out instead of another thing.

Is Mario Kart World a good gift?

Yes, for a household with a Nintendo Switch 2. It supports four-player split-screen on one console, so the whole family can play. It does not run on the original Switch, and online races need a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Check which console they own before you buy.

What is a good gaming gift under $20?

KontrolFreek thumb grips for console controllers, the iFixit Moray driver kit for fixing controllers, a Gatekeeper dice set for D&D players, the Orzly Switch 2 case, or a card game like Exploding Kittens, Monopoly Deal or UNO Super Mario. All of these work as stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts.

Should I buy a digital game or a gift card?

A digital game is a better gift when you know the console and know they do not own it. A gift card is safer when you do not. The Apple gift card suits someone who games on iPhone or iPad. For console players, a store credit for their platform lets them choose.