Best Video Game Gifts: From Kids to Adults

Nathan Joshua Moore
Dec 19, 2025
Best Video Game Gifts: From Kids to Adults

Selecting the ideal video game for a friend or family member often feels more complicated than it should be. With modern releases reaching the $70 mark, the stakes are high to find something they will actually enjoy. You must navigate a maze of hardware compatibility—whether they own a PlayStation 5, an Xbox Series X/S, a PC, or the new Nintendo Switch 2—while ensuring the content fits their age and personal tastes.

Before heading to the checkout, always check the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) label on the packaging or digital storefront. These ratings range from "E" for Everyone and "E10+" for older children to "T" for Teens and "M" for Mature audiences (17+).

Premier Picks for Young Players

Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch 2)

This 3D platforming adventure breathes new life into a classic franchise. In this outing, Donkey Kong joins forces with Pauline to explore a massive subterranean realm. The game stands out for its fully interactive environments; players can smash through rock formations and manipulate the scenery to uncover secrets. As they work to reclaim stolen "Banandium" gems from rival primates, players will solve intricate puzzles and unlock new animal transformations. It is a fantastic choice for families, offering a polished single-player story and a seamless two-player cooperative mode.

LEGO Party! (Multi-platform)

If you are looking for a social experience, this title brings the charm of plastic bricks to the competitive "board game" genre. Up to four players navigate themed worlds based on popular lines like LEGO Ninjago and LEGO Pirates. The gameplay is a mix of strategic movement across a digital board and chaotic, high-energy minigames. Players earn studs to buy power-ups and strive to collect Golden Bricks to secure a win. With support for both local "couch" play and online cross-platform matches, it is an accessible title for friends playing from different locations.

Other notable titles for kids:

  • Mario Kart World
  • Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
  • EA Sports FC 26
  • Kirby Air Riders

Top Choices for Teenagers

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Xbox, PS5, PC, Switch 2)

Taking place between the first and third films, this cinematic adventure puts players directly in the boots of the world's most famous archaeologist. The story follows Indy in 1937 as he attempts to uncover the mystery of the "Great Circle," a series of ancient sites aligned around the globe. While the gameplay is primarily first-person to keep the puzzles and whip-cracking action immersive, it frequently shifts to a third-person view during dramatic moments. With a recent expansion and its arrival on new platforms, it remains a must-play for fans of globe-trotting mysteries.

Split Fiction (PS5, Xbox, PC, Switch 2)

The creators of the hit It Takes Two have returned with another mandatory co-op experience. This game blends science fiction and high fantasy, telling the story of two authors, Mio and Zoe, who are pulled into the worlds of their own creation. To escape, two players must work in perfect harmony, combining unique character abilities to navigate platforming sections and environmental riddles. Parents should note that the narrative explores some heavier emotional themes, such as overcoming grief and personal loss, making it a particularly resonant choice for more mature teenagers.

Other notable titles for teens:

  • Just Dance 2026 Edition
  • Blue Prince
  • Arc Raiders
  • Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1-4 Bundle
  • Goodnight Universe

Challenging Experiences for Adults

Ghost of Yōtei (PS5)

As a standalone follow-up to the hit Ghost of Tsushima, this title transports players to the year 1600 in northern Japan. You play as Atsu, a wandering mercenary seeking retribution against a group known as the Yōtei Six. The game offers a sprawling, beautiful open world where combat with a katana is just one part of the journey. Between intense battles, players can engage in quieter moments like painting, playing music, or exploring shrines. It is a deep, atmospheric experience that can easily provide over 60 hours of gameplay for those who want to see everything.

Battlefield 6 (PS5, Xbox, PC)

For those who prefer high-stakes military action, the latest entry in this long-running series marks a return to form. The game emphasizes massive, tactical battles where teamwork is the only way to survive. Players choose specific roles—such as Engineer, Medic, or Recon—to support their squad across destructible maps. Whether you are piloting a helicopter through a crumbling cityscape or engaging in boots-on-the-ground infantry combat, the scale of the warfare is unmatched. While it includes a solo campaign, the deep multiplayer systems are the real draw here.

Other notable titles for adults:

  • Hades 2
  • Doom: The Dark Ages
  • Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
  • Hollow Knight: Silksong
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

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