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1. A cute Snorlax Nintendo Switch carrying pouch made of soft, durable PU leather that'll protect their precious console from any bumps and scratches when they take it on the go. It features two built-in magnetic clasps that'll keep their Switch from tumbling out as well as five game card slots!
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Bek O'Connell says, "I have and love this case! It's super cute and feels well-made. It comes with four slots for your game cartridges. The flap has magnet snaps, so everything can stay in place."
Promising review: "I finally found the perfect fit for my Switch! I have been looking for one, and I’m really happy I stumbled upon this one. My Switch goes in smoothly. The quality of the leather is really nice, too. The magnetic clasps look very sturdy, so I wouldn’t be worrying about it suddenly opening and contents falling out. This case is really good. I love it so much. 🤍" —Ru
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $15.49.
2. Or a plain but sturdy carrying case with a hard outer shell that'll protect it against even the hardest of knocks. It also provides more room for traveling with accessories, including multiple sets of Joy-Cons, cords, and eight game card slots.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Heather Braga says, "My husband has this exact case (and is very picky), so I promise you it's a good one." I can also vouch for Orzly being a great brand for Switch accessories!
Promising review: "Great to carry around your Switch without fear of damage. I have a USB-C cable, Samsung power adapter, HDMI cable (6ft), Joy-Con wrist straps, and the FastSnail HDMI Type C Hub Adapter so I can play on the big screen. I think I can fit one more pair of Joy-Cons (and straps) so I can get four-player Mario Kart. With all that stuff in this case, there is little to no pressure on the Switch. But you can't just throw it all in, you need to purposefully place the items to make sure there is no pressure on the screen or joysticks." —DanA
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $19.91+ (available in nine colors).
3. A nostalgic Apple Watch stand — when the watch is placed on it, it makes the display look like the screen of a retro Game Boy, adding some old-school flair to the modern accessory. It works great as an alarm clock, too, and will let them more easily see any messages at a glance.
Promising review: "Got this as a gift for my fiancé, and he was so stoked when he opened it. It’s such good quality for the price, and it fits the watch super well!! It really looks like the real thing!" —natuuhhhliee
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with free shipping within 4 days; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four colors). There's also an awesome AirPods and AirPods Pro case to match.
4. And a heat-changing Game Boy mug that'll give them a jolt of nostalgia (along with a jolt of caffeine) every time they sip their morning cup of joe. When you pour a hot drink in it, the blank screens on each side of the mug "load up the game," displaying images from Super Mario Land.
Note that this mug is hand-wash only, and shouldn't be put in the microwave!
Promising review: "If you know an old-school gamer, this is a great gift! When my daughter opened it, she immediately heated up water and tried it out. It worked as expected, and the graphics were clear...as clear as they could be for first gen Mario! Charming gift." —Staci B
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
5. Plus! A Game Boy teether for the new parent who's already planning the day they'll introduce their little one to Mario, Pokémon, and other beloved franchises. Indoctrination begins young!
One reviewer posted a side-by-side (above, left) showing how similar this teether looks to the real thing! It's also available in the style of an NES controller!
Promising review: "I originally got this as a display item because I was convinced that this simply couldn't be safe as a teething toy. I was happily surprised! It's great quality, and I would feel safe allowing my child to use it as a teething toy. Highly recommended — would buy again!" —Schomaker Family
Shipping info: Free Prime delivery within about 9 days; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
6. An ergonomic Switch grip case, aka a real game-changer for anyone who plays in handheld mode, even occasionally — because it's no secret that the Switch handheld experience is the *opposite* of comfortable. This will give them a much more ergonomic grip on the system so they can play for hours without their wrists and fingers cramping.
There are a lot of Nintendo Switch grips out there at this point, but I *swear* by Satisfye's — and I've tried every version of their grip going back to the original ZenGrip. The ZenGrip Pro was a *major* upgrade over their first model, adding silicone padding inside the grip (pictured above) that doesn't scuff the Joy-Cons or console when you slide the Switch in, keeps it snugly secure, *and* even allows for some airflow on the backside. The latest version, the ZenGrip Pro Gen 3, allows for compatibility with both the OLED model and the original Switch, so it'll fit no matter which version they have! (Psst — there's a version for Switch Lite, too.)
Most importantly, playing the Switch in handheld mode with this grip attached is a highly improved experience — and now, I pretty much refuse to play it handheld without reaching for my grip first. Literally — I carry it into the bedroom with me at night when I want to play before falling asleep, and I pack it for every plane ride. It creates a more ergonomic fit by adding something for your hands to actually grasp onto so they're not forced into a cramped, unnatural position, which creates fatigue quickly. With this, I can easily play handheld comfortably for hours. It's super lightweight and doesn't add any weight to the console, so it's easy on your wrists, too. I consider it an essential Switch accessory!
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with free shipping within four days; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it in black from Amazon for $39.99 (also available in white or green/blue, as pictured above), or get the Switch Lite version for $24.99.
You can also find several bundles that include carrying cases that fit both the console and grip on Satisfye's Amazon store page (if they don't already have a carrying case, these bundles would be a good option!).
7. A genius plug-and-play device that'll upscale their Switch graphics to 1440p and 4K resolutions for cleaner, sharper images.
There's even a switch on the outside of the device so they can turn the scaling off and on without having to unplug anything.
