TheHoliday gift guide for moms
Vampire Survivors on the Nintendo Switch: History, Greatness Lists, and the 2023 Game and Gaming and Entertainment Holiday Gift Guide
By the time you die a fourth time in Vampire Survivors, chances are it will already have its hooks in you. The Casetlevania-like graphics, excellent soundtrack, and casino-like rewards you receive from killing scores of monsters feeds a satisfying flow to the game’s reverse-bullet hell. The free add-ons and four-player co-op, meanwhile, keep you coming back for more. The price is $4.99.
Jordan Minor is the author of a new book that looks at video game history and the concept of greatness lists. For the duration of 1977 to 2022, the author highlighted a single video game that defined each year, and focused on the most culturally significant game. Minor’s essays are accompanied by guest write-ups from top-class game critics and journalists, too, along with excellent art throughout. The price is $20.80
Tears of the Kingdom was one of the best releases of this year, and it may have been a huge year for video games. The Nintendo Switch title blends the open world of Hyrule with a unique crafting mechanic that provides an infinite number of ways to solve puzzles, fight monsters, and get from A to B.Price: $62.90
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
The FunKey and Steam Deck, and Beyond: A Pedestrians’ Choice for Playstation Nintendo Consoles and Xboxes, or How to Make the Most Darling Handles
It’s okay to be awestruck by the lovingly detailed nostalgia beaming from this Pac-Man Lego set. The building kit is a recreation of an arcade cabinet that features a light-up coin slot, a mechanical crank, and a maze. $269.99 is the price.
Valve’s newly launching Steam Deck OLED is sure to be a hot commodity this holiday season. The new Deck has a larger panel with a higher refresh rate and better battery life than its ancestors and is still a great handheld PC to play games on. Price: $549+
Logitech’s G Pro X Superlight 2 may have a super long name, but it’s super short on heft, weighing in at just 60 grams. The newer mouse is designed for esports-level gaming performance, but its svelte looks and USB-C charging mean it can do the full-time job thing by day and land those perfect no-scopes in Counter-Strike 2 by night. Price: $159.99
The FunKey is possibly the coolest, most darling handheld ever made. It is a miniature Game Boy that plays emulated retro games. Its built-in screen measures a mere 1.54 inches, so it may be more of a tinkerer’s novelty than something to play Super Mario World to completion on, but if you could, why wouldn’t you?Price: $73
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Marvel’s Spider-Verse art book at the end of the gaming era: A gift for your webhead friend or a new cosplayer
The art style of the Spider-Verse movies puts them ahead of all other superhero films, because they are unique and artistic. Marvel’s official art book for the most recent installment makes a great gift for any webhead fans you know, or really anyone who appreciates a good hardcover. The price was $23.48.
Although console makers sell a range of controllers in fun colors, it is better to give a custom gamepad that is truly unique. Microsoft offers its Xbox Design Lab for customizing its standard and Elite controllers, while third-party boutique shops like Battle Beaver and AimControllers offer a dizzying array of cosmetic and esports-focused hardware mods for both PlayStation and Xbox pads. The price is $150+.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best CRPGs of all time, whether you’re a hardcore pencil-and-paper RPG veteran or a complete newcomer. The combat is great but it’s not what you would call a character interaction. The branching paths of the story offer hundreds of hours of playtime, with exceptional voice acting that makes the characters both memorable and endearing. This price includes shipping.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Hori’s Dual Charging Cradle: A Mini-Communicator and a Streaming Device for a Gaming and Entertainment System
While some criticize that the standard Xbox Wireless Controller ships with basic AA batteries, one advantage is that you can easily replace them with good old-fashioned rechargeable cells. Hori’s dual charging cradle comes with two long-lasting rechargeable batteries and four replacement battery covers, so you simply drop a controller or two down to immediately begin charging. The price is $27.46
If you subscribe to Apple Arcade, an Apple TV 4K can effectively double as both a mini gaming console and one of the best streaming devices you can buy. You can use it to connect a controller like the one used in the PS4 to play games that were originally developed for PC and consoles. Price: $129+
The sound bar with a small footprint is called the second-gen Sonos Beam. It uses eARC for minimal latency so games don’t have that annoying audio delay that can ruin a home theater setup Plus, it integrates with the rest of Sonos’ Wi-Fi-connected ecosystem if you choose to expand your music listening to multiple rooms. There is a price of $499.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Skelly, Love Letter, & Bandai Namco: A Supergiant Plush from the Disney Plus MCU and The Lands Between
“Hey-a there, boy-o!” The plush version of Skelly, the lovable scamp and bone-a-fide friend from Supergiant Games, is here. The trash-talking plush features poseable arms and legs, and he sounds off with various one-liners when you rough him up or squeeze him. Skelly won’t magically re-form when cut into pieces like the in-game version. The price is $9.
