Life is a complicated mix of work, rest and play, and while technology has changed over time, the games we play still provide the necessary escape and enjoyment we all need to survive.

Do you love to play games? Most of us do, and we probably know someone who spends much of their downtime playing their favourites. When it comes time to give gifts, they tend to be harder to buy because they probably have their favourite games and the gear necessary to play. The solution? A gamer gift basket. These gift baskets can be filled with various items for any gamer. 

Need some help? Here are some great gamer gift basket ideas to work with.

Video Game Basket

A video game is a play method by electronically manipulating images in the form of objects and characters within a computer program on a display screen like a tv, computer, tablet or smartphone. Video gamer will usually have their chosen medium and stick with it, whether on a console or computer.

They will have their console or online game, but if you want a big ticket item in your gift basket, you can go with the latest console version or game series. They will use different controllers and headsets from here, and there are always upgrades for both. Plus, they tend to wear out with constant gameplay. Batteries are always helpful, and snacks and drinks are the perfect companions for extended play times.

Video Game Merchandise Basket

You can also get merch from their favourite game, including:

    • T-shirts
    • Mouse pad
    • Wall posters
    • Socks
    • Books

There is a huge per-owned game market where you can buy used games in perfect shape. Games typically are played through before they wear out, so it is smart to make it more affordable to fill up your video game basket with various games or a gift card from the local game store.

Board Game Basket

While video games are all the rage for the young and young at heart, classic and newer board games are fun for people of all ages to play. This also allows for more than one person to enjoy, so if you have a loved one who likes to host board games with friends, this will make a great gift basket.

Board games come in different sizes, but you may need a different vessel than a standard basket. You can use a box or tray that is wide open, and then you have room for those bulky boxes that house board games. Put together your basket with 3-4 games in it, picking a classic like Monopoly and a newer one that just came out. Then put in a couple of smaller ones like boggle, crib or yahtzee and even add a small travel board game for taking a trip. 

Card Games Basket

Card games are a fun way to spend a night alone, with a partner or friend and in a large group. The best thing about card games is that there are literally 1000s of games, and they are all played with the same set of cards. Some are even played with multiple decks.

Putting together a card game basket may seem hard, but it’s pretty easy. Just start with 3-4 decks of cards. Make sure they look the same but maybe in two different colours. Now you can add poker or custom-made chips for use in some games. Different types of cardholders may be practical or just fun to hold your cards in front of you while you play, and an auto shuffler is always a big hit. 

Snacks Basket

Now, what goes with playing cards? Snacks! Round out this gift basket with game night snacks like chips, candies, and sodas. Then your loved one will have everything they need to host a new evening of fun and games, and you may get invited too!

There is almost no limit to the number of snacks that go with playing cards, as long as it isn’t wet or sticky on the hands. Fill the basket with various gaming snacks like:

    • Chips
    • Candies
    • Mixed nuts
    • Pretzels
    • Crackers
    • Cheese
    • Dried meats
    • Cookies
    • Dried fruit
    • Popcorn

This is a gamers basket that anyone would love.

Puzzles Basket

Everyone loves puzzles that come in 1000s of pieces, spread across the table or in a book as a word search, sudoku or crosswords. Purists may say that to win a puzzle, you must crack a code, whereas a game has an element of competition, but ultimately, they both have a goal and can be enjoyed solo or with friends.

Make a gift basket with various puzzles to keep your loved one entertained and intrigued. This gift takes a long time to use and will last them long after all their other gifts have faded away.

These are the perfect gamer gift basket ideas, regardless of the type of games your loved one enjoys. This year give the gift of the game and then join in on the fun of the competition.