Buying a game for someone who buys every game they want is a dangerous little Christmas assignment. There is a decent chance they already own it, have opinions about the sequel, or exclusively play something you have never heard of.
I would start with the part of their setup they complain about. A controller that feels cramped, a headset they keep adjusting, or a phone balanced against a coffee mug gives you a much better shopping clue.
Pick the gift around their setup
| Gift | Who it suits | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Backbone Pro | Someone who plays controller-compatible games on a USB-C phone | Phone model, case fit and supported games |
| GameSir G7 Pro | Xbox and PC players who want extra controls | Xbox use is wired on the edition linked here |
| 8BitDo Micro | A tiny extra controller for 2D games | It has a directional pad and buttons, with no analog sticks |
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | A premium headset upgrade | Choose the correct platform version |
| Steam gift card | A PC gamer who would rather pick the game | Steam use, currency and the current gifting instructions |
| Dungeon Crawler Carl merch | The gamer whose favorite obsession is a book series | Seller, size chart and delivery date |
These researched picks compare published product information and gift fit. Prices and stock can change.
For the person who plays on their phone: Backbone Pro
The Backbone Pro wraps physical controls around a compatible USB-C phone and also supports Bluetooth play. The US listing showed $169.99 on November 7, 2026. It has full-size sticks and rear buttons, so this is a substantial accessory rather than a little decorative phone grip.
Check the exact phone model, connector and case fit before buying. The recipient also needs games that support a controller. A controller will not make every mobile game work with buttons. If they have an older Lightning iPhone, the USB-C version is the wrong connector.
For someone who switches between Xbox and PC: GameSir G7 Pro
The GameSir G7 Pro has TMR sticks, extra mappable controls and trigger stops. Its connectivity is the detail to read twice. The listed Sunset Boulevard and Ocean Breeze version uses a wire for Xbox, while PC supports wired or 2.4 GHz use and Android supports Bluetooth.
That can suit someone who plays at a desk and is comfortable with a cable on Xbox. Someone specifically asking for a wireless Xbox controller needs a different purchase. Match the exact edition to their setup before choosing the pretty color.
For shared living spaces: a headset chosen for the right platform
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium option to investigate when a headset is the gift. Start by selecting the correct Xbox or PlayStation/PC version. The product name alone does not settle console compatibility.
A comfortable fit is personal, especially for someone who wears glasses. Keep the return policy and gift receipt handy. If they already have a favorite headset, accessories for that exact model may be a better use of the budget.
For the gamer whose favorite world is a book
There is also the person who wants to wear their obsession. Our Dungeon Crawler Carl merch guide collects fandom finds for a very specific kind of loot list. Check the seller, size chart and delivery estimate on the actual listing, particularly for made-to-order items.
A smaller gift for 2D games: 8BitDo Micro
The 8BitDo Micro is only 72 mm wide and weighs 24.8 grams. Its appeal is the size. You can tuck it into a little pouch rather than make room for another full-size controller.
It has a directional pad and buttons, without analog sticks. That makes it worth looking at for 2D games and a poor surprise for someone expecting twin-stick controls. The manufacturer lists Switch and Android compatibility, with a separate keyboard mode for other supported systems. Check the current firmware requirements for the exact Switch model.
For the person who wants to choose the game: Steam credit
Steam gift cards come in digital and physical forms and add spending money to a Steam wallet. This is the flexible option if you know the person uses Steam but have no idea what remains unpurchased in their library.
Follow the current official gifting flow and check the recipient’s account region and currency before paying. Buy through Steam or an authorized retailer. For a physical card, keep the receipt and activation confirmation with the gift.
Shopping for a few very different people? Gifts That Don’t Suck also has ideas for readers, beauty lovers and the people who already own everything.
The three questions to answer before checkout
What do they play on? What exact device or console do they own? What about their current setup annoys them? Get those answers and you can buy something useful without pretending to understand their entire Steam library.
Product details are based on the manufacturers’ linked listings. Check current price, edition, compatibility, stock and holiday delivery at checkout.