If you’re a fan of both FromSoftware and records, the Elden Ring Standard Edition Vinyl from Bandai Namco is a treat to own. The moody instrumental soundtrack collects 17 tracks on two marbled, smoke-gray LPs for over one hour of music from The Lands Between, complete with some lovely artwork of the game’s iconic Erdtree on the inner gatefold. Price: $34.99
Movie fatigue may be true for many of you, but there is still a high point in the MCU with the character of Loki. Tom Hiddleston is the lead of the Disney Plus series which is different from the usual superhero formula thanks to its unique set design and characters, as well as its fun time paradoxes. The price is $39.96.
Love Letter is the perfect ice breaker for a group of up to six people. The deduction-based card game is a great on-ramp to more involved and unique “designer” tabletop games, though it’s so much fun on its own that I wouldn’t be particularly shocked if you ended up playing this inexpensive, travel-friendly game all night. $11.99+ is the price.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Hounded, Ronin, the Fox, and The Duel: A Visions Novel for a PlayStation 5 and a Xbox X Console in One Port
Got a TV that’s limited to a single HDMI 2.1 port, thus hampering your ability to get the most out of current consoles? A two-by-one splitter like this option from Jsaux allows both a PlayStation 5 and an Xbox Series X to share the same port, so both consoles can reach 4K resolution / 120Hz on supported sets. $18.99 is the price.
A date night spent indoors isn’t complete without a little friendly competition, and Hounded is a fantastic way to test your cunning against one another. The Fox is attempting to outrun the Master of Hounds, who is also trying to outsmart him. A simple strategy game that takes one hour is great for many re-enactments. Price: $16.67
Star Wars fans who thoroughly enjoyed the animated Star Wars Visions series on Disney Plus are likely to dig Ronin: A Visions Novel. Emma Mieko Candon’s original book is inspired by “The Duel,” a Visions short that blends Star Wars with feudal Japan as it recounts the tale of a wandering Sith who struggles to escape his past. There is a price of $15.00.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Streaming games with the Nerf: The Foam Dart Blaster and Neon Genesis Evangelion phone cases for the PlayStation Portal and Xbox Series X
The foam dart blaster is a trophy piece. It’s a recreation of the popular character from the Halo series with light-up needles. It looks great on a shelf, but, being Nerf, you can also use its motorized drum to rattle off up to 10 darts when it’s time to have some fun. The best place for it to be used is at Grunt birthday parties.
Neon Genesis Evangelion phone cases, airpods, and other accessories are very popular with fans of the classic mecha animated show. Many of the designs prominently feature the iconic characters and EVA units of the show and rebuild movies, including some of that classic NERV and SEELE typography. Price: $72
The PlayStation Portal is a bit of an odd handheld, but Sony’s single-purpose gadget offers a turnkey solution to streaming games off your PS5 via Remote Play. It can play games on its eight-inch screen, or you can take your games with you to bed, since it has good wi-fi. The price is $199.99.
Many of the best TVs for gaming right now are super-pricey OLEDs, but the TCL QM8 is a 4K panel that offers a lot at a much lower price tag. It is possible to connect both the PS5 and Xbox Series X via a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports on the Mini TV which boasts fantastic brightness, great black levels, and natively supports a 120Hz refresh rate.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
A Build Set for the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop: A Spectacular VR Headset For Anyone Who Wants to Play Halo 3
If you give someone a few months of the Game Pass, they’ll get access to hundreds of great titles for the X / S consoles, including Starfield and the biggest games of the year. There are also surprise hits like Lies of P and indie works of art like Cocoon, making it quite the curated collection of games. Price: $16.99+
Few gaming laptops are as svelte and enjoyable to use for actual laptop duties as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. While other gaming laptops have high fidelity games on their screen, the 14-incher is actually designed to leave your desk and do theeveryday computing thing, without leaving you feeling like you are toying with a boat anchor everywhere you go. Price: $1,599.99
The Xbox 360 was a hallmark console that ushered in a new era of HD graphics and online play. Now, you can enshrine your fondness for the 18-year-old console with this building set by Mega. The 1,342-piece model recreates the uniquely shaped console itself, its wireless gamepad, and even the physical case for Halo 3.Price: $149.99
Improvements are made to the displays and snappier performance of Meta’s Quest 3 than those of the Quest 2. It’s the best standalone VR headset you can buy for someone right now, and it’s capable of playing fitness games like Supernatural as well as AAA VR experiences like Resident Evil 4 and the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Nexus. Price: $499
In Broad Band, Amazon Echo Dot Meets Eero: A Novel Approach to Digital Streaming, Snapshots, Photos, Video, and Social Media
Back in the Victorian age, a woman published the first computer program. In Broad Band, Claire Evans pays tribute to the female pioneers behind the development of the internet. She also shares their stories, painting a picture of real women with their own fair share of flaws, pain, and failures, who changed the world regardless. Price: $12.29+
The latest iteration of Amazon’s answer to a question is called the Echo Dot. The fifth-gen smart speaker can play music for your mom when she wants to relax as well as send her reminders regarding upcoming deadlines. It also allows her to control her smart home devices with her hands and gives her better internet coverage when she is on an Eero network. Price is $22.88.
