Six practical gift ideas for gamers in your life

Whether you’re shopping for your kids who spend their afternoons playing games, or your partner whose weekends end up locked in behind a screen, buying gifts for gamers can feel like decoding another language.

With endless talk of frame rates, peripherals and mechanical switches, it’s easy to feel lost in the jargon. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up seven foolproof ideas that’ll be equally stylish and practical for the gamer in your life.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

1. A nice pair of headphones

Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset, was $104, now $69.99

Save 33% here

HyperX Cloud III Gaming Headset, was $159, now $109

Now 28% off

Sennheiser HD 660 S2 Open Back Headphones, was $949, now $649

Save 31% here

What’s important about a headset?

If you want a gift that’ll benefit the whole household, a premium pair of headphones is a clear winner.

It allows your kids or partner to be immersed into their gaming world with crystal clear audio, giving you the peace and quiet in your living room.

Many modern wireless headsets are lightweight as well, have plush ear cups for long-term comfort, and some headsets even include microphones to talk to friends online.

2. A beloved console controller

PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller, was $119.95, now $94.95

Save 21% here

Xbox Series X/S Wireless Controller, was $89.98, now $69

Now 23% off

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, was $119.95, now $99

Save 17% here

Will they like a new controller?

A new controller is certainly a safe bet for any console-focused gamer. Even if someone primarily plays on a PC, many modern games are recommended to be played with a controller.

They usually wear out over time due to frequent use, so a fresh controller is always a useful gift. Just make sure to match the console they play on, whether it’s an Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo Switch.

3. A dual controller charging station

Mcbazel Dual Charger for PS5, was $29.99, now $25.05

Now 16% off

Powerwave Xbox Dual Charging Stand, was $39.95, now $29

Save 27% here

Switch 2 Controller Charger for Joy-Cons, now $18.99

Shop here

Will a charging station be convenient?

There’s nothing more frustrating than sitting down after a long day, only to find that your controller batteries are out of charge.

That’s why a dedicated charging station can give controllers the convenience of a permanent home beside the TV or on a desk, so they’re always ready to go, fully charged.

They’re affordable and a practical gift that’ll also get rid of any messy cable situation on the floor.

4. A mechanical keyboard

Keychron C3 Pro TKL Red Backlight Keyboard, now $59

Shop here

Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard, was $149, now $128

Save 14% here

CORSAIR K70 RGB PRO Keyboard, was $249, now $149

Now 36% off

Should you gift a mechanical keyboard?

If they’re still using a cheap plastic keyboard with their desktop, it’s time to gift them the ultimate upgrade.

Mechanical keyboards use individual physical switches under every key, giving a much more satisfying typing feel and responsiveness.

They’re typically more durable, and any PC gamer will appreciate a gift like this.

5. A premium gaming mouse

Redragon M612 Predator RGB Wired Mouse, was $39.99, now $38

Save here

Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed Wireless Mouse, was $124.95, now $89

Save 29% here

Logitech G PRO X Superlight 2 Lightspeed Wireless Mouse, was $299.95, now $178.95

Now 40% off

Do gaming mice have benefits?

A standard mouse just won’t cut it any more for games. A dedicated gaming mouse is often designed with ergonomics, speed and intentionality over a standard mouse.

You’ll find wireless and wired gaming mice that offer hyper-accurate sensors, customisable side buttons and a lightweight feel to reduce drag – all designed to benefit gamers.

6. An oversized desk mat

Dawntrees Desk Mat, was $26.99, now $24.99

Shop here

Logitech Desk Mat Studio Series, was $39.95, now $29

Now 27% off

Playmax Aurora Topography X2 Mouse Mat, now $29

Shop here

What’s the point of a desk mat?

If their desk is looking a bit barren, and only a tiny square is padding the mouse underneath, then a full-sized gaming mat will be a great gift.

They span wide enough to sit underneath both the keyboard and mouse, and it provides a smooth surface for the mouse and stabilises the keyboard from sliding around.

It also protects the desk from any scratches if that’s of concern, and they’re an affordable gift that instantly makes any gaming setup look just that bit more organised.

READ MORE: Save hundreds off tech during EOFY sales