Stocking Stuffer for Gamers: Must-Have Gear That Boosts Their Play

For the Switch or Switch 2 owner who wants a travel-friendly pad, this Next Wireless Rechargeable Pro Controller hits a sweet spot on price and portability. Bluetooth paired quickly in our testing and the internal battery lasted multiple sessions, making it great for Switch Lite or mobile play, but note there’s no NFC or rumble so some features won’t trigger. The compact shell feels comfortable for smaller hands, though flat buttons and the reduced size may disappoint players who prefer chunkier, premium gamepads.

This 8BitDo Ultimate is a smart Windows gamepad bundle: a low-profile charging dock that secretly stores the 2.4GHz dongle, long battery life, and Hall-effect sticks that resist drift over time. We found Bluetooth on Windows hit-or-miss, so using the dongle gave the most reliable connection, and the controller stayed topped up whenever we parked it on the base. Some users note mushy triggers and the sealed battery isn’t service-friendly, but overall it’s a tidy, worry-free setup for desktop play.

UGREEN's Nexode Pro 65W is the slim, toss-in-the-bag charger we'd pair with a handheld console, phone, and earbuds on the go. In our research, the two USB-C plus USB-A ports make multi-device charging simple, and GaN tech packs solid power into a small body. Trade-offs: it can run warm at sustained loads, the non-foldable prongs snag in pockets, and power shares across ports. If you need the smallest profile, this is flatter than many 65W bricks and makes a gift-friendly stocking stuffer.

Keep couch co-op ready with Sony's DualSense Charging Station, which docks two PS5 controllers in a tidy, click-in cradle that matches the console's look. In our analysis, typical charge times are around three hours, and the compact footprint keeps the media center clutter-free. There are caveats: some users report inconsistent charging lights and suggest potential long-term battery concerns with constant dock use, and certain Edge or special editions can show irregular indicators. Still, as a daily drop-and-go stand, it's a handy stocking stuffer.

Need a fast, reliable charge for gaming laptops and handhelds? Anker’s USB-IF certified USB-C to USB-C cable pushes up to 240W (48V/5A), and in our testing it handled high-power Steam Deck docks and phone fast-charging without breaking a sweat. The upcycled braided jacket and plastic-free packaging feel eco-friendly and tough, rated for 30,000+ bends, though it’s best for charging and basic 480 Mbps sync only, since there’s no video output and some users find the connector a little less snappy.

Travel-friendly power is always a win, and Anker's Prime 67W GaN charger packs a lot into a tiny brick. In our research, its two USB-C plus USB-A layout makes topping up a phone, handheld, and earbuds at once painless, while ActiveShield temperature monitoring adds peace of mind. Just remember it can run warm and shared ports mean slower speeds, and there are no cables in the box. Compared with typical 67W bricks, it's notably smaller - an easy stocking stuffer that actually gets used.

Swap disposable AAs for this Microsoft rechargeable pack and you’ll cut clutter while extending playtime on Xbox controllers. During our review, the pack installed in seconds, charged directly over the controller’s USB-C port with the included cable, and delivered long sessions between top-ups; just note some newer cable variants lack a charging indicator. It’s pricier than standard AA rechargeables or third-party packs, and rare defective units do pop up, but for convenience and fit it’s the most straightforward upgrade.

If they run hot during marathon raids, the HyperX Wrist Rest's gel-infused memory foam gives an instantly cool feel that, in our research, users notice right away. The natural rubber underside stays put, and the anti-fray stitching holds up better than budget pads over time. Be aware the cooling sensation can fade after months, the smooth fabric may show sweat smudges, and its height can be tall for ultra-slim boards. For most standard gaming keyboards, though, it's a comfy, durable stocking stuffer.

Got a gamer with a tenkeyless board? The Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest delivers plush memory-foam support that, based on user feedback, noticeably reduces strain during long sessions, while anti-slip rubber feet keep it planted even in high-action moments. The water-resistant leatherette wipes clean easily, making it low-maintenance for daily play. Do note the faux-leather can show wear and the foam may compress over time, and because it's TKL-specific it won't fit full-size keyboards - a great stocking stuffer if the size matches.

Cable clutter is an easy win with VELCRO ONE-WRAP Thin Ties, reusable, low-profile straps that cinch controller chargers, USB hubs, and headset cords without adding bulk. At 8 x 1/2 inches, they’re sized right for most gaming desks and travel pouches, and in our experience the multi-pack offers excellent value for ongoing tweaks. Just remember they’re not heavy-duty, the thin width struggles with very large or odd bundles, and individual ties can wander off unless you keep a few stashed.

Clear desk, clear mind: The Anchor Pro hides bulky gaming headsets under the desk with a fiber-reinforced hook that, in our research, holds even heavy cans securely. We like that ElevationLab includes both ultra-strong 3M adhesive and screws (plus a pilot bit) for flexible mounting, and the StowStrap with cable channel keeps cords tidy. Note that adhesives can weaken over time and the small cable clip pads may need reinforcement, and thick or oddly shaped desks may require drilling or alternative mounting. For the price, it's a tidy stocking stuffer.

Give their battlestation an instant glow-up with Govee’s RGBICW strip, which uses multiple addressable segments for layered color effects and includes a diffuser channel for softer, spot-free light behind monitors and shelves. In our testing, voice control via Alexa/Google and the Govee app made scenes effortless, though we recommend avoiding max brightness if you notice flicker and reinforcing the adhesive on tricky surfaces. Availability can vary for this model, so grab it when you see a good price.

When variety matters, Game Pass Ultimate unlocks 400+ titles across console, PC, and cloud, with many first-party games available on day one. In our testing, the upgraded cloud experience made on-the-go sessions surprisingly playable, and jumping between devices felt effortless, though the PC/Xbox apps can be quirky for browsing and installs. The recent price increase makes the math tougher and you don’t own the games, but as a gift it delivers months of discovery and instant fun.

Traveling light with a Switch is easier with the tomtoc FancyCase-G05, a slim, EVA hard-shell that fits the standard and OLED models and keeps scuffs at bay. During our review, the soft-touch interior and cartridge slots kept gear organized without extra bulk, but the snug fit means thick grip covers or bulky shells won’t play nicely. Make sure to order the correct model size, and don’t overstuff; pressure on accessories can imprint on the screen if you force it.

If your Steam Deck needs real-world protection and better grip, dbrand’s Killswitch Essential Case brings an ergonomic handle, a snug shell, a kickstand, and an included skin to round out the kit. In our testing, long sessions felt more secure and less fatiguing, and the dock adapter meant we could charge or display without constantly stripping the case, just note some third-party docks may still be finicky. It’s pricier and bulkier than silicone sleeves, but the usability upgrade is immediate.

Docking a Steam Deck on a TV or monitor is easier with this compact 5-in-1 hub, which bundles HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, USB-A, and USB-C passthrough and supports up to 100W charging. In our testing, wired networking noticeably lowered latency for cloud and remote play, but we did experience unreliable display output and occasional USB disconnects on certain screens and peripherals. It’s a budget pick that can work well, yet coil whine and compatibility quirks mean meticulous tinkerers may prefer a higher-end dock.