How to Pick a Christmas Gift for a Gamer

Picking a Christmas gift for a gamer can be confusing, especially if you do not know much about games. Buying the latest and greatest video game console may seem like the most obvious choice, but it is likely to set you back several hundred dollars. Here are some ideas for picking a Christmas gift for a gamer without completely breaking your bank account.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Do some research. The first thing you need to do is look through your gamer's collection of games. Make a note of what consoles he owns, like an Xbox 360 or a Nintendo Wii. Find out what games he owns for each system.
2. Based on what you learned in the first step, choose a game in the genre or style that the gamer likes. There is a good chance that you will find a trend with the games, such as war games, shooter games or fantasy games. You can pick a game in the same style and expect that he will like it; just be careful not to get a game he already has.
3. Ask for advice at a gaming store. When you have the list of games your gamer already owns, take that information to a gaming store and seek a clerk's advice. They can suggest a game that your gamer will probably like.
4. Check ratings and rankings for the games you are considering buying. The ESRB rates games based on content, similar to movie rankings. If your gamer is older, this probably won't matter. However,if you are buying for a younger gamer, you want to make sure you don't get a mature title. You also can check the ranking of a game at sites like metacritic.com to discover how others rate the game.
5. Make sure that the game you are buying is not outdated. There are many sequels on the market to watch out for. Sports games outdate quickly, so if you are getting a sports game make sure it is the most current. Ask the sales clerk.
6. Pick up an accessory or two for your gamer's favorite video game system. If you want to opt for something other than a game, there are many accessories on the market for gamers. You can buy an extra controller, a remote control, a headset microphone, memory cards or hard drives, and other accessories.
7. Get your gamer a game card for a specific game or console. You can find game cards that offer credit, allowing your gamer to purchase downloadable games, movies and extra content. There are cards available for specific games, like "World of Warcraft," and for download services like Xbox Live and the Wii's Virtual Console.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the gamer's parents if they place any restrictions on the games their children play. Some parents won't allow their kids to won games that are graphically violent. Never buy a game for a child or adolescent that is sexual in nature.