Note: Reviewers say you should put the Switch in 720p mode and let this device upscale from there, as it'll smooth out the jaggedness in the images, and you may have to play around with your TV settings, too. The difference is subtle, but if they're one to care about graphics, it should help them get a slightly better picture.
Promising review: "This here is the real deal. Does exactly what it advertises so long as you're using good quality cables. What this is really for is lower resolution consoles or devices on larger screens. I'm primarily using this for Nintendo Switch on a 65-inch OLED, and the difference is night and day when you look at it with the mClassic turned off and on. Everything just looks higher definition, from the text to the sprites. It virtually erased any of the jagged edges you'd get displaying a lower resolution image on a larger screen. Pokemon Legends Arceus goes from looking like a jumbled mess to things actually having a sharper quality to them." —Robert Cole
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $99.98.
8. Hyrule Historia, a comprehensive encyclopedia that'll make any Legend of Zelda fan's eyes light up. This collectible hardcover contains 280 pages of Zelda lore, concept art, the *official* timeline of the games, and much more. It looks gorgeous on a shelf or coffee table, but I've literally found myself grabbing it to reference details about the series, so it's more than just a pretty art book!
I picked up Hyrule Historia at a convention years ago and consider it a must-have for any die-hard Zelda fan. First of all, it's a *stunning* hardcover with a gold foil design on the front that reflects light — my pic above doesn't do it justice. Inside, the thick, high-quality pages are simply *packed* with details and art from the series' lengthy history, going back to the original The Legend of Zelda (1986) all the way to 2011's Skyward Sword. Unlike some art books where you might flip through it once or twice, I've found myself picking up Hyrule Historia again and again — and I love having it on hand any time I need to reference the official series timeline (the chronological order of the games, that is). There's even an exclusive 32-page manga in the back of the book for the series' 25th anniversary! It's easily one of my favorite gaming collectibles, and would make an incredible gift for Zelda fans both new and old.
Note that this was released before Breath of the Wild, so it covers the series up to that point — there's a newer hardcover book called Creating a Champion that goes deep into all things Breath of the Wild, including its DLC. You could gift both, or just grab that one instead if it's their favorite Zelda game!
Shipping info (for Amazon): Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Shipping info (for Bookshop): Standard shipping orders take an estimated 4 to 10 days; with priority shipping, orders can arrive within 2–5 days. See full shipping info here.
Get it from Amazon for $26.58 or from Bookshop for $37.19 (originally $39.99) to support local bookstores.
9. A Nintendo-branded 512GB microSD card to expand their Switch's memory. As someone with the 128GB version of this card currently in their console — and who is constantly deleting games to make space for new ones — I now recommend going big and getting the 512GB version (or at *least* the 256GB one, which is cheaper) so they'll be able to keep all their games downloaded and ready to boot up at any moment.
With game file sizes getting bigger all the time, pretty much every player has to expand their system's storage space at some point, so their reaction is pretty much guaranteed to be, "OMG, I *needed* this" — especially if they're a relatively new Switch owner who's never upgraded their memory.
Promising review: "Total bang for your buck, excellent storage capacity and with Nintendo-backed confidence! No issues whatsoever after one full month of use. Anyone who downloads lots of digital games or has a massive collection of physical games with DLC will totally benefit from this item, and give peace of mind that you won’t run out of memory storage any time soon!" —Greg Burns
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get the 512GB card from Amazon for $79 (also available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB sizes for cheaper).
10. Spiritfarer, a cozy resource-management sim about death, to put it simply. In it, they'll play as Stella, whose job is to ferry spirits (who've taken the form of friendly animals) to the afterlife, building them homes on the ship, making their favorite foods, and fulfilling any final requests they have before moving on. With a beautiful, expansive map to explore, fun platforming, and memorable characters they'll fall in love with, Spiritfarer will tug at all of their heartstrings in the best way.
Spiritfarer is one of the only games that has ever made me sob uncontrollably on my couch, multiple times — if you've ever experienced a loss, it resonates on a pretty deep level. That said, it's not a depressing game despite its heavy themes; it's a beautiful, contemplative journey about learning to cherish relationships, enjoy the little things in life, and let go when it's time. It's also extremely fun moving around the world as Stella — you unlock abilities as the story progresses that makes it easier to jump and glide around the world, and there are countless secrets and hidden areas to discover. You'd be shocked at how big the map is — it might seem like it'd be a short game, but you can easily spend 35–40 hours exploring every corner of Spiritfarer's ocean and islands and completing every task.
Developer Thunder Lotus also released free DLC in 2021 that added four new characters, new story content, improved co-op, and more, so they'll automatically have access to the definitive version of the game if you jump in now.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Amazon for $28.99 or get a digital download code for $29.99.
11. Ring Fit Adventure, aka one of the best fitness video games on *any* platform today, let alone Switch — a perfect gift if they like staying active as much as they like winning races in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Ring Fit offers a great indoor cardio workout with strength training by having you jog (in place) through a gorgeous fantasy world and engage in turn-based combat using IRL exercise moves against fitness-themed monsters. Also, there's a hot bodybuilding dragon in it. You can read my full review of it here (#2)!
Shipping info: Free Prime delivery within about 2 weeks; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $69.88. (Note that this game is best played on a TV, so it's not ideal for the handheld-only Switch Lite.)
12. Nintendo Switch Sports if they loved Wii Sports back in the day — this brand-new installment in the beloved video game sports series will get them off the couch for a change as they play matches of soccer, volleyball, bowling, and more. They can compete with others online *or* challenge the family in local multiplayer.
