It is worth noting that, contrary to popular belief, you can choose a great gift for a gamer, a man or a boy, even on a small budget. Just don’t put this task off until the last minute and you will have enough time to consider various options and settle on the most optimal one.
Game as a gift
Art for the game World of Warcraft
If you know exactly what genre the recipient of your gift prefers, or you know that the person is a fan of a certain game series , then the gift will almost definitely be on topic.
Please note that some games are not suitable for all gaming platforms, for example, some are only available for consoles, while others are only available for computers. Also pay attention to the system requirements of the games.
What you can buy from already released games:
Before purchasing, make sure that your man does not already have such a game.
- Cyberbunk 2077 is the most anticipated game of last year. The metropolis of the future, power, luxury, Keanu Reeves - the rest simply had no chance.
- Doom Eternal - This is Doom. The best shooter released by people at their best.
- Crusader Kings III - Does your man dream of taking over the world? A calm and reasonable lover of global strategies will be delighted.
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla - A fearless warrior will have to lead his clan from icy Norway and conquer the fertile lands of England.
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order - An ideal gift for fans of the saga. The player will engage in cinematic battles using the same lightsabers and the Force, which are designed to convey all the intensity of the exciting battles from the Star Wars films.
- The Outer Worlds - The player awakens after decades of sleep on a settler ship that has gone missing on its way to a distant colony on the edge of the galaxy, and immediately finds itself at the center of a massive conspiracy.
What you can promise or pre-order:
Promising does not mean making excuses and looking like you forgot about the gift, but came up with the idea of giving it at the last moment. Make something like a coupon or a playful receipt stating that you undertake to purchase what you want on time. In addition, this way you will know for sure that your man has not yet had time to play this very game. And yes, very often they give cool in-game gifts for pre-orders, which is a nice bonus.
- Total War: Warhammer III is the dramatic finale to the Total War: Warhammer trilogy. The games in this series simply cannot be bad.
- Mass Effect Legendary Edition
is a restart of the super popular series, where the visual component has been taken to the absolute level - Resident Evil: Village - if you like to spend cold winter evenings watching horror movies together, the Resident Evil series will appeal to him. By the way, a new game is about to be released. The creators promise that it will be very atmospheric.
Game console
A PC is ideal for gaming – as long as it doesn’t involve exclusives. PS4 will be a great gift for a gamer who wants to enjoy God of War, Marvel's Spider-Man, Uncharted 4 and Detroit: Become Human. Xbox One X, although it shares a library of titles with Windows 10, will make gaming more comfortable, because playing on the couch with a gamepad in your hands is much more convenient than sitting at a table (but this depends on the game, of course).
In turn, next-gen consoles are a relatively cheap way to enjoy new games in high definition, with comfortable fps and even ray tracing!
Today, when prices for PC components skyrocket, and the cost of the average gaming build exceeds a thousand dollars, a console for four hundred dollars becomes more than a profitable purchase for a gamer. Of course, shortages and price gouging are also relevant for this segment, but still in 2021, an entire console that can be connected to a TV and played is more affordable than just a video card, which requires other computer components to operate.
Don't know which console is better? Here you will find articles that will help you make the right choice. For example, a comparison of the capabilities of PS4 Pro and Xbox One X - the most powerful consoles today. Or a list of the best games for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
As for next-gen, here you can find reviews of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, a detailed comparison of these consoles weighing the pros and cons of each platform, as well as a comparison of the current and outgoing generations of consoles: Xbox Series X vs Xbox One , PlayStation 5 vs PlayStation 4. You may not find more detailed materials anywhere else!
If you already have a console, then there are options for gifts here too. A PlayStation owner will probably be happy to renew their PS Plus subscription, and an Xbox One user will love the Xbox Game Pass subscription. The main thing is not to confuse the platforms!
Finally, another gift option would be a portable console or a retro console. The first will brighten up trips on the subway and boring lectures, the second will allow you to briefly return to childhood and enjoy your favorite games of the 90s. The list of such devices is extensive, but we would recommend focusing on the SNES Classic - perhaps the best choice for fans of retro gaming.
Collector's version of the game
The Collector's Edition or Digital Special Edition is the same game with additional gifts. They can be either in-game or include physical objects: art books, figurines.
