Interest
Gift Ideas for Gamers
PC, console, retro, competitive and board-game players: what to check first and which gifts fit each type.
Gifts by Interest
Starting with someone's interests is one of the most reliable ways to find a good gift. It's easier to choose something for "a keen cook" than for "my uncle".
Below you'll find our full guides for gamers and LEGO fans, plus shorter advice and ideas for other common interests.
Interest guides
- Interest
Gift Ideas for LEGO Fans
How to choose the right LEGO gift for young builders, experienced kids, teens and adults.
Ideas by interest
Gifts for board-game and puzzle fans
Board-game fans usually have a favorite game and a regular group. An expansion for a game they own, or a new game that suits their group's size, shows you've paid attention. Puzzle lovers appreciate a challenging jigsaw or a solo logic game.
For video games, see our full gift ideas for gamers.
New cards, maps or rules for a game they already play often.
Family strategy board games
$25–$50A game the whole family can enjoy together.
Everything a group needs to try a story-based adventure game.
Calm, focused evenings with a picture they enjoy.
Challenge cards that start easy and get harder.
Gifts for readers
Readers usually have a to-read list already. A bookshop gift card lets them choose; accessories like a book light add to the reading experience.
Local bookshop gift cards
$25–$50Lets a reader choose their next book.
Rechargeable book lights
$10–$25Lets people read in bed without disturbing anyone.
E-readers
$100+A whole library in a light device with a paper-like screen.
Personalized book embossers
$25–$50Marks their books with "From the library of…"
Stories told in pictures and words that appeal to many kinds of readers.
Gifts for cooks
Keen cooks often have strong preferences about their tools. Ingredients and cookbooks are lower-risk than equipment, unless you know what they need.
New recipes for food they already enjoy or want to learn.
Everyday kitchen basics, upgraded, that get used up.
Shows when meat is cooked properly, without guessing.
Cast-iron pans
$25–$50A durable pan that can last for decades.
A quality chef's knife
$50–$100The kitchen tool home cooks use most.
Spice blend collections
$10–$25New flavors without buying a dozen separate jars.
Gifts for travelers
Good travel gifts are compact, durable and solve a real annoyance — tangled cables, messy suitcases, uncomfortable flights.
Packing cubes
$10–$25Keeps a suitcase organized and easy to unpack.
Ends the tangle of cables in a bag.
Supportive travel pillows
$25–$50Makes long flights and car rides more restful.
Bluetooth item trackers
$25–$50Helps find keys, bags and luggage with a phone.
Scratch-off world maps
$10–$25Scratch off each country visited to reveal color underneath.
Gifts for artists and makers
Better materials make a real difference to beginners. For experienced artists, ask about brands and supplies before buying.
Better paint and paper give brighter, cleaner results.
Proper supplies that support a growing interest in drawing.
Clay that hardens on its own, so kids can make and paint keepsakes.
Instant cameras
$50–$100Prints a real photo seconds after it's taken.
Gifts for sports fans
Decide whether they like playing, watching or both. Fans appreciate gear from their team; players appreciate recovery and practice gear.
Team jerseys and fan gear
$50–$100Shows team spirit on game days.
A memorable night out, especially if you go together.
Handheld massage guns
$50–$100Helps loosen tight muscles after exercise or long days.
The right size and quality for practice and play.
Quality yoga mats
$50–$100Better grip and cushioning for regular practice.
Gifts for tech lovers
Check which phone and ecosystem they use before buying accessories. Everyday upgrades — charging, audio, trackers — are usually safer than gadgets.
Wireless earbuds
$50–$100Everyday music, podcasts and calls without wires.
Portable Bluetooth speakers
$25–$50A small speaker that plays music almost anywhere.
Portable phone chargers
$25–$50A backup battery for long days away from a plug.
Wireless charging stands
$25–$50Charges a phone upright on a desk or nightstand.
Bluetooth item trackers
$25–$50Helps find keys, bags and luggage with a phone.
Gifts for music lovers
Live music is hard to beat as a gift. For record collectors, a meaningful album works well — as long as you check they don't already own it.
A memorable night out, especially if you go together.
An album to play, keep and display.
A slower, more intentional way to listen to music.
Portable Bluetooth speakers
$25–$50A small speaker that plays music almost anywhere.
Turns a "someday" wish into a real start.
Gifts for outdoor lovers
Practical, durable gear gets the most use. Serious hikers and campers may already have favorites, so reliable basics are a safer bet.
Rechargeable headlamps
$25–$50Hands-free light for camping, night walks and power cuts.
Pocket multitools
$25–$50Several tools in one pocket-sized body.
Portable camping hammocks
$25–$50Hangs between two trees in minutes for easy relaxing.
Waterproof picnic blankets
$25–$50Stays dry on damp grass at parks, beaches and concerts.
Keeps drinks cold or hot for hours.
Keep exploring
- Gifts by RecipientFind gift ideas for the people in your life — partners, kids, teens, friends, coworkers, parents, teachers and grandparents.Browse
- Unique Gift IdeasGifts that stand out without being gimmicks — one-of-a-kind, unusual and still useful.Read guide
- Gifts by BudgetBudget gift guides for under $25, under $50 and under $100, plus advice on tiny budgets and big gifts. Typical ranges, not live prices.Browse
- Gift FinderTell us who you're shopping for and get pointed to the right guides.Browse