'I used to be a video game writer, so I know it's hard to find good and affordable gifts for loved ones at Christmas' - Shopping Writer Meghan outlines her top picks to gift gamers this holiday
With the Christmas shopping period fast approaching, it's always difficult to know what to buy a loved one that they can use, enjoy or appreciate - especially when it comes to gamers. And with tech products coming with larger price tags, not blowing the bank on a handful of presents can be a challenge. But don't worry - I'm here to help.
I used to be a video game writer and am fairly confident in my gift-picking abilities when it comes to gaming must-haves and accessories, so shopping for my Xbox-devoted boyfriend shouldn't be a problem.
If you're going to be shopping for a significant other, family member or friend who's a die-hard gamer, and you're looking for present inspo, look no further! I've listed below my top picks that are sure to make the ideal present for the gamer in your life this Christmas, with prices that are suited to all budgets.
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1. Colour changing lights
A safe start, straight off the bat, colour-changing lights are an easy and affordable way to step up any games room - whether your gift-recipient is a console fan or a PC player, colour-changing lights can easily elevate a space and offer an engaging experience for gameplay, be it in a futuristic first-person shooter, or an atmospheric RPG from Ubisoft.
And why blow the bank when you can grab a 2-pack from Debenhams for the wallet-friendly cost of £25? Remote control operated, these beauties can easily slide behind any TV or monitor, and be rigged to match the colours on the screen at any time, filling the room with the immersive colour palette of the world they're exploring.
Plus these LED light bars are sound-activated, making them ideal for amping up a fight scene or the enchanting setting of their favourite fantasy title.
If you're worried these light bars won't cut it, you can pick up a 10m strip of LED lights that can easily be attached to any monitor or television with adhesive tape, and can also be linked to the screen for interactivity, for £39.99 on Amazon.
2. Headset stand
Another considerably inexpensive buy, and one that is likely to be useful if your loved one doesn't already own one. Whether your special someone is an Xbox fan like mine, or if they sway more to PlayStation, you can bag a charging stand that suits their controllers and falls under £40. The model I'll be grabbing, for my boyfriend's Xbox controllers, is from Argos - but they have a PlayStation variant too.
Both offer a convenient and practical solution to storing controllers out of the way and keeping them fully charged for the next Battle Royale on Fortnight. With space for up to four controllers, this gaming locker also offers a handy place to dock their headphones after a long game and has a nifty storage compartment that's perfect for storing any spare battery packs, cables or other devices they want kept safe and tidy. Plus, the designated Xbox or PlayStation design on the exterior adds bonus points for style and is sure to match the vibes of any gamer's set-up.
3. Gaming headset
Anyone who's read my top tech buys from Prime Day or Amazon Gaming Week will know that these are a constant feature on my lists - and I'll never stop raving about them. As an owner of the Razer V3 gaming headset myself, alongside other members of my family, I can confidently say this beauty is top quality for a low cost. Plus, if you shop them right now on Amazon, you can save a delightful £10 in this flash sale.
Boasting thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon, you can claim these "really comfortable" beauties, which have shoppers raving "These headphones are by far the best I've had" while they're on offer, and enjoy a sound quality that I've found to be unrivalled.
Though they lack Bluetooth connectivity, this headset and mic combo certainly make up for it with their revolutionary surround sound and noise cancelling, for the optimum gameplay day or night. Whether the person you're buying for already has a headset or not, you can't go wrong with this gem - plus, thanks to the USB port, these headphones are universal, so it doesn't matter if your loved one is a console or PC die-hard, they can still enjoy the crisp mic and beautifully immersive sound of this must-have Razor headset.
Or, if you're looking for a little more bang for your bank and don't mind the cost, you can grab this wireless Logitech set for £84.99 from John Lewis.
4. Gaming chair
If the gamer you're shopping for often sits on their bed, sofa or the nearest available chair, that isn't designed for prolonged periods of hunching over controllers in front of a screen - this is sure to be a great pick for you and your loved one this Christmas.
Falling on the larger side of things, this pick for gaming chairs falls under £100 and is sure to upgrade any mancave or gaming setup with the ultimate comfort and support any gamer could want or need for long sessions in Halo or Palworld.
Plus, this model from GTPlayer can seamlessly double as the ideal desk chair for work, too. And for bonus points, it has plenty of colourways to choose from, so you can ensure you get their favourite colour to match their room's aesthetic - I'll be shopping the purple picks.
Grab the chair that I'll be bagging in my Christmas shopping while it's sporting a mega discount that's plummeted the price from £124 to £98 in Amazon's flash sale.
5. For PC gamers
As I said, I'm personally in luck when it comes to the significant other I'll be shopping for, as he's sworn to his Xbox console. But, there is a good chance you'll be shopping for PC gamers this festive season, and there are still plenty of options to choose from.
If you missed Amazon's Prime Day deals earlier this month, you may have lost your chance at getting overly expensive graphics cards or core processors with a significant discount, but there are plenty of peripheries to shop that won't cost a fortune.
Some must-haves to shop from reliable brands, that can never go wrong, are things like a new keyboard that's been designed with gaming in mind - like this one from Redragon for £65. Or an ergonomic gaming mouse from Logitech, which can easily integrate into any desk space as an essential, but especially for a desktop gamer.
And for those not watching their spending this holiday season, you can always invest in a top-quality monitor from Samsung or Koorui, that not only promises an unbeatable experience in all the latest games but promises longevity and versatility for gamers and remote workers alike - though, depending on your budget, you'll have to consider resolution, refresh rates and size, otherwise you could be looking at price tags in the high hundreds.
