Stocking Stuffers for Gamers: 10 Video Game Items Under $20

As a "Gamer Gal," I definitely appreciate the value, thoughtfulness and nostalgic appeal of great stocking stuffers for gamers. If you have a gamer on your shopping list, finding inexpensive, stocking stuffer-sized items can seem like a daunting task - especially if you'd rather avoid slipping a $60 video game into someone's red velvet sock. The following 10 byte-sized gifts for gamers are all under $20, and should fit nicely into the stocking - and lifestyle - of your average video game enthusiast.

Pac-Man Cookie Cutters - $12 at Amazon.com

Few gamers can contest that Pac-Man remains one of the most legendary and recognizable figures in video game history. He's often recognizable even to younger gamers who never encountered an arcane game featuring this bright yellow hero. These officially licensed Pac-Man cookie cutters combine a second trend among gamers: A love of baked goods, especially while enjoying your favorite titles. This four-piece set includes the hallmark Pac-Man shape, in addition to three of the "Ghost" enemies from the game - namely Pinky, Inky, and Clyde - all for under $15 at Amazon.

A Gift Card for Virtual Game Points - $10 to $50 (or more) at mass retailers and online

Never underestimate gamers' enduring need for more Microsoft Points, Nintendo Points, or Playstation Network Cards. Whether the video game enthusiast on your list loves Nintendo's Virtual Console - which allows players to purchase virtual copies of vintage video games from obsolete consoles - or your recipient spends his or her paycheck buying Xbox Live Gold subscriptions and downloadable content, gift cards for virtual money or points from their favorite gaming company are sure to be a big hit. These cards work perfectly as stocking stuffers for gamers and you can spend as little or as much as you need in order to stay in your holiday budget.

Super Mario Brothers Question Box Candy - $3.99 from ThinkGeek.com

Without a doubt, ThinkGeek is one of the go-to online stores for anyone shopping for gamers, geeks, and movie collectors. This Super Mario Brothers Question Box Candy is a nostalgic, adorable throw-back to the vintage Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) graphics: A pixilated, yellow metal power-up box, which happens to be full of edible coins. The power-up container is 2" cubed, holding approximately 54 sour strawberry flavored candy coins (1.2oz). This item is also available as a three pack for $9.99.

Portal Cookie Cutters - $19.99 from ThinkGeek.com

The Portal video game franchise continues to be extremely popular within the gamer community, and the symbols, phrases ("The cake is a lie."), and vivid combination of bright blue and orange hues have become symbols of PC gamers everywhere. As you many have noticed, several of the 10 stocking stuffers for gamers suggestions on this list combine a love of video games and treats, and the Portal Cookie Cutters continue that theme by enabling the gamer on your list to serve up hot, fresh sugar cookies in shapes exclusive to the Portal Series. This officially licensed collectable also includes a Companion Cube tin, in addition to eight metal cookie cutters based on the Portal and Portal 2 video games. These cookie cutters are also dishwasher safe.

Minecraft Sticky Notecube - $9.99 from ThinkGeek.com

Minecraft, an online multiplayer video game that quickly developed a huge fan following, is all about one thing: Using pixilated blocks "to build anything you can imagine." The simple 8-Bit style graphics have a nostalgic appeal for Atari and NES gamers, but with over 17 million registered players the Minecraft phenomenon has definitely extended beyond "nostalgic charm." The implementation of the Minecraft Sticky Notecube (among other Minecraft items available through ThinkGeek) is testimonial of this fact, while doubling as a useful desk accessory. With 600 sticky notes per cube, this officially licensed stocking stuffer is also work-place appropriate.

Video Game Soaps - $5.65 and up at Etsy.com

Etsy can be a wonderful resource for anyone searching for inexpensive stocking stuffers for gamers. One of my favorite choices for this holiday season is the handmade, video game-themed soaps available from a variety of vendors. For example, Digitalsoaps has a great assortment of incredibly detailed, recreated NES cartridges or console controllers that are actually soaps, such as the "Super Mario Bros Soap Parody, Nintendo NES Cartridge, Vanilla Scented" item. The fragrance options, designs and prices are widely varied, so I recommend doing a search on the site to find items that exactly suit your needs.

Super Mario Plush 5" Toys - Approximately $15-25 at Amazon.com

How could the holidays be complete without something stuff, cuddly, and essentially without practical value in your stocking? Enter the wide variety of Super Mario Bros. Plush toys available at Amazon and other retailers. I especially love the less obvious choices: The Ghost Boo, for example, or the adorable Chain Chomp plush toy. Sure, you could default to a plush toy of Mario, Princess Peach or another obvious choice, but why not go for the more obscure selections that require true appreciation of the franchise to recognize their origins?

Gamer Jewelry - $5+ Etsy.com

This suggestion is a broad one, so you'll have to do a quick search over at Etsy to get an idea of what is currently available, as most vendors have limited stock. If the video game enthusiast on your list happens to be a woman-and I wholly support Gamer Gal love-this option is especially versatile. Pendants shaped like Xbox controllers, Super Mario Bros. power-ups, weapons associated with specific video games (like the Half-Life crowbar) are all routinely available at Etsy. Bonus: Many of these items are customizable; you need only contact the seller, which lends even more individuality to your chosen gift.

8-Bit Tie - $14.99 by ThinkGeek.com

Who says apparel presents have to be practical? Especially in the case of gamers - who are often known for having a sense of humor, especially regarding video game accessories - you should feel free to break out of the traditional molds, and gift items that are whimsical, unique or even odd. Many gamers flaunt their love of video games with pride, and the 8-Bit Tie from the folks at ThinkGeek is the perfect opportunity for your recipient to do just that. Available in "Power Red" or "Classic Blue" stripes, this clip-on tie is made of silky polyester material, and measures in at 20 inches long. This item is especially appropriate for video game enthusiasts who enjoy their 8-Bit roots on the NES and Atari systems, despite the current popularity of modern consoles.

Hot Head Pac-Man (Oven Mitt) - $14.73 at Amazon.com

Whether or not you've decided to purchase the Pac-Man cookie cutter set mentioned above, this whimsical, classic Pac-Man kitchen accessory is a wonderful stocking stuffer for gamers on your shopping list. This pot holder is 100% silicone and dishwasher safe, giving you the perfect excuse to add the iconic Pac-Man's visage to someone's kitchen drawers, wall hooks or other flat surfaces. The interior of this oven mitt features the classic landscape of Pac-Man's levels, complete with raised dots and ridges, giving a surer grip on hot cookie sheets and pans. Besides, I can't think of many more video game-themed items that would be a more hilarious topper to a stocking on Christmas morning.