Affordable Gaming Gift Ideas for Kids & Teens

302: Gaming Gift Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank

Heidi Lathram, is a homeschooler, homesteader, gamer, and educator with over 15 years of teaching experience and she share gaming gift ideas your children will love – and are affordable.

Below are links to various things Heidi mentioned in the podcast – you need to listen to the episode to understand the context and her specific recommendations.

Gaming Hardware Tips

• Console Options:
  • Nintendo Switch (2017, $300) Switch Lite (2019, $200) Switch OLED (2021, $350)
  • Xbox Series X (1TB, $500), (1TB, digital, $450) (2TB, $600); Series S (512G, digital, $300)
  • PlayStation 5 Pro (2024, $700) (controller, $200) ($1,000 bundle for all)
• Why Choose PC Gaming?
  • More affordable options (starting at $400).
  • Free multiplayer access and extensive game selection via platforms like Steam.
  • Retro gaming, family accounts, and customizable parental controls available.
  • Gaming PC ($400-2,000; newegg.com – look for their “Shell Shocker” deals – and other sites)

Game Recommendations

Heidi shares her favorite games, many created by indie developers:

• Heidi’s favorite (budget) game picks:
  – Stardew Valley ($15)
  – Core Keeper ($15)
  – Palworld ($30)
  – Terraria ($10)
  – Starbound ($15)
  – Portal 1&2 ($15/bundle)
  – Steamworld Dig 1&2 ($26/bundle)
  – Pacman Championship Edition DX+ ($15)
• For more information about specific game titles, check out this article: https://www.indyed.com/articles/what-is-your-kid-really-learning-from-video-games

Affordable gamer gifting: