Our GameTablesGuide Holiday Gift Guide gives you 10 amazing ideas for presents to give to your game loving friends and family this holiday.
These top rated products are perfect for your game room, or, if you don’t have a dedicated game room, then perhaps these will inspire you to create one! If you have family and friends with a game room, then one of these gifts could be a useful addition.
We know the holidays can be an expensive time of year with so many gifts to buy and with all the holiday festivities. That’s why we’ve created a list of 5 gifts below $200 to suit most budgets and hopefully won’t break the bank.
If you’re looking for a premium product for someone that you really want to spoil, we’ve also included a list of our top 5 holiday gift ideas that cost over $200.
In case you don’t have enough time to read the full guide, you can simply check out the table below that summarize my recommendations for holiday gift for your game room based on the budget.
Navigation Table
Gifts Under $200
Gifts Over $200
Types of Gifts
Holidays are the time of the year we get to relax, take time off work, and enjoy seeing friends and family. Many people like to spend their holidays playing games, and some people even have a dedicated games room full of fun things to do.
This is where kids can play games together, where adults can enjoy playing games with their families, or where friends can hangout together and enjoy some fun and laughter.
But if you’ve started looking for gift ideas, you may have noticed that there are so many different games and it can be overwhelming and confusing to choose which ones would be good for different occasions.
There are pool tables, foosball tables, air hockey games, dart boards, backgammon sets, chess sets, tennis tables, pinball machines, and even arcade style games you can buy. With so many choices, you may be wondering what types of gifts you need to buy this year and who you need to buy for. That compounds the difficulty of being able to select a great gift.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you and found 10 amazing game room gift ideas for the holidays in our GameTablesGuide Holiday Gift Guide. Some of them are less expensive and more affordable and some of the premier gifts cost a bit more but are premium products that you will most likely get excited about.
Gifts For The Special People in Your Life
Teacher Gifts
Every year, people buy gifts for their kids’ teachers to say thank you for all the support, encouragement, and help they’ve provided throughout the school year. Many people get traditional teacher gifts like flowers, chocolates, or a mug.
But if you really want to buy something unique and special that will be long-lasting and memorable, why not consider a game room gift for your teacher this year?
Family Gifts
Most families get gifts for each other over the holidays. Traditional family gifts include books, clothes, and vouchers, but if you’re looking for something that can be enjoyed together as a family (especially if you plan to spend some extended time together) and which is a little unique, then you may like some of the game room ideas below.
Perhaps you could even help one of your family members create a game room as a surprise and chip in to buy some game room games to play it all with.
If you have children or grandchildren, then you’ll know that some of the most desirable and popular gifts are game room gifts. The great thing about giving kids game room gifts is that you get to watch them enjoying themselves playing with these gifts for hours, and you can often join in and play along.
You may also be pleasantly surprised by the end of the holidays at the skill advancement of your kids, after spending many hours mastering new techniques.
Friends Gifts
Each year you probably give friends gifts for the holidays or to celebrate their birthdays or special occasions like getting married, getting engaged, or having a bachelor’s party.
It can get tricky to think of fresh new ideas of gifts to get friends. Instead of opting for something traditional, consider getting your friends something that can be enjoyed together when you spend time at each other’s homes.
Whether or not they have a game room, consider giving a game room gift like a pool table, foosball table, home size air hockey table, or a team game that you can all play together.
If you think your friend would like one of the more expensive game room gifts, you could coordinate getting several friends to all chip in and buy it together. That way you all get to spend time together and have fun playing games.
Work Colleague Gifts
The Holiday season is known for being festive and it’s often the time of year when you want to give thanks to work colleagues for the impact they’ve had on your life over the past year. If you’re looking for the perfect work colleague gift this year, why not consider a game room product?
There are gifts to suit any budget and you may lighten up your colleague’s life a little by giving them something fun and exciting to do over the festive season.
Corporate Gifts
Many employers look for corporate gifts to give their staff at the end of every year to show thanks for a job well done and to help motivate and encourage staff to keep performing well. Many employers struggle to think of meaningful gifts that won’t break the bank and also will be well received by employees.
Instead of giving individual gifts, a great idea is to spend money building a game room at the office and to kit it out with fun games that employees can play during the day on their breaks. This can help to lift morale, encourage collaboration, and foster a great working culture.
Not only can game rooms at work impress staff, but they can also have good effects on performance and ultimately the bottom line.
Top 10 Guide to the Best Game Room Holiday Gifts
If you’re into competitive games, then you’re bound to enjoy the selection of great games below. Having a diversity of games means you can play your favorite game for a period of time, but also experience learning something new and even host game nights or start a regular team game.