Promising review: "Totally destroyed my boyfriend in the sword fighting, but still can’t beat the professional NPCs in tennis, despite my five years of tennis experience. I will achieve victory one day. This game is a must-have for someone looking to move a little more around the house. Had me sweating and my arms sore the next day. Also fun for small groups of people!" —shewriteswhatshethinks
Shipping info: Ships for free; enter your zip code on the listing to see estimated delivery date (for me, delivery is within one week). See full shipping policy here. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Target for $49.99 or get a digital download code for $39.99. The physical version comes with a leg strap — FYI, it's the exact same one that comes with Ring Fit Adventure, so if they already own that game, you could save 10 bucks and just get them the download code.
13. A pocket-size portable dock small enough to toss in their bag when they take their Switch on vacation and want to hook it up in the hotel, Airbnb, or someone else's house. It has USB-C and HDMI ports so they can output their Switch games to any screen, provided they have their power adapter and a good HDMI cable — now, they can show off their skills in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate anytime, anywhere.
Be sure to grab a spare Nintendo-licensed power adapter for this if they don't already have one, as some people reported issues when pairing this with a third-party adapter. They'll want to make sure to use a good-quality HDMI cable, too.
This portable dock also has USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports for connecting other devices like wired controllers!
Promising review: "Had a vacation planned at an Airbnb and didn't wanna miss out on gaming fun. This small unit fit the bill and worked flawlessly for many hours of gaming on our Nintendo Switch. It has also found a more permanent home in our main bedroom for when we want to game after hours without using the big living room TV where the dock is set up. When first connecting to our bedroom TV, it would not work, but I quickly diagnosed a faulty HDMI cable as the culprit. Swapping that with a better quality one fixed the issue." —Magnus
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
14. A Pokemon Nanoblock set so they can assemble a team of their faves in block form and display them alongside all of their other gaming collectibles.
These sets are popular with kids and adult Pokémon fans alike! Different models are ranked based on assembly difficulty, which is indicated on the listing — younger kids may need help putting them together, so these are especially great for teens and older.
You can get these Nanoblock sets for all sorts of Pokémon, ranging from the classic Gen 1 starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle) to more recent additions to the franchise like Yamper and Galarian Ponyta, and even legendaries. (Note that the Charmander pictured above is labeled as "Orange" on the listing, for some reason.)
Promising review: "I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Pokémon. Even if you don’t, it’s very entertaining to put these together! I am obsessed with Nanoblocks. This is a legit product from the actual Japanese Nanoblock company. I am so happy with my purchase. If you build it correctly, there should be no balance issues whatsoever! If people are saying it’s unbalanced, it’s 100% not due to the product but the assembly." —Amy Mai
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in 63 Pokémon designs).
15. New Pokémon Snap, an all-new entry in the photography spin-off series that fully captures the spirit of the original 1999 N64 game, with fantastic modern upgrades and features that make the environments — and wild Pokémon lurking within — feel truly ~alive~ and interactive. It's a must-play for Pokémon fans *and* great for introducing young ones to the series, too!
If they've got nostalgia for the original game, they'll get a kick out of the ways in which New Pokémon Snap pays homage to its predecessor (including a familiar character who shows up early on), but it's not necessary to have played the original Snap at all, since New Pokémon Snap is (as the name bluntly implies) a brand-new entry in the series. In fact, they don't need any experience with the mainline Pokémon series at all, as there's no battling or catching Pokémon here. Instead, it's a fairly relaxing yet engaging game that encourages exploration and experimentation as you ride the cart through its stunningly detailed landscapes (which you can visit both during the day and at night to discover new types of Pokémon), snapping photos of Pokémon performing unique behaviors in their natural habitats. In my opinion, it's one of the best Pokémon games on Switch — mainline games included — and would make a great gift for Pokémon fans new *and* old.
Promising review: "I got this game to have casual fun and destress, and I love playing it. My husband loves watching me play it also. I was a big fan of the original, and they added so much to this one, I'm super happy. Plus, updates to keep the experience new and fresh!" —Rita
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Amazon for $54.39 or get a digital download code for $59.88.
16. A wall-mounted Zelda-themed hook system that'll inspire them to face every day with as much courage as Link preparing to fight Ganon — yet again.
It can be mounted with nails, screws, or adhesive tape.
Promising review: "LOVE this. This is a great add for my house. I like when I can find practical things that still reflect our family's love for geek-themed items and retro gaming. The hooks are really sturdy, too." —Katie
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $25.99.
17. A sleek wall mount so they can proudly display their Switch and, most importantly, have easier access to it. With it mounted, they'll be able to slide it in and out of the dock without having to get on their knees, and it'll stay out of reach of young hands grabbing at it.
It works for all Switch models, including the newer OLED version. It's also designed with holes for maximum airflow, including cutouts that align with the vents on the Switch.
Promising reviews: "This is the sturdiest mount I've ever seen. I challenge any bear or lion to try to rip my Switch dock off the wall. You're not gonna get it; it's going to stay right there unscratched and intact." —josh thompson
"I updated to the new OLED Switch, and my previous dock was a little too small. With this one, I was able to slide the dock right in and once again have my Switch nicely displayed." —AndrewMartin
Shipping info: Available with free Amazon Prime 1-day delivery; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (also available as a Made in the USA version that has Prime 1-day delivery).
