50 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Gamer in Your Life

By The Gamer, December 2, 2009 3:07 pm

Everything you need to make the gamer in your life happy this holiday season. There’s a big television, games, gadgets, movies, TV shows, books, toys, curios, more books, CDs, novelties, clothes, even a couple alarm clocks.

The items listed are only here because I like them and think others will, too. Whether or not this is a good list made by someone with good taste is up to you, really. I think it’s pretty good. So, girls, here are some ideas for your geek boyfriends; girl gamers, slyly post this list to your boyfriend’s Facebook or Twitter feed and (with no subtlety whatsoever, trust me) hint at it. Parents, choose items age-appropriately. Gamers, you just might find something on which to use those giftcards you’re going to get from your grandparents, aunts and uncles. Everybody else, I’m sure you’ll find something for someone.

Everything links to Amazon so you can read the reviews yourself. This is just a jumping-off point. There may be some slightly better deals if you really want to go digging into the interwebs, but, I dunno, I trust Amazon and their Prime program is amazing (scroll down for more about that; the wife and I use it and have for over a year). Also, there’s a definite geek bias, here. This list is not for your gamer if your gamer plays a lot of Madden or has never seen a die with more than six sides. Sorry.

So, without further ado:

Samsung 46″ 1080p 120Hz LCD television
That shiny new PS3 isn’t much more than a really ugly paper weight without some sort of display. Yes, it’s a lot of money. If you’re not looking for something this… extravagant, use it as a springboard for something more along the lines of your budget. (It’s waaaaay outside mine, too.) The 50,000:1 contrast ratio is pretty impressive, along with the 4 HDMI inputs. It’s a nice gaming television. Consider it an investment or wait until Sony starts producing their 3d televisions.
Demon’s Souls
These days you really want to get a bang for your buck. Demon’s Souls is pretty much the best option in that regard. It’s fiendishly difficult and should keep that special gamer in your life occupied for quite some time. Just be prepared to replace some of the breakables in your living room. (Scroll down, I’ve included extra controllers.)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
I just wrote something about this game and the virtues of its single player campaign. Your gamer, however, is probably like the six million people who are playing the online multiplayer. If your gamer doesn’t already have this, now is a good time to fix that.
Katamari Forever
You may feel like the games your gamer play are either out of your league or just not your kind of thing. However, everybody loves Katamari (except those with vertigo). It’s wacky, it’s colorful, it’s fun, it’s easy and it’s extremely Japanese, though no panty-dispensing vending machines, as far as I can tell. Your gamer will enjoy this because you will enjoy playing it, too.
God of War 3 Preorder
Pre-order this for your gamer and have hugs and kisses rained down upon you. That is, as long as your gamer is okay with a receipt as a present. Patience, after all, is a virtue.
God of War: Collection
If patience is a virtue your gamer lacks, get both God of War and God of War 2 on one disc to satisfy that hunger until the big day comes.
Dead Space: Extraction
I rant and rave about Dead Space all the time. It’s really a great game on a number of different fronts. If your gamer has a Wii and not a PS3, then Dead Space: Extraction will have to do. It looks fun, though I haven’t played it. I’m honestly just suggesting it based on the videos I’ve seen and my intense love for its predecesor. Warning: if your gamer is young, you may want to skip this one. And the one above it. And the one above that. Actually, skip all these games except for Katamari Forever and the Final Fantasy games below.)
Dragon Age: Origins
If your gamer is an RPG fan, expect a squeal of delight at the opening of this package. If your gamer is a tad older, expect squeals of nostalgia and at least one dreamy sigh of, “Ah, reminds me of Baulder’s Gate.” If your gamer is a true geek, expect the occasional mumbling of something about taking a plus-one mace…
Heavy Rain Preorder
If your gamer is 18 or older (or a minor and you allow mature themes and nudity on the gaming console–possibly not something you’ve had to deal with, admittedly), this is a must. Yes, it’s another pre-order, but unless your gamer is a Madden gamer, this will prove to be a show-stopper. All other gifted games (with the exception of the next one) will pale in comparison.
Final Fantasy XIII Preorder
Xbox or PS3, either way your gamer will be deliriously happy. Assuming, again, that your gamer is not of the sports-stats variety. Final Fantasy is one of the most well-known and beloved gaming franchises in the history of gaming (so-called because it was the then-failing Square’s last-ditch effort to save the company; seems to have worked pretty well). If you do decide to get this game for your gamer, when it finally arrives, expect to feel like there’s one less person in the house for quite some time.
Final Fantasy VII – PS1 game, for PC or for your PS3
If your gamer has a PS2 that still works and doesn’t own this game, it’s a must. (You’ll also need a PS memory card; PS2 memory cards will not work and neither will the ACC-PSX memory card.) If your gamer is a PC gamer, you can get it for the PC. If your gamer has a PS3, it’s available on the Playstation Network for something like ten dollars. It’s worth it. It’s the Lawrence of Arabia of video games.
Final Fantasy Classics Collection
Again, if your gamer has an old PSX, a PS2 or a backward compatible PS3, this is a great collection. Six games (Final Fantasys 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and Chrono Trigger) that paved the way for much of the games you see today. Well, RPGs, anyway.
iPod Touch 3G 32gig/64gig
Gamers tend to not only be geeks but very connected. I just got an iPod Touch 3G 32gig and I feel like I’m at one with the universe. Don’t buy the 8gig; it’s just a 2G model that they’re rehashing. The 32gig and 64gig models have the voice command recognition and some spec upgrades from older models. Screen protectors are a must. The earbuds that Apple ships with the iPod Touch are absolute crap, but the little remote found on the right-ear cord make up for it. The mic is there, too.
DualShock 3 controller
If your gamer has a PS3 and still uses the SIXAXIS controller, that’s a damn shame. The DualShock 3 provides the same motion sensing as the SIXAXIS while also producing the force-feedback rumble everybody loves (and missed). Plus it adds some heft to the controller; the original SIXAXIS just feels like it’s empty, ready to float away. Then again, when your gamer is throwing the controller at the screen after dying for the 90th time while playing Demon’s Souls, you may wish you hadn’t bought the hefty version, after all. You can get it in Black, Silver, Blue or Red or in the Japanese White (pictured) or Silver. The Japanese versions work with the American PS3s, don’t worry.
Homedics Shiatsu Massage Cushion with Heat
Gaming is hard work. Give your gamer some much needed relief with a motorized Shiatsu back massager so you don’t have to do it. Now you just need to tackle that slouching…
Cyborg Robotic Gaming Keyboard
I know I focus on console gaming a bit too much, so here’s some stuff for the PC gamer. This keyboard is insane. Your gamer’s gamer friends will be envious, I promise.
CyberPower High-Speed 7 Port USB Hub
I’m not even a console gamer and I have one of these. Why? Keyboard, mouse, two external harddrives, the iPod Touch, a scanner, my dSLR camera, my phone charger/sync cable and the PS2 controller with the USB adapter. All of them together equal the 7 ports on the hub, plus one. If your gamer is anything like me a nice powered USB hub would be a blessing.
Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset
7.1 surround-sound headphones. No, that’s not a joke. Okay, yeah, I’m suggesting these for gaming but… can you imagine Dark Side of the Moon with these puppies? If your gamer isn’t using them, you just may want to snag ‘em.
Sennheiser RS 130 Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones changed my home life (almost as much as getting married did). Sennheiser makes really great headphones. Not infrared; works through walls. Handy if you want to walk around the house with them on and not have to worry about draining your iPod or phone’s battery. I like to use them when I’m doing chores around the house. I can put on Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me podcast and my laundry gathering and folding doesn’t interrupt my weekly dose of liberal snark.
Monty Python’s Holy Trinity [Holy Grail, Life of Brian and Meaning of Life]
If your gamer doesn’t like Monty Python, you may want to think about changing models; yours is obviously defective. On the other hand, if your gamer is in good working order and does like Monty Python, this collection would take a revered and honored place in the media cabinet. At least, that is, until the Blurays come out.
