Top 12 Christmas gifts for gamers

Buying for gamers can be tricky, especially if you’re not one yourself. Whether they play on PC, console or mobile, we’ve got you covered for presents a whole lot more impressive than the default strategy guide.

Even better, they’re all available now (or in the next week) and in the UK. Shop away.

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1. Destiny-inspired Map of the Heavens

Destiny print Firebox

 

Destiny is known in part for its beautiful artwork, and this framed print is a stunning homage to that. Gorgeous enough that you’ll still appreciate it if you haven’t played the game, yet with subtle nods to those in the know, this is leagues ahead of your standard peeling-corners Mario poster.

Available framed or unframed, in two sizes. Large framed print £39 from Firebox.

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2. Zelda ocarina, bag and songbook

Zelda ocarina

If the gamer in your life never quite got over finishing Ocarina of Time, or if, like me, they still feel a stab of nostalgia when they hear the tune, this is a thoughtful gift. It’s a fully playable professional ocarina (alto C) with triforce branding, and comes with its own bag and songbook. All together now: da daaa, da da-da-da-da-DA, da da-da-da-DA, da da da-da daaa…

£37.99 (including bag and book) from Etsy. And the seller’s in the UK, so no costly customs.

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3. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ‘Casino Nights’ dress

Sonic dress

Another product that sets MIDI-esque music playing in our heads, this beautiful Sonic dress is guaranteed to delight the retro gamer in your life. It’s perfectly pixellated, nicely flattering and even reversible. Yes please.

£35 from Insert Coin

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4. Surgeon Simulator bedding

Surgeon Simulator bedding

Guaranteed to come top of Dr. Nigel’s Christmas list is this bedding set based on the gory but popular operation game. Give your gaming buddy the priceless opportunity to play the part of patient Bob, waking up screaming every day to find their innards being attacked by hammers. Merry Christmas!

A slightly eye-watering £60.69 for twin beds (single is sold out) from RedBubble

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5. Portal earrings

Portal earrings

Now you’re gifting with portals! These epic earrings make your head look like a portal, which is almost as good as getting a real Companion Cube for Christmas. OK, not quite, but at least there’ll probably be cake this year.

£10.99 from Gamerabilia

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6. Mario hat

mario hat

It’s-a me, your Christmas present! We can’t think of many gamers who wouldn’t love this official replica of Mario’s signature bonce-warmer, but if you’re buying for a little brother, you might want to go for the Luigi one instead.

£9.99 from the Nintendo UK store

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7. The Art of Videogames

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Produced after the popular Smithsonian exhibition, the Art of Video Games book takes a close look at the graphics and visual styling of 80 games from retro to recent. There are interviews with influential designers, too. Ideal for the aspiring videogame artist, or the gamer who has everything.

£30.00 (hardcover) from Amazon

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8. Minecraft torch

minecraft torch

OK, so buying someone a torch for Christmas doesn’t sound great. But when it’s as cool as this, we think you’ll get away with it. This officially licensed replica brings a bit of the Minecraft universe into ours – and since it’s battery-powered, can be wall-mounted easily too.

£29.99 from Gamerabilia

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9. Assassin’s Creed Unity top

Assassin's Creed Unity top

In classic French red, blue and white, this hooded top is pretty stylish for gaming merch. You can also get it personalised with the recipient’s gamer ID on the back – but we think it’s nicer without.

£19.99 from Gamer Heaven

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10. Sony GCM10 Game Control Mount

Playstation remote play mount

If you’re buying for a PS4 fan, you can’t go far wrong with this controller mount. It lets them use a smartphone or tablet as a remote screen for the PlayStation, meaning they can veg out in bed playing on the PS4 downstairs. Sadly, it only works with Sony Xperia Z3 phones and tablets, but if the person you’re buying for has the magical combo of Sony hardware, this is a guaranteed hit.

£34.99 from Amazon from December 2nd

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11. DotA 2 Meepo cowl

DotA 2 Meepo cowl

Meepo isn’t exactly what we’d call cute, but this official cowl definitely is. Plus it’s nice and cosy, increasing your favourite DotA 2 fan’s magic resistance to cold ears by at least 35%.

£22.99 from Amazon

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12. Gaming Christmas jumpers

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If you’ll be handing out pressies slightly before Christmas (it’s a bit rubbish getting a Christmas jumper on the last day you can wear it), this is a KO gift for any retro gamer. In PlayStation, Street Fighter and Sonic designs, these have sold out at lots of retailers, so grab one while you can.

 £29.99 at GAME

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Holly Brockwell

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