18. A physical copy of Stardew Valley, perfect for new Switch owners or someone who might not own it on that platform yet. Stardew Valley started out as a Harvest Moon clone, but in the years since its release, it's become the crowning jewel of modern farming sims. Aside from just growing crops and developing their farm, they'll befriend (and romance) the villagers of Pelican Town, attend festivals, go fishing, explore mines, and work to restore the local community center to its former glory.
The physical edition comes with an 18-page, full-color instruction manual, and the case has a double-sided cover with a Joja theme on the inside.
Anyone who knows me knows I'm always ready to push the Stardew Valley agenda — it's easily one of the best Nintendo Switch games you can buy (even though it's available on practically every other platform, too). And with the *massive* 1.5 update released in December 2020, the game has an abundance of new content, including an entirely new area, new crops, new characters, and more, so there's really no better time to jump in than now.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Amazon for $39.50 *or* get a digital download code for $14.99 for a truly last-minute gift!
19. Silicone paw print joystick caps that'd make a lovely stocking stuffer for Switch owners with a cutesy aesthetic. They're a great way of customizing your Switch with very little effort, and they add a little extra grip and height while playing as well.
Since the set comes with two pairs, they could apply one pair to their main Joy-Cons and the other pair to their backup controller/Joy-Cons. Some reviewers did note these don't fit the first-party Switch Pro Controller that well.
Promising review: "I love these grips! Not only are they cute, but they also feel comfortable on my thumbs. Without them, I felt like my thumbs were slipping off of the joysticks while I played games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. After placing these on, which wasn’t too difficult (they’re a tight, secure fit), I feel like my thumbs will stay in place! I also think it’s cool how you can feel each little bean 🥰." —Mystic
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with free delivery within a few days; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get two pairs (four pieces total) from Amazon for $6.99.
20. Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which might be the best game the adorable pink puffball has starred in to date, with gorgeous 3D platforming and strange new powers for Kirby to absorb by sucking up monsters through his mouth. It's easily played in digestible chunks, making it a game they can pick up in their brief periods of free time. Besides that, it's ridiculously fun and absolutely oozing with charm.
One thing I particularly love about Kirby and the Forgotten Land (which just released in 2022!) is how digestible it is — you can pick it up and play through a stage in 10, maybe 15 minutes tops depending on how speedy you are, which makes it a great fit for anyone with a hectic schedule. If they loved Super Mario Odyssey, they'll find a lot to love here as well, and like Odyssey, it *also* has two-player local co-op so a friend, significant other, or kiddo can grab a second controller and jump into the action as well. If they're a Kirby fan, it doesn't get much better than this.
Promising review: "It's so cute, sometimes overwhelmingly so, that I have to put it down; it's just too much. The way Kirby mouth-ifies random objects makes me giggle. The graphics are great and the gameplay is smooth, just like you'd expect from a premier Nintendo title. I've never been into the series before myself, but deffo recommend" —Amy Lockwood
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Amazon for $55.45 or get a digital download code for $59.99.
21. Or an ultra-soft Kirby shirt for the loved one who's already played Kirby and the Forgotten Land and decided it's their favorite game of 2022 — or who (like Kirby) has a seemingly bottomless pit for a stomach.
It's 100% cotton and comes pre-shrunk!
Shipping info: Standard shipping takes 5–7 business days; priority shipping options available at additional cost and arrive as soon as 2–4 days. See full shipping info here.
Get it from Look Human for $22.99 (available in sizes S–3X, five T-shirt styles, and 10 colors; also available in tank, sweatshirt, hoodie, long-sleeve tee, V-neck tee, racerback tank, baseball tee, and baby one-piece).
22. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the latest Pokémon games that *just* released in November. Technical issues aside, Scarlet and Violet are a blast to play and offer the most open-ended approach the mainline series has ever seen, with three branching story paths and a massive open world with hundreds of Pokémon to discover, all at their own pace and in the order they decide.
I do have to put a warning label on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet — in their current state, they have numerous technical issues, including visual hiccups, glitches, and frequent frame rate drops. The open world also looks ugly, to put it bluntly, with poor texturing and a lack of detail in the landscapes, and other disappointing limitations that, honestly would take too long to detail here. THAT SAID, after much deliberation, I couldn't *not* include Scarlet and Violet in this gift guide — because I have to admit that they're incredibly fun. In fact, at the end of the day, I've had more fun with Scarlet and Violet than I've had with a mainline Pokémon game in a long time, and having sunk 40+ hours into the games (with no plans of stopping soon), I think the Pokémon fan in your life would have a blast with them too — even in their current state, not including any future updates.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get them from Amazon for $59.99 each (available physically or digitally, and as a Double Pack with both titles for $117.98 — a great option if you're shopping for more than one Switch gamer).
23. Or Pokémon Legends: Arceus — this open-world RPG has some rough edges graphically, but gameplay-wise, it's the best Pokémon has been in years. Released earlier this year, Legends: Arceus will have them exploring a diverse range of environments to discover, battle, and catch Pokémon in their natural habitats, and jumping in and out of battles has never felt more fluid.
So which one should you get — Pokémon Legends: Arceus or Pokémon Scarlet / Pokemon Violet? It comes down to what you think they'd enjoy most in a Pokémon game — Legends: Arceus has a greater emphasis on catching Pokémon and building out your Pokédex, while Scarlet/Violet offer a bigger, more traditional Pokémon experience with more hours of gameplay and more Pokémon to discover. Legends: Arceus is the smoother game, isn't riddled with technical issues to the extent that Scarlet/Violet are, and offers an (IMO) better gameplay experience overall. Ultimately, they're both extremely fun — but if you're still on the fence, I say go with Legends: Arceus — and let them pick up Scarlet/Violet down the road (when, perhaps, more updates for the games have been rolled out).