With the help of resale sites, you can find collectible versions of old, but incredibly popular and beloved games by many. Nowadays such boxes cost quite impressive sums.
If your man is a fan of a particular game or is looking forward to a new product , then the collector's version is the perfect gift.
Example of a Collector's Edition game set
PC upgrade
Is your boyfriend complaining that your video card no longer provides comfortable fps in online shooters? Are you annoyed by long level loading times in your favorite Witcher? Can't compete on equal terms with your opponents due to an old monitor limited to 60 Hz? Fork out and give him what he needs for sufficient PC performance.
Of course, this option is acceptable if you are not strapped for finances - PC components are quite expensive these days, and buying a gaming video card can hit your budget hard.
In addition, the issue of replacing computer components should be approached very seriously: a brand new AMD Ryzen will become useless for a system assembled for Intel processors, just as an M.2 SSD cannot be inserted into a motherboard that is not equipped with the appropriate connector.
Articles from the “Gaming Peripherals and Hardware” section on Cubiq will help you make the right choice of components, but we also recommend consulting with the gift recipient so that your gift will be useful and not gather dust on a distant shelf.
Accessories for the game
A good and practical gift would be the purchase of a good gaming accessory. A good example is a gaming mouse pad, which often reaches impressive sizes. And it’s difficult to make a mistake when buying it.
It is much more difficult to choose a gamepad, a special mouse, keyboard, or headset, but you can think about them, especially if you take someone knowledgeable about this with you to the store.
There are even special versions of sets of gaming peripherals for computers, made in the same style.
An example of a similar version for fans of the game Battlefield 4
Subscription to a cloud gaming service
Gaming in the cloud is a good alternative to buying a console or gaming PC. Of course, this is only true if you have stable and high-speed Internet. The modern market offers several cloud services of varying degrees of readiness: for example, GFN.RU (a branch of GeForce Now for Russia and the CIS countries) and Playkey can be used right now, Project xCloud will have to wait, and it’s better not to rush with Google Stadia just yet.
Useful gizmo
Lighters, keychains, diaries, calendars, phone cases, mugs - useful little things that can display a reference to your favorite game.
Mug with Assassin's Creed print
An iPhone case that Skyrim fans will definitely appreciate
Just don't mess up the little things - in some games, players are divided into factions for which they need to fight. No one wants to receive a souvenir with the symbols of their enemy as a gift!
The irreconcilable opponents in the game are representatives of the Alliance and the Horde. You can't tell them apart in real life... But T-shirts can fix everything!
Thermal paste
Games put a lot of stress on the system. Overheating can not only damage your computer, but also cause it to run slowly. How many keyboards have been broken due to freezing at the most important moment of the game...
Even if the computer is completely new, thermal paste will not be superfluous. In any case, it is better to always keep it in reserve.
We suggest you pay attention to inexpensive, but one of the best thermal pastes for your money. It is so cool that it is suitable for both the processor and video card. The asking price is 4 bucks.
As a bonus, the package includes a plastic spatula for applying thermal paste.
Go to the seller's page
Figurine? Okay, figurine
The figurine is a very special “useless thing” . What's so special about it? Figures are collectibles, they often cost considerable sums, they allow you to literally touch your favorite hero, and they also bring great aesthetic pleasure to people who are seriously interested in games.
The main thing is to find out what your loved one’s favorite toy is, and then everything is simple - order a gift via the Internet.
Diablo Series Antagonist Figure
Beautiful Sylvanas from the game World of Warcraft
Collection of figures of characters from the game Mass Effect
In addition, the figure is one of the best options for fans of MOBA : Dota2, League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm, etc. Among them you can find a lot of budget, but cute little things.
Stylized figures of Slark, Tiny, Doom and Venga from the game Dota 2
Top 5 DIY birthday gifts for gamers
It’s not for nothing that they say that the best gift is the one made with your own hands, which is why we offer you the top 5 birthday gifts for gamers made with your own hands. You don’t just have to buy a beautiful and original gift in a store; show your imagination and you will succeed.