Blade Runner (Bluray)
Most gamers in generation X or Y can relate to the stark, commodified, postmodern wasteland of Blade Runner. Get the Bluray and make a disaffected pomo gamer’s holiday season a slightly lighter shade of gray.
Sunshine (Bluray)
If your gamer is a geek this is a must-buy. Then again, if your gamer isn’t a geek, why have you gotten this far on the list? It’s a great sci-fi film that has some actually, potentially, theoretically and shockingly true science in it, even though it’s about hurling a bomb into the center of the sun to re-charge it. Oh, did I mention it’s directed by Danny Boyle, the guy who did Trainspotting? And written by Alex Garland, the guy who wrote 28 Days Later and The Beach? You’re welcome.
Dexter (Seasons 1-3) (Bluray)
Dexter and the following two television series are smart shows for smart people. I’m assuming that your gamer is smart. I know what happens when you assume, but from what I’ve seen about gamers both in life and in the research literature, it’s a safe bet. Not for the kiddies.
Fringe (Season 1) (Bluray)
Constantly makes you ask the following question: “Okay, so why do I think that wouldn’t work?” Your gamer will love it. If your gamer doesn’t love Walter and want him to be the crazy uncle of the family, there’s something wrong. Does Massive Dynamic remind you a bit of Google, too?
Lie To Me (Season 1) (Bluray)
Again, a smart show for smart people. Your gamer just might be interested in learning more about the science in the show. If so, you may want to purchase some of the work of Paul Ekman, in particular ….
The Book of General Ignorance
If your gamer is also a trivia buff (or just simply smug) this is the perfect on-the-toilet reading material. Topics include: the largest thing a whale can swallow (a grapefruit; sorry Biblical literalists… unless Jonah was the size of a citrus fruit, he didn’t get swallowed), how long a chicken can live without a head (two years), the most dangerous animal in the world (the female mosquito) and why moths fly around flames and lights (it’s disorienting, not attractive). If that doesn’t sell you, it’s related to Stephen Fry’s Quite Interesting project.
The Complete Manual of Things That Might Kill You
Under no circumstances should you actually give this to an actual hypochondriac. Seriously. If your gamer is entertained by the thought of telling someone they may have yellow fever judging by a flushed face, this is a perfect gift. Here’s a good example. Gamer: “Got a runny nose, huh?” Unfortunate friend: “Yeah, got a bit of a cold, I’m afraid.” Gamer: “Or you have Hodgkin’s disease. That’s cancer, you know.” Again, be careful to whom you gift this book.
How to Traumatize Your Children
Hey, gamers have kids, too. Or, perhaps you and your gamer are thinking about making little baby gamers sometime soon and you want to make sure your children are sufficiently disturbed. Good news. Here’s an excerpt from page 35: “…never respond to your child in a predictable way. If your child gets a C+, for example, try to pitch a fit one semester, grounding him for two weeks, and the next semester let him know that you understand that he tried his best. This will nurture your child’s fear of the unknown, and gradually he will start hiding things from you and declining to seek your counsel, both of which will point him in ever more problematic life directions.” Indispensable for creating a decisively screwed up next generation. Do your part.
Absinthe Accessories Starter Kit
Your gamer has probably seen From Hell (the original graphic novel isn’t a bad gift idea, either) and, if your gamer is of legal drinking age in your state or country, maybe an invitation to chase the green fairy would be a nice gift idea. The kit comes with a Pontarlier glass and the classic absinthe spoon. You may also want to get some sugar cubes, while you’re at it, to finish the mise en scène. Of course, if you live in the United States, it can be pretty tough to find the actual absinthe, a 136 proof anise-flavored liquor with essense of wormwood. Then again, the resourceful will surely find a way.
Rubik’s Cube
Retro gamer geeks will really appreciate this gift. There’s not a whole lot more to say about it. If anything, it’s a nice conversation piece. Maybe use it as a stocking stuffer.
Rubik’s Professor Cube
Or, maybe your gamer must, and I mean must, complete every challenge offered and that wimpy little 3×3x3 Rubik’s cube is relative child’s play. How about a 5×5x5 Rubik’s cube? Know how many states a 5×5x5 Rubik’s cube can be in? Lots. That’s how many.
