The Best Gifts for PC Gamers this Holiday
Do you have friends, family, or a significant other who are serious PC gamers? Are you looking for great holiday gaming gift ideas for them? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Discover the best gift ideas for your PC gamer this holiday. HP has what both serious and casual PC gamers alike need at prices you can afford. Help them up their gameplay without overspending—or going through your entire holiday shopping budget in one clip. Whether you’re shopping for someone who’s just getting started or a seasoned pro who demands cutting-edge performance, this guide has something special for every type of gamer on your list.
Be sure to check out our holiday deals for amazing savings on tech gifts and more this season. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly and family gifts to tech stocking stuffers and this year’s top holiday gifts. With our comprehensive selection, you’re sure to find something for anyone—and at any price point, whether it’s desktops, laptops, printers, PC accessories, gaming gear, and more.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Gamers
If you’ve got a big budget for the gamer on your list, why not treat them to a brand new gaming computer? They’ll flip for these powerful gaming laptops and desktops. Are they already sporting a top-notch gaming setup? Add style and comfort to their gameplay with accessories and upgrades that will take their experience to the next level.
Best Gaming Laptops for Holiday Gifting
Best Premium Gaming Laptop for Serious Gamers
The HP OMEN brand is made for gamers, but anyone can enjoy the stunning graphics and lag-free performance of these devices. The OMEN MAX Gaming Laptop delivers unparalleled powerhouse performance with an Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU optimized for use with Windows 11. This combination ensures smooth gameplay across all modern titles, from competitive esports to AAA blockbusters, with performance that rivals desktop systems.
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor (desktop-level performance with newly developed cores)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU (16 GB GDDR7 dedicated)
- 32 GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM
- 1 TB PCIe SSD storage
- 16" diagonal WQXGA display (240Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time)
The laptop features revolutionary OMEN Tempest Cooling PRO technology with self-cleaning fans, OMEN Cryo Compound, and IR sensor for dynamic thermal optimization, so long gaming sessions aren't an issue even under maximum performance. With up to 250W Total Platform Power (75W CPU + 175W GPU) and the new Unleashed Mode for manual overclocking, this laptop pushes performance beyond out-of-the-box limits. The 16-inch WQXGA display delivers lightning-fast visuals perfect for competitive gaming, while the per-key RGB keyboard and customizable light bar add personalization. OMEN AI provides personalized settings recommendations for optimal FPS, and Instant Pair technology allows seamless wireless connection with select HyperX peripherals without dongles. It's loaded with ports for accessories and monitors, making it the ultimate choice for dedicated gamers who demand the absolute best.
Best High-Performance Gaming Laptop for Competitive Play
Another notable must-see from the HP OMEN line is the OMEN Gaming Laptop 16t-wf100. This powerful machine combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design features that gamers will love. The stunning 16.1-inch display delivers exceptional visuals that bring games to life with vivid colors and smooth motion.
- Intel® Core™ i7-14700HX (up to 5.5 GHz, 33 MB L3 cache, 20 cores, 28 threads)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU (6 GB)
- 16 GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB)
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD (4x4 SSD)
This laptop comes loaded with gaming features designed to give players every advantage. The OMEN Gaming Hub platform connects you to other players, helps you stream your content, and lets you monitor computer performance, including resource allocation and temperature. The beautiful case design and rich audio output are just icing on the cake for gamers who demand both style and substance from their hardware.
Best Budget-Friendly Gaming Laptop for Casual Gamers
Another option for gamers on-the-go is the HP Victus line, which has changed the way pros and hobbyists work and play with more budget-friendly options. The Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 15z-fb200 offers impressive gaming performance without breaking the bank, making it perfect for students, casual gamers, or anyone looking to enter the world of PC gaming without a massive investment.
- AMD Ryzen™ 5 8645HS (up to 5.0 GHz, 16 MB L3 cache, 6 cores, 12 threads)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 Laptop GPU (6 GB)
- 8 GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM (1 x 8 GB)
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD (4x4 SSD)
The HP Victus delivers solid performance for modern gaming titles while maintaining excellent value. It’s capable of handling popular games like Fortnite, Valorant, and many AAA titles at respectable settings. The 15.6-inch display provides an immersive viewing experience, and the gaming-focused design includes thermal management features to keep the system cool during intense gaming sessions.
