Vampire Survivors: A Game of Heroes, Legends, or Heroes of the Year? Jordan Minor’s Thirty-Year Playbook
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-ops keep you coming back. Price: $4.99
Jordan Minor’s recent book represents a fresh take on video game history and the concept of “GOTY” lists. The one game that defined each year from 1977 to 2022, was often focused on the most significant game in the year than the “best” game. Minor’s essays are accompanied by guest write-ups from top-class game critics and journalists, too, along with excellent art throughout. Price: $20.80
Video games were a big hit this year, but there is no argument that Tears of the Kingdom was the best game of the year. The open world of Hyrule is fused with a unique crafting mechanic that means there are infinite ways to solve puzzles, fight monsters and get to B.Price: $62.90
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
The funkey, the FUNKey, and the PlayKey: A gift for the holiday season based on Valve’s Steam Deck OLED
It is okay to be impressed by the detailed nostalgia from this Lego set. The building kit is a recreation of an arcade cabinet from the 1960’s, with a coin slot and a mechanical crank that moves Pac-man and his ghosts around the maze. Price: $269.99
Valve’s newly launching Steam Deck OLED is sure to be a hot commodity this holiday season. The Deck is still a great PC for handheld gaming, but the new model has a larger panel, a better refresh rate, and more battery life to improve the overall look and experience. The price is $549+.
The long named G Pro X Superlight 2 is only 60 grams in weight. The mouse was designed for gaming performance but can be used for full time by day and night thanks to its svelte looks and charging ports. Price: $159.99
The FunKey is possibly the coolest, most darling handheld ever made. It’s a keychain-sized console reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance SP that plays emulated retro games. It may be more of a novelty than a game for you to play, but if you could, why wouldn’t you?
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
An Articulated, Custom Gamepad for Marvel Comics and the Spider-Verse Movies: Baldur’s Gate 3 as an Exceptional RPG
The Spider-Verse movies are exceptional comic book stories, but the thing that puts the Miles Morales-led films’ head and shoulders above most other superhero flicks is the unique artwork and visual style. For anyone who appreciates hardcovers or for anyone who likes webhead, an official art book from the most recent iteration of Marvel is a great gift. Price: $23.48
Although console makers sell controllers in a fun range of colors, giving a custom-made gamepad goes above and beyond to create something truly unique. Microsoft’s Xbox Design Lab offers ways to modify the standard and Elite controllers, as well as third-party shops like AimControllers that offer a wide range of hardware mod options. $150+ is the price.
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 turn-based combat is exceptional, but the character interaction and roleplaying is its true hallmark. The branching paths of the story offer hundreds of hours of playtime, with exceptional voice acting that makes the characters both memorable and endearing. Price: $59.99
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
The Sonos Beam: A Supersound Bar for Streaming Games with an Apple TV and Wi-Fi-Connected Game Console
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. Price: $27.46
If you subscribe to the Apple Arcade you can get an Apple TV 4K, as well as one of the best streaming devices you can buy. For games that were originally developed for PC/ consoles, you can connect it to the controller of your choice, so you can play them on the big screen. $129+) is the price
The second-gen Sonos Beam is a terrific sound bar with big sound. It’s possible to play games without that annoying audio delay that can plague entry-level 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. Price: $499
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Love Letter: A plush version of Skelly in The Lands Between and a gift for the holiday (gaming) entertainment holiday gift guide
Hey-a there, boy-o! It is a plush version of Skelly, the test dummy in Supergiant Games’ Hades. 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. Just keep in mind that plush Skelly won’t magically re-form when cut into pieces like his in-game version. Price: $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 soundtrack for The Lands Between contains over one hour of music and features an artwork on the inner gatefold. Price: $34.99
MCU movie fatigue may be a very real thing for many of us, but Loki remains a high point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The six-episode Disney Plus series, which stars Tom Hiddleston as the titular antihero, is quite different from the usual superhero formula thanks to its unique set design and characters — not to mention its fun time paradoxes. Price: $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 introduction to more involved games, and if you end up playing this game all night, I wouldn’t be particularly shocked. Price: $11.99+
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
Hounded: A Game for Hiding on a One-Port Xbox/Pseudo-Channel TV
It’s hard to get the most out of current consoles if your TV is limited to only one HDMI port. 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. Price: $18.99
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. One player is playing as The Fox, trying to outsmart and outrun the other player. It is a game that takes less than a hour to play and it works well with 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. The price was $15. 92.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
A Mini LED TV for gaming and entertainment gifts ideas 2023 playstation-nintendo-xbox-accessory-accessories
The Nerf lmtd halo needler is a trophy piece. It’s a faithful recreation of the iconic Needler from the Halo franchise, complete 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. It can be used at any Grunt birthday parties.
