Stocking Stuffers for Female Gamers

Many people find female gamers especially difficult to shop for. Since video gaming is still considered a predominantly male hobby, gift givers never quite know what to make of a girl gamer. You don't want to offend her with a Hello Kitty mouse pad, but you're not sure the one with Master Chief is a good choice either. When it comes to stocking stuffers, there are some pretty safe bets. While you can toss in makeup items and other girly goodies, most gamer-centric items are basically unisex. Electronic accessories, snacks and gift cards are among the universal items that make perfect stocking stuffers for female gamers.

Ear Buds
You can never have too many sets of ear buds. Compact and inexpensive, these are perfect inclusions for just about anyone's holiday stocking. If the girl gamer on your list carries around a handheld gaming system or mp3 player, match the ear buds to her equipment. When in doubt, basic black or white are always a good choice. Brands like Jlab and Skullcandy make ear buds priced at under $10, but higher-end brands like Bose and Beats by Dr. Dre deliver superior sound (for a price).

Plush Toys
Okay, so this one isn't necessarily unisex. But let's face it, girls like things that are cute! Even tomboys can appreciate a fuzzy little friend, even if only to sit on her desk. Search online for plush toys surrounding her favorite games; gamer/geek shop ThinkGeek offers HalfLife's headcrabs, BioShock's Big Daddies, and LittleBigPlanet's Sackboys, just to name a few. While these guys may not look cute to you, she's sure to think they're adorable.

Snacks
No matter whose stocking you're filling, it should contain some bite-sized goodies. Candy, gum and salty snacks are all good choices for stocking fillers, but you can also tailor your snacks to the recipient. Fun food items like Pez dispensers and Pop Rocks are likely to be big hits with gamers, as are small energy drinks. Sugary and caffeinated snacks will come in handy the day after Christmas, when she's staying up all night to beat her brand new games.

Gadgets and Gizmos
Accessories are always a good choice for someone who's into electronic devices. If she's got a smartphone, give her a case. Pick out a laptop decal featuring her favorite colors for a customized computer. Most of us don't think to buy these little items for ourselves, which is why they make such awesome gifts. No matter what kind of gadget's she's into, lack of power is always frustrating. If you're not sure what else to stuff her stocking with, consider a PowerSquid, Hub Man or Electro Man. These guys will make sure she's never without an open outlet or USB port again.

Gift Cards
For some people, there's no better gift than one they choose for themselves. If your favorite female gamer is fussy or has very specific tastes, try tucking a gift card into her stocking. She'll get a gift she really wants, and you'll get bonus points. Some popular gift card sources to consider are Amazon.com, Best Buy, and other local sources for games and electronics. If she's got an Xbox 360, an Xbox Live subscription card is also a welcome gift.

These are just a few stocking stuffer ideas for the girl gamer on your shopping list. Have a look at what she likes, and you're sure to find filler ideas for a stocking she'll <3.