- Original watercolor mug. Knowing a man’s tastes, it won’t be difficult for you to beautifully design a mug that will become his favorite. To do this, you will need a regular white mug, nail polish, and a container of warm water. Add a drop of varnish to a container of water, immerse the mug in it, pull it out and wipe off excess moisture. If necessary, remove excess with nail polish remover. Repeat the procedure several more times, experimenting with different colors. Let the mug dry. The original gift is ready.
- Postcard in the form of a shirt and tie. This interesting gift can be used as an envelope for money or you can write a holiday greeting on it. To create it you will need colored cardboard or A4 paper, bright paper and a ribbon for ten minutes. Step-by-step instructions can be found on the Internet. A bright present will not go unnoticed.
Read also: What to give to a rich guy
- Bouquet of fish “Snack” for real men. Beer lovers will definitely appreciate this gift. To prepare it you need dried fish, wooden skewers, rough-textured wrapping paper or newspaper, tape, tape or twine. Tape the fish at the base of the tail to a skewer, tie all the fish together with a rope or elastic band. The more fish, the more magnificent the bouquet will be. Wrap with wrapping paper or secure with newspaper and tape or twine. A great addition to the bouquet would be a few cans of beer.
- Original coffee table made of tires. To make such a gift we will need an old tire, rope, twine or decorative cord, a glue gun, wheels, two plywood circles with a diameter slightly smaller than the tire. Attach plywood circles at the top and bottom, then cover with rope. Treat the finished product with a finishing coating.
- Warm sweater slippers. An old unnecessary thing can be very useful in making a new practical thing. To prepare warm soft slippers for a gift, you will need an old tightly knitted sweater, scissors, paper, pins, a skein of wool yarn, and a gypsy needle. Make a pattern and cut out the sole. Place the sweater sleeve on your leg and select the required length. Cut the sleeve slightly diagonally. Connect with a sole on which you can sew thin rubber, leather, silicone so that the slippers do not slip. Decorate the top with buttons and bows.
Nostalgic item
Remember the era of the birth of computer games and your childhood: Battletoads, Mario, Ninja Turtles, Pac-Man ... Now the heroes of these games are not only not forgotten, on the contrary, with the legendary characters of these games you can buy a bunch of both fun and useful things.
A true gamer who remembers the golden age of the gaming industry will endlessly enjoy the characters from his distant childhood.
Night light in the form of a ghost from the game Pac-Man
Characters from famous games that you can collect yourself
Famous Sonic
Cake. This gift is not only very cool, but also very tasty!
Gaming laptop
A laptop is, first of all, about mobility: a stationary PC is unlikely to be taken on a trip, but a laptop is easy! And if it is also a gaming model, then you can also download The Witcher, Sekiro or Euro Truck Simulator 2 onto it, depending on your preferences.
Modern gaming laptops are no longer the heavyweight giants of yesteryear: modern technology allows manufacturers to produce thin, light and powerful gadgets. Yes, this is not the cheapest gift, but your boyfriend will certainly appreciate it.
Don't know which laptop to choose? Check out our recommendations in the gaming gadgets reviews section - you are sure to find a model that suits your budget and requirements!
Console
No, we are not talking about modern consoles (although this is a good gift, but very expensive). We propose to continue the idea of nostalgia - buy second-hand or from various Chinese sites that same console from childhood. And, of course, a set of cartridges for it.
There is nothing better than plunging into your childhood for a couple of evenings, forgetting about problems and worries, becoming a 10-year-old boy who is going through the Ninja Turtles again.
By the way, another funny and cute gift is Tetris. Yes, yes, the same one that was so popular in the 90s.
Computer armrest
When you sit at the computer for a long time and constantly click the mouse, your hand gets tired. That's why we came up with this armrest, which is attached to the edge of the table. The design is ergonomic, comfortable and durable. Made from ABS plastic. It can be rotated for greater comfort.
The device reduces pressure on the wrist, minimizes stress on the muscles and tendons of the arm, shoulder and neck. Significantly reduces static tension and fatigue, and also prevents the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The perfect thing for work or play and a valuable gift for those you care about. It easily attaches to the table and moves to the side when not needed, so as not to disturb passers-by. The computer armrest costs less than 7 bucks.
Go to the seller's page
Keeping company is also a gift!
Probably the most heartfelt and sincere gift for your favorite gamer on our list is to try to share his passion. At least for one evening. Most likely, he will be pleased to tell a loved one about his hobby, feel like a more experienced player, and show you a piece of his world.