There are lots of indoor games to choose from, but you’ll want to find one that’s the perfect size, suits your skill level and will engage players for more than an hour of game fun. Try finding games that have amazing construction quality so they’re durable and last long like a decent quality air hockey game.
For any indoor games you choose, you’ll probably need a game room table (preferably a premium quality table) and the right size tables for the games you’ll be playing. You can even get special tables for children that are the right height – or tables for adults if you’ll be playing.
When choosing a game to give as a gift, consider what game modes it has, the balance between quality and price, and what unique features it comes with.
Below we list 5 game room gift ideas for under $200 in our GameTablesGuide Holiday Gift Guide, which means they’re mostly quite affordable and suited to anyone on a budget. If you’re willing and able to spend a little extra, we’ve also created a list of 5 gifts over $200.
Game Room Gifts Under $200
We’ve compiled a well-researched list of some of the most popular products that you can buy for your games room that costs under $200. These more affordable options range in price, but are all quality games that are popular and a good solution for people looking for holiday gifts for friends, family, or your child.
1. Arachnid Pro Electronic Dartboard
The Arachnid Pro Electronic Dartboard is the ultimate drafts game. It’s a high-quality electronic dartboard for 8 players and has 303 game options to keep you engaged and playing for hours. It’s also a tournament-quality electronic dartboard which means that you can really impress your friends and you can practice to be a real professional.
This modern dartboard boasts many features. It has nylon tough segments that are built to be highly durable and long-lasting. It’s micro-think segment dividers also improve the playing experience by reducing the amount of times that darts will bounce back off the board.
There’s even a voice prompt that tells players when it’s their turn to throw darts and it can keep score with an LCD display screen. It also has a handicap feature which you can use if you’re playing against a real pro, and there’s also a solo play option so you can practice anytime by yourself.
Plus this game has highly responsive sensors to help ensure that scoring is very accurate and the NylonTough Segments make the board much quieter than traditional dart boards which means you can play late into the night without disturbing your household who may be sleeping.
Included in the set are 6 soft-tip darts, extra dart tips, an AC adaptor which you’ll need to connect it to a power source, and mounting hardware so you can hang it on your wall.
Some of the great game options that you can play with the Arachnid Pro Electronic Dartboard include:
- GOTCHA!
- Quick Cricket
- Cricket
- Cut Throat Cricket
- Scram Cricket
- Double Only Cricket
- All Fives
- Forty One
- High Score
- Ace
- Killer
- Round The Clock
- Shoot Out
- Bermuda Triangle
- Over
Key Features:
- Suitable for up to 8 players
- Solo Play Option
- Automatic scoring and an LCD display for the score
- Dart storage on the board
- One year manufacturer’s warranty
- 33 games and 303 game options
- NylonTough segments for enhanced durability
For more reviews of the best dartboards available now, check out our dartboard reviews and guides.
2. 18 Inch Luxurious Map Backgammon Set
This elegant backgammon set from Middleton Games has a world map design and a stylish playing surface made from soft faux-suede that adds a touch of luxury to this popular board game. There’s a lot of craftsmanship that has gone into making these luxury backgammon sets and they’re known for being high-quality and sturdy.
Even when you’re not playing the game, the stylish set will make your games room look attractive and posh. There are leather strips along the edges of the case and really neat stitching along the leather, adding to the appearance of class.
The game comes with leather cups for the dice quality wood case. It also has nice thick-sized checkers and a big cube which makes playing this game a breeze. The case folds up attaché style, which makes it convenient and easy to pack up and carry. It’s also the perfect game to easily take with you on a weekend away.
Backgammon is a versatile game that can be played indoors or outdoors and is very popular in the Middle East, where it originated. You can see people playing backgammon all over countries like Greece, Turkey, and Armenia – in parks, cafes, on street corners, on beaches, and at home.
In Greece it’s called Tavli and it’s actually so popular that it’s somewhat of a national sport there.
Key Features:
- Folds up and is easy to close and carry
- Quality finishes and durable materials
- Versatile board game for playing indoors or outdoors
- Includes extra thick checkers, dice, doubling cube, and dice cups
Check out more of our favorite backgammon sets and strategies here.
3. Triumph Fire ‘n Ice Air Hockey Table
This Triumph Fire ‘n Ice 54-inch LED light-up air hockey table is a classic game room activity. Having a quality air hockey table is something that’s suitable for kids of all ages to play.
The product includes 2 LED hockey pushers and a LED puck, all of which light up – but that’s not all that lights up! Every time you score a goal, the corners of the table light up, too, adding to the excitement. That means you can even play in the dark!
This electronic air hockey table can also keep score for you with an LED display so you don’t have to do any manual scoring.
