Ten Family Friendly Video Game Gifts for Christmas 2008 Under $30

Ready or not, Christmas 2008 is coming. Video games and accessories are going to top many Christmas lists this year. But which ones are good? And, which are appropriate for children? I've taken the time to find values on hot products for your game systems. I have kept families in mind while doing this research; which is why you'll find the ratings on this list next to each of the games. Everything I have listed is under $30 because it doesn't take a fortune to find a great gift. Now let's get to it!

1. Microsoft Text Input Device for the Xbox 360 ($29.99) at mass retailers

This is helpful because it can be time consuming to use the controller to type. This full keyboard attaches right to the controller.

2. Nerf Armor for the Nintendo DS Lite. ($14.99 at Gamestop and $15.59 at Target)

Let's face it. We can all be a bit clumsy at times. If you have a DS Lite, this is a great way to protect it just in case it happens to get dropped!

3. Xbox Live Marketplace giftcard ($19.99) mass retailers

1600 points to use with Xbox Live; download music, games and movies.

4. Playstation Network Card for PS3 and PSP. ($20)

5. Wii Powersaves by Action Replay. ($23.99) at Target

An SD card with 512 MB of cheats unlocked. Unlock Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Super Paper Mario, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, Mario Party 8 and many more!

6. DS Lite Starter Kit. ($24.99) at Target

Included in this kit is a play through case, 3 extra stylus, 6 game card cases (holds 24 games in all), headphones, 2 screen protectors, a cleaning cloth and a car charger.

7. Wii Nerf Wheel ($14.99) at Target

This steering wheel is perfect for those who love the game Mario Kart!

8. SAT Coach with Princeton Review for the Nintendo DS. Rated E for Everyone ($29.99)

For the kid who spends too much time playing video games and not enough time studying for the SAT's; with this they can do both!

9. Pelican Air Flow Cooler for the PS3. ($29.99) at Amazon

Logging in long hours trying to beat the latest game on PS3? Don't let your system overheat.

10. PS2 Hasbro Family Game Night. Rated E for Everyone. ($29.99) at mass retailers

With this game you can play all of your favorite Hasbro games electronically! It comes with Boggle, Connect 4, Mr. Potato Head and many more!

I tried to keep the prices low and give a variety of types of items. Hopefully this was informative enough that even people who don't play video games but shop for people who do can understand it! If you are still lost as to what to buy for your gamer this Christmas, magazine subscriptions are a good way to go. For $24.98 Game Informer magazine will deliver 24 issues (2 years) right to their mailbox. It was difficult to narrow the list down to only 10 items. There are just so many fun games and innovative products out for the game systems today! Happy Shopping!