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.
SaverPe Editorial Team
The SaverPe editorial team researches gifting trends, brand programs and redemption rules so every gift lands perfectly.