Christmas gifts for a gamer who plays for hours

Good Christmas gifts for a gamer who plays long sessions are things that make those hours more comfortable: a monitor arm or riser, a bias light behind the screen, a desk humidifier, a break timer, a big water bottle, and comfort extras like a footrest or wrist rest. For an adult gamer whose eyes get dry, a bottle of Quell lubricating eye drops fits in a stocking too.

Gifts for gamers who have everything

Serious gamers usually already own the expensive gear. The gap in most setups is comfort, and that’s where a thoughtful gift can stand out. Things that make a four-hour session easier on the body, and on the eyes, get used every day long after the new game gets shelved.

Desk setup gifts

• A monitor arm or riser, so the top of the screen sits at or a little below eye level. Looking slightly down lets the eyelids cover more of each eye.
• A wider desk mat or a keyboard tray, so they can sit back a comfortable distance from the screen.
• A footrest, which makes it easier to sit upright through a long raid.
• A headset stand or wall hook, to clear clutter and leave room to set things down.
• A small, quiet desk fan with an adjustable head, so it can cool the room without blowing across their face.

Lighting gifts

Playing in a dark room with a bright screen makes people squint and stare. Lighting that evens out the contrast is one of the most practical upgrades you can give:

• A bias light: a strip of LED light that sticks to the back of a monitor or TV and softly lights the wall behind it.
• A dimmable desk lamp with a warm setting, aimed at the desk rather than the screen.
• Smart bulbs for the room, so the lights can be set to match whatever time of day they play.
• Blackout curtains with a lamp, for gamers who fight daytime glare on the screen.

Gifts that build in breaks

Concentration cuts blinking, and long sessions at a screen let tears evaporate between blinks. Breaks are the simplest fix, and a gift can make them a habit:

• A visual timer or desk clock that can be set for 20- or 30-minute intervals.
• A smart plug that can switch the lights off at a set time as a gentle end-of-session cue.
• A fitness band that nudges them to stand up every hour.
• A big insulated water bottle, so a trip to refill it becomes a natural pause.
• A board game or card game, for nights when the group plays offline.

Air and comfort

• A small desk humidifier, especially in a heated bedroom in winter. Include a note about cleaning it on the maker’s schedule.
• A cushioned wrist rest or a lumbar pillow for the chair.
• A soft throw blanket, so they can turn the space heater down or point it away from their face.
• Gift cards for snacks or delivery, for game night.

Is Quell a good gift for a gamer?

For an adult gamer who has mentioned dry or tired eyes, a bottle of Quell can be a practical add-on. It’s an over-the-counter lubricating eye drop, and the label’s Uses line reads: For use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye. Quell is designed to reinforce the tear film’s oil layer to help reduce moisture loss. Its directions are Apply 1 drop 3 times per day in each eye, so it fits into a routine rather than being something to reach for mid-match.

A few things to check before you buy it as a gift:

• Allergies: the label notes Caution should be used in those with egg or bird allergies — For use in the eyes only. The formula contains emu oil, so skip it for anyone with an egg or bird allergy. Egg or bird allergy? Read this before Quell has more.
• Age: you must be 18 or older to buy on this site, and the label’s directions don’t cover children. For a younger gamer, ask their eye doctor or pharmacist.
• Contact lenses and other drops: the label doesn’t cover these. If they wear contacts while gaming, suggest they ask their eye doctor.
• Comfort with the idea: some people find a health product an odd gift. Pairing it with a desk light or a fun extra keeps it from feeling like a hint.

Eye drops for gamers covers how a gamer would actually use them through a session, if you want to tuck a printed page in with the gift.

Ordering a gift of Quell

You can ship Quell to your own address and wrap it, or send it straight to the gamer anywhere in the US. Shipping is $10.00 per order, or free with 3 or more bottles, which is handy if you’re buying for several people at once. No arrival date is promised, so order well ahead of Christmas rather than counting on a last-week delivery. Unopened bottles can be refunded within 30 days of delivery without being sent back, if it turns out not to suit them. How to send Quell as a gift walks through it.

Storage tip for the gift-giver

If you’re hiding the bottle until Christmas, keep it somewhere indoors at room temperature, not in a cold garage or a car trunk. The label says Store between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).