Buying Video Games for Grandkids: A Grandparent's Guide

You don't need to know what a "battle pass" is to give a grandchild a game they'll love. You need one phone call, a little detective work about their console, and a clear idea of what the parents are comfortable with. This guide walks you through all three, plus the gifts that work when you live far away.

Grandparents are in a funny spot with video game gifts. You want to give something the child actually wants, but you don't want to step on the parents' toes, and the shelf is full of boxes that all look the same. The good news: the rules that matter are few, and none of them require you to become a gamer.

Step one: the five-minute call to the parents

For most families, the biggest risk isn't buying the "wrong" game. It's buying a game the parents have already bought, have already said no to, or that won't work on the console in the living room. A short call (or text) fixes all of that. Here's what to ask:

• Which console does the child play on? Ask for the exact name, for example "Nintendo Switch 2" or "PlayStation 5 Digital Edition", not just "the Nintendo". Ask them to read it off the console or box if they're unsure.
• Does it have a disc slot? Some PlayStation and Xbox models are digital-only and can't play discs.
• What games do they already have and love? A sequel or a game "like" their favorite is usually a safer pick than something brand new to them.
• Are there rules about online play, chat or spending? Some families allow offline games only. Others are fine with online play but block voice chat or purchases.
• Is anyone else already buying a game? Holiday duplicates are common when several relatives shop from the same wish list.

If you want the gift to stay a surprise from the child, the parent is your inside source. We cover more sneaky ways to find out in how to find out what console someone has.

Step two: match the game to the console

Every game box is made for one console family. The platform name is printed across the top or side of the case, and the colors are usually a giveaway: red for Nintendo, blue for PlayStation, green for Xbox. A few checks save you a trip back to the store:

When in doubt, take a photo of the back of the box and text it to the parent before you pay. It takes thirty seconds and settles the question.

Step three: ratings, and the rules a rating can't tell you

In the US and Canada, games carry an ESRB rating (E for Everyone, E10+, T for Teen, M for Mature). In the UK and much of Europe you'll see PEGI numbers (3, 7, 12, 16, 18). The rating on the front tells you the age group, and the small print on the back (the content descriptors) tells you why it got that rating. Our plain-English guide to ESRB ratings goes through each letter.

What a rating doesn't settle is the family's own rules. Two things in particular are worth asking the parent about, even for an E-rated game:

• Online interaction. Many games let kids play with strangers online. On ESRB-rated boxes, look for the "Users Interact" notice near the rating. Some parents are fine with it, others aren't.
• In-game purchases. A label like "In-Game Purchases" means the game sells extra items or currency inside it. The game might be cheap or free, but parents may already be managing spending limits.

What actually makes a good grandkid gift

Once you know the console and the rules, the choice gets much easier. In rough order of how often they land well:

1. Something from their wish list or favorite series

Kids are usually loyal to a few series, so a new entry or a game "like" their favorite is a strong bet. Ask the parent for the exact title, and take a photo of the box in the store to text them before you pay.

2. A game they can play with you or their siblings

Games where two to four people play on the same screen are wonderful for visits and holidays. Our family game night picks are a good shortlist, and they make the gift something you share rather than just hand over.

3. A second controller

If siblings fight over the controller, an extra one is a gift the whole house appreciates. It must match the console: a PlayStation controller is not the right pick for a Nintendo, even if it looks similar. Officially licensed controllers are the safest choice.

4. A store gift card, with a plan

A Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox or Steam gift card lets the child (with a parent) choose. It can feel impersonal, so pair it with a note: "For the next game you've been wanting. Show me when you get it!" We compare the two options in gift card vs. physical game.

5. Age-based picks if you're truly starting from zero

If the parents say "anything is fine", our age guides do the narrowing for you: ages 3 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 12 and teenagers.

Gifting from far away

Long-distance grandparents have it harder, because you can't see the console and you can't help set anything up. A few approaches that work well:

1. Mail a physical game with a card. It's tangible, it's something to unwrap, and if it's a duplicate, the parent can usually exchange it with a gift receipt. Check the store's current return terms before you buy.
2. Mail a store gift card instead of sending a code by email. A child can't easily redeem a digital game sent to them without a parent's account details. A physical card puts the parent in charge of redemption, which most parents prefer.
3. Buy online, ship to them, and tell the parent it's coming. That way nobody opens the box early, and the parent can hide it for the right day.
4. Arrange a video call for the unwrapping. Kids love to show off a new game. Five minutes of them explaining it to you is half the gift.

Make it something you share

The most memorable game gifts from grandparents often come with an invitation. A few low-pressure ways to join in:

• Keep a spare controller at your house. If the family brings the console when visiting, or you own the same one, a second controller means you can play together without borrowing.
• Ask for a tour. "Show me how it works" is a great question. Kids love being the expert, and you don't have to be any good.
• Pick games built for mixed skill levels. Racing games with auto-steer assists, cooperative puzzle games and party games let a beginner contribute without slowing a child down.
• Consider playing online from your own device, only if the parents are comfortable and you're willing to learn a little setup. Some games let players on different consoles play together, but it varies by game, so check before you buy two copies.

Budget and etiquette

Some families have a soft cap on gift spending so cousins are treated evenly, or so one big present doesn't overshadow the parents' gifts. Asking "Is there anything you'd rather I didn't get?" is a gracious way to find out without making it awkward. If you'd like to give something big, like a console, talk to the parents well ahead of time. It changes screen-time rules in their house, and that's their call. If you're set on it, read our kids gaming setup guide and the setup checklist first.

And if your budget is modest, that's fine. Our gifts under $25 and stocking stuffers lists are full of things kids actually use.