Okay, I’m going to start this holiday list with a very important note: None of these gifts are video games!
Even if the gift giver knows the gamer’s tastes, nothing screams uncreative like buying the obvious present. We love games and think they can make excellent gifts, but for the sake of sparing you a boring list of: "This Holiday’s Top 10 games" that you've all read a hundred times over, here are some more original ideas.
As much as gamers love video games, having somebody pick out a random game for you is always dangerous territory, and lord knows I don’t want to end up in situation similar to when I received a copy of “Hylyde” for the NES, potentially the worst game I own (the guy at the store said it was just like Zelda!) With that said, here's some gifts a gamer like me would love to find under the tree:
D20 dice necklace (Price: $9.99)
Some of us need the ability to roll a 20-sided die instantly. Never again will you be plagued by the lack of any pen and paper gamers’ most crucial tool. Whether it is for an impromptu Dungeons and Dragon session or to help decide what to eat for lunch today, the potential uses for this amazingly nerdy piece of jewelry are endless. Bonus points if you just make your own for somebody (saves you money and gives it a personal touch.)
Marc Ecko Star Wars/Halo Hoodie (Price: $59.99-$99.99)
Who knew Marc Ecko was such a geek? Aside from countless, urban inspired clothing lines, Ecko Unlimited has some pretty awesome clothing dedicated solely to Star Wars and Halo apparel. This isn’t your run of the mill t-shirt, we’re talking full zip hoodies resembling entire suits of Spartan or Storm Trooper armor. Best of all, you can wear these nerdy threads knowing they’re from a top designer. Ahh... fashion and geekdom finally combine forces.
Health or Mana Mugs (Price: $10.95)
By this time all gamers have tried or at least heard about “Mana Potion,” an energy drink targeted towards gamers. While funny and admittedly clever, at almost 5 dollars a pop these are pretty expensive ways for gamers to get their beverage and caffeine fixes. Much niftier (and economical!) in my opinion are these awesome “Health” or “Mana” mugs which will elicit a chuckle around the office or at home. Whether that chuckle is WITH you or AT you really comes down to whether you're the type to wear a cloak and armor to go with the mug.
RPD, STARS, or Umbrella tactical shirt (Price: around $10.00-$30.00)
This apparel falls under that cool category of nerdy, but only to people who get it. While anybody may pick up on a blatant picture of Mario on a shirt, the subtlety of a badass tactical shirt or jacket with the simple text RACOON POLICE DEPARTMENT makes this gift shine “gamer” without being tasteless. Once again, this is another cool gift you can make youself! Check out a military surplus store for some tactical clothing, buy a few Resident evil insignia patches and a stencil for text and truly make a one of a kind gift.
Girl Gamer underwear (Price: $13.95)
For the girl gamer or for a significant other, this is a gift that keeps giving. Needless to say, if I were a girl I would be stoked to get cute gamer undies. Heck, I’d be stoked to get cute gamer boxers come to think of it. On the flip side, as a guy I would be equally thrilled if my significant other were to get a pair of these to wear herself, so it’s really a win-win situation here. Check out the top 7 undies
GelaSkin or Decal Girl Decal (Price: $19.95-$29.95)
Nothing says gamer like customized gaming gear. While doing/getting custom paint jobs for various systems is pricey and permanent, websites like GelaSkin and Decal Girl have an amazing selection of decals for everything from DS's to netbooks. Not only do they look cool and help your gadget standout, but they protect it from scuffs and scratches. I definitely need something to spice up my netbook and this could certainly be a great option!
Nerdy weapon from True Swords (Price: $13.99-$99.99)
What’s cooler than getting a cheap, ridiculous sword to flail around dangerously? Getting a cheap, ridiculous sword that’s inspired by over the top video game weaponry! True Swords has an absurd collection of weapons, so go ahead, order your friend Cloud’s “Buster Sword,” but just remember to move all your fragile objects out of the room when it arrives.
Changing the Game: How Video Games Are Transforming the Future of Business (Price: $16.49)
Hey, gamers like to read too! Some interesting, game related literature that isn't a gaming magazine or a strategy guide is always appreciated by those truly intrigued by the vastness of the gaming industry. As the average gaming demographic has matured and as video games have become accepted as a major industry, books such as this one really strike an interesting chord about the continual evolution of video game culture.
GP2X Wiz MAME/Amiga/Console Emulator (Price: $179.99)
These puppies barely need any explaining but here it goes: Imagine a portable device that can play ROM images of Atari ST games, Commodore 64, NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, NeoGeo, Flash Games and more. All off an SD card. Now enough imagining; just click on the link above and try not to drool too much. Enough said.
Totally out there present: Maxwell’s hat from Scribblenauts (Price: ???)
While this gift is really farfetched in both its difficulty to obtain and its ridiculousness, I’m just going to go ahead and say that I personally would totally wear that crazy red rooster hat. Apparently GameStop gave them out with pre-orders of Scribblenauts, but I can’t seem to find them for retail sale. Still, this is the kind of wacky, out of the box thinking that most gamers will love.
Keep in mind these are just a few ideas and are in no particular order, so please include some of your own!
Check out Part 2 of our Holiday Gift Guide!
