For any gamer
A gift card
The stocking stuffer that always gets used. Match it to their platform (PlayStation Store, Xbox, Nintendo eShop or Steam) and their account's country. Our gift card guide explains the rules.
See gift cardsA membership code
A 12-month Nintendo Switch Online individual membership is $19.99 at Nintendo's official price, and it fits in any stocking. PlayStation Plus and Game Pass codes come in shorter terms too. See which to give.
See membership codesA spare charging cable
A long USB-C cable means they can play while charging from the couch. PS5 DualSense controllers and the Switch 2 Pro Controller charge over USB-C.
See cablesBy console
| Console | Good stocking stuffers |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Screen protector, amiibo for their favorite characters, a small game-card case, a microSD Express card (not regular microSD) |
| Original Switch / Lite | Screen protector, thumb grips, game-card case, amiibo |
| PS5 | Thumb grips, a long USB-C cable, a DualSense charging station |
| Xbox | A rechargeable battery pack (Xbox controllers usually run on AA batteries), thumb grips |
| PC / Steam Deck | Steam gift card, a microSD card for Steam Deck storage |
Not sure which console? Check first: how to tell. Accessories for the wrong model are the most common stocking stuffer fail.
Off-screen fun
- LEGO sets from their favorite games, like LEGO Minecraft, which has a 2026 lineup. See Minecraft fan gifts.
- Official game books and guides for Minecraft, Pokémon and Zelda fans.
- Pokémon trading cards for collectors. Buy from a major retailer to avoid fakes.
- Plush toys and figures of their favorite characters, from official brand stores or major retailers.
What to skip
- Cheap no-name "gaming bundles" of cables, stands and grips. They usually duplicate what's already in the console box.
- Codes from unofficial reseller sites. Cheap codes can be invalid or revoked.
- Regular microSD cards for a Switch 2. They won't store games.
- Novelty gadgets like desk toys shaped like controllers. Fun for a minute, then a drawer.
Need more ideas at this budget? See gaming gifts under $25, or last-minute gifts if you're out of time. Back to the main gift guide.
Quick answers
What's a good cheap gift for a gamer?
A gift card or membership code for their console is the most useful. Small accessories like thumb grips, a spare charging cable or a screen protector are good physical options, as long as they match the exact console.
Do amiibo work on Switch 2?
Nintendo's Switch 2 Pro Controller has built-in amiibo support. Whether a particular amiibo does anything depends on the game, so check the game's listing.
Are gaming gift cards a good stocking stuffer?
Yes, and they're the most-used option for older kids and teens. Buy from a major retailer, in the same country as their account, and keep the receipt.
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