Gifts for the Gamer Who Already Owns Every Console

Every year someone asks me, "What do I get my brother, he already has everything?" And every year I see people panic-buy a random game the person already owns. Here's a better list, built from what gamers in my life actually use months later.

Under $30

**A good controller charging dock.** Dead controllers are a universal gamer pain. A dock with two slots looks tidy and gets used daily.

**Cable management kit.** Sounds boring. Every gamer with a messy desk secretly wants one. Velcro ties, a cable tray, adhesive clips.

**A soundtrack on vinyl or a game art print.** For fans of a specific game, this hits harder than another T-shirt. Check that it's officially licensed.

$30 to $75

**A large desk mat.** Covers the whole desk, protects it, makes the setup look clean. Choose a subtle design unless you know their taste.

**A backlight LED strip for their TV or monitor.** Cheap, easy to install, and it makes dark-room gaming easier on the eyes.

**A digital gift card for their platform.** Not lazy if you pair it with a note about a game they mentioned. It's the one gift that's never wrong.

$75 to $150

**A comfortable headset stand plus a better pair of earpads.** Small upgrades that make long sessions nicer.

**A collectible figure from their favorite series.** Ask a friend of theirs which characters they love. More on figures in our collectibles guides.

**A quality gaming chair cushion or footrest.** Gamers sit a lot. Their backs will thank you.

What to avoid

• Games, unless you're 100 percent sure they don't own it. Digital libraries are invisible.
• "Gamer" novelty items with big logos and nothing else. They end up in a closet.
• Generic RGB everything. Some people love it, many don't.

The sneaky research trick

Look at their setup in photos, or ask what annoys them about it. "My controller keeps dying" or "my desk is a mess" are gift ideas in disguise.

Where to buy

Amazon has the widest range of accessories and fast shipping for last-minute gifts. Target carries gift cards for every platform and a solid gaming accessories section. GameStop has collectibles, merch and gift cards, plus staff who know the games. Walmart is great for chargers, cables and budget accessories.

Verdict

Solve a small daily annoyance or celebrate a game they love. Either beats a random game they already own.