It's like a romantic evening with rose petals and candles, but in a gaming version!
And in long raids or fierce duels, coffee from the ChaiBuket.ru store will be a good way to cheer up.
Coffee “Bavarian chocolate”, 221 rub.
Set of quiet RGB case fans
High-quality cooling is an integral part of stable computer operation. But for a real gamer, the aesthetic side is also important. It’s not for nothing that all gaming components are made to look spectacular.
AliExpress has a very cool lot - a set of RGB coolers for the Aigo DR12 case. They are high quality, quiet and glow in all the colors of the rainbow. The main feature is that the kit includes a remote control that regulates the backlight. There are many adjustments: from brightness control to more than 360 different mods.
The fans are connected to a special controller using a unique 6-pin connector. Without it, you cannot connect the cooler to your computer.
You can buy a controller with a minimum number of fans for $24, and then buy additional ones separately for 7 bucks apiece. Up to eight coolers can be connected to one unit at the same time.
We don’t offer garbage, you can see this from almost 500 positive reviews on the seller’s page. But still, be careful: the computer case must have at least one transparent cover, otherwise all the beauty will not be visible.
Go to the seller's page
Interactive entertainment
In the soul of every boy - even if he already has grandchildren - there lives an indomitable thirst for adventure, so we invite you to give your men the opportunity to feel like they are in their favorite game.
What are the options? The simplest and most affordable is a gift certificate for a quest . Firstly, quests have reached even the smallest cities, so finding a company specializing in conducting them will not be difficult. Secondly, quests have amazing variability and choosing something in the theme you need is not a problem. Horror, detective, science fiction, fantasy, pirates: whatever your heart desires. True, the quest is not the cheapest pleasure (from 5 thousand rubles), but you can go to it with a group. In addition, if finances are really tight, then giving free rein to your imagination, it’s quite possible to organize a quest yourself - if you have the desire.
The second option is a membership to a climbing wall or indoor ropes course . A great gift for those who dream of trying on the role of a real adventurer like Indiana Jones or Nathan Drake. What can tickle your nerves and shake up your New Year's salads better than the opportunity to climb to the top of a sheer cliff or cross an abyss on a shaky rope bridge? So it seems to us that nothing is left - all that remains is to convince the men of this. Oddly enough, the cost of a subscription for a one-time visit to a climbing wall or rope park is very affordable - from 600 rubles. So this is a very affordable gift option even on the tightest budget.
The third option especially for fans of all kinds of shooters is a subscription to a shooting club or laser tag . Shooting from laser guns, a pistol, a bow, throwing axes and knives - there are many relatively safe and legal ways to feel like a participant in combat operations or a special agent. Renting a room for a whole company will certainly cost a tidy sum, but a subscription to shoot at a target for one person is not so expensive - from 1.5 thousand rubles, and laser tags often offer running on a common range with everyone for an absolutely symbolic amount: 10 min. — 200 rub.
Another interactive entertainment for fans of games like Counter Strike is the VR training ground . True, there is nothing like this anywhere except in Moscow, but if you live in the capital or decide to celebrate the New Year in Moscow, then why not try it. The price tag, however, is steep (10 minutes - 900 rubles), but maximum immersion in the game is simply guaranteed.
Gadgets
Gaming laptops and computers are the most expensive and beautiful. A great gift for a gamer if you bet on power. It is this factor that will determine how well the equipment can cope with heavy games at maximum graphic settings.
The monitor determines the clarity of game graphics. It is better to choose one with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. This indicator creates a picture that is close to reality without delays between human actions and the image on the screen.
Computer remote control
An indispensable gadget for your home PC and a good gift idea for a friend. The remote control remotely controls computer applications. The device does not require installation of additional drivers. The transmitter that comes with the kit is inserted into the USB connector of the PC and everything is ready for use.
Main remote control buttons (the number varies):
- Enter — confirmation of action;
- left and right mouse button;
- 4 programmable buttons - music, movies, gallery, TV;
- increase/decrease sound volume.
A large range of action (up to 30 meters) and compatibility with all manufacturers is simply a godsend for a good rest.
