The holidays are fast approaching and finding a gift for the gamer in your life might be the most daunting task ahead of you. Not only are there hundreds of popular games to sift through, but you’ll need to figure out what platform they play on, what gear they’re looking to upgrade, and whether the item you’re about to purchase is compatible with their setup.
To unlock the achievement of “Best Gift Giver” this year, we’ve put together a shortlist of today’s most popular holiday gifts for gamers. From elusive next-gen consoles and customizable controllers to adorable amiibo and Funko Pops, these gifts are sure to put a smile on every gamer’s face.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
Bring the excitement of Mario Kart into the living room with Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. This real-life kart is controlled using a Nintendo Switch console, and it even lets you plot a customized racetrack around your home. Mario Kart is a perennial favorite – and getting to cruise around your own space only makes Home Circuit that much more exciting.
Price: $99
Funko Pops
Who doesn’t love Funko Pops? These adorable collectibles touch upon every pop culture icon under the sun, including a variety of video game franchises. You can’t go wrong with a Fortnite Funko, but there’s also a massive selection of Pokémon, Harry Potter, and other characters that any gamer would be happy to place in their game room.
Price: $10+
amiibo
While popular amiibo are a bit more expensive than Funko Pops, there’s no denying their charm. Not only are they official Nintendo products, but they bring bonus content to some of the best games on Switch – just scan them into the game and players can enjoy a variety of unique benefits. The most popular of late is the Metroid Dread 2-Pack, featuring Samus Aran and a fearsome E.M.M.I. opponent. If your recipient isn’t a Metroid fan, fear not – there’s a wide variety of available amiibo that includes franchises such as Zelda, Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and Super Smash Bros.
Price: $9+
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
Many of today’s most-played video games are of the multiplayer variety, meaning a good headset is a necessity. Give the gift of crisp, clear, communication this holiday season with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Headset. Gigantic 50mm drivers make it easy to hear nearby enemies or explosions from across the map, and its ergonomic design keeps things comfortable during extended play sessions. The only drawback to the BlackShark is its steep price tag. But if your budget allows, there’s no doubt it’s among the best gaming headsets money can buy.
Price: $139.99, normally $179.99
Nintendo Switch OLED
One of the hottest gifts this holiday season is the updated Nintendo Switch OLED. Inventory sold out within hours of it going live, but as shoppers begin checking items off their list, we’re hopeful stores will see massive restocks in the coming weeks. Offering a vibrant OLED screen, games such as Breath of the Wild, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and even Fortnite look better than ever before. This big-ticket item is likely to be elusive this year, so keep your eyes peeled as retailers start to announce restocks.
The Switch has been selling out and being restocked ahead of the holidays. The Target website will show you when the Switch is back in stock online or in stores near you.
Price: $350
PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X
Speaking of hot gifts, the PS5 and Xbox Series X might be even more difficult to find than the Nintendo Switch OLED. Both Sony and Microsoft launched their next-gen consoles last year, but shortages have continued throughout the majority of 2021. Incredible graphics, impressive libraries filled with today’s best games, and the ability to stream content with built-in apps make the two consoles much more than simple gaming platforms. There’s no doubt PS5 and Xbox Series X will be at the top of every gamer’s list – and managing to snag one will make you the best gift giver of 2021.
Both consoles have been selling out and being restocked ahead of the holidays. The Target website will show you when the consoles are back in stock online or in stores near you.
Price: $400 – $500
Buy the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 at Target
Xbox Series S
Unlike it’s more powerful sibling, the Xbox Series S is much easier to find in-stock. It’s capable of playing all the same games as Xbox Series X, although you’ll have to settle for 1440p instead of 4K while gaming. Aside from that caveat, just about every gamer on the planet would be happy to unwrap an Xbox Series S this holiday season. As a nice bonus, the Xbox Series S can be had for $200 less than the Xbox Series X.
The Series S has been selling out and being restocked ahead of the holidays. The Target website will show you when the Series S is back in stock online or in stores near you.
Price: $300
Xbox Design Lab Wireless Controller
The most unique gaming gift you can give this year is a customized controller from Xbox Design Lab. Every inch of the wireless gamepad can be personalized – from the bumpers and triggers to analog sticks and D-pad. If you need some inspiration, Microsoft offers up a variety of color schemes based on popular games. Best of all, the controllers are compatible with not only Xbox Series X|S, but also Xbox One, PC, Android, and iOS. Shipping is currently backed up a few weeks, so you’ll need to move quick if you want one in time for the holidays.
Price: $70
Vizio V-Series 65″ Class 4K HDR Smart TV
If you’re looking to pool your resources with friends and family, consider checking out this incredible 4K TV from Vizio. Currently discounted by $80, this 65-inch Smart TV is great for both playing games and streaming content from built-in support for Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. Best of all, it includes Vizio’s V-Gaming Engine, which improves response time and results in a smoother gameplay experience.
Price: $499.99, normally $649.99
Acer Nitro Ultrawide Monitor
Sticking to the theme of video game displays, Acer is currently offering one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors at a surprisingly low price. Down nearly $70 from list price, this monstrous monitor is the perfect centerpiece for any PC gaming setup. Boasting an 144Hz refresh rate, 3440 x 1440 resolution, two Display Ports and two HDMI ports, the gamer in your life can connect all their gadgets with ease and experience immersive action like never before.
Price: $398
Digital Currency
On the fence about the gifts listed above? You can never go wrong with a gift card for the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, or Steam. This gives the gift of choice – instead of guessing about the perfect game, let them decide which title currently sounds the most exciting. Not only does this avoid picking the wrong game, but it lets them purchase anything on their list that didn’t get unwrapped during the holidays.
Price: $10+ Buy an Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or Steam Gift Card at Target