Gifts for Gamers Under $25: 26 Ideas for 2026

Its Hall effect sticks use magnets instead of parts that wear down, so they're built to resist the drift that ruins cheap pads. It connects over the included 2.4G dongle, Bluetooth or USB-C, so one controller works with a PC, a Switch, a phone or a Steam Deck. It feels like a lighter Xbox controller in the hand, and the 10-hour battery recharges in about two hours.

The person getting this needs a reliable second controller for a PC, a Switch, a phone or a Steam Deck. The magnet-based Hall effect sticks are built to resist drift, the included dongle, Bluetooth and USB-C let one pad work across devices, and the full-size Xbox-style shape feels familiar in the hand.

8BitDo recreated the six-button Genesis layout with a responsive D-pad and buttons, and the 2.4G receiver makes it plug-and-play with the Sega Genesis Mini, Mega Drive Mini and Switch. It's light, comfortable and simple enough for young kids to pick up, which also makes it a good retro pad for family game time.

The person getting this loves Sonic, Streets of Rage or Street Fighter on a six-button pad, and likely owns a Genesis Mini, Mega Drive Mini or Switch. The 2.4G receiver makes setup plug-and-play, and the light, simple design is easy for young kids to pick up during family game time.

Plug it into a Switch, PC, Mac or Steam Deck, pair an Xbox, PlayStation or Switch Pro controller to it and play. On Switch, it even supports 6-axis motion, and 8BitDo's software lets them remap buttons, tweak stick and trigger sensitivity and create macros. It's perfect for someone who loves their DualSense or Xbox controller and wants to use it on Switch.

The person getting this has a favorite DualSense or Xbox controller and wants to use it on a Switch, PC, Mac or Steam Deck. They plug in the adapter, pair the controller and play, with 6-axis motion on Switch and software to remap buttons, adjust sensitivity and create macros.

It plugs straight into a DualSense, so there's nothing to charge or pair, and at 260g it stays comfortable through long sessions. The 40mm drivers add punchy bass, the flexible mic mutes when swiveled up and the volume control sits right on the earcup. It's a solid first headset for a younger player or a reliable spare for anyone.

The person getting this plays on a PS5, whether they're a kid or teen getting a first headset or someone who wants a reliable spare. It plugs straight into the DualSense with nothing to charge or pair, and at 260g it stays comfortable through long sessions.

It has an accurate sensor with five DPI presets you can fine-tune, seven programmable buttons and RGB lighting with five saved profiles. The braided cable and solid build hold up to rough use, and its shape is comfortable for long sessions. For a new PC gamer, it's a big step up from a basic office mouse.

The person getting this is new to PC gaming or replacing a worn mouse and is stepping up from a basic office mouse. The sensor offers five fine-tunable DPI presets, seven programmable buttons and RGB profiles, while the braided cable and solid build hold up to rough use.

At 450 by 400mm, it gives plenty of room for low-sensitivity aiming without covering the whole desk. The micro-woven cloth tracks smoothly with any gaming mouse, the rubber base keeps it from sliding and it rolls up for a stocking. SteelSeries' QcK has been trusted by esports pros for years.

The person getting this plays on a PC with a small or worn-out mousepad and likes low-sensitivity aiming. At 450 by 400mm it gives room to swipe without covering the whole desk, the cloth surface tracks smoothly, and the rubber base keeps it from sliding.

The rigid tray fits over the console so the glass lands exactly where it should, and you simply press it down. Even people who've botched screen protectors before get a clean, bubble-free fit. The tempered glass stays clear and responsive to touch, and an oil-repellent coating keeps fingerprints down. It's also our top pick for the best Switch 2 screen protector.

The person getting this just picked up a Switch 2 and wants to protect the screen, but may be nervous about installing a protector. The rigid tray lines the glass up exactly, so a clean, bubble-free fit takes about 30 seconds, and the oil-repellent coating keeps fingerprints down.

It holds up to four Joy-Con 2 upright in magnetic slots marked for left and right, so they always go in the right way. Red and green lights show the charging status, and built-in protection guards against overcharging. It keeps controllers tidy next to the console for very little money.

The person getting this lives in a Switch 2 household with extra Joy-Con 2 and a constant question of which one is charged. Four magnetic slots marked for left and right hold the controllers upright next to the console, and red and green lights show charging status.

It charges two controllers at once in about three hours, its red and green lights are easy to read without being distracting and built-in protection prevents overcharging. It also works as a neat stand next to the console.

The person getting this has a PS5 with two DualSense controllers and hates starting a game with a dead one. The dock charges both in about three hours, its red and green lights are easy to read without being distracting, and it works as a neat stand next to the console.

The standard Xbox controller runs on AA batteries, and this kit swaps them for rechargeable packs you can charge while you play. It's officially licensed, works with PowerA charging stands and has a two-year warranty.

The person getting this plays Xbox on a controller that runs on AA batteries and is tired of replacing them. The rechargeable pack charges while they play, is officially licensed, works with PowerA charging stands and carries a two-year warranty.

The taller right stick gives more precise aim, the mid-rise left stick helps with movement and the grippy rubber keeps thumbs from slipping. They also protect the controller's own sticks from wear.

The person getting this plays Call of Duty, Fortnite or other shooters on a PS5 or PS4 controller. The taller right stick adds precision to aim, the mid-rise left stick helps with movement, and the grippy rubber keeps thumbs from slipping.