Best Gaming Desktops for Power Users
Best High-End Gaming Desktop for Ultimate Performance
For gamers who demand the absolute best, the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop GT22-3090 delivers powerhouse performance in a stunning package. This desktop tower is designed for serious gamers who want maximum frame rates, incredible graphics powered by next-generation AI technology, and the ability to handle the most demanding games and creative workloads without any performance compromises.
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 (32 GB GDDR7 dedicated)
- Kingston FURY 64 GB DDR5 RAM
- 2 TB WD BLACK PCIe® Gen4 NVMe™ M.2 SSD
- Windows 11 Pro
The beautiful case design features a glass side panel with dark chrome logo and customizable RGB lighting through OMEN Light Studio that lets gamers showcase their premium build. The tower's patented cooling chamber and excellent airflow system ensure consistent extreme performance even during marathon gaming sessions. With tool-less upgradeability and industry-standard components, this desktop offers massive expansion potential and can grow with your gamer's needs for years to come.
Best Mid-Range Gaming Desktop for Value Seekers
The OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop GT16-0200t strikes an excellent balance between performance and value. This system delivers the gaming power your favorite player needs with next-generation graphics technology without the premium price tag of higher-end models.
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 225F (up to 4.9 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 20 MB L3 cache, 10 cores, 10 threads)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 (8 GB GDDR7 dedicated)
- Kingston FURY 16 GB DDR5-6000 MT/s XMP RGB Heatsink RAM (1 x 16 GB)
- Windows 11 Home
This desktop handles modern games with ease and provides excellent performance for streaming, content creation, and multitasking. The OMEN branded components are optimized for peak thermal capabilities with enhanced case fans featuring ring blade design and aRGB lighting that minimize noise while keeping the system cool. With tool-less upgradability and customizable RGB lighting through OMEN Gaming Hub, it's an ideal choice for gamers who want solid performance and easy personalization without spending a fortune.
Best Entry-Level Gaming Desktop for New Gamers
HP Victus isn’t just for gamers on-the-go—it’s home to desktop models too. The Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop TG02-2000t bundles impressive tech specs with the expansion potential of a workstation, all at a price point that makes sense for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Intel® Core™ i5-14400F (up to 4.7 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 20 MB L3 cache, 10 cores, 16 threads)
- Intel® Arc™ A380 Graphics (6 GB GDDR6 dedicated)
- 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB)
- Windows 11 Home
The sleek styling wraps around capable internal components that can handle popular gaming titles and everyday computing tasks with ease. The port selection is impressive, offering multiple USB ports and connectivity options for gaming peripherals. This desktop represents an excellent entry point into PC gaming, providing room for future upgrades as your gamer’s skills and ambitions grow.
Gaming Headsets for Crystal-Clear Communication
Best Premium Wireless Gaming Headset
If your gamer enjoys playing competitively online, then they’ll appreciate an elite gaming headset like the HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset. Incredible tech specs and an immersive soundscape help ensure that they’ll be able to communicate with friends, teammates, and maybe even enemies on the battlefield or in the arena.
- 2.4GHz Wireless and up to 30-hour battery
- DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio
- Signature HyperX Comfort
- Durable, aluminum frame
The wireless connection via USB lets them play virtually non-stop on up to 30 hours of battery life, while staying connected and immersed in-game for longer periods. DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio provides greater precision, depth, and clarity for their gaming experience, enabling them to hear everything in-game and even pinpoint minute sounds like enemy footsteps.
Gaming Keyboards for Competitive Advantage
Best RGB Gaming Keyboard for Style and Performance
Keyboards are a big deal for every user but especially gamers, who need lightning-quick responses from every key. A quality gaming keyboard offers all of the essentials and many of the extras, including customizable RGB lighting effects with multiple options for brightness and color patterns.