Hellraiser Puzzle Box
Or maybe your gamer isn’t into the Rubik’s cube and prefers something a bit more… sinister. Can’t go wrong with the Lament Configuration. Sooth your gamer’s inner Pinhead. Of course, if your gamer is a true Clive Barker fan, there’s always Undying, Jericho and the Hellraiser box set.
Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks: An Epic Quest for Reality Among Role Players, Online Gamers, and Other Dwellers of Imaginary Realms
Your gamer may feel like an outsider. Your gamer may keep that AD&D dungeonmaster book hidden away, a dark little secret. This book will fix all that. Help your gamer come to terms with that inner self. You’ll be thanked for it.
Zaireeka
For the gamer, this is more than just an album; it’s a test. Your gamer will spend all day trying to work out how to get 4 cds to play at the exact same time. Yes, it’s 4 cds that, when played together, create something wonderous. It’s a tremendous bump in geek cred, I promise you.
Gashlycrumb Tinies Poster
Obscurity and randomness are often things gamers are drawn to. Doesn’t get much more random and obscure than Edward Gorey’s Gashlycrumb Tinies. This is the poster, but it’s originally a book. (Here’s a look at the contents in full, if you want to take a gander.)
Subscription to Wired magazine
This is the single greatest magazine being published right now. It’s aimed at the techno-culture, the geeks, the gamers, the innovators, the futurists, and it succeeds in what it sets out to do. This is a one-year non-renewing subscription. Auto-renewable subscriptions are available. Check out Wired.com for a look at what you can find inside. Just having a copy of Wired magazine sitting around the house speaks volumes, I assure you.
Devil Duckies
Even gamers occasionally take a bath. Who wants a normal, ol’ yellow duckie when you can have a Ninja duckie? Or a Pirate duckie? Or even a glow-in-the-dark Zombie duckie? Perfect stocking stuffers.
Swords
Yes, swords. Display only, of course. They’re dulled. What, you thought you could get three actual, real, sharp, weapon-ready swords for $30? Only on the black market, my friend. Your gamer, however, will proudly display these and constantly talk about the best boyfriend/girlfriend/parents/whatever in the world.
8-bit Dynamic Life Shirt
Okay, sure, it’s a little geeky, but… what on this list isn’t? You’ll likely recognize the hearts from Zelda. When you and your gamer are both wearing the shirts and you get close to one another the hearts all fill up. Likewise, when you move away, they deplete to about half. (You can also get a remote that will act like another shirt that you can place wherever you like… in case you just want to get one shirt for your gamer and not wear one yourself. If so, I completely understand.) Here’s the full-size picture.
I Love my Gamer Womens tee
Girls, get this for yourself and show the world you’re proud to be with a gamer. Guys, get it for your girls and force her to make people believe she’s happy being with a gamer. Either way, everybody wins! …right? (Lesbian gaming couples could buy two; guys and gay male gaming couples, sorry, this is a women’s fitted tee only but, hey, if you like the fit, who am I to question?).
Complete Oxford English Dictionary
Yes, the complete Oxford English Dictionary, printed in one book. No, it’s not a miracle or black magic. It’s micrographically printed text and a magnifying glass. Yes, it’s almost impossible to use and no it serves no real purpose, as www.oed.com has the entire dictionary online, but… how freakin’ cool is this? Honestly. If your gamer is also a geek (especially if your gamer is an English major geek) this is like the Holy Grail.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Girls, if you love the intricate and subtle pastoral world of Jane Austin’s work but your boyfriend gamer only loves the desolate and terrible world of George A. Romero, congratulations, we have reached a place of agreement. Guys gamers, get this for your girls and offer an olive branch. “Zombies?” You may be asking, “Really? How could that even possibly make sense?” Well, I ask you this: did you ever figure out why those troops were stationed at Hertfordshire? Ah, hah…
Introduction to Video Game Design and Development (with CD)
So your gamer plays all the time but expresses no other real aspirations. Sound familiar at all? If so, there’s always a chance your gamer could start a career based on gaming. This is a good book to kick-start that journey. Who knows, it could be your gamer’s first step to greatness.
