The best gear, toys and games for kids

Whether they’re just getting into Pokemon or are begging for special headphones and keyboards, we’ve got your little gamer covered with these awesome gifts.

Got a little gamer in the family—and no idea what to get them for the holidays? Fear not, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled some of the best gear, toys, apparel and games to pleasantly surprise them. Whether gaming is just a hobby or a major passion, we have a winning gift for everyone this year!

Tech & Gear

For some pieces of gaming gear, the price ranges can be quite vast and overwhelming and the lingo difficult to understand if you’re not familiar with the gaming space. That’s why, for some items, we’ve provided you with more than one solid option, so you can choose whichever lines up with your budget.

Enki X gaming chair

Photo: Courtesy of Razer

$499, razer.com

Ergonomic Office Chair

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

$112, amazon.ca

​​Samsung 22″ FHD FreeSync Gaming Monitor

Photo: Courtesy of Best Buy

$142, bestbuy.ca

MSI Full HD 24″ Curved Gaming Monitor

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

$240, amazon.ca

InnoView Portable Monitor

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

$182, amazon.ca

Ornata V3 Gaming Keyboard

Photo: Courtesy of Razer

$90, razer.com

Razer Basilisk Ultimate Hyperspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

$100, amazon.ca

Redragon RGB Wired Gaming Mouse

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

$29, amazon.ca

Razer Strider Chroma Desk Mat

Photo: Courtesy of Razer

$170, razer.com

Razer Gigantus V2 Desk Mat

Photo: Courtesy of Best Buy

$40, bestbuy.ca

Barracuda x Headphones

Photo: Courtesy of Razer

$140, razer.ca

Steel Series Arctis 1 Headphones

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

$47, amazon.ca

Apparel

From small accessories to comfy loungewear, your little gamer is sure to rock these pieces with pride. We’ve found some of the coolest and cutest wearables that are perfect as a stocking stuffer, a secret Santa present, or anything in between—with special appearances by Pikachu, Mario, the Minecraft Creeper and even Pacman.

Clip N Go Pokeball Belt

Photo: Courtesy of Swerve

$40, indigo.ca

Minecraft t-shirt

Photo: Courtesy of Uniqlo

$15, uniqlo.com

Mario Pajamas

Photo: Courtesy of Walmart

$26, walmart.ca

Minecraft robe

Photo: Courtesy of The Cozy Shop

$37, thecozyshop.com

DIY Game Controller Bracelet

Photo: Courtesy of Anitas Accesorios

$13, etsy.com

Pacman Earrings

Photo: Courtesy of Etsy/18 Fashion Jewelry

$12, etsy.com

Sonic Watch

Photo: Courtesy of Walmart

$40, walmart.ca

Pikachu Beanie

Photo: Courtesy of Etsy/keytersbrand

$19, etsy.com

Toys

There are some surprising benefits of playing video games (problem-solving, teamwork, owning your decisions, and more), but it’s still important for kids to take breaks from their screens. Cue the gaming-themed toys, featuring some of their favourite games and characters!

Halo Energy Sword

Photo: Courtesy of Swerve

$57, toysrus.ca

Game Controller Bubble Popper

Photo: Courtesy of Chapters Indigo

$11, indigo.ca

Pokemon Plush

Photo: Courtesy of Mastermind Toys

$20, mastermindtoys.com

Super Mario Remote Control Car

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

$50, amazon.ca

Games

Games, games, and more games! We’ve put together a list of exciting titles for every current mainstream console on the market, as well as PCs, meaning you’ll find a selection of fun for the whole family no matter which device you’re using. Just keep in mind that it’s up to you to decide what’s appropriate for your child and what you feel comfortable having in your home. None of these games go above the T rating (12 years+), but it’s important to look at why a game has a specific rating and make judgments based on your individual kid’s personality.

Splatoon 3

Photo: Courtesy of Game Stop

Rated E for Everyone. For Nintendo Switch, $80, gamestop.ca

Animal Crossing

Photo: Courtesy of Game Stop

Rated E for Everyone. For Nintendo Switch, $80, gamestop.ca

It Takes Two

Photo: Courtesy of Game Stop

Rated T for Teen (12 and up). Available for Xbox, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC, $30-$55, gamestop.ca (consoles) and steam.com (PC).

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Photo: Courtesy of Game Stop

Rated E for Everyone. For Nintendo Switch, $80, gamestop.ca

Riders Republic

Photo: Courtesy of Game Stop

Rated T for Teen (12 and up). Available for Xbox, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC, $80, gamestop.ca

Pokemon Violet and Scarlet

Photo: Courtesy of Game Stop

Rated E for Everyone. For Nintendo Switch, $80 each, gamestop.ca (Pokemon Violet) and gamestop.ca (Pokemon Scarlet)

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Photo: Courtesy of Game Stop

Rated E for Everyone. Available for Xbox, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC, $60, gamestop.ca (Xbox), gamestop.ca (PS5), gamestop.ca (Nintendo Switch) and steam.com (PC)