Best Gifts for Gamers Under $100
Buying gifts for gamers is tricky if you're not one yourself. You don't want to guess wrong on a game they already own, and big-ticket items like consoles and GPUs blow most gift budgets. But there's a sweet spot of accessories and controllers under $100 that gamers actually want and rarely buy for themselves. Everything on this list works across multiple platforms, so you don't need to know if they're a PlayStation person or a PC gamer. And none of it is novelty junk that'll end up collecting dust — these are things they'll reach for every gaming session.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black) | Controller | Great ergonomic design | Buy on Amazon |
| 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller | Controller | Hall effect sticks prevent drift | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black)
Standard wireless controller for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Textured grip on triggers and bumpers for better control. Share button for capturing screenshots and recordings. 3.5mm headset jack and USB-C port. Bluetooth connectivity.
- Great ergonomic design
- Works with Xbox and PC
- Textured grips
- Affordable
- Requires AA batteries (no built-in rechargeable)
- No back buttons
8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller
Budget-friendly wireless controller with hall effect joysticks that resist drift over time. Works with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS for versatile cross-platform gaming. Rumble vibration and motion controls add immersion to compatible games.
- Hall effect sticks prevent drift
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Rumble and motion controls
- Very affordable
- No rechargeable battery included
- No headphone jack
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the safest gift for a gamer you don't know well?
A good gaming mouse pad. Seriously. The SteelSeries QcK Heavy XL is huge, high quality, and every PC gamer needs one. It's the kind of gift that shows you thought about it without needing to know their exact setup. Controllers are great too if you know their platform.
Are wireless gaming headsets good enough now?
They've come a long way. The HyperX Cloud III Wireless has basically zero noticeable latency and sounds great for the price. Wired purists will argue, but for 99% of gamers the convenience of no cable is worth it. And not tripping over a headset cable mid-game? Priceless.
Is an extra controller a good gift?
One of the best. Controllers wear out, and having a spare means local co-op is always an option. The Xbox Wireless Controller works with Xbox and PC out of the box. The 8BitDo Ultimate C is a budget-friendly option that works with Switch, PC, and Android — solid build for the price.
What about gift cards instead?
Look, gift cards are fine. They're just not very exciting to unwrap. If you can pair a smaller physical gift like a mouse pad with a gift card, that's the move. They get something to open and the freedom to pick their own game. Best of both worlds.