Casetify has a line of cases that are sure to be a hit with fans of the classic mecha show. The characters from the TV show and movie, including those from the classic NERV and Seele movies, are featured in many of the designs. The price is $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. You can play your games on the screen, even if you have a family TV, or you can take your game with you to bed, trusting you have good wi-fi. Price: $199.99
Many of the best TVs for gaming are super-pricey, but there is a good 4K panel on the market from the TCL that offers a lot at a lower price. The Mini LED TV offers fantastic brightness, great black levels, and natively supports a 120Hz refresh rate via a pair of two HDMI 2.1 ports, which is just enough for connecting both a PS5 and Xbox Series X. Price: $899.99
Source: The Verge’s 2023 gaming and entertainment holiday gift guide
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14: A New Building Set for Gaming on the XBOX Series X/S Consoles
The gift of a few months of the XBOX Game Pass gives someone access to hundreds of top quality games for the XBOX Series X and S consoles, including some of 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. $17.97+
Few gaming laptops are as svelte and enjoyable to use for actual laptop duties as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. The excellent 14-incher can handle high-fidelity games on its 165Hz QHD screen, but unlike other gaming laptops, it’s actually designed to leave your desk and do the everyday computing thing — without leaving you feeling like you’re toting around 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
Meta’s Quest 3 makes big strides in the comfort and performance departments, with much-improved displays and snappier performance than the Quest 2. It has the best headset you can buy for someone right now and can play fitness games like Supernatural as well as the upcoming Resident Evil 4, which is one of the reasons why it is a good buy for someone. Price: $499
Amazon Echo Dots: Unique Smart Glasses for a Mother Whose Grandkids Can Be Viewed on Facebook or Instagram
Did you know a woman published the first computer program back in the Victorian ages? In Broad Band, a tribute is made to the female pioneers 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+
Amazon’s latest Echo Dot is the perfect little helper. 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. She can also control her lights, Robovac, and other smart home devices from the comfort of her home, as well as boost her Wi-Fi coverage when she is on an Eero network. There is a price of $2299.
If your mom lives far away, a cloud-connected frame like the Aura Carver can help bridge the distance. One of the ways she can put a landscape picture of her grandkids on display is through the use of a beautiful, stylish, but also easy-to-use, 10.1-inch display. Who knows? Maybe she will take a photo of you on there. It was priced at $149.
Though regular sunglasses pale in comparison to Ray-Ban Meta, we still recommend you give them as a gift. The unique smart glasses don’t just protect your eyes but also allow you to capture photos and video, take phone calls, and even livestream your everyday adventures directly to Facebook or Instagram. $299 is the price
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP 5 Flip Phone and its Dual-Camera-Integrated Flat Iron for Moms Who Don’t Get a Flip
For moms who love flip phones but don’t want to use one anymore, 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. Price: $999.99
A flat iron that can heats up in a matter of seconds is a must for mothers who have trouble leaving the home 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. If she is feeling excited, your mom can use it to make flips or add beach waves. Price: $85.99
There are few watches that can rival the GOOGLE PLEW Watch 2. The second-gen stunner has all day battery life and faster charging, along with better health and fitness tracking. It also features irregular heart rhythm alerts and nightly SpO2 right out the gate as well as automatic workout tracking for seven activity types. Price: $349.99
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The Ring-equipped Necklace from JewelMango for the Nespresso Inissia: A Fun and Low-Cost, High-Precision Espresso Machine
Given most people would cease to function without it, I think it’s fair to say that coffee is essential to life. Frequent trips to the shop can get expensive, however, which is why the one-touch Nespresso Inissia is both helpful and economical. The compact machine can brew delicious espresso faster than it takes to order one, often at a fraction of the price. Price is $117+.
It is true we all need glasses sooner or later. Fortunately, this ring-equipped necklace from JewelMango is both fashionable and practical, as it allows your mom to wear her glasses around her neck so they’re never far from reach. The style of the ring, color of the suede cord, and personal touch you can include will make your mom proud. It is $18.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
A Clean and Easy Robot Vacuum for Moms: Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun SPF 50, Bio-Flavor-Enhanced TikTok Sun Sun, and Wireless Ear Candies
The Roborock S8 is easy to clean up and is a lot easier to clean up than a robot vacuum. Not only does the handy robovac clean carpets well It can lift its own mop, which will allow it to tackle your entire home in a single go. It is a better upgrade from the prior model due to its artificial intelligence-powered obstacle avoidance and dual rubber roller brushes. Price: $599.99+
If sunscreen is not part of your mom’s daily routine, it should be. Your mom is protected from cancer-causing agents and sunburns by the SPF 50 of Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun. The TikTok-famous sunscreen uses rice water, grain-fermented extracts, and other ingredients rich in minerals to give the skin a healthy glow. Price: $12.60+
The Beats Studio Buds Plus sound terrific and sport a slick, semitranslucent shell, making 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
A versatile e-reader, notebook, and canvas for your mom: The Laicomein Bluetooth Aux Receiver for 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
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. And thanks to the e-reader’s sharp 300ppi display and adjustable backlighting, you can even dim the lights to really set the vibe. Price: $139.99
If you can’t decide on a present, do your mom a favor and just buy the last-gen iPad. The versatile gadgets can be used for many things, such as a TV, e-reader, notebook and even a canvas, allowing your mother to entertain herself in many different ways. The 2021 model is also significantly cheaper than Apple’s newer 10th-gen iPad, making it the budget model to buy. It’s a price of $249+.
