30+ Great Gifts for Gamers in 2021

For gamers wanting to explore creative and artistic pursuits, this hit guidebook by Jared Blando teaches readers basic and advanced techniques for drawing fantastical maps like the ones seen in Lord of the Rings and The Witcher.

Written by veteran journalist Jason Schreier, this non-fiction bestseller gives a riveting inside look at what it’s like to work on big modern video games. With stories about the development of hit games like Dragon Age, Destiny, and more, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels is a great read for aspiring game developers. 

Do you have a friend that needs an escape from reality? This virtual reality headset provides all-in-one entertainment allowing even the biggest gamer to explore all kinds of immersive experiences from movies to live concerts to games. Your friend will never need to leave the house again thanks to the endless exploration the Quest content library provides.

A critically-acclaimed tabletop role-playing game, Blades In The Dark is all about heists, subterfuge, espionage, and improvisation. Set in a fantasy industrial revolution, this tabletop role-playing game is an instant classic with its chaotic, Ocean’s Eleven-style fun.

One of the best reviewed gaming laptops in years, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is one of a kind, running modern, demanding games without issue in a small form factor. Its amazing speeds and connectivity options leave little to be desired, even when compared to laptops twice as expensive.

For any gamer who spends a ton of time talking to friends or their teammates, the HyperX Cloud Alpha wired headset is an enduring classic, known for rock-solid communication and lasting comfort. Compatible with PC, Playstation, Xbox, and more, this headset is the last one a chatty gamer will ever need.

The most affordable next-gen console out there, the Xbox Series S offers cutting edge graphics and games in a sleek package. With hundreds of hit games available through the affordable Xbox Game Pass subscription, plus app-connectivity with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and more, the Xbox Series S brings endless entertainment affordably.

As recommended in our best mechanical keyboards list, the Corsair K70 is a full-sized powerhouse ready for serious computer gamers. It comes in a durable aluminum frame, features dedicated media controls and fully programmable RGB lighting, and offers gaming-centric Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Speed precision switches.

Gamers tend to have a lot of gadgets that need to be charged, and the Anker PowerPort 3.0 Nano is one of the best USB-C chargers around. It’s small and portable, yet delivers super-fast charging through Fast Charge and Power Delivery. Perfect charging USB-C controllers, headsets, mice, phones, and more.

As recommended in our best budget gaming monitors list, this affordable gaming monitor offers an amazing balance between size, performance, appearance, and price. The highlight here is the fast display, with 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate, making it a perfect pair with any powerful PC setup. It’s also height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustable.

For gamers with big plans, this adorable wall calendar features bright, colorful artwork from the hit Switch game. It includes markups for most western holidays, as well as the birthdays for every villager in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

As recommended in our best wireless gaming keyboards list, the Royal Kludge offers a premium gaming (and typing) experience in a compact form factor. With tons of wireless connectivity options, programmable RGB lighting, and swappable switches, this keyboard is perfect for gamers who appreciate flexibility and customization. For gamers, we recommend the black colorway with hot-swap red switches.

For fans of classic arcade-style fighting games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat, this arcade fight stick is excellent, and compatible with nearly every console out there, including PC. The Mayflash F300 is a great entry point into the control and precision offered from dedicated fight sticks.

Every dedicated computer gamer loves their keyboard and mouse. Complete their setup with one of the most popular gaming mouse pads of all time, the SteelSeries QcK. It offers precise mouse usage in a clean design. Of the many designs, our favorite is the medium size with stitched edges for long-lasting durability.

For the aspiring gaming streamer, consider this affordable, top-rated streaming microphone. As recommended in our best microphones for streaming list, the HyperX SoloCast is a compact, no-frills microphone that delivers crystal clear audio to any tuning in. Its sleek, easy-to-use design makes it perfect for any gamer with a dedicated desk space.

Dungeons & Dragons, the tabletop role-playing game that started back in 1974, is more popular than ever, with skyrocketing sales and viewership. With their 5th Edition Starter Set, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to get started. Dungeons & Dragons is an amazing, social game that’s perfect for fans of role-playing and fantasy.

Most backpacks can’t handle the size and shape of gaming laptops and gear. Not so with the Matein travel laptop backpack. It’s made with a built-in sleeve for laptops up to 15 inches, plus tons of extra pockets, slots, hooks, and zippers for securing gadgets. It even has a convenient external USB charging cable for charging without unzipping a thing.

This affordable RGB gaming mouse makes a steadfast companion for any dedicated computer gamer. Lightweight, ergonomic, with easily adjustable settings through Logitech’s G HUB software, this gaming mouse offers all of the basics for a fraction of the cost of more premium options.

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most beloved and widely accessible gaming consoles in recent memory. The Switch Lite version takes portability to the next level, and is one of the best ways to game on the go. With an amazing gaming library, excellent battery life, bright designs, and great accessories, the Switch Lite makes for one excellent travel companion.

One of the biggest indie games of 2020 and 2021, Hades is an action-packed battle out of mythic Greek hell. Players control Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he fights his way out of the underworld on a journey to reach Mount Olympus. The incredible art style, music, and action make this a wonderful game for everyone. Available for PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and Switch systems.

For when the battery is definitely drained, try one of the greatest fantasy series ever written. Ursula Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea is a tale of magic, power, rivals, and overcoming mistakes. Part coming-of-age, part world-spanning epic, A Wizard of Earthsea directly inspired fantasy for decades after its release, and is a great read for gamers and non-gamers alike.

This affordable gaming headset is the perfect solution to anyone shouting into bad microphones or straining to hear teammates over poor laptop speakers. For under $50, the HyperX Cloud Stingers offer a comfortable, over-ear design with a built-in microphone that sounds sharp and clear to anyone on the other end. Compatible with PC and most gaming consoles.

One of the most critically acclaimed action games of 2019, in Sekiro, you play as a fallen shinobi seeking vengeance and a path to peace in a historical, fantasy Japan. Intensely challenging and action-packed, it’s a fantastic game for fans of games like Dark Souls and Nioh. Available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series systems.

A from-the-ground-up remake of the beloved 1997 title, this best-selling action title features spectacle like no other, with stunning graphics, a gripping storyline, massive action setpieces, and a science-fiction setting. Available on PS4.

The downside to gaming on the go is limited battery life. With the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000PD, battery life isn’t a problem. Easy and intuitive, the PowerCore delivers multiple full recharges to devices of all kinds, from Nintendo Switchs to iPad Pros.

For big households with competitive energy, Mario Tennis Aces is an excellent game that offers brilliant 4-player tennis action. With a huge cast of iconic characters from the Mario franchise, Mario Tennis Aces provides fun head-to-head action in its singles and doubles versus modes. Available on Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon fans of all-ages will love this photo-snapping adventure game. In New Pokémon Snap, players are on a mission to snap photographs of all their favorite Pokémon in their natural, wild habitats, like beaches, jungles, deserts, and more. Available on Nintendo Switch.

As recommended in our best gaming mouse pads list, this massive mouse pad deskpad is perfect for gamers who spend all their time at their desk setup. Measuring at 35.4 by 17.3 inches, the ASUS ROG Sheath Extended is a comfortable, durable, precise gaming surface that makes an entire desk suitable for gaming instead of just the small mousepad area.

The best way to keep focused during intense gaming moments is by staying hydrated. Luckily this Takeya 18 ounce water bottle keeps drinks vacuum sealed and temperature locked, and makes for the perfect desk or couch companion between competitive gaming moments.