Someone close to you spends their evenings playing computer games, and you are looking for a Christmas gift they will actually use? A good gift for a gamer does not require you to know which graphics card they have. To start with, simply decide whether you are looking for something for their desk or for the inside of their PC case.
This guide covers both scenarios: from simple desktop accessories to components for someone who builds or upgrades their own computer. It will also help if you are looking for a gift for a PC gamer and all you know about their equipment is that “it lights up”.
In this article, you will learn:
- What should you buy a gamer if you do not know their equipment?
- Which gaming accessories make a practical gift for a gamer?
- Which gift should you choose for a streamer?
- What should you buy someone who builds or upgrades their own computer?
- What should you check before buying a PC component as a gift?
How do you choose a gift for a gamer?
Before browsing bestseller lists, ask yourself three questions. How much do you want to spend? What do you know about the recipient's setup? And finally – are you looking for an accessory or a component?
Accessories usually do not require you to know what is inside the computer or check detailed compatibility. Components are different, as they need to fit the rest of the configuration in terms of dimensions, connectors and required power.
|
|
A safe gift without knowing the PC |
A gift for someone whose PC you know |
|---|---|---|
|
Examples |
mouse pad, headphones, microphone |
case, cooling, fans, power supply |
|
What you need to know |
very little, at most their taste and habits |
motherboard format, CPU socket, dimensions, wattage |
|
Risk of choosing the wrong gift |
low |
high if you do not check the specifications |
A mouse and keyboard do not require knowledge of the computer's internal components either, but they depend much more on personal preferences. Shape, weight, size and the way the switches feel all matter, so if you do not know the recipient's habits, a mouse pad or headphones are a safer choice. The option to return an unsuitable gift provides additional reassurance – at endorfy.com, you have 30 days to do so.
A practical gift for a gamer: everyday accessories
PC gaming gadgets often attract attention with their appearance, but if you want something that will actually be used, practical gaming accessories are worth considering. A mouse pad with a distinctive pattern or a mouse with ARGB lighting can look striking while becoming part of an everyday setup. Crucially, the suggestions below do not require you to look inside the computer.
An XL mouse pad: the safest choice
If you are wondering which gaming accessories to choose for a desk, a mouse pad is one of the simplest starting points. The XL format, measuring 900 × 400 mm, accommodates both a mouse and a keyboard, while ENDORFY models feature stitched edges, a non-slip rubber base and moisture-resistant fabric.
That mainly leaves the question of appearance. The Crystal Onyx White XL, with its light geometric pattern, fits well into white and light-coloured setups, while the Stoneflow Black XL, with its minimalist terrazzo-inspired design, is better suited to a darker desk.
Headphones for long sessions and conversations
If the recipient often plays with friends and spends long evenings wearing headphones, consider the Viro Infra. This wired over-ear model features 50 mm drivers, memory foam ear cushions and a closed-back design that reduces ambient sound. The microphone with a pop filter can be detached when not needed, while the 3.5 mm mini-jack connection also lets you use the headphones with a console or smartphone equipped with this socket.
If you want more options, take a look at the Viro Plus USB Alt Gray. These gaming headphones come with an external USB sound card offering virtual 7.1 sound and audio customisation software, as well as a second, more breathable pair of ear cushions. This makes them an option for someone who wants more control over their sound.
If the recipient prefers gaming without a cable, ENDORFY also has two wireless models. The Viro Infra Wireless weigh 280 g and connect via a 2.4 GHz receiver, Bluetooth, a USB-C cable or a 3.5 mm mini-jack cable, making them suitable for a computer, smartphone or console. The Viro Wireless, in turn, are an option for someone who does not like thinking about charging – they last up to 240 hours over Bluetooth and up to 130 hours over 2.4 GHz. They feature 53 mm drivers, a microphone with ENC environmental noise cancellation and a hybrid mode that lets you answer a phone call without disconnecting from the computer. We explain the differences in more detail in the article “ENDORFY Viro Wireless vs. Viro Infra Wireless: which wireless gaming headphones should you choose?”.
A mouse and keyboard, if you know the gamer's habits
If you know that a mouse cable is one of the things that bothers the recipient most at their desk, take a look at the LIV Wireless. This mouse connects via a 2.4 GHz receiver, Bluetooth or a USB cable, weighs 69 g and uses a PixArt PAW3311 sensor with sensitivity up to 12,000 DPI.