You may have been frustrated with hockey tables in the past that weren’t stable or durable. This one comes with leg braces that give stability to the table and help support it so it lasts longer and doesn’t break. There are also adjustable leg levers so that you can make the table top flat even if the ground is uneven.
Key Features
- Light up LED pushers and pucks for playing in the dark
- Includes leg braces to keep the table stable and secure
- Suitable for kids and teenagers
- High quality build
- Affordable price
Take a look at more of the best air hockey tables for home here.
4. Body Bumper Bubble Soccer Balls
If you’re looking for a fantastic outdoor game that suits both kids and adults, then consider getting Body Bumper Bubble Soccer Balls. This 5-foot zorbing ball is made from really thick, durable PVC material and designed to be wear resistant and tear resistant.
This bumper ball is easy to inflate with a pump or compressor and is made to be comfortable with ergonomic handles. Bubble balls are great for outdoor parties, team building exercises, weekend trips, or if you’re trying to arrange a unique and fun-filled event.
There are many exciting games you can play with these bubble soccer balls, including:
- Bubble Football
- Bumper Ball
- Bumper BullDog
- Last One Standing
- Bumper Ball Sumo
Key Features
- Easy to inflate
- Suitable for kids and adults
- Durable design
- Freeze and UV resistant
See more in-depth bumper ball reviews here.
5. Joola Midsize Compact Table Tennis Table
Table tennis is always a popular game room activity and team game. This midsize, compact Joola table tennis table is a great choice for anyone with a small home or apartment because it can be folded up to fit inside most closets when it’s not in use.
It’s about 2/3rds of the size of a regular ping pong table, but is the height of a standard size table. This compact table can be used for other things when it’s folded – you could use one of the square sides as a small table for your card games, poker nights, playing chess on, or even for crafting on.
The Joola brand has been creating fun products for over 60 years, making it a trusted name in the table tennis equipment industry.
Key Features
- Compact and folds away easily
- No assembly required
- Net included
- Good game for any skill level
For some fun accessories, check out our table tennis accessories guide.
Gifts Over $200
The following are 5 of the top premium games room gift ideas that cost over $200. While some may be quite pricey, they’re all made from quality materials and are built to last.
1. Prime Arcades Virtual Pinball Machine
Have you ever wished that you could have an arcade in your house?
Well, with the Prime Arcades Virtual Pinball Machine, you can! The machine boasts hundreds of classic pinball games and is a full-size machine with a 42-inch LED playfield and a 26 inch screen. In fact, there are 820 classic pinball games you can play on this machine and there are also 125 FX2 and FX3 games.
If you want to make some extra money, the machine also accepts coins.
Key Features
- Over 820 games
- 5-year warranty on parts
- 1-year warranty on the motherboard coin mechanism
- Adjustable volume control
- Stainless steel lock bar and side rails
No products found.
See more of the best pinball machines for home use in our review guide.
2. Pop-A-Shot Home Dual Shot Basketball Arcade Game
If you’re a big fan of the NBA then you’ll probably enjoy this game. The Pop-A-Shot Home Dual Shot Basketball Arcade Game is the ultimate in basketball arcade games and is compact enough to fit in your home or game room.
This game has two hoops next to each other and lets players compete to see who can score the most shots. There are 16 different game modes with music and sound effects to keep you motivated and engaged.
There’s also an electronic scoring system that relies on being plugged in or on batteries, so you no longer need to keep track of the score manually! Instead, a computer does that for you and displays the scores on an LCD screen. With close to 100% scoring accuracy, this electronic game is very good at getting the scoreboard correct.
The game is made from steel tubing that’s been powder coated to make it more durable and has a thick backboard and strong hoop rims with sensors. You can install this game in any room that has 7-foot ceilings and you can even make the game higher using extenders.
The game is 82 inches high but can be extended to reach 94 inches in height. It can be powered using a plug or using batteries in case your game room is off-grid. When it’s not in use, you can fold the game up into a compact 37 inches to be stored.
Key Features
- Battery and outlet powered
- Adjustable height with extenders
- Electronic scoring
- LCD screen
- 16 different games modes with music and sound effects
- Suitable for one or two players at a time
- Folds up to a compact 37 inches
- Comes with 7 balls included
Take a look at more of the best basketball arcade games available right now.
3. Joola Professional Indoor Table Tennis Table
This JOOLA Inside Table Tennis Table with Net Set is the brand’s top-selling table. It’s a competition grade table tennis table made from MDF wood and is pre-assembled, for the most part, which means it only takes 10 minutes to put it together. Even though it’s over $200, it’s an affordable price for what it is and a great holiday gift idea.
The table is made from professional-grade wood composite MDF board which makes it long-lasting. The table legs are made from sturdy steel and have adjustable lights levers to help ensure that, even if you’re playing on uneven ground, your table will be level. There are also locking caster wheels to ensure that the table is secure and doesn’t move around while you play.
