As the holiday season approaches, so does the excitement of finding the perfect gifts for the gamers in your life. Whether you're shopping for an esports enthusiast, a casual player, or someone who loves gaming on the move, choosing the right present can be tricky, especially if you’re not immersed in the gaming world yourself.
To take the guesswork out of holiday shopping, we’ve rounded up a list of the best gift ideas for gamers in 2024. From top-tier gaming monitors for those seeking a competitive edge to the latest and best console in the PlayStation 5 Pro, our hand-picked selection has something for everyone this year. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our 10 standout picks for the holidays!
Best gift ideas for gamers - Quick list
- PlayStation 5 Pro - the ultimate console for gaming
- Ocoopa UT2s Gamerpro Hand Warmers - keep hands toasty during the holidays
- PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Limited Edition - a retro console for older gamers
- DualSense Edge Controller - an upgrade on the regular PlayStation device
- Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller - Microsoft's version of the Edge
- PlayStation Gift Card / Xbox Gift Card / Nintendo eShop Card - for online shopping
- Nintendo Switch Lite - play Nintendo games on the go
- Meta Quest 3 VR - a brand new way to game... virtually
- Nacon RIG 800 Pro HS - hear every footstep with a great headset
- KOORUI 24E3 - a screen for any competitive gamers
1. PlayStation 5 Pro
- StockX - from $1,068.00 / £665.00
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the PlayStation 5 Pro
If the gamer on your gift list doesn’t have a powerhouse gaming PC, the PS5 Pro is the ultimate upgrade this year. Sony’s newest console sits at the peak of gaming tech, delivering stunning features like enhanced ray tracing and support for up to 8K gaming, making it a true standout for immersive experiences.
With the PS5 Pro, compatible games can run smoothly at 60fps and even up to 120fps when using its advanced ray tracing and AI-powered 4K upscaling through PSSR. Plus, it comes with expanded storage and cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 support, ensuring ultra-low lag and rock-solid online stability.
2. Ocoopa UT2s Gamerpro Hand Warmers
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Ocoopa UT2s Gamerpro Hand Warmers
When the temperature drops and winter sets in, there's nothing quite like settling in for an epic gaming session—whether it's finally finishing that game you’ve been chipping away at for months or stacking up victories in Fortnite. But the downside to chilly weather? Cold hands that make it impossible to play at your best. That’s where Ocoopa's UT2s Gamerpros step in to save the day.
I've been lucky enough to try out a set of these hand warmers, so I can attest to their greatness. With four adjustable heat levels that can be set independently, magnetic sides that snap together for easy storage, and sleek RGB lighting to complement any gaming setup, these warmers deliver on both function and style. Best of all, they're versatile enough to use away from your desk, making them a handy companion for any cold-weather activity.
3. PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Limited Edition
- StockX - check price on site
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the 30th Anniversary PS5 Pro
If you or someone you know is from an early era of gaming, then the 30th Anniversary Edition of the PS5 Pro is sure to bring back a ton of nostalgia if gifted this year.
The console's core is the same as the standard PS5 Pro discussed earlier; however, its outer shell has received a legacy makeover. The console and controllers arrive in a gray tone that gamers of a certain age will recognize as near-identical to the original PS1's styling. As a result, this 30th Anniversary Edition console can bring a serious shot of sentiment to any old-school gamers setup.
4. DualSense Edge
- Amazon - $199.97 / £195.75
- PlayStation Direct - $199.99 / £209.99
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the DualSense Edge
If you know of someone currently still rocking the regular PS5 DualSense controller, then upgrading their gamepad to the DualSense Edge might just be the best gift idea of the lot.
It's a mighty impressive device aimed to speed up in-game actions and provide more customization options than ever before thanks to swappable stick modules, adjustable trigger lengths, and mappable back buttons. All of these qualities are perfect for playing fast-paced FPS games like Warzone or Apex Legends.
5. Xbox Elite Series 2
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Xbox Elite Series 2
If you or a loved one are interested in upgrading their current gamepad, Xbox users should consider the Elite Series 2, Microsoft's "pro" controller to rival the DualSense Edge.
Like the Edge, it's highly customizable, with unique button mapping options and interchangeable modules, including thumbsticks, D-pads, and back paddles. Plus, you get the option to save up to three custom profiles, which means you can switch to your preferred settings without having to adjust everything each time manually. Very handy if you're playing games with friends, and like the DualSense Edge, perfect for high-octane games with a lot of input customization, such as Overwatch 2.
6. Gaming Gift Cards
Why we chose the gaming gift cards
It may seem like a cop-out, but buying a gift card for whatever major console you or a friend or family member play on isn't as uninteresting as you might think. It's actually pretty thoughtful, as it means you won't make a mistake buying the wrong version of a game, or a game for the wrong platform. We've all been there...
Instead, a gift card gives them the option to buy it for themselves, or they can use the money to invest in an online pass. This means whoever you buy the card for can play with friends from all over the world.
7. Nintendo Switch Lite
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Nintendo Switch Lite
Playing games on a console at home is great, but who doesn't want the option of playing games on a train, sitting on a plane, or while sunning themselves on holiday? If you or someone you know is a fan of games like Mario Kart specifically, then there's arguably no better gift than the Nintendo Switch Lite.
The Switch Lite allows you to play pretty much any game from Nintendo's library, but it's cheaper than the regular Switch because it doesn't give you the option of pairing it with your TV and using the motion-controlled JoyCons. That's okay though if all you're looking for is a handheld device to game on the go.
8. Meta Quest 3
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Meta Quest 3
Virtual Reality is another emerging gaming niche, and for anyone who hasn't tried a VR headset yet, perhaps the Meta Quest 3 is the perfect gift for them this year.
Whoever you gift it to will quickly realize the thrill of playing some of their favorite games in first-person, or they can explore the plethora of great titles available in Meta's library. Whatever games they choose to play, whether it's robbing banks in Payday 2 VR, or exploring outer space in No Man's Sky VR, it'll certainly deliver them a brand-new gaming experience unlike any other.
9. Nacon RIG 800 Pro HS
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the Nacon RIG 800 Pro HS
As highlighted in StealthOptional's product review, the RIG 800 Pro HS is an excellent headset that allows you to hear crisp sounds in-game, particularly in the low-to-mid frequencies thanks to its 40mm, low-frequency resonator drivers. It's also comfortable with its three different adjustment settings, plus it comes with a mic for online communication, making it ideal for gamers who love to play as a team.
Take note - this version is only compatible with PlayStation and PC. You'll want to invest in the near-identical RIG 800 Pro HX if the person you're buying for is an Xbox user.
10. KOORUI 24E3
* prices subject to change
Why we chose the KOORUI 24E3
The KOORUI 24E3 monitor makes a great holiday gift for gamers, offering a 24-inch IPS panel and up to a 165Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync technology. If you're not clued up on this gaming lingo, this monitor essentially ensures smooth gameplay, while the flicker-free display reduces eye fatigue during long sessions.
Its sleek, ultra-thin design with an ergonomic stand and VESA wall-mount compatibility make it incredibly versatile, too. Meanwhile, multiple ports, including HDMI and DisplayPort, allow easy connection to PCs, laptops, and consoles, making it a high-performance choice for gaming enthusiasts at a relatively low price.
Final Thoughts
With these standout gift ideas, you're sure to bring a smile to any gamer’s face this holiday season. Just make sure you check out some of the best controller or best gaming monitor deals, for example, to potentially save big on any of these devices.