Gifts for gamers who have no time right now

For gamers with no time right now, the right gift costs no time: something useful for the evening, a voucher for later, or a small joke that lands immediately. Not another game for the list, and nothing that needs unpacking, assembling and explaining.

What does not fit right now

• Another game. Anyone in the middle of a big title will not get to it.
• Experiences with a fixed date in the coming weeks. The date becomes an argument. A voucher with no date is better.
• Technology that needs setting up. Unless it was explicitly wished for.

Gifts that make the evening better

Vouchers: the gift for later

A voucher waits until there is time again. Give what is missing right now: an evening together, a meal, an outing without a screen. Printable gaming vouchers with a name are in our section for gamers.

If you give a bought voucher, check the date. According to the German consumer advice centre, vouchers with no date are generally subject to a three-year limitation period that starts at the end of the year of purchase. Shorter periods can be allowed, so read the provider's small print. With a voucher you write yourself, your promise counts, so add an end date.

A small greeting in between

• An away message as a pixel greeting with a name and a slogan of your choice.
• A printable leave request, filled in and stuck to the screen.
• A digital scratch card with your own message.

Something to wear or drink from

A mug with a slogan stays in the cupboard long after the big game. Gone for now has slogans that work without reference to any one game: “Darling, just one more round” or “Sofa booked. Until further notice.” Allow for delivery: items are printed after you order, usually 5 to 8 working days, within Germany only. More ideas by person and budget are in our German guide gifts for gamers.

If the gamer is under age

With children and young people, age ratings matter. Germany's Federal Agency for Civic Education points out that the USK rates whether content may harm development, not difficulty or educational value. What gets played is for parents or guardians to decide, so talk to them first.

Frequently asked questions

What can I give if it has to be there tomorrow?

Something digital. A pixel greeting, scratch card or leave request is ready a few minutes after payment. A printed shirt takes too long.

What about someone who has everything?

Time and food. A voucher for an evening together once the game is finished, and a warm plate by the door until then.

Can I give something for one particular game?

Official merchandise comes from the rights holders and their partners. We offer things that suit the hobby rather than a single title, so they stay current after the next game.

Sources

1. Gutscheine als Geschenk: So lange sind sie gültig, Verbraucherzentrale
2. Was ist erlaubt? Elternratgeber Games, Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung
3. Digitale Spiele: Kinder beim Gaming begleiten, klicksafe