Secret Santa gifts for gamers

One question can narrow the choice: “Do you prefer video games, tabletop games, or both?” If they mention a favourite game, ask what they already own. A gift based on an interest they volunteered is more useful than an assumption about expensive equipment.

For tabletop players, ask whether they usually play alone, as a pair or with a larger group. A two-player game is not an automatic fit for someone organising six-person evenings. Check typical session length and whether the rules suit their experience.

Before buying a digital game, physical disc or controller accessory, verify the specific device, platform, edition and compatibility on the retailer’s page. A similarly named console or different generation can change what works. Check any region or account restrictions shown for codes.

If you cannot confirm those details, use the exact wishlist link or choose something else. Do not buy a generic code because it looks inexpensive. This guide does not claim that every games-tagged product works with a console or gaming PC.

Some boxes contain expansions, add-on packs, replacement pieces or only part of a game. Read the contents and confirm whether a base game is required. A compact standalone game can make a good budget gift when its player count and style suit the recipient.

Think about where they will play. Large boards may not suit a small table; tiny pieces may be inconvenient when travelling. Check the product’s age guidance and any safety information when children are likely to join, rather than treating every adult gift as a family game.

A small tabletop game can suit a video-game fan who also enjoys playing with friends. A notebook may suit someone who keeps campaign notes. A puzzle is a different interest and should be chosen only if they actually enjoy it.

Avoid pretending that any desk accessory is a gaming essential. Ask what they would use. Gifts with batteries, specialist cables or recurring purchases deserve an extra check so the recipient does not have to buy missing parts to enjoy the present.

Your recipient likes short two-player card games and already owns UNO. Look for a standalone game with two-player support and a short playing time, then check the included cards, rules and current delivery total. A known favourite or wishlist request is a better guide than packaging that merely says “gamer”.

The picks below use the catalogue’s video-gaming interest and an item-price ceiling of £20. They are themed gifts rather than games or download codes. Tabletop and party games remain available through the separate tabletop-games filter. Check the recipient’s preferences and selected options before ordering.

A gift is ready to order only when the uncertain details are resolved. If the budget cannot cover a requested product, choose another agreed idea rather than exceeding the limit.

• The recipient enjoys this type of game.
• Player count, play time and difficulty suit them.
• The product is standalone, or they own the required base game.
• Platform, region and edition are confirmed for digital or console items.
• Selected price and delivery fit the budget.

Ask whether they prefer video games, board games or both. Our video-gaming filter keeps gamer-themed gifts separate from tabletop games. A controller-shaped accessory is decorative; it does not imply compatibility with a console. For socks, check size; for cufflinks, check that they wear the right shirt fastening; for a poster, check the games listed and available wall space.

Create a wishlist with your gift ideas

Secret Santa rules and organiser checklist · What to put on a wishlist · Find gifts by budget and interest