The Art of Gift Giving on Steam: How to Surprise Your Friends!

1 March 2025

Have you ever tried to find the perfect gift for a friend, only to spiral into a black hole of indecision? Let’s be honest—gift-giving can be tough! But when it comes to gamers, there’s one gift that rarely disappoints: a thoughtful game or DLC on Steam. Seriously, what better way to surprise your BFF, teammate, or that one friend who’s always carrying you in multiplayer matches than by sending them their next gaming obsession?

Steam has made gift giving incredibly easy, but the real trick lies in nailing the thoughtful part. Whether you're introducing a friend to a new genre, upgrading their gaming experience, or just sending a little "Hey, I appreciate you" message, gifting on Steam is an art. Let’s dive deep into how you can master it!

Why Gifting on Steam is a Fantastic Idea

Let’s set the scene. Imagine your friend logs into Steam after a long day, expecting nothing but the usual "Update available" notifications. Suddenly, they see a pop-up: "You’ve received a gift!" Boom. Their day = made.

What makes gifting on Steam so special?

1. Instant Gratification: Who doesn’t love immediate access? There’s no waiting around for shipping or worrying about whether something will get lost in transit. The game appears in their library like magic. Boom, ready to download and play.

2. Endless Options: Whether your friend is into heart-pounding first-person shooters or chill farming sims, Steam has something for everyone. It’s like giving someone Netflix but with video games (and no monthly fees!).

3. Personal Touch: You can add a custom note that lets them know why you picked the game or just throw in a cheeky inside joke. It’s like writing a Hallmark card but way cooler.

Still not convinced? By gifting on Steam, you’re not just giving a game; you’re giving an experience, memories, and—let’s be real—endless hours of entertainment.

Finding the Perfect Game for Your Friend

Alright, so you’ve decided to gift something. But here’s where the real challenge comes in: how on Earth do you choose the game? You don’t want this to be the digital equivalent of socks. Nobody wants socks.

1. Stalk Their Wishlist

Pro tip: Steam has a built-in wishlist feature, and your friend probably uses it to bookmark games they’re itching to play. You can access their wishlist by visiting their profile (if it’s public). This is the easiest way to know what they want without blowing your cover. It’s like reading their gaming diary—except it’s not weird.

2. Know Their Favorite Genres

Is your friend the kind of person who lives for adrenaline-packed shootouts? Or maybe they’re more into relaxing, story-driven adventures? Take a mental inventory of the games they already play. If your buddy’s been grinding Apex Legends non-stop, something like Titanfall 2 might be right up their alley. Or if they won’t shut up about Stardew Valley, throw in a cozy little game like Slime Rancher. Match the vibe.

3. Think Outside the Box

Here’s where you can really impress. Instead of gifting the obvious choice, try introducing them to something new but still within their comfort zone. For instance, if they love fantasy RPGs like Skyrim, why not surprise them with Divinity: Original Sin 2? It’s like giving them a plot twist gift they didn’t see coming but will totally appreciate.

The Nitty-Gritty: How to Send a Gift on Steam

Okay, let’s get practical. Sending a gift on Steam isn’t rocket science, but if you’re new to it, here’s the lowdown:

Step 1: Pick the Game

Head over to the Steam Store and find the game you want to gift. Easy enough!

Step 2: Click “Purchase as a Gift”

Once you’re on the game's page, hit that handy little “Purchase as a Gift” button. If you don’t see it, double-check that the game is giftable (some bundles or discounted items may have restrictions).

Step 3: Choose a Friend

Steam will prompt you to select from your friends list. Make sure you’re gifting to the right person—this isn’t the time for fat-finger typos.

Step 4: Add a Personal Message

Here’s where you can flex your creativity. Write something heartwarming, funny, or completely random. For example: "Hey, remember when you said you were bored? Not anymore. Enjoy! 😊"

