Level Up Your Holiday Gift Game
Christmas might still be a little way off, but if you are shopping for a PC gamer, starting early is a pro move. Hardware sells out, deals vanish, and nobody wants to be stuck panic buying a random mouse pad on December 24.
The good news is you do not have to guess what gamers actually want. The original guide this post is based on was put together by people who live inside this stuff all year. They play on it, benchmark it, abuse it, and only keep the gear that survives. Below is a beginner friendly rundown of the highlights, organized by vibe and budget, so you can lock in a great present without needing to know the difference between CPI and DPI.
Think of this as your cheat sheet to impress the gamer in your life or to quietly build your own wishlist.
Big Ticket Gear For Serious Setups
If you are shopping for a main gift that will get used every day, these are the heavy hitters. They are the kind of upgrades that instantly make a gaming setup feel more high end.
-
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 keyboard
This is a compact full size gaming keyboard that tops a lot of best of lists. The keys feel great for both typing and gaming, the switches can be swapped out later, and it trims dead space so the whole board takes up less desk room than a typical full layout. -
Logitech G502 Lightspeed wireless mouse
A classic for a reason. It packs an accurate 16K sensor, a pile of programmable buttons, and removable weights so you can tune how it feels. Whether your gamer is into shooters, MMOs, or just hates trackpads, this is a huge upgrade. -
LG UltraGear 27GS50F B monitor
A 27 inch 1080p gaming monitor with a 180 Hz refresh rate is a sweet spot for a lot of rigs. It is fast enough for competitive shooters but still easy to drive for older or mid range PCs. Great if they have been stuck on a basic office display. -
Secretlab Titan Evo chair
If you are going all out, this is the ultimate comfort buff. It is a proper gaming chair that actually supports your back instead of slowly destroying it. Multiple sizes, lots of colors, and built for people who sit way too many hours a day. -
TP Link Archer GE400 WiFi 7 router
Lag and random disconnects can ruin any online game. A modern WiFi 7 router with beefy antennas, high speeds, and mesh support is basically invisible when it works, and that is the point. This is a stealth gift that quietly fixes their worst rage moments.
If your giftee is deep into aesthetics, there are also some very extra options, like a transparent pyramid shaped mini ITX PC case that turns their system into a display piece, and high end wireless headsets such as the Logitech G733 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 for long, comfortable sessions.
Great Gifts Around 50 Dollars
You do not need to drop triple digits to get something a gamer will actually love and use. The mid range is packed with solid upgrades and fun collectibles.
-
GameSir G7 Pro controller
Lots of PC games feel better on a controller. This one is often ranked as one of the best options for PC, with precise sticks, great triggers, and low input lag. Perfect for action games, platformers, and anything ported from console. -
Logitech Z313 speakers
If they have been living with tinny laptop audio, a 2.1 speaker setup with a subwoofer is a massive step up. It is not a home theater, but it will make RPG soundtracks, explosions, and Discord calls way more immersive. -
HyperX SoloCast microphone
This is a starter friendly mic that sounds miles better than a random headset or laptop mic. Streamers, friends in voice chat, and coworkers will all thank you. Plug it in, tap to mute, and you are done. -
SSK portable 1 TB SSD
Games are huge now. A fast external SSD solves the eternal problem of running out of space and also acts as backup storage for saves and screenshots. -
Comfort and decor
If their battle station is already stacked, you can still upgrade the vibes. A memory foam cloud foot rest makes marathon sessions more comfortable, while themed decor like an Elden Ring Ranni metal print, a Hollow Knight buildable display, or a handmade Silksong Hornet plush hits that cozy gamer aesthetic hard.
Stocking Stuffers And Under 30 Wins
Need small gifts or cheaper add ons that still feel thoughtful and cool This is where game themed art, books, and gadgets really shine.
-
Game art books and manga
For fans of Assassin's Creed Shadows, a full color art book dives into the worlds, armor, and characters. Elden Ring fans can enjoy The Road to the Erdtree manga, which retells the story of the game with its own twist and gorgeous panels. -
Cookbooks and mugs
The Elder Scrolls Official Cookbook lets Skyrim and Elder Scrolls fans actually cook dishes inspired by Tamriel. For Sims veterans, a custom personality traits mug that mimics the original user interface is pure nostalgia fuel. -
Setup accessories
An Acer USB hub adds extra USB ports to a crowded desk and plays nicely with PCs, consoles, and laptops. RGB LED strips instantly make any setup look more like a streaming studio with customizable lighting along walls or behind a desk. -
Tiny fandom hits
Mini Stardew Valley pins with in game characters and critters, Elden Ring sticker packs, Assassin's Creed infinity logo lights, and Sims Plumbob headphone attachments are all low cost, high charm gifts that show you know exactly what they love. -
Fidget cube toy
Perfect for long load screens, work calls, or Netflix sessions. Quiet, clicky, and oddly satisfying, it is an easy little stress reliever for restless hands.
Beyond pure PC gear, the original guide also highlights a bunch of tabletop options like Munchkin, Sherlock Holmes style mystery games, Marvel X Men Dice Throne, and even Fallout themed Magic The Gathering decks. There are also several vinyl soundtrack releases from games like Red Dead Redemption 2, World of Warcraft Wrath of the Lich King, Hollow Knight, and The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time for audio nerds and collectors.
Whether you are shopping for a hardcore PC builder, a casual farmer living in Stardew Valley, or someone who just loves cool game merch on their shelves, there is something here to fit pretty much any budget. Pick one or stack a few together and you will absolutely look like you know what you are doing this holiday season.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/gifts-for-pc-gamers-2025/