If the look of the setup matters too, the wired GEM Plus Onyx White is a good match for a light-coloured desk. It weighs 67 g, features a PixArt PAW3370 sensor with up to 19,000 DPI and ARGB lighting, combining functionality with a distinctly white design.
For keyboards, first check which format the recipient prefers. If they like the TKL layout, meaning one without a number pad, consider the Thock V2 TKL. This mechanical gaming keyboard uses factory-lubricated linear ENDORFY Red switches, has three layers of sound-dampening foam and features hot-swap functionality, allowing switches to be replaced without soldering.
For someone who works and plays at the same desk, the wireless Celeris 1800 may be a more appealing option. Its compact layout retains a number pad, a switch on the side lets you change between Windows and macOS modes, and SideTune allows volume adjustment without taking your hand off the mouse. If you want to compare different formats and solutions first, visit our guide to mechanical keyboards.
A microphone: a gift for streamers and people who spend a lot of time chatting online
For a streamer, a microphone is one of the most obvious options, as it has a major impact on how their voice sounds during streams and conversations. The Solum 2 is a USB-C condenser microphone that records at 24-bit / 96 kHz. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, a shock mount and touch mute, and requires no driver installation to work with a computer. It can also be used with PS4 and PS5.
If your budget is smaller, take a look at the Solum Voice S Alt Gray. Its compact design, gain adjustment and 3.5 mm headphone output for monitoring your own voice make it suitable for both beginner streamers and people who spend a lot of time chatting on Discord.
A gift for a PC enthusiast who builds or upgrades their computer
A case, cooling system or power supply can be a very good gift for a gaming enthusiast who builds their own PC or plans to upgrade it. In this case, however, knowing the configuration is essential, so before buying, check:
- the motherboard format (ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX),
- the processor model (the socket determines mounting compatibility, while the processor itself determines the cooling performance required),
- the space available in the case for the graphics card and cooling,
- the power supply wattage and connectors required by the graphics card,
- the mounting positions for fans and a radiator.
If you are unsure, the simplest solution is to ask directly what the person plans to replace. It will be less of a surprise, but the chances of choosing the right gift will be much higher.
Case
The Fishtank 6000 Flex is an option for someone who wants to show off the inside of their computer. Glass front and side panels reveal the components, while the interior accommodates motherboards up to E-ATX with a width of 280 mm, graphics cards up to 445 mm and CPU coolers up to 182 mm. Two 360 mm radiators can be installed at the top and side. No fans are included, so their number and size should be factored into the overall configuration from the start.
If you want a more complete setup from the outset, take a look at the Arx 500 ARGB. This ATX case has four factory-installed Stratus 140 PWM ARGB fans and accommodates graphics cards up to 350 mm and air coolers up to 179 mm.
If the configuration needs to be smaller, consider the Signum M30 Air. This case is designed for microATX and smaller motherboards and comes with three Stratus 120 PWM fans.
Cooling and fans
With cooling, compatibility with the processor and case is crucial. The Spartan 5 MAX is a compact tower cooler measuring 146 mm in height, compatible with AM5, AM4, LGA1851 and LGA1700, among others. The Fortis 5 ARGB offers six heat pipes, a Fluctus 140 fan with a stop function at low loads and a height of 159 mm.
If the plan includes liquid cooling, the Navis F360 ARGB uses a 360 mm radiator and three Fluctus 120 PWM ARGB fans, so before buying, make sure the case supports a radiator of this length. The Stratus 120 PWM ARGB and Fluctus 140 PWM ARGB, in turn, support PWM control and ARGB lighting.
You can read more about compatibility and choosing the right solution in the article “How to choose a CPU cooler?”.
Power supply
The power supply should also be matched to the specific configuration. The Vero L6 550 W complies with the ATX 3.1 standard, features a fixed 12V-2x6 cable and holds 80 PLUS® Bronze and Cybenetics Silver certifications, with a 5-year warranty.
The Supremo FM6 Gold 850 W also meets the ATX 3.1 standard, but is fully modular, holds 80 PLUS® Gold certification and has a 10-year warranty. Whichever model you choose, it is always worth matching the power supply wattage to the specific system, for example using our power supply calculator.
The best Christmas gifts for gamers are the ones that go unnoticed after a few weeks because they have simply become a natural part of the setup.
