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 |
| HyperX Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset | Headset | Incredible 120-hour battery | Buy on Amazon |
| 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller | Controller | Hall effect sticks prevent drift | Buy on Amazon |
| SteelSeries QcK Heavy Gaming Mouse Pad (XL) | Mousepad | Extra-large surface area | Buy on Amazon |
| Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse | Mouse | LIGHTSPEED wireless at budget price | Buy on Amazon |
| Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (15 Keys) | Stream-Deck | Fully customizable LCD keys | 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
HyperX Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset
Wireless gaming headset with 120-hour battery life. DTS Spatial Audio for immersive 3D soundstage. 53mm drivers with signature HyperX comfort. Detachable noise-cancelling microphone. Memory foam ear cushions.
- Incredible 120-hour battery
- Very comfortable memory foam
- Good microphone quality
- Solid value
- No Bluetooth (2.4GHz only)
- Plastic build
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
SteelSeries QcK Heavy Gaming Mouse Pad (XL)
Extra-large cloth gaming mouse pad with a micro-woven surface for precise tracking. 6mm thick non-slip rubber base prevents sliding during intense gaming. Machine washable for easy maintenance.
- Extra-large surface area
- Thick 6mm cushion
- Non-slip rubber base
- Machine washable
- Takes up a lot of desk space
- Edges can fray over time
Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse
Budget-friendly wireless gaming mouse with HERO 12K sensor and 1ms LIGHTSPEED wireless. Runs on a single AA battery for up to 250 hours of gameplay. Compact and lightweight at 99 grams.
- LIGHTSPEED wireless at budget price
- 250-hour battery on single AA
- HERO 12K sensor
- Lightweight 99 grams
- Uses AA battery instead of rechargeable
- No RGB lighting
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (15 Keys)
Customizable LCD key controller with 15 programmable keys for streaming and productivity. Each key displays a custom icon and triggers actions like scene switching, audio control, or app launching. Detachable USB-C.
- Fully customizable LCD keys
- Massive plugin ecosystem
- Great for streaming and productivity
- Detachable USB-C cable
- Primarily useful for streamers/power users
- Software required for setup
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.