Laptop Cooling Pad
A gaming laptop is designed to withstand thermal stress. The exception is if the room is quite hot and the PC begins to reduce performance (overheating inside the case). To avoid such a problem, a stand with active cooling will come to the rescue, which will reduce the temperature to ten degrees. But this is not the only plus. It will also raise the level of the screen, which is relatively low to the face line for correct posture.
Four points to consider when purchasing an accessory.
- The size of the stand must match the laptop.
- Number and size of fans - ideally 2-3 pcs. large.
- Fan speed control - from minimum to maximum.
- USB power connector - additional charging port.
Cooling pads are not expensive since the device is simple, but they are a cool gift idea for Christmas or other holidays.
Wire holder
Gaming mouse wires rub against the table. This is a common problem, so a wire holder will come in handy.
Four nuances that should not be ignored when purchasing an accessory:
- boom height adjustment and quality of fastening of thin wires on rubberized tips;
- spring stiffness - if you jerk the mouse sharply, the holder should confidently stand in one place;
- rubberized foot - for good grip on the table;
- design - nice appearance.
This device is an interesting gift for a gamer. Built-in inputs for connecting a flash drive, mouse, microphone or other device replace a USB hub.
Interesting article: What to play during quarantine: 18 cool online games for PC
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
A high-quality mechanical keyboard for gaming switches is what every PC gamer dreams of. Yes, such pleasure is not cheap, but it is literally an indestructible thing that is bought for 5-10 years. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is an excellent option for “budget” mechanics. The steel frame and black color make it stylish and durable, and the red backlight looks stunning when the lights are off. One of the main advantages of the model is its compact size; there will be room for a mouse even on small tables.
Tabletop wargame
As we already wrote above, there are many fans of board games among gamers, and one of the varieties of this entertainment is wargames - board strategies that simulate military conflicts. And here, as in the CCG, there is an element of collecting, because the main element of the wargame are miniatures, which you carefully collect and paint by hand.
One of the youngest wargames is Malifaux 2E
, the plot of which is based on the history of an alternative Earth: elements of gothic, Victorian horror, steampunk and a little madness with the style of Wild Wild West guarantee thrills, and cards instead of traditional cubes - gameplay based on tactics and skillful use of resources. You can buy miniatures and card sets for Malifaux both on the publisher’s official website and in online board game stores.
Where does Warhammer
? From the portrait of the Emperor in our primers and, of course, the wargame. This rather respectable representative of the wargame genre will turn 35 years old in 2021! So, let’s conduct a very brief educational program on current areas of sexual love. For fans of classic fantasy settings, there are several branches: Age of Sigmar, which replaced the now closed Warhammer Fantasy, and a completely independent Blood Bowl, which is nothing more than a brutal medieval variation on the theme of American football. And for those who are closer to techno-fantasy and science fiction, Warhammer 40,000 will be to their taste with countless varieties of space marines and many other factions.
By the way, we can’t ignore the wonderful Raging Heroes
with their divinely beautiful miniatures. These fantasy and sci-fi beauties are very hard to resist! Especially if your home commander doesn’t mind tinkering with painting the miniatures.
There are a huge number of interesting and cool wargames, and we have listed only the most famous ones. But what they all have in common are consumables and tools. So if choosing miniatures seems like too much work, consider purchasing paints, brushes, etc. The most popular brands for paints are Citadel and Vallejo, and the latter has a much wider palette of colors.
Paints and other related products can be found, for example, here, here and there (from 120 rubles).
Gamepad
What to give to a gamer with a game console? A gamepad would be a good gift, so you can spend more time with a friend playing games together at his home. There are also wireless gamepads with Bluetooth functionality; they can also be connected to a computer.
Time to take stock. The list has come to an end on gamepads, but this does not mean that there are no other good gifts for computer game lovers. There can be countless such gifts, everything is limited only by your imagination.
HP Odyssey Backpack 15.6
In addition to all of the above, it makes sense to take a closer look at a backpack in which you can comfortably carry a laptop and various gadgets. This backpack from HP is designed specifically for transporting equipment, and therefore the manufacturer took maximum care of its protection - good fixation of the laptop, protection from moisture, ease of wearing, a lot of pockets for all sorts of small things. Despite the stated maximum of 15.6 inches, this beauty can easily accommodate large 17-inch laptops.
