The following scenario will play out many times throughout the holiday season. If you're buying lots of gifts for your family and friends, it'll likely affect your life in a personal way.
You: What holiday do you want?
Them: The brand new Akali skin for League of Legends!
You: I can get you some Riot Points, but I can't wrap them. Anything else?
They are: Fortnite's Staccato Shotto!
You: Same issue.
Them: How do you feel about Luigi's Mansion 3? Here, download it on my Switch.
You: Ugh.
With the advent of living, online worlds and digital-first stores, a lot of gamers' lists of wishes include tangible items like cosmetic enhancements new weapons, fresh characters, and brand new games. It's easy to gift in-game currency for most major games with gift cards. Download codes make it easier to choose a gift. White elephant gift exchanges can be boring when everyone is passing around nondescript envelopes. It's not enjoyable to present someone an electronic gift, even in this day and age.
There's a way to give your family and friends all the games-related goodies they want and also provide something to unwrap without spending money on extra presents. Craft time is here baby.
These crafts are affordable and efficient and can be made with the materials that you already have at home. While each craft is easy however, if you're frustrated, that's part of the enjoyment. There's no need to be concerned about the color of your Fortnite chug-jug. It's a time spent thinking about the person who will be receiving it. This is what gives these gifts their unique character. This, and the download codes.
League of Legends Riot pointsPoro plushie
Materials: Scissors Hot glue gun black marker, Styrofoam ball, modeling clay, craft foam (pink brown, white, black)
Notes: While there are several Poro crafting guides online, the best and most simple one we found is from eLESGA the former Canadian eSports group. It's here. As with the other projects, you are free to improvise! If you're looking to save time with your Poro remove the mustache and the small feet and make the horns from brown craft foam instead of modeling clay.
Amazon: Riot Games Digital Gift Cards $25
Fortnite V-Bucks - Chug Jug
Materials: Tall food containers, paint (dark, light, turquoise and silver), paint sponges, modeling clays or foam, scissors hot glue
Time: 45 minutes
Notes: Gather your items and snap a picture of Fortnite's chug jug. For a visual overview, see this YouTube video by Troom Troom.
You can't buy V-bucks directly but a gift card for the person's preferred platform will allow them to purchase all the wacky weapons and pink bear outfits they want.
Xbox Digital Gift Card at Amazon - $25
Minecraft Minecoins Diamond sword or pickax
Materials: Printer, paper, foam-core board, glue stick cutting mat, ruler made of metal and craft scalpel or cutter
Time: 1 hour
Notes Print images of the sword or pickax at a copyshop, on shiny, 11x17 inch papers. Print at home on standard-sized sticker paper.Minecraft Server List The tools will look even more adorable, and it makes them even more adorable. This also means that glue is not needed. Writer Kerry Ann Morgan provides clear images of the Minecraft tools on her blog, as well as instructions for putting everything together.
Get Minecoins at Amazon - $20
Gift card for Nintendo eShop
Materials: Paper card stock string, glue stick (for the majority of).
Time: 10 minutes
Notes: Nintendo has taken crafting into its own hands and has a wide selection of dioramas and masks that can be printed. Choose your favorite and your project is nearly finished.
Nintendo eShop Gift Card at Amazon - $50
The 2019 Engadget Holiday Gift Guide
The best presents for the home
The most valuable audio gifts, such as headphones and DJ gear
The media streamers and soundbars to purchase this holiday season
The movies and books we'd give as gifts
The best smartphones, tablets and smartwatches for giving as gifts
The best console games and gifts
Mobile and PC accessories that make wonderful gifts
The most efficient laptops and 2-in-1s for giving as gifts
Gift cards and subscriptions that are perfect for last-minute gifts
The best PC gaming gifts From laptops to GPUs
The best cameras, accessories and bags to give as gifts
The best fitness equipment for the athlete on your list
The best STEM toys and tech toys
What to do if everything on your holiday wish list is digital?
