If you want to give a gamer a gift, it can quickly become expensive – especially if it is an ambitious gamer who expects better performance from the hardware used. MeinMMO editor Dariusz presents you here some gift ideas for under €50 that you can give to almost any gamer.
What kind of gift ideas are these? I’ve picked out 5 gift ideas for you that I think every gamer can use at least one of these gifts. I made sure not to exceed the price limit of €50.
I have deliberately refrained from recommending a mouse or keyboard, a professional controller with additional buttons, a microphone, a back-friendly chair, speakers or similar items. These are all products that have a big impact on the gaming experience and where you can quickly buy “the wrong thing”. These are often not cheap products, which is why a bad purchase would be even more annoying.
1. Blanket with sleeves – around €20
The most important and best gift first: a cozy blanket with sleeves. Nobody wants to feel uncomfortable or even cold while gaming. A warm blanket is always a good idea. So that freedom of movement is not restricted while gaming, I recommend a blanket with sleeves. This means you can snuggle up in the blanket and still use your mouse, keyboard, controller or even a steering wheel without any hindrance.
2. USB hub – around €10
We gamers have what feels like thousands of devices attached to our PC or console, and many of them are powered by a USB port. This is where a USB hub can come in very handy as it provides new, additional USB ports. This means your favorite gamer doesn’t have to constantly change the connected devices/cables and, if necessary, climb behind the desk to do so.
A USB hub from the company “Anker” has proven successful for me. This works on the PC as well as on a PlayStation or an Xbox. I’ve been using this for about 4 years now and it still works without any problems – so it’s proven to be durable and reliable.
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3. Mouse pad – available in every price range
Many gamers have a mouse pad, but do not care for it regularly and play on a mouse pad that is already completely worn out. A new, clean mouse pad not only looks stylish, it can also ensure that the gamer plays better – for example because the mouse glides better again.
Since there are countless different mouse pads, you can find one in every price range. If your favorite gamer likes to play competitively, he/she may prefer a certain speed of the mouse pad. But many gamers don’t care at all. Here it can make sense to ask the recipient a little beforehand.
Note: Unfortunately, the gift is not suitable for every gamer as it is primarily aimed at PC gamers. If your loved ones use a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch or gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck to play, they can’t do much with a mouse pad.
4. Embroidery attachments or mouse feet – €10-20
Depending on whether your favorite gamer plays with a mouse and keyboard or primarily holds a controller in his hand, new mouse feet or attachments for the sticks are a good and fairly inexpensive gift idea.
Why are mouse feet useful? Mouse feet are the sliding surfaces underneath the mouse. They make contact with the mouse pad and can actually wear out – a lot of gamers don’t know that either. If the mouse feet are heavily worn, this can damage the mouse pad. This then also wears out, which reduces the gliding ability of the mouse pad. So it may make sense to replace the mouse feet occasionally.
Note: When buying mouse feet, you have to make sure you buy the right ones. To do this, you should know which mouse is used. If you buy mouse feet for another mouse, even if it is from the same manufacturer, they will not fit. You have to buy the exact model.
Ideally, you can find out secretly by asking clever questions.
I have been using Corepad mouse feet on various mice for several years and am very satisfied with the quality. They have a good lifespan, are easy to attach and do not come off the mouse unintentionally.
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Why are attachments for the sticks useful? The thumbsticks (sticks for short) of a controller are responsible for controlling the game character and are therefore in constant contact with the gamer’s thumbs when gaming. Over time, this causes them to wear out – especially with intensive use. However, not everyone has the courage to replace the stick on a controller, and having a year-old controller repaired to replace the stick isn’t always worth it – especially if the sticks are “just” worn out but otherwise work.
Instead of replacing a stick, you can buy attachments for the sticks. They come in different versions. Some are particularly high and are intended to improve performance when playing, others are simple rubber covers that protect the stick and, if necessary, provide more grip.
5. In-ear headphones instead of a heavy headset – around €25
Why headphones? Many gamers play with a headset. But this has several disadvantages, starting with the fact that even audio experts say that gaming headsets are not of good quality. In addition, they are often quite heavy, warm on the ears in summer and destroy the gamer’s hairstyle.
However, many gamers are reluctant to use in-ear headphones. But it’s not a bad idea to have a cheap pair at home as an alternative: for example, if the headset breaks or the fabric covers on the ear cups need to be washed.
I’ve been gaming with various IEMs (in-ear monitors) for a good two years now and can recommend the 7Hz Salnotes Zero for shooter players. Thanks to the neutral tuning, the headphones allowed me to hear my opponents’ footsteps better in games like Valorant or Rainbow Six: Siege than with expensive gaming headsets that cost me over €250. But even compared to other IEMs, the Zero are damn good for the price.
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However, I tested the headphones with a cable without a microphone and therefore cannot make any statements about the quality of the microphone. However, experience shows that the microphone with such cables is not really of high quality. If there is a need, you can give away a USB microphone for Easter or your next birthday.
If you’re unsure what to think of the Hz Salnotes Zero and whether they’re suitable as a gift, you can read my full review of the headphones on MeinMMO: Audio expert designs headphones for under €30 and I’ve never had them so good Heard footsteps in a shooter