Video games and their accessories just happen to be one of the most popular gift categories of the holiday season, for children, teenagers, and adults alike. If you know a gamer (which you probably do), you may be wishing to get them a present to do with video games. However, with the high prices that usually accompany such a gift, it can seem like a difficult task to find the perfect present while on a budget. But lower-cost video game gifts are out there, and I've listed 10 of the ones under $30 below.
Video Game Console Skins
These are like clothing for game console systems – whether your game player has an Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii, or even these system's older versions, you can find a great graphically-designed console skin for pretty much anyone. Game Console Skins in particular offers a huge range of skins for all of the popular consoles out there. The prices run around a price of $20, and many of the designs even have matching controller skins for about $5. Other places to find console skins are retail stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, and of course Best Buy. Though the selection is much more limited in these stores, the prices tend to be lower as well.
Video Game Console Stand
A stand for a video game console is also a great choice, as they are made to stand a console in a secure place to keep it safe and preserve its longevity, as well as creating a nice organizational space for the controllers and some games. Of course, you need to get the stand that matches the console. Some of the best choices include:
The ezGear Superstand for Nintendo Wii. This not only keeps the Wii secure and stationed, but comes with storage for the Wii controller, nunchuck, games and memory modules. I've found it for $19.99 at both Target.com and Amazon.com.
The Xbox 360 4-in-1 Charging Stand is one of the best choices when it comes to the Xbox 360 game console – it not only places the Xbox in an upright position and provides storage for the DVD remote, but it also helps circulate air better to keep the console running cool and prevent overheating. This stand is $29.99 at Target.com.
The Mad Catz Vertical Rack for Playstation 3 secures the console in an upright position, along with providing storage for some video games. This stand is a nice price, at $19.99 at Target.com.
Memory Cards
Although the newer game consoles don't usually require a memory card, if the gamer you're shopping for still plays on a Playstation 2 he may appreciate a new memory card to store game files on. Now that the next generation of consoles have taken precedence, the older memory cards are much cheaper in price than they used to be. The 8 MB Sony-brand PS2 memory card is $16.96 on Amazon, which is a lot lower in price than the $25 it still tends to run at Target. If you want an even better deal, consider the Max PS2 32 MB Memory Card for $24.99 at Target.com.
An Xbox Live Subscription
If your gamer has an Xbox 360, a great gift is a subscription to the online service that enables gamers to play and communicate with other gamers around the world, Xbox Live. A 3-month subscription is only $15.99 on Amazon, or about $20 at Target, and comes in the form of an easy pre-paid card.
Sports Gear for the Nintendo Wii
Nintendo Wii's sports games are highly fun and interactive, but what can make them even more fun and interactive is to have an actual piece of sports equipment to play with in place of the controller. The Wii Grand Slam Sports Pack is full of this – a tennis racket, golf club, baseball bat and steering wheel, along with a clear remote cover and wrist strap. With this, Wii players can play their favorite sports games while feeling even more in the game. I've seen this at stores such as Target and Wal-Mart for around $30, but you can get it on Amazon for $19.99.
Console Remotes
If the gamer you're gifting also enjoys watching movies on his console, a remote control specifically for this is a wonderful gift idea. The Playstation 3 Blu-ray Disc Remote, going for $19.96 on Amazon, is one of the best as it runs on Bluetooth – which means no lag time and you don't even have to point it at any specific thing for it to work. For Xbox 360 owners, the Xbox 360 Universal Remote is a great choice. Not only can you use it to power up and navigate around the system (while watching a movie or not), but it is a universal remote – meaning it can also be used for volume control and channel changing on the TV. This controller goes for $17.99 on Amazon.
Turbo Charge Portable Video Game Charger
This is a great gift for the gamers of handheld consoles, such as the Nintendo Gameboy, DS, or Sony PSP. The Turbo Charge Portable Video Game Charger works for each of these, charging dead batteries quickly and a well-needed device for taking handheld game consoles on the go, especially on long trips. I've seen this at Target for $20, or on Target.com.
PSP Games
Speaking of the portable gamer, Target tends to have a section in the video game department solely for PSP games that are $20. A lot of times there are also PSP games that are around $15. These are the ones that are on a rack outside of the normal glass case that is reserved for the more expensive games. If you know an owner of a PSP, this is a great place to look for new, cheap games.
World of Warcraft Subscription
Many gamers these days are very much into a popular multiplayer online game known as World of Warcraft. However, this game charges money for each month of use. If you know a World of Warcraft player, a great gift is to supply another two months of playtime. The 60-Day Pre-Paid Time Card goes for $28.99 on Amazon.
World of Warcraft Key Set
Another great choice for World of Warcraft players, if they happen to already have the Ideazon Zboard Gaming Keyboard, is the World of Warcraft Key Set add-on. It's made with keys for specific commands in World of Warcraft, and is graphically designed for the game as well. This keyboard add-on is just $19.99 at Target.com.
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