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Amazon for $49 or get a digital download code for $59.99.
24. A 1,000-piece retro Nintendo-themed puzzle they can work on when they need to take a break from shooting ink in Splatoon 3. The best part: They can frame and hang it in their game room or office afterward!
Promising review: "Great puzzle of retro games and consoles. Each piece is unique and fit together snuggly. Image is high quality (text and small details are easy to see/read). Finally, it was fun! Glued and mounted." —AJ Koch
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with free shipping within four days; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
25. A delicate Triforce ring so any ring-wearing individual can incorporate their love for the Zelda franchise into their everyday style.
Blank By Blank is a small business based in London that sells premium gaming-inspired jewelry.
Promising review: "Everything about this ring is perfect! The size, the color, and it’s soo shiny! I wear it every day and can’t help but smile every time I look at it." —Chae
Shipping info: Estimated delivery is 7–10 days after ordering, and shipping is ✨ free ✨. See the estimated arrival date range on the listing.
Get it from Blank By Blank on Etsy for $25.06+ (available in sizes 5–8 and in gold or steel).
26. Luigi's Mansion 3 for anyone who likes to channel Halloween vibes year-round. This *fantastic* Switch game once again plops Mario's cowardly brother Luigi into a ~spoOoooOOky~ setting (this time, a haunted hotel), forcing the poor freaked-out hero to face mischievous ghosts and solve puzzles in order to save Mario and friends once more.
In addition to single player, almost all of Luigi's Mansion 3's main story can be played in two-player co-op, with Player 2 taking control of Gooigi, Luigi's green gooey doppelgänger who can access areas Luigi can't, such as squeezing through vents and walking across spiked floors.
Promising review: "Everything we hoped it would be. If you love ghosts, hauntings, and Mario you'll love this <3 Absolutely amazing to have a new Luigi Mansion–style adventure with the graphics that the new technology can provide. Hoping for Luigi Mansion 4!!!!!!" —roxiecub
Shipping info: Ships for free — depending on your address, two-day shipping may be available; otherwise standard shipping orders will arrive within three to five business days. See full shipping policy here. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Target for $41.99+ (available as a physical copy or an instant digital download).
27. A Hallmark Keepsake ornament in the shape of a Super NES console — but this isn't just a replica. It actually lights up *and* plays music and sounds from Super Mario World, which'll add a really special and nostalgic touch to their tree — and they'll probably wanna hang it elsewhere year-round.
Promising review: "These are adorable! It plays the theme song to our house when our children were growing up! We got one for each of our children's houses, as well as ours." —grandma
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
28. Persona 5 Royal because it's *finally* on Nintendo Switch, which means Switch owners can now experience one of the greatest modern JRPGs in its definitive form. Its expansive 100+-hour story contains everything from turn-based combat and dungeon crawling to building relationships and living everyday life as a high school student in Tokyo, tied together with a deeply compelling story about justice, freedom, and the power of friendship.
Royal is the expanded edition of Persona 5, so it's the *perfect* version for new players to jump in with — oh, and there's no need for them to have played past Persona games, either. Royal adds a TON of new content to the game, including new characters, locations, gameplay additions/improvements, new story endings, and *much* more, so Switch players are in for a real treat.
Note: This game is rated Mature — you can get more details about that here if you're curious.
Shipping info: Ships for free, and enter your zip code on the listing to see estimated delivery date (for me, delivery is within one week). See full shipping policy here. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Target for $59.99 or as a digital download code for $59.99.
29. A Pokémon card air freshener so their favorite Gen 1 starter can go on travels with them *and* make their car smell enticing. It's definitely a conversation starter and nice throwback to their childhood days of collecting Pokémon cards (or maybe they still do!).
Scentss is a small business that sells Pokémon-inspired air fresheners.
The different Pokémon types each have a different scent such as "black ice," "cool water," and "green forest." Anyone who loved collecting the cards in the '90s and still enjoys it now will be grinning from ear to ear after hanging one of these beauties in their car.
Shipping info: Items are typically shipped out the next day.
Get it from Scentss for $5 (available in 11 styles).
30. An 8-foot string of Super Mario star lights that'll give their game room the coziest glow — they'd also look nice as part of a backdrop if they stream or make videos.
These are USB-operated and, according to reviewers, don't come with an adapter for directly plugging them into a wall, which would pose a problem if hung somewhere other than at a desk. You can pick up a USB wall charger for pretty cheap if you don't think they'll have a spare one lying around already, and a USB extension cable may be necessary depending on how far away the power outlet is.
Promising review: "So cute to have at my desk. I've gotten so many compliments on these lights." —Grizzlymonkney
Shipping info: 1–3 day shipping, which is free on orders over $59 and otherwise costs $7.99. See full shipping info here.
Get it from GameStop for $14.99.
31. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, aka the bestselling game on the Nintendo Switch — but in this case, commercial success aligns with critical acclaim. This enhanced version of Mario Kart 8 is an *essential* title in the Switch library, bringing back all that classic Mario Kart fun with dozens of tracks, karts, abilities, and characters to try out as they compete against friends or family (and potentially make enemies of them).
