Gamers can be some of the most difficult people to buy for. For those unfamiliar with the various systems and their associated games, the wall at Gamestop can seem like an indecipherable mass of seemingly-identical titles, accessories, and merchandise.
Before we go further, I should state that this guide is not intended for gamers looking to buy for other gamers. Most gamers have some idea of the tastes of their friends and can select the most appropriate gift accordingly.
No, this guide is intended for the stressed-out moms, confused grandparents, and overwhelmed aunts and uncles who know that the person on their list is into games, but have no clue how to sort through the massive amount of titles, accessories, and merchandise to find the perfect gift.
As a grizzled veteran of multiple holiday seasons in video game retail, I can tell you that there are some gifts that are can't miss no matter who you're buying for. There are also some easy strategies for cutting through the deluge of available items to find those that your specific gift recipient is definitely going to enjoy.
If you're buying for a well-established gamer, and you're not sure how to avoid getting them a game they may already own, the simplest solution may be the best one: get a list of specific titles they want. You can save yourself a huge amount of frustration by simply asking your intended recipient to narrow down the search for you.
Make sure to ask not only which titles or accessories they're after, but also which specific system they want it for. Nothing sucks more than receiving a great game for a system you don't own.
Granted, it may remove some of the surprise on Christmas morning, but there's no way they're going to know exactly which of the titles on their list you're going to pick up. Gamers have specific tastes and they may not like a certain game, no matter how much the salesperson recommends it.
Get a specific list, and always keep your receipts. There's always the chance they'll be unable to wait and end up buying a hot holiday title
for themselves before the holiday.
If a specific list is not your style, or you're simply unable to get ahold of one, I always recommend gift cards. Many people think that giving a gift card makes them look lazy or inconsiderate, but when you're video game shopping, it can sometimes be the greatest possible gift.
There's no way of knowing exactly what your intended recipient may already have, but if you give a gift card, they get to go on a mini video game shopping spree. They'll be able to get something they enjoy the day after Christmas and you'll be a hero because you didn't get some game they have no intention of playing but are too polite to return.
I've seen some pretty happy kids bounding into the store, eager to redeem a gift card they received in their stocking.