The soft silicone adds texture that keeps the controller from slipping in sweaty hands, protects it from scratches and drops and comes in playful designs. Thumb grip caps and stickers are included, so it feels like a full makeover kit.

The person getting this uses a PS5 DualSense and wants it to feel grippier and more personal. The textured silicone keeps the controller from slipping in sweaty hands, protects it from scratches and drops, and the thumb grip caps and stickers make it a full makeover kit.

A full year of membership lets them play online with friends, backs up their saves to the cloud and adds NES, Super NES and Game Boy classics. The physical card is easy to wrap.

The person getting this plays a Switch or Switch 2 online in games like Mario Kart and Smash. A full year covers online play with friends, cloud save backups and a library of NES, Super NES and Game Boy classics.

It unlocks a big library of games on console, PC and the cloud, including new Xbox releases on day one, plus online multiplayer and EA Play. The code arrives by email in minutes, so it works even on the day of the party.

The person getting this plays on Xbox or a PC and likes trying new games. The code arrives by email in minutes, even on party day, and unlocks hundreds of games across console, PC and the cloud, with new Xbox releases on day one, online multiplayer and EA Play.

Classic Mario icons light up in three modes, including one that pulses with music or game audio. It runs from USB or batteries, so it can sit on a shelf, desk or nightstand.

The person getting this is a Mario fan of any age with a shelf, desk or nightstand to brighten. The classic icons light up in three modes, including one that pulses with music or game audio.

It's shaped like the triangle, circle, cross and square buttons and glows in three modes, including one that reacts to music. It runs from USB or batteries, so it fits on a shelf, desk or next to the TV.

The person getting this is a PlayStation fan who likes game room decor. The light is shaped like the triangle, circle, cross and square buttons, glows in three modes including one that reacts to music, and fits on a shelf, desk or next to the TV.

Different sections of the strip can show different colors at once, so effects flow across a desk or wall. The Govee Home app has dozens of scenes and 11 music sync modes, and the strip sticks easily behind a desk, monitor or bed.

The person getting this wants their gaming room to have that streamer look. Different sections of the strip show different colors at once so effects flow across a desk or wall, and the Govee Home app offers dozens of scenes and 11 music sync modes.

Pour in a hot drink and the Game Boy screen powers on to show a game, then fades back as it cools. It arrives in a gift box, so it's ready to give.

The person getting this is a Nintendo or retro fan who starts the day with a hot drink. The Game Boy screen powers on to show a game when the mug is hot and fades back as it cools, and the gift box makes it ready to give.

It's small, affordable and loved by Pokémon fans of every age. Funko makes Pops for almost every major game, so swap in their favorite character if Pikachu isn't it.

The person getting this is a Pokémon fan or collector of any age who likes a little character on the desk. The waving Pikachu is small and simple to tuck into a stocking or pair with a bigger gift.

Players draw cards and try to avoid the Exploding Kitten, using action cards to skip turns, shuffle the deck or defuse it. Rounds are quick, the rules take minutes to learn and The Oatmeal's art keeps everyone laughing.

The person getting this likes an off-screen game night with family or friends. Players draw cards and try to avoid the Exploding Kitten, using action cards to skip turns, shuffle the deck or defuse it, and the quick rounds keep everyone laughing.

A spinner tells players how many blocks to stack, how many layers their Mario character climbs or whether to collect coins, so every turn is different from regular Jenga. Players race to the top to defeat Bowser, which keeps young Mario fans hooked.

The person getting this is a Mario-obsessed kid in a family that wants a board game night. A spinner decides how many blocks to stack, how many layers to climb or whether to collect coins, and the race to defeat Bowser keeps young Mario fans hooked.

It brings the classic computer game to the table, with 8-bit art and the same cheeky sense of humor, including dying of dysentery. Players work together to survive the trail, and the random events make every game a story.

The person getting this grew up with the original Oregon Trail computer game and still laughs about dying of dysentery. Players work together to survive the trail with 8-bit art and the same cheeky humor, and the random events make every game a story.

Each pack has a full seven-piece polyhedral set in a surprise color and pattern, with easy-to-read numbers for new and experienced players. It's a small gift any tabletop gamer will use at their next session.

The person getting this plays Dungeons and Dragons or other tabletop RPGs and is always happy to have new dice. Each pack has a full seven-piece polyhedral set in a surprise color and pattern with easy-to-read numbers for their next session.

Jason Schreier tells the stories behind the making of well-known games in a fast, readable way. Each chapter follows a different game, so it's easy to read in short sessions, and it gives gamers a new appreciation for their favorite titles.

The person getting this loves games and wonders how their favorites actually get made, or hopes to work in games someday. Each chapter follows a different well-known game in fast, readable narrative journalism, so it works for short sessions and a new appreciation for old favorites.

It follows what happens to developers when studios close and how they rebuild their careers, giving a clear look at how the game industry really works. It's more somber than Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, but it's just as well researched and especially useful for anyone thinking about working in games.

The person getting this loved Jason Schreier's first book and wants to understand the game industry more deeply, or is thinking about working in games. It follows developers through studio closures and how they rebuild their careers, with the same careful research.

It runs the original 1997 programming, so they can feed, clean and care for a pet that grows into one of seven adults. It clips onto a keychain and includes its battery, so it's ready to play right away.

The person getting this grew up in the '90s, or is a younger player who loves virtual pets. They feed, clean and care for a pet that grows into one of seven adults, and it clips onto a keychain with its battery included.