The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design
Maybe your gamer is more interested in the storyline and character building of the video games than the actual coding and construction of the game engine. Not to fear. This is a great primer for just that. It’s no replacement for a college degree in game design, of course, but you gotta start somewhere.
My Alphabet by Trevor Brown
Gamer geeks need coffee table books, too, you know. Show everybody that your gamer has both impeccable taste in the bizarre and a finger on the pulse of contemporary pop art. Trevor Brown’s work is well known to a select group. It’s quite possible that your gamer’s jaw will drop when this book is unwrapped. Also, don’t show this to the more conservative of your friends or family; it’s not for kids, despite its title.
The Tree Show by Mark Ryden
Another coffee table book idea for the gamer geek in your life. Mark Ryden is a lot like Trevor Brown (or maybe it’s the other way around…) and the manga-inspired artwork is something to behold. Less disturbing than a Witkin book but more obsure than a collection of Ansel Adams photos. Here’s a little glimpse into the mind of Mark Ryden, the Artist Statement contained in his 2001 book Anima Mundi: “A few years ago while working very late one night, the distinct smell walnuts in the air broke my concentration. It was very quiet. A strange breeze gently blew through my studio. I suddenly became aware of something on my shoulder. Surprisingly, I was not startled to find a wee Abraham Lincoln sitting right there on my shoulder. We looked at each other for just a moment. Then he very softly whispered in my ear ‘paint meat.’”
Clocky Alarm Clock with Wheels
Does your gamer stay up late, erm, gaming and have a hard time awaking up in the morning? Does the snooze button have a worn-spot in the middle? Yeah, me too. Clocky actually runs away from you. It’s brilliant. The alarm goes off and, vroom, there it goes. You have to chase it down to turn it off. So, not only is it very effective, it’s the perfect little novelty gadget for the gamer geek in your life. It comes in a number of colors, by the way.
BioBrite Sunrise Clock with White Noise
Or, maybe your gamer isn’t so receptive to being forced to chase an alarm clock around the room with one eye open. This clock is wonderful, especially for those who live in places where it’s still dark when you need to get up. The light gradually gets brighter and brighter, effectively tricking your gamer’s body into thinking the sun is coming up. Biologically, our circadian rhythm responds best to this. Tell your gamer it’s the ultimate bodyhack and Cranky McSleepyhead will be banished.
Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Leather Case
A gamer should never be unprepared. The Leatherman is the gold standard of multitools, something a gamer geek (especially a gamer geek who is forced to randomly fix computers of family and friends) should never be without. It’s a little expensive, but in this case you really do get what you pay for. Short list of tools: two pliers, wire cutters, two knives, scissors, diamond-coated file, screwdrivers, wire strippers, drivers, lanyard, and it’s only four inches long (hey, that’s not nice… you shouldn’t laugh at that).
NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Light
Gamers aren’t known for their prediliction for outdoor activities. Yes, it’s totally superfluous and probably only really handy if your gamer has psoriasis, but… it’s neat, right?

Well, that’s the list. I have no doubt that at least something here will prove to be a good buy for the gamer in your life. Perhaps you’re just looking for something nice to get yourself. Or, maybe you’re trying to create a gamer. You could do worse.

As for the Amazon Prime, it really is a great idea. I love it. Amazon has just about everything (evidenced by this list) and Prime gives you free (yes, free) two-day shipping, or the option to do one-day shipping for four bucks. There’s no limit to the number of things you can order or the number of times. I know this sounds like a sales pitch, but I’m really just touting the benefits of using a service that I was hesitant to use at first, but have found myself really enjoying over the past year. If you sign up you’ll get one month free (I think it’s one month) and the chance to cancel it. But, hey, one month is more than long enough to order all your holiday gifts and not pay shipping. Nice, right?

Let me know what you thought about the list. Responses are always welcome!

Happy holidays, everybody!

http://bit.ly/4OQE2g)