If they don't yet own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there's a pretty good reason to pick it up in 2022: This year, Nintendo announced the Booster Course Pass that will add 48 (!) remastered tracks from previous Mario Kart games over the course of six waves through the end of 2023, and the first two waves have already been released. The third wave becomes available on Dec. 7, just in time for some holiday races with the whole fam!
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with free shipping within about a week; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Amazon for $58.61 or get a digital download code for $59.99. The Booster Course Pass is available as a digital download code (available instantly!) for $24.88 — or for free with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
32. Or, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, the latest in the Nintendo-Ubisoft crossover series that features both Mario characters and Rabbids and revolves around turn-based tactical combat. It's a great pickup for fans with a taste for strategy games!
It just released near the end of October, and DLC is planned for the game, too, so they can look forward to new content — including one in 2023 that'll bring Rayman into the game. This DLC can be purchased separately, *or* you can get the Gold Edition that includes the season pass in addition to the base game.
Promising review: "This game is bigger and better than the first game! It has a deeper story, fun gameplay. I love leveling and upgrading my characters and sparks. It’s a fun tactical game with a lot of RPG elements. Graphics are great, and it looks beautiful on the TV. Would definitely recommend to any Nintendo/Mario fan!" —Nick
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Amazon for $58.99 or get a digital download code for $59.99 (Gold Edition available for $89.99 and includes the season pass as well as the Galactic Prestige Pack with three exclusive weapon skins).
33. A pretty little mug glass with The Legend of Zelda's chatty fairy Navi making up the cute design on the side. Hey, listen! I need this in my life!
Threads & Thistles is a woman-owned small business that makes incredible, cute, gaming-focused accessories in a wide range of styles, catering to anyone who loves games and may not fit the stereotypical "gamer" mold. I recently discovered this brand and really love their stuff!
Get a closer look at this mug glass (and more of T&T's adorable gaming merch!) on TikTok.
Promising review: "The cutest mug ever. As a Zelda fan, I am in love with this mug!! It's also the perfect size for a morning coffee or an afternoon tea. I really recommend it!" —Audrey G.
Shipping info: If ordering in the US, it's recommended to place your order by December 11 for arrival by Christmas. See the product listing for full shipping info.
Get it from Threads & Thistles for $17.60 (originally $22).
34. A stunning Pokémon terrarium that'll transport them right back to the '90s so they can relive their childhood days of catching 'em all. It'll look awesome in a retro-inspired desk setup since it lights up too.
Lxjery is a small biz that's one of the top stores selling these on Etsy, but there are a lot of stores out there selling these nowadays, if you're looking for a specific Pokémon.
Psst — You can spot a very similar Pokémon terrarium in this TikTok from @bbymimikyu. I see them in setups all the time!
Promising review: "Using this as a component of my daughter’s birthday cake. It’s far more gorgeous than photos can justify. Very cleverly done and the details are lovely. It’s smaller than it seems, like the size of a Poké Ball plush and comes with a nice gift box, gift bag and wooden stand. Thanks so much 💖 it’s amazing." —Chantel Antoinette
Shipping info: Estimated delivery is 9–18 days after ordering, and shipping is ✨ free ✨. See the estimated arrival date range on the listing.
Get the Eevee terrarium from Lxjery on Etsy for $59.29+ (originally $65.88+; available with or without light), and check out their full store page for more designs (mostly Gen 1 Pokémon).
35. Animal Crossing: New Horizons if they never jumped on the Animal Crossing train back in early 2020 when it first launched (and everyone was playing it during lockdown). It doesn't get much cozier than Animal Crossing, and between designing their island, befriending villagers, gathering resources, and attending K.K. Slider concerts, there's enough to keep them busy in New Horizons for months to come, especially since there's a limit on how much they can do every day.
If they like cozy games with lots of customization, they shouldn't miss out on New Horizons. Since its launch, the game has received a series of free content updates as well as its only paid expansion, Happy Home Paradise, so it's now in its most complete state, making now as good a time as any to jump in.
Shipping info: Ships for free, and enter your zip code on the listing to see estimated delivery date (for me, delivery is within one week). See full shipping policy here. Also available *instantly* as a digital download.
Get it from Target for $59.99 (available physically or digitally).
The Happy Home Paradise expansion is available as a standalone digital code (available instantly) for $24.88 if they already own the base game, or for free with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
36. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — this is another game they're likely to already own on Switch, BUT if they don't, this is probably the best gift you could give them, like, ever. And with its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, slated for release next May, this'll give them a chance to catch up on BOTW just in time to play what's bound to be the biggest game of 2023.
Even if they haven't been following Link's adventures since the series' inception over 30 years ago, they'll find a lot to love in Breath of the Wild. This gorgeous, open-world adventure is super beginner-friendly and encourages exploration — and there's a LOT to explore. Like, a mind-blowing amount. You could spend many, many hours just exploring in this game and never fighting a boss. From completing puzzle-filled shrine levels to discovering cute hidden creatures called Koroks and cooking meals (!!) that give you power-ups, there's a ton to do in Breath of the Wild beyond the standard Zelda dungeons and boss fights and dealing with that Ganon guy.
Shipping info: Free Prime delivery within about a week; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $44.90 (originally $51.81).
37. A set of retro NES drink coasters for placing their coffee, tea, or some other drink on while they're on the couch playing games — the perfect way to incorporate nostalgia into their modern setup.