Is your mother still driving the car from the early aughts? If so, the Laicomein Bluetooth Aux Receiver can help her modernize it ever so slightly. The rechargeable gadget plugs into any 3.5mm audio jack, and once paired with a phone, lets you listen to music and directions via your car’s stereo system instead of the Bluetooth speaker you probably have wedged in your cupholder. There is a price of $1699.99.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
A Succulent for a Mom: A Minimal Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Photonic Camera and An Ideal Gift for Her Mother’s Unique Idea
Any mom who has a soft spot for nostalgia will appreciate Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12. Much like the iconic instant cameras from the Polaroid era, Fujifilm’s latest requires her to do little more than point and shoot to generate wallet-friendly snaps. It’s a gift that she could use to get in touch with her inner child, as she relives her childhood. Price: $69.95+
It’s a wise decision to give a low maintenance plant like a Succulent to a Moms because they have enough on their plates. It’s a great alternative to roses and other plants known to have a short shelf life, since you don’t need your mom to babysit. The price is $49
There is more to the Fire TV QLED than 4K and support for a variety of audio and visual formats. It is a piece of home decor and can be used to display weather information, as well as a smart display for her to keep tabs on her favorite sports team. Price: $439.99+
The gold embellished bag is stylish and ideal for work or play. The bag is available in a variety of colors and comes with shoulder straps to allow your mom to turn it into a handbag, or as a backpack while traveling. A price of $52+.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
A Kickstand for Moms: Boost Charge Pro with MagSafe to Provide 15W Power for Your Mom’s Fun Insect Kit
Why get any old boring charger when you can get one that also doubles as a kickstand? It is possible to quickly supply up to 15W of power with our BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe. It can take advantage of the Stand By mode, in which you can turn your phone into a desk clock, calendar, or photo frame. The price is $19.49
Your mom can wear shacks whenever she wants. You can easily dress them up with a skirt for parties or tone them down with a pair of jeans, and they work great during both the warmer and cooler months with a bit of layering. This long-sleeved option is nondescript, but it 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. It was $79.99.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
The Tile Mate: Free Online Playing of Stardew Valley and Other Animal Crossing Games with a Smart Cellular Accessibility Device (The Verge’s 2023 Gift Guide for Moms)
If your mother played Animal Crossing, chances are she will also play Stardew Valley, just like she did when she played Nintendo Switch. It is more like New Hemisphere than the other way around, with you getting to build farms, spelunking, and raising your family, only instead of playing the turnip market for hours, you get to play it. It was priced at $14.99.
When airports are crowded this time of the year luggage can get lost in all the chaos. Thankfully, the latest Tile Mate can help your mom keep a closer tab on her suitcase, purse, and even her keys from up to 250 feet away. She can use both the iPad and the phone she uses, regardless of which phone she uses. The price is $17.99.
Olive oil is a key ingredient in many a Mediterranean dish, from pasta and pesto to hummus and even salad. Most olive oils available in the US are made from single-varietal olives from Spain, but there is a product called “Sizzle” which uses 100 percent single-varietal olives that is more convenient to cook with. The price is $13.99.
Source: The Verge’s 2023 holiday gift guide for moms
Umbra: A smart lamp for displaying millions of colors and displaying pencils, pen and pen to paper with a mom’s voice
The benefits of handwriting are still present even in a digital age. It adds a personal touch to letters, promotes mindfulness by slowing down our thoughts, and even helps us retain information better. Paperage has lined leather notebooks in multiple colors with pocket and stickers, which allow mom to put pen to paper with a little style. $19.95 is the price.
It is a cup. It’s a smart lamp! No, it’s a… cup smart lamp? Umbra has a piece of lighting that can show millions of colors, while also housing pens, pencils, and other desktop accessories. It’s compatible with both Bluetooth and the new Matter standard, so your mom can control it with her voice. There is a price.