Joola is a long-established brand that’s known for making Olympic table tennis tables and often sponsors some of the biggest table tennis contests in the world, including the Olympics. That’s probably why this set comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee! So, if you’re not happy with your purchase, you can chat to a customer service team member.
The set includes a net and the posts which are easy to put on and remove and comes with a clamp and an adjustable net tensioner. What’s great about this set is that it can be easily folded up and compactly stored. In stored position it has wheels that you can use to move it around more easily and it also means you don’t have to carry it.
The table halves can also be used separately if you need them for a games table or a coffee table. The table has great bounce and is a good size for adults and kids. The table top is dark blue and has white lines that have printed directly onto the table surface and have been cured with UV light to ensure a smooth, durable finish.
With so many different brands of ping pong table to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is best. If you’re looking for an average size table that’s price competitive and comes with a range of features, then this is one that you should consider.
Key Features
- Independent table halves for multi-purpose use
- Tournament grade net and post
- String steel legs
- Locking casters to ensure the table doesn’t move
- Foldable for compact storage
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Includes net, net tensioner, and clamps
- Playback solo mode
Check out an in-depth review of another one of our favorite indoor tennis tables here.
4. Atomic Pro 56” Foosball Table
Foosball, otherwise known as table football, is the perfect team game and a great choice for players of all ages. You can play the game with two or four players and it’s a great way to spend hours with friends.
The aim of the game is to score a goal by turning the rods that have little figurines attached to them (often dressed as football players) so that they kick the ball towards the opponent’s goal post. This game is usually played casually amongst friends and can get quite competitive.
Made from sturdy engineered wood, this high quality foosball table is built for active play. The Atomic Pro 56” Foosball Table has a stylish design that could easily blend into any corporate, school, or home environment.
Measuring 56 inches in length, it comes with 4 balls included and has robot-looking players with hollow chrome steel rods to move them and octagonal handles to maneuver them. The game’s dimensions are 56″L x 29.5″W x 34.5″H which makes it compact enough to fit into most game rooms.
One of the problems with some foosball tables is that they’re uneven and then the ball moves by itself. To address this common problem, the Atomic Pro 56” Foosball Table comes with 3.5 inch leg levellers to literally even the playing field.
This game is built to be durable and sturdy. It has heavy duty table legs and steel parts so that it can securely support the 60 pounds of weight. The table is made from MDF board, a strong wood composite, and also has a rich bamboo laminate.
Players will enjoy the built-in ball return functionality and the manual slide scoring system. It’s affordable price means this table is great if you’re on a budget.
Key Features
- Affordable price
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to assemble
- Internal Ball Return and Ball Entry
- Includes 4 Balls
See more of the best foosball tables available here in our review.
5. Fat Cat Frisco Pool Table
This Fat Cat Frisco Pool Table is a stylish and elegant game that would suit a game room in a home, an office, or even a bar environment. This Frisco designed game is reminiscent of the days when billiards was a popular parlor game. This particular design mixes style and elegance with functionality to produce a pool table that can be used for fun or competitively.
It has French-style drop pockets that accentuate the classic design style. The table is 89.5 inches long and has a classic design with contemporary straight legs. The table exudes luxury with a mahogany veneer finish and bronze-colored fabric table surface.
This pool table has K66 rubber bumpers, 6-inch rails, and diamond-shaped inlays which also make it look particularly classy. The table feet have levelling pads which aren’t visible, but help to ensure that the game will be played on the level even if the ground is slightly uneven.
The set includes your own 57-inch cues plus a set of billiard balls. You also get a resin triangle so you can set up the game and two pieces of billiard chalk so you can dust your cues from time to time to ensure they work optimally. The playing surface, which is made from fabric Accuslate, comes with a 7-year warranty which is particularly reassuring.
Key Features
- 7-year Accuslate playing surface warranty
- Includes 2 x 57-inch cues, a set of billiard balls, chalk, a pool table triangle, and a brush
- Levelling pads on the table feet to keep it level
- Elegant and stylish finishes
- Suitable for 2 to 4 players
Take a look at our guide to the best pool tables for every budget here.
Final Thoughts
There are endless fun games to play during the holidays from a laser tag game or a game of cornhole, to your favorite game of chess. You don’t need a room the size of an arcade to play fun games indoors – but what you do need is a variety of competitive games to keep things fun and varied!
There are many kinds of board games you can buy for people of any age including sets for children, games for intermediate players, and games for people with outstanding attention or attention to details.
Hopefully this GameTablesGuide Holiday Gift Guide will give you plenty of ideas for your game room and will help you pick a classic game and the perfect gift this holiday season!