Promising review: "Perfect. A great talking piece and an awesome nostalgic decoration. Works well to keep wood furniture undamaged. Very stylish. I received this as a wedding gift. One of my favorites. I've received multiple compliments. Only flaw is cups sometimes stick to coasters a little. But that's not a big deal to me." —Maria =)
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $10.
38. A "cozy gamer" sticker they can put on their laptop, phone, or water bottle — and maybe even meet some other fellow cozy gamers out in the wild. It's perfect for anyone whose idea of an ideal night is curling up with some tea, a blanket, and a game that'll help them wind down from a stressful day.
This design comes from cozygamer, an independent artist on Redbubble with both cozy and kawaii designs.
Shipping info: Orders will typically ship between 6–9 business days, but express shipping is available for an additional fee.
Get it from cozygamer on Redbubble for $2.10+ (available in three sizes and finishes). You can also get this design printed on hats, shirts, mouse pads, and more!
39. A concrete Bulbasaur planter if they have a green thumb — who needs farming sims when you have an IRL plant bb to take care of?
Doolittle Dorks is an Etsy shop run by some self-proclaimed dorks creating concrete decor to personalize your space. Everything is individually handmade in the USA.
Promising review: "WOW, WOW, WOW. I can't even begin to describe how incredibly HAPPY I am with this purchase. The packaging? Secure AND cute. Setting the planter up was easy peasy. They provided a great quality succulent with the perfect amount of moss. If you're thinking about buying this, do yourself a favor and just BUY IT! Don't think. Treat yourself!" —nicolewanderley
Shipping info: Estimated delivery is 4–10 days after ordering, and shipping costs $8.27. See the estimated arrival date range on the listing.
Get it from Doolittle Dorks on Etsy for $22+ (available with or without a succulent).
40. Life Is Strange: True Colors, a beautiful episodic adventure that follows protagonist Alex to the picturesque mountain village of Haven Springs to reunite with her brother Gabe — but after a tragic accident, she becomes embroiled in a larger mystery lurking beneath the town's idyllic surface. It's perfect for fans of story-driven and choice-heavy games!
I ADORE this game, and if they've never played a Life Is Strange game before, now is the time! Each game is a standalone story, so it's fine to jump in with True Colors (that said, you can also get the Arcadia Bay Collection with Life Is Strange Remastered and prequel story Before the Storm for Switch — highly, highly recommend all of these games!!).
Alex (whose hidden power in True Colors is empathy — seeing people's emotions as physical colors, which she can then manipulate) is probably my favorite Life Is Strange protagonist to date, and Haven Springs is the *coziest* little town to walk around and explore. It's a bit shorter than other games in the series, but the story and characters are fantastic as always.
Promising review: "This is the best of the series and will keep you emotionally involved all the way through. This is a compelling mystery story with good pacing, useful supernatural abilities, and perhaps, most importantly, dialogue choices that offer more depth and complexity, with big and small decisions that actually impact the story in meaningful ways throughout the course of five chapters." —Dubbled
Shipping info: Ships for free, and enter your zip code on the listing to see estimated delivery date (for me, delivery is within two weeks). See full shipping policy here.
Get it from Target for $53.99.
41. A wooden Monster Hunter beer stein for the person who counted down the days until Monster Hunter Rise and spent several subsequent months grinding for loot and slaying beasts in the game. Reviewers say it holds a *lot* of drink, and the handle is comfy to hold — and when not in use, it'll serve as a cool fantasy-inspired piece of decor.
Wild Mugs is a small shop based in Ukraine that creates engraved wooden beer mugs to satisfy a range of fandoms.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Danielle Healy says, "This cup was a hit with my partner, who is a huge Monster Hunter World fan. It's super high-quality, and functions equally well as both a real cup and eye-catching decor. It's lined with stainless steel that's really easy to clean, and the handle is comfortable to hold. When not in use, it makes for a fun piece of decor that brings all the fantasy tavern vibes to our kitchen."
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day delivery; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
42. An Animal Crossing cookie cutter if they spend as much time thinking about their next island redesign in New Horizons as they do in the kitchen whipping up delicious baked treats.
These cookie cutters are made of food-safe plastic and are free of dyes/coloring, BPA, and phthalates. They're recyclable, but not dishwasher-safe, so be sure to hand-wash after each use! You can choose from Tom Nook, Isabelle, KK Slider, Marshal, Stitches, Raymond, and the Animal Crossing leaf. Can't decide? No worries, you can purchase all of them in a set for $36.
Trinket Slot Crafts is a small business based in Los Angeles that sells a fun array of gamer jewelry and cookie cutters.
Promising review: "Just got these today, and they’re adorable! I love that a sugar cookie recipe was included with the cutters. Can’t wait to make cookies with these!" —Stephanie Miranda
Shipping info: Estimated delivery is 6–15 days after ordering, and shipping costs $3. See the estimated arrival date range on the listing.
Get them from Trinket Slot Crafts on Etsy for $9 each, or as a full set for $36.
43. Zelda & Chill on vinyl so they can enjoy the crisp, nostalgic sounds of certified bops like "Gerudo Valley" and "Dragon Roost Island" and put their expensive turntable to use.
I had been listening to this lo-fi soundtrack on Spotify for *years* before I bought it on vinyl, and doing so was a great decision — it sounds incredible on my Audio-Technica turntable, and now, I can fill my entire apartment with the rich sounds of Zelda music (spanning multiple games!) anytime I like.
