Easy last minute gifts ideas for an Xbox gamer
The clock is ticking. Christmas is officially less than one week away.
While I thrive under the pressure of waiting until the last minute to buy presents — I love shopping on Christmas Eve — others find the whole thing stressful. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
If you know someone who is a gamer and are looking to surprise them this year, here are some easy gifts you can buy. This article is dedicated to Xbox, specifically, and gifts that you can purchase at the very last minute.
Xbox Gift Card
This is the most straightforward present you could give someone. An Xbox Gift Card is basically the equivalent of cash but shows you at least put a little thought into the present by thinking about their console of choice.
The best part is, you don’t even have to go to the store these days to get it. You can purchase a digital Xbox Gift Card directly from the Microsoft website. You can select a value anywhere between $1 and $100. The Gift Card can be used at the Microsoft Store online, on Windows, and on Xbox, and there are no fees or expiration dates. It can be used to buy games, apps, movies, shows and even peripherals.
Xbox Game Pass Core 12-Month Membership ($59.99)
If the person you’re buying for already owns an Xbox, then consider buying the a membership to Xbox Game Pass Core. This is Microsoft’s new version of Xbox Live Gold. It’s required to play most games online and offers access to a library of over 25 games to play on Xbox consoles.
Xbox Series X or S console
Want to splurge? Consider buying an actual Xbox console. The Xbox Series S – Starter Bundle is available for $249.99, a savings of $50 from its normal price. This comes with the Series S console and three months of Game Pass Ultimate.
If you want to go even bigger, you can get the more powerful Xbox Series X. It’s currently on sale at Walmart and Amazon for $349, which is $150 off its regular price.
Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller
Target currently has a variety of Xbox wireless controllers available for $10 off. You can find these in stores or online and they still say shipping will arrive by Christmas Eve. Although the Xbox comes with a controller, a second controller, or something with this special design or color, will surely be appreciated.
Xbox Games
Getting an actual game for someone is a bit trickier because it requires that you actually know their interests. Baldur’s Gate 3 ($69.99), for example, is the 2023 Game of the Year, but it’s a fantasy strategy RPG that’s admittedly not for everyone. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor ($34.99) is an amazing game for Star Wars fans, but also requires that they’ve played Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Cyberpunk 2077 ($29.99), once a colossal disappointment, is finally a game worth playing — and it’s quite good now!
Here are some noteworthy games that were released on Xbox in 2023 that may be worth buying someone:
- Diablo IV
- Dead Space
- Starfield
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Forza Motorsport
You really can’t go wrong with any of these gifts and while they may not be as fun as something personalized, everyone loves the freedom that a gift card allows for.