Hardware
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iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit
The god of repair kits, the iFixit is not just useful for a PC Build or laptop repair, but has the weird and wonderful tools you find yourself needing for odd jobs around the house. The driver bit set alone is a thing of beauty, with near every conceivable bit you’ll need for weird and wonderful jobs, be they under the sink or inside your PC case.
Corsair HS70 Headset
The Corsair HS70 is our pick for best budget wireless gaming headset, and it’s easy to see why. Corsair has taken nearly every feature from its higher-end models and put them into a more affordable gaming headset. One of the most important features next to great sound and a comfy headband is the battery life. The Corsair HS70 can last for up to 16 hours, which means the only time you have to worry about using a back-up pair is during a 24-hour stream or gaming marathon with friends. Otherwise, just keep playing. It’s hard to dislike something that is both cost-conscious and quality-made.
Blue Yeti Microphone
Whether you're a budding streamer, are starting your own podcast, or just need a great mic for voice chat and video calls, the Yeti from Blue Microphones is a longstanding favorite. It's been the reigning champ in our guide to the best mics for gaming and streaming for years now, offering fantastic audio quality at an affordable price.
G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16GB DDR4-2400MHz
Memory today is often more about making a fashion statement than actual performance. You could potentially improve overall performance by 1-2 percent with faster RAM, or you could get something like this G.Skill Trident Z DDR4 memory kit that comes with an awesome RGB ‘skin.’ We figure if gamers are willing to shell out $20 to look good in a digital world, spending a similar amount on some slick memory to do the same for your PC isn’t asking too much.
Desk Accessories
Scented Candles from GameTee
Sometimes, for reasons that I will not describe here involving burritos, someone’s gaming desk tends to smell less than ideal. Here, then, is the nerdiest solution to the problem: Burn up that extra methane while adding a pleasant scent to cover other odors. Pleasant scents like the citrus and bergamot of Wizard’s Tower, or the champagne and peach of Luck Potion. No? Maybe go for Elven Wellspring? Unicorn Tears? Sweet Roll? Song of Spice and Fire? Just please pick one for the flatulent gamer in your life. Please.
Lumiy Lightblade
A dim desk lit only by the soft glow of monitors and RGB components might seem like a romantic scene, but it’s really just a recipe for eye strain and daytime misery. Here, then, is the ultimate desk light, a 1500 lux monster that’ll let you read paper manuals and take notes in peaceful comfort, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be gaming well into the future. It’s also tuned away from that harsh LED glow by using dual LEDs, right at 93 CRI to mimic natural light.
Overwatch Throw Blanket
Winter’s a chilly time for many gamers, especially those of us with frames, so why not pick up a blanket to swaddle yourself in? Whether that’s big picture mode on the couch or in your desk chair, this 5x7 sucker is large enough to cover even the biggest nerds. Plus, it’s lambswool, so you won’t need more than just the one layer to stay warm and comfy—remember, warmth improves circulation, and circulation improves APM.
Miracle Time Cube Timers
Simply flip these cube tibers to the allotted period and they’ll start, beeping later to remind you that time has passed and you should either be on a new task, or get back on the old task, or that your gaming break is over. An invaluable time management tool and a great gift for anyone in your life who has trouble keeping a set schedule or staying on task.
Secretlab Omega Gaming Chair
The creme de la creme of gaming chairs, the Secretlab Omega is absolutely the most comfortable thing we’ve sat in this year. If you spend eight to fourteen hours a day working and gaming at a desk then you need to care for your body with a nice chair just as well as you need a nice mattress. That’s this one, and if you don’t believe if, check out our review. For the very tall or small, there’s also the Omega’s little cousin the Throne and big brother the Titan. We don’t lightly recommend this chair, and we think it easily compares to chairs $100 more expensive.