Promising review: "I’ve been listening to a YouTube video of this record nonstop and decided I needed to own a copy. I have an Audio-Technica record player, and this album sounds like a dream on it. The bass is wonderful, and the sound is crisp. I’m going to have to get ahold of volume 2 ASAP! I hope the artist produces a vinyl edition of his Studio Ghibli versions." —Becky A. Brumbaugh
Shipping info: Expedited and standard shipping options available at additional cost, with fastest arrival within about 9 days. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $29.69.
44. A splurge-worthy Lego version of the classic Nintendo Entertainment System sure to transport them right back their childhood playing Super Mario Bros. After putting this together, they'll be able to display it on their office shelf or in their gaming room.
The neat thing about this set (aside from its cool, detailed look) is that the TV has a handle-operated screen — you can actually watch Mario move across the screen reacting to enemies, obstacles, and power-ups. I won't spoil it here, but there's also a very cool Easter egg tucked inside the console that they'll get a huge kick out of once they're done building it.
Promising review: "This is the first Lego set I have ever put together. I bought it because I grew up in the (now) retro video game age and thought this would be a really cool item to display in my home office. What an incredible piece of nostalgia! It took me two mostly full days to complete, which was actually a real pleasure to do. At first, I just wanted to get to the end to see the final product in person, but as I got lost in the moment putting it together, I actually wanted to slow down because it was so therapeutic I didn't want it to end. As others have mentioned, the item was shipped with no outside packaging, so if you are ordering this as a collector's item, I wouldn't do it through Amazon. But if, like me, you just want a really cool piece of nostalgia, I recommend this 100%." —Norcalsurf
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with free delivery within about 5 days; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $269.95.
45. A Zelda-themed candle to toss into their stocking — it might just convert them into being a candle lover if they've never been interested before. It'll bring the coziest vibe while they're gaming on a chilly winter day — I mean, who knew Death Mountain could be that relaxing?
The fragrance notes for each candle are detailed on the product listing so you can get a ~scents~ of what they smell like before buying!
Nerd Wood Designs is a small business in Portland, Oregon, that sells candles, signs, and wooden tabletop gaming products.
Promising review: "I bought the three candles in the Zelda collection, and they are amazing. Lost Woods is evergreen, Lon Lon Milk is vanilla frosting, and Hyrule Castle is floral. The blends are perfect and go so well with the Zelda theme!" —PW
Shipping info: Estimated delivery is 3–14 days after ordering, and shipping costs $12.82. See the estimated arrival date range on the listing.
Get it from Nerd Wood Designs on Etsy for $19.45 (available in four Zelda scents: Lost Woods, Hyrule Castle, Lon Lon Milk, and Death Mountain).
46. A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership perfect for retro Nintendo fans (and a great last-minute option), since they'll *immediately* get access to a library of classic N64, Sega Genesis, NES, and SNES games. It comes with a slew of other benefits, like access to expansions for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, cloud saves, and online multiplayer in many games. Basically, it unlocks a whole new level of fun for Switch owners!
Here's a quick and dirty rundown: Switch Online is available as an individual membership *or* a family membership, and the family membership is by far the most cost-effective option — so, if you're shopping for multiple gamers, it's worth it to go for the family membership, since you can have up to eight Nintendo accounts tied to it.
If you'd rather not get the pricier Expansion Pack plan, you can get the base Switch Online membership (also available for individuals or families), which includes online play, access to cloud saves, and the library of NES and SNES games — they just won't have access to the N64 or Sega Genesis games or the expansions.
Shipping info: Digital codes available instantly after purchase. They can redeem the code in the Nintendo eShop account settings on their Switch, and the membership will become active immediately.
Get Switch Online + Expansion Pack from Amazon: a 12-month individual membership for $49.99 *or* family membership for $79.99.
Get Switch Online by itself: a 12-month individual membership for $19.99 *or* family membership for $34.99.
✨ Note: This code is for new members and can't be added to an active Switch Online membership!
47. Finally, a Nintendo Switch OLED model that'll *really* guarantee you win the Christmas gift-giving game this year. This was hard to find in stock at launch, but it's more readily available nowadays, and if they're still playing on a launch-model Switch, this console upgrade will make them one happy gamer indeed.
The OLED model has a 7-inch OLED screen that really shines in handheld mode, with vivid colors and rich contrast that really makes games ~come alive~. It has 64GB of internal storage (compared to the regular Switch's 32GB), a larger screen, an improved kickstand (it's wider and more sturdy), a dock with a wired LAN port, and enhanced audio for handheld and tabletop modes. And like the new version of the Switch released in 2019, the OLED model has an improved battery life of 4.9 to 9 hours (compared to the launch model Switch's 2.5 to 6.5 hours of gameplay on a single charge).
So, basically, if they're still playing on a launch model Switch (released in 2018), only have a Switch Lite, *or* pretty much always play in handheld mode, the Switch OLED is a worthwhile upgrade — and guaranteed to put a huge smile on their face when they unwrap it.
Shipping info (for Amazon): The white model is available on Amazon Prime with free shipping within about 6 days, while the neon black/red model has free Prime delivery within 17–19 days; non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas. See Amazon's full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Shipping info (for Walmart): Shipping time depends on your address, but the neon red/blue version arrives within ~20 days, while the white version ships faster, arriving within about four days. Shipping is free. See full shipping info here and check the product listing for estimated delivery dates.
Get it from Amazon for $349.99 or from Walmart for $349 (available in white or neon red/blue).
Them after opening your *incredible* gift:
Note: The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.