This scenario is likely to be played out many times during the holiday season. If you're buying many presents for family and friends, it will likely impact your personal life.
You are a person who has a holiday that you wish for?
They: The brand new Akali skin in League of Legends!
You: I'm able to give you Riot Points but I can't wrap them. Any other suggestions?
Them: The Staccato Shotto for Fortnite!
You: Same issue.
They: What's Luigi's Mansion 3 for them? You can download it here for my Switch.
You: Ugh.
Many gamers have long-held fantasies about digital-first storesfronts, digital first living, and cosmetic upgrades. Gift cards make it easy to hand out in-game currency for the majority of major titles and download codes mean you don't have put on pants to select the perfect present. White elephant gift exchanges can be boring when everyone is passing around nondescript envelopes. Even in the current internet age, there's something terribly unhappy about giving someone a completely digital gift.
There's a way to gift your friends and family all the games-related goodies they're looking for and also give them something to unwrap, all without having to buy additional presents. It's craft time baby.
These crafts are affordable and effective and can be made with materials you already have at home. Each craft is relatively easy however if you do get frustrated, keep in mind that's a part of the process. The time you spend pondering over the color of your home-made Fortnite chug jug is really an hour of thinking about the person who is receiving the gift and that's why you fill these objects with sentimental love. That, and the download codes.
League of Legends Riot points Poro plushie
Materials: Scissors, hot glue gun.
Notes: Although there are several Poro crafting guides available online, the best and most simple one we've come across is from eLESGA which is an ex-Canadian eSports group. It's available here. You are able to make improvised versions with these projects. To save time you can take the feet and mustache out of your Poro and make use of brown craft foam instead of modeling clay to make the horns.
Amazon: Riot Games Digital Gift Cards $25
Fortnite V-Bucks
Materials: Tall food containers, paint (dark light, light and silver) paint sponges foam or modeling clays scissors, hot glue
Time 45 minutes
Notes: Grab your supplies and pull up a picture of the Fortnite Chug Jug and play around. For an overview of the visuals, check out this YouTube video by Troom Troom.
You can't purchase V-bucks directly, but an e-gift card that is linked to the person's preferred platform will allow them to purchase all the wacky weapons and pink bear suits they'd like.
Xbox Digital Gift Card at Amazon $25
Minecraft Minecoins Diamond sword or pickax
Materials Printer, paper, foam-core board, glue stick metal ruler, cutting mat and craft scalpel or rotary cutter
Time: 1 hour
Notes Printing images of the sword or pickax at a copyshop, on shiny, 11x17 inch paper. You can also keep it simple and print it at home on standard-sized stickers The tools will be small but that's what makes them more adorable. This method also removes glue.Servers Writer Kerry Ann Morgan provides clear images of the Minecraft tools on her blog, as well as instructions on how to put it all together.
Buy Minecoins on Amazon at $20
Gift card for Nintendo eShop
Materials Printing equipment, paper or card stock string, glue stick (for the vast majority)
Time 10 minutes
Notes: Nintendo has taken crafting into its own hands and has a wide selection of printable dioramas and masks. Pick your favorite and your craft is almost done.
Nintendo eShop Gift Card at Amazon - $50
The 2019 Engadget Holiday Gift Guide
The most effective gifts for the home
The best audio gifts, from headphones to DJ equipment
This holiday season, the soundbars and media streamers you can purchase
We would consider giving movies and books as gifts
The top smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to give as gifts
The best gifts and games for console gamers.
These accessories are great presents for your mobile and PC devices
The top laptops and 2-in-1s you can give as gifts
Gift cards and subscriptions that can be used to buy gifts for last-minute occasions
The most ideal gifts for PC gamers From laptops to GPUs
The best bags, accessories, and cameras to give as gifts
The best fitness gadgets for the athlete on your list
The most innovative tech toys and STEM kits
What should you do If everything on your Christmas wish list is digital?
