It’s my birthday today, and despite the fact that I feel freaking old, it does mean free gifts. And since I’m a gamer, that often also means video game related gifts. Though despite how simple it can be to get a gift for a person with such a hobby, some inexperienced shoppers can miss a lot of options that are out there. Sure, one can just get an actual game, but that's usually the most obvious choice one can make, and you have the concern that they'll actually enjoy the title you got them. Which begs the question; what other gaming related products are out there?

Let’s list some of the possibilities for that birthday boy or girl, shall we?

Game Cards

Chances are, you know a guy or gal that’s big on MMOs, or at least plays one exclusively. The developers of these games often put out game cards for their titles which act as gift cards. Subscription-based MMOs such as World of Warcraft and Rift often have cards that give game time, while F2P titles such as Dungeon Fighter Online and Spiral Knights contain in-game currency that can be used on the cash shops. Game cards are available at most every Wal-Mart, 7-11, Gamestop, or other stores across the country, and make good birthday card inserts.

Fightsticks

For the fighting game fan, an arcade stick is almost a sure-fire gift. Though they tend to be a bit pricy, the quality you get for many of them is fairly high. The best sticks on the market are arguably the Mad Catz Tournament Edition, one of the top choices of pro fighting game players around the world because of their durability and being easily moddable, though brands like Hori are also reliable for those on a tighter budget. If you know a Tekken fan, then they’ll be happy to know that NamcoBandai has got their own version of the Mad Catz stick that comes when you get the Tekken Hybrid Extreme Edition bundle.

Team Fortress 2 Hats

Obviously, Team Fortress 2 is the best hat simulation game on the planet, if not in the known universe. So what better gift for your favorite head decoration aficionado than one of the many items available? Know someone who would wrestle a bear for a Team Captain and you happen to have one on your person? Wrap that baby up and send it his way. They'll thank you by hopefully not blowing your brains out next time they play Sniper.

Gaming Memorabilia

There is literally a ton of various video game related items that companies are dying to give to their fans. Why not take advantage of it? Know a rabid fangirl of Ezio Auditore? Final Fantasy fans have a long list of items that they would want to have on their shelves. And who doesn’t love Murlocs? Chances are, if they’re a fan of a particular game or series, there’s some sort of related product out there for them.

Rock Band Gear

Know a wannabe musician who has been trying to gold star Painkiller for the past month? Help them out with some gear for the best music game in the market. They’ve got wicked drum sets for those who just like to hit on things and bass guitars for the guy that can rock it like he’s Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Or maybe you have that someone that wants to be able to play a guitar for real? There’s an instrument for every personality type and musical preference. Just make sure you really like the guy if you plan on plopping down over a hundred bucks for them.