Most of our guides are for people who already play games. This series is for everyone else: the parent buying for a nine-year-old, the grandparent with a teenager on the list, the partner who wants to get it right this year. You don't need to learn the jargon. You only need to get a few practical things right.
The three questions to answer first
- What do they play on? This decides everything. A game for the wrong console simply won't work, and "a PlayStation" or "a Switch" isn't specific enough anymore. Read how to find out what console they have. It includes a quick visual guide so you can identify the machine in their living room.
- How old are they, really? Age ratings are a solid starting point, and they're easy to read once you know the system. See ESRB ratings explained. If you're buying for a child, check with the parent before buying anything rated T or M.
- What do they already own? The most common gift disappointment is a game they already have, often bought digitally where you can't see it on a shelf. Ask a parent, partner or friend, or check their wish list.
Pick your path: who are you buying for?
Little kids, ages 3–5
Simple controls, no failure, and ideally a game an adult can play alongside them.
Best games for ages 3–5Kids, ages 6–8
The sweet spot for Nintendo's family games, building games and racers that let the whole household play.
Best games for ages 6–8Tweens, ages 9–12
Bigger adventures, online play with friends, and the first real questions about ratings and in-game spending.
Best games for ages 9–12Teenagers
The hardest group to buy for. They often know exactly what they want, which is why a well-chosen gift card can beat a guess.
Best gifts for teen gamersSomeone getting a brand-new console
The things that make a new console better on day one: a second controller, storage and a first game.
Gifts to go with a new consoleA partner who games
You already live with the clues. Use them, or pick a game you can play together.
Gifts for a boyfriend, girlfriend or partnerA dad or grandparent
Golf, flight sims, puzzles, cozy games and the classics they grew up with.
Gifts for a dad or grandparent who gamesThe whole family
Games everyone can play together on one screen, with something for every console.
Family game night picksAn adult who already games
Their setup is probably sorted, so useful upgrades usually beat guessing at games.
Gifts for console gamers · for PC gamers · for the gamer who has everythingGame, gift card or accessory?
There are three kinds of video game gift, and each one suits a different situation.
| Gift type | Best when… | The risk |
|---|---|---|
| A specific game | You know the console, they've mentioned the game, and you're sure they don't own it | They already have it, or it's the wrong version |
| A gift card or store credit | You know the platform but not their taste, or they're a teen who knows exactly what they want | It can feel impersonal, and it must match their account's country |
| An accessory | They already have the games they want. A second controller or extra storage is almost always used. | It has to match the exact console model |
Not sure which way to go? Gift card vs. physical game breaks down the decision, and how to gift a digital game explains how to send a game straight to someone's account, which is handy for last-minute and long-distance gifts.
Working to a budget? We have separate guides for gifts under $25, under $50 and under $100.
Shop by what they love, or what they own
| If they… | Start here |
|---|---|
| Love a sport | This year's sports games |
| Love big stories and RPGs | Story and RPG picks |
| Love Minecraft or building | Gifts for Minecraft fans |
| Own a Nintendo Switch 2 | Gifts for Switch 2 owners |
| Own a PS5 | Gifts for PS5 owners |
| Play online with friends | Gifting a game subscription |
The mistakes that ruin gifts
A handful of mistakes account for nearly every disappointing video game gift: the wrong console, a disc for a machine with no disc drive, a game they already own, the wrong age rating, and a gift card from the wrong country. They're all easy to avoid once you know about them. Read the 10 mistakes people make buying video game gifts before you check out. It takes three minutes and can save you a return trip.
Timing, receipts and the big day
- Buy during Black Friday week if you can. Controllers, storage and many games are discounted then. Our Black Friday 2026 guide covers what's genuinely worth buying.
- Ask for a gift receipt, and don't open the shrink-wrap. Many stores won't take back an opened game. See can you return a video game?
- Out of time? See last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. Thinking about a pre-owned console? Read what to check first.
- Prepare a new console before the big day. New consoles often need a system update, an account and big downloads before they're ready to play. Our Christmas morning setup checklist gets that done ahead of time.
Every guide in this series
- How to find out what console they have
- 10 mistakes people make buying video game gifts
- ESRB ratings explained for parents and grandparents
- Best games for ages 3–5
- Best games for ages 6–8
- Best games for ages 9–12
- Best video game gifts for teenagers
- Gift card vs. physical game: which is better?
- How to gift a digital game on every platform
- Gifts to go with a new console
- The Christmas morning console setup checklist
- Can you return a video game? Store policies and gift receipts
- Video game gifts for sports fans
- Gifts for story and RPG fans
- Gifts for Minecraft fans
- The best video games for family game night
- Gifts for a boyfriend, girlfriend or partner who games
- Gifts for a dad or grandparent who games
- Gifts for a Nintendo Switch 2 owner
- Gifts for a PS5 owner
- Gifting a game subscription
- Stocking stuffers for gamers
- Buying a used console as a gift
- Last-minute video game gifts
Quick answers
What's the safest video game gift if I know nothing about games?
A gift card for the store they already use, such as PlayStation Store, Xbox, Nintendo eShop or Steam. It always fits their console and lets them choose. Just be sure it matches their account's country.
Is it OK to buy a game I've never heard of?
Yes, if the platform and rating are right and it's well reviewed. Many of the best family games aren't household names. Check the rating summary on esrb.org and read a review or two before you buy.
Should I buy a console as a gift?
Only if you know they don't already have it and you're ready for the extra costs, like a second controller, games and possibly an online subscription. Our guide to choosing a first console for a child covers this in detail.
When should I buy video game gifts?
Black Friday week usually has the best prices on controllers, storage and many games. Buy early enough to set up and update a console before the big day, and keep the receipt.
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