If your mom lives far away, a cloud-connected frame like the Aura Carver can help bridge the distance. The way she put landscape or side-by-side portraits of her Grandchildren on the display is a sleek way to make a statement, and it’s easy to pair with the native operating system of her choice. And who knows? She might even have a photo of you on there. Price: $149+
Even if you want to give a set of regular sunglasses, they would pale in comparison to the recently launched Ray-Ban Meta. The smart glasses let you take selfies, record video, phone calls, and even live stream from your adventures directly to your Facebook or IG account. Price: $299
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The Galaxy Z Flip 5: A Low-Power Android Smartphone with a Hard-Energy, Water Resistant Flat Iron and Automatic Heart Rhythm Tracking
For moms who long for the halcyon days of flip phones, let us introduce you to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. The 6.7-inch Android phone flips shut like many of the most memorable phones from the ‘90s, except it also includes modern touches like a dual-camera setup, IPX8 water resistance, and a 3.4-inch front cover screen. Pricing is: $999.99.
A capable flat iron that heats up in seconds is a must for any mom who has trouble getting out the door in the morning. Not only is the Chi Original fast but the high-heat flat iron also features ceramic plates that allow it to safely straighten even the frizziest of hair. Plus, your mom can even use it to add beachy waves or create flips if she’s feeling something fresh. Price: $85.99
Few Android watches can rival the Google Pixel Watch 2. The second-gen stunner offers all-day battery life and faster charging than the original model, along with better health and fitness tracking. It also includes automatic workout tracking for seven activity types as well as irregular heart rhythm alert. $349.99 is the price.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The One-Touch Nespresso Inissia: A Practical and Fashionable Jewellery Necklace for Moms with Unique Ideals
Given most people would cease to function without it, I think it’s fair to say that coffee is essential to life. The one-touch Nespresso Inissia is both helpful and economical because of the frequent trips to the shop. The compact machine can brew delicious espresso faster than it takes to order one, often at a fraction of the price. This price is $117+.
It is true that all of us need glasses sooner or later. It is possible for your mom to wear her glasses around her neck with this ring-equipped necklace from JewelMango, it is both fashionable and practical. You can also choose the color of the suede cord and the style of the ring, letting you add a personal touch only your mom would appreciate. Price: $18
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The Roborock S8: An Efficient Robot Vacuum and a Tech Gadget for Moms with Face-on SPF 50 Protection
Tidying up is always a lot easier with a robot vacuum, but it’s nearly effortless with the Roborock S8. Not only does the handy robovac clean carpets Well. but it’s also capable of lifting its own mop, allowing it to tackle your entire home in a single go. It is a good upgrade from the prior model, as it features artificial intelligence and dual rubber roller brushes. Price: $599.99+
If sunscreen isn’t already a part of your mom’s daily skincare routine, it really should be. Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun offers excellent SPF 50 protection, thus shielding your mom from sunburns and cancer-causing agents. At the same time, the TikTok-famous sunscreen uses rice water, grain-fermented extracts, and other ingredients rich in minerals to brighten and moisturize all types of skin. Price: $12.60+
The BeatsStudio Buds Plus sound terrific and feature a semi-translucent shell that makes them a feast for both the eyes and ears. The wireless ear candies — err, earbuds — are also great at tuning out noise and work with both Apple and Android devices so you can tap into Apple’s Find My network or the Google equivalent. Price: $134.99+
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The latest Kindle Paperwhite, and the last-gen iPad: a thoughtful gift for a mom who has a unique idea about technology
When it’s freezing outside, nothing beats a hot bath and a good book. With its IPX8 waterproofing and monthslong battery life, the latest Kindle Paperwhite makes relaxing in the tub for hours on end even more relaxing. The e-reader has a 300ppi display and you can adjust the lighting to get the vibe. $1399.99 is the price.
