The 2026 holiday gaming gift guide: what to buy for every kind of player
Gift ideas sorted by who you're buying for — kids, teens, collectors, couch co-op families, and the player who seems to have everything — with the compatibility checks done for you.
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Before you buy anything: find out which console they play on (and which model), and whether they prefer physical or digital games. Those two answers prevent nine out of ten gifting mistakes. When in doubt, a gift card for their platform is never wrong.
The 2026 holiday season is a big one: Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for November 19, the Switch 2 is in its second holiday, and Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Prices are also higher than in previous years after increases from all three console makers, so a well-chosen accessory can be a better gift than a console bundle stretched beyond the budget.
For the player who has the console already
A second controller in a new color
Always useful, especially for households with siblings or guests. Make sure it's the right model for the console — our controller guide explains the traps (a PS4 controller won't work in PS5 games).
Extra storage
Digital players always run out of space. PS5 needs an M.2 SSD with a heatsink, Xbox an expansion card, Switch 2 a microSD Express card. Check our storage guide for the exact type.
A comfortable headset
A wired headset works with almost any controller. Wireless headsets are platform-specific — Xbox in particular needs one made for Xbox. See the headset guide.
For kids
A Nintendo Switch 2 for a first console
The easiest first console for most children under ten. Set up parental controls before wrapping it — our ten-minute guide shows how.
A party or racing game for the whole family
Games that several people can play on one screen get the most use. Our couch co-op guide explains what to look for on the box.
A Pokémon battle deck and a few booster packs
A ready-to-play deck teaches the game; packs add the excitement of opening. Read Pokémon products explained.
For teens
Grand Theft Auto VI (for older teens, check the rating)
Scheduled for November 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Previous mainline GTA games were rated M (17+). Our preorder checklist covers editions and storage.
A gift card for their platform
Teens usually know exactly what they want — and it's often digital. PlayStation Store, Xbox and Nintendo eShop cards are sold in fixed amounts.
A pro-style controller
For a competitive player: back buttons, trigger stops and replaceable parts. Overkill for casual players, but a real upgrade for serious ones.
For collectors
An Elite Trainer Box from a recent Pokémon set
The classic collector's gift: several booster packs plus sleeves, dice and a storage box.
A figure of their favorite character
Vinyl figures and amiibo are inexpensive and personal — check their shelf for duplicates first. See collecting guide.
A quality card binder
Side-loading, acid-free pages protect cards properly. Every collector needs another one eventually.
For the family that plays together
Two-player story games
It Takes Two and Split Fiction are built for two players and support a "Friend's Pass" for online play.
A charging station
Ends the "my controller's dead" argument. Unglamorous; constantly used.
Saving money this season
- Look at refurbished consoles — see our pre-owned guide.
- Trade in old games to fund new ones — trade-in guide.
- Keep receipts and gift receipts. Check return windows, which are often extended over the holidays.
More ideas by budget: under $50 · under $25.
Facts, prices and policies in this article were checked in November 2026. Prices, bundles and store rules change often — always confirm on the product page before you buy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
