Gift Cards for Gamers: A Parent's and Friend's Guide
Not a gamer yourself? This simple guide explains Steam, Valorant Points and mobile game top-up gift cards, and how to pick the right one for the gamer you love.
If you're not a gamer, buying a gaming gift can feel like decoding a foreign language. The good news: gamers genuinely love gift cards, and choosing the right one takes only two questions.
Question 1: What platform do they play on?
- PC — usually Steam.
- Mobile — games like battle royales and RPGs that use top-ups.
- Specific games — like Valorant, which has its own currency.
Question 2: What game do they play most?
If they're obsessed with a single game, buy that game's currency. If they play lots of different games, buy a platform wallet card.
The best gaming gift cards
Steam
Steam is the largest PC gaming store. A Steam gift card adds money to the gamer's Steam wallet, which they can spend on:
- New games and pre-orders
- Downloadable content (DLC) and expansions
- In-game items in supported games
Valorant Points
Valorant is a popular tactical shooter. Valorant Points (VP) buy weapon skins, agent contracts and battle passes — the things Valorant players care about most.
UniPin
UniPin vouchers top up credits in a range of mobile and PC games popular in South and South-East Asia.
Teen gamer celebrating a win
Gaming-adjacent gifts
- [Croma](/brands/croma-gift-card) — headsets, keyboards, mice and controllers.
- [Bewakoof](/brands/bewakoof-brands-gift-card) — gaming and anime merch.
- [Swiggy](/brands/swiggy-food-gift-card) — fuel for long gaming nights.
Safety tips for young gamers
- Never share gift card codes in game chats — "free skins" offers are scams.
- Redeem codes directly on the official platform.
- Parents can enable spending controls where available.
A quick glossary for non-gamers
- Wallet credit: money added to a gaming platform account to buy games or items.
- In-game currency: a game-specific currency (like Valorant Points) used for cosmetic items or passes.
- Battle pass: a seasonal unlock track with rewards.
- Skins: cosmetic changes to characters or weapons — they don't change gameplay but are very popular.
- DLC: downloadable content, such as expansions or extra levels.
How much to give
| Gift purpose | Suggested value |
|---|---|
| A cosmetic item or small pack | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| A battle pass or mid-size game | ₹1,000–₹2,500 |
| A new full-price game | ₹2,500–₹5,000 |
Prices vary by game and platform, so treat these as rough guides.
Healthy gaming gifts
If you're a parent, gift cards can support balanced gaming:
- Pair a gaming card with an agreed screen-time plan.
- Reward milestones in studies or sports.
- Encourage games that involve teamwork or creativity.
Beyond the screen
Gamers often love related gifts:
- Headsets and keyboards from Croma.
- Comfortable gaming wear from Bewakoof.
- Snacks for gaming nights from Swiggy.
- Esports and sports streaming subscriptions like FanCode.
Message ideas for gamers
- "GG on another level up in life. Happy birthday!"
- "New season, new skins — enjoy!"
- "For the next victory royale (or whatever you call it)."
Key takeaways
- Ask which platform and game they play before buying.
- Steam suits PC gamers; game-specific currencies suit dedicated players.
- Account region matters for gaming credits.
- Teach young gamers never to share codes in game chats.
Read more about gift card scams and see all gaming gift cards.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Steam gift card be used for in-game purchases?
Steam wallet funds can be used for games and supported in-game items sold through Steam.
What if I buy the wrong gaming gift card?
Gaming codes are usually non-refundable once issued, so confirm the platform before gifting.
Are gaming gift cards good for parents to control spending?
Yes. A fixed-value card sets a clear budget compared with linking a payment method.
Brands in this article
SaverPe Editorial Team
The SaverPe editorial team researches gifting trends, brand programs and redemption rules so every gift lands perfectly.
How we research and fact-check