If you can’t decide on a gift, buy your mom the last-gen iPad. The versatile gadget can function as an ad hoc TV, e-reader, notebook, and even a canvas, letting your mom entertain herself in a number of different ways. The budget model to buy is the 2021 model, which is cheaper than the 10th-gen iPad. Price: $249+
Do you know if your mom still drives from the earlyaughts? She might be able to modernize it a little bit if that’s the case. You can use the gadget to listen to music and directions from your car stereo instead of using the phone to do so. Price: $18.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Introducing Succulent to a Mom: An Essential Gift for a Mother with a Sweet Spot for Nanae and Babysitters
Any mom who has a soft spot for nostalgia is going to love the Inspense Mini 12. She has to point and shoot to generate wallet-friendly photos, similar to the instant cameras from the Polaroid era. It is a fun gift that she can use to connect with her inner child. price is $69.95
It’s always a wise idea to give a low-maintenance plant like a Succulent to a mom as she has enough on her plate. Whether it’s a living space that you don’t have to worry about your mom babysitting or a garden you can grow yourself, this set can add beauty and life to any room. The price is $49.
The latest Apple TV 4K is a gift that’ll help your mom take a much-deserved break. It’s more affordable than the prior model, yet it’s also faster and touts comprehensive support for Dolby Vision / Atmos. She can even use the streaming box to enjoy add-on subscriptions if she’s embedded in the Apple ecosystem or connect her AirPods for private listening. Price: $129.90.
Ecosusi is an efficient and stylish bag with gold adornments that is perfect for work or play. The attractive bag is also available in an array of color combos and comes with detachable shoulder straps so your mom can turn it into a handbag for after-work cocktails or even use it as a backpack while traveling. Price: $52+
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The BoostCharge Pro as a Kickstand, and Lego’s Insect Kit is a Fun Way to Bring a Little Outdoors to Life
Why get any old boring charger when you can get one that also doubles as a kickstand? Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe can quickly supply MagSafe-compatible iPhones with up to 15W of power. Best of all, it can take advantage of iOS 17’s StandBy mode, letting you turn your phone into a desk-friendly calendar, clock, or photo frame. Price: $19.49+
Your mom can wear shackets whenever she pleases. They’re great during the cooler months, so you can dress them up with a skirt or jeans and put on some layers as the weather cools. It’s pretty nondescript, but that option is also available in every color imaginable. Price: $20.99+
A fun way to pass the time on rainy days, Lego’s new insect kit is designed to bring a bit of the great outdoors inside. The 1,111-piece set lets you build life-size, posable replicas of several insects — a Chinese mantis, a Hercules beetle, and a blue morpho butterfly — all three of which can be displayed as beautiful home decor upon completion. $79.99 is the price.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Stardew Valley: A game changer for growing a family with a new tile mate and Bluetooth tracker, and perfect gift for moms
If your mom was a fan of the Nintendo platform, she will likely fall in love with the game Stardew Valley again. It has you playing the game for hours, but instead of playing the games for hours on end, it has you build farms, spelunking, and raising a family. The price is $14.99
luggage can get lost in a crowded airport, and can be overwhelming at this time of year. The latest tile mate will help your mom keep a close watch over her purse and suitcase from as far away as 250 feet away. The handy Bluetooth trackers work with both iOS and Android so she can rest easy no matter what phone she uses. Price: $17.99+
Many Mediterranean dishes have a key ingredient in Olive oil, such as pasta and pesto. Graza’s “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made using 100 percent single-varietal Picual olives from Spain; however, unlike most olive oils available in the US, it’s sold in a nifty squeeze bottle that makes it far more convenient to cook with. Price: $13.99
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Umbra’s Smart Lamp: Putting Pens and Pencils to Paper with a Little Style on a Cup. And it Is A Cup Smart Lamp
Even in a digital age, handwriting has its benefits. It adds a personal touch to letters, promotes mindfulness by slowing down our thoughts, and even helps us retain information better. Paperage’s lined leather notebooks come in multiple colors with a pocket and stickers, allowing mom to put pen to paper with a little style. Price: $19.95
It is a cup. There is a smart lamp. It is a cup smart lamp. Uncreative name aside, Umbra’s clever piece of lighting is actually a pretty cool lamp that can display millions of colors while housing pens, pencils, styluses, and other desktop accessories. It supports Bluetooth and the new Matter standard, too, so your mom can control it with her voice using a host of assistants. Cost: $130.