Durability is essential for gaming keyboards that need to withstand intense gaming sessions. Look for keyboards with reinforced frames and spill-resistant keys made to handle accidental liquid exposure. Other important features include comfortable key surfaces with anti-ghosting technology and key rollover, ensuring every keystroke registers accurately even when pressing multiple keys simultaneously. Gamers can benefit from keyboard lock features that prevent accidental keystrokes by curious pets or kids when stepping away from their desk.
The best gaming keyboards offer compatibility with PC as well as modern gaming consoles, providing versatility for multi-platform gamers. Consider keyboards with detachable cords to prevent pinched connections and make transportation easier.
Gaming Mouse for Precision Control
Best Wireless Gaming Mouse for Freedom of Movement
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless lets your gamer navigate any terrain while equipped with precision control. This wireless gaming mouse provides professional-grade performance with advanced features that serious gamers will appreciate.
- Dual wireless connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth® 5.0
- Up to 100 hours of battery life
- Ultra-lightweight 61g design
- Precision HyperX 26K Sensor (up to 26,000 DPI native, 650 IPS tracking speed)
- 6 programmable buttons
- Custom HyperX Switches rated for 100 million clicks
Though it's wireless, its performance matches wired competitors so gamers can react quickly to gameplay as they aim and track accurately. The HyperX 26K Sensor provides incredibly precise tracking on virtually any surface. The six programmable buttons can be customized through HyperX NGENUITY Software for in-game actions, macros, and DPI settings, giving competitive players an edge. The included low-friction skates and grip tape ensure ultimate control, while the ability to seamlessly switch to wired mode via USB-C cable means you can charge while you play.
Gaming Monitors for Immersive Visuals
Best High-Refresh Gaming Monitor for Competitive Play
A quality gaming monitor can transform the gaming experience. For competitive gamers, high refresh rates and fast response times are essential. Look for monitors with at least 144Hz refresh rates and response times of 5ms or lower. These specifications ensure smooth motion and reduce input lag, giving players the split-second advantage they need in fast-paced games.
Modern gaming monitors often include adaptive sync technologies that eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. Features like NVIDIA G-SYNC® or AMD FreeSync™ work with compatible graphics cards to synchronize the display’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate, creating buttery-smooth visuals that enhance immersion and competitive performance.
Best Curved Gaming Monitor for Immersion
Curved gaming monitors offer a more immersive viewing experience than traditional flat screens. The curved design wraps around your field of vision, creating a sense of depth that pulls you into the game world. For games with expansive environments or racing simulations, a curved monitor can make a significant difference in the level of immersion.
When shopping for curved monitors, consider the curvature rating (measured in R, such as 1000R or 1500R). A lower number indicates a more aggressive curve. Also pay attention to screen size—curved monitors typically shine at 27 inches and larger, where the curve becomes more noticeable and beneficial.
Making the List
From gaming laptops, desktops, and monitors to cool gaming accessories like headsets, keyboards, mice, and more, there is something here that’s sure to please your gamer, whether you’re buying for a novice or a seasoned player. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge performance, budget-friendly options, or premium accessories to complete a setup, HP offers gaming solutions for every need and budget.
The key to finding the perfect gaming gift is understanding what type of gamer you’re shopping for. Competitive players prioritize performance and responsiveness, while casual gamers might appreciate comfort and style. Content creators need versatile equipment that handles both gaming and streaming, while budget-conscious buyers want the best value for their money.
Don’t forget to consider the complete gaming ecosystem. A powerful gaming laptop or desktop forms the foundation, but accessories like quality headsets, responsive mice, comfortable keyboards, and immersive monitors elevate the entire experience. Even practical items like laptop chargers or protective backpacks make thoughtful gifts that gamers will use daily.
Here’s hoping that these suggestions help you get through that holiday shopping list with fun and good cheer. With HP’s extensive gaming lineup, you’re sure to find the perfect gift that will bring joy to your favorite gamer this holiday season. Happy holidays!
About the Author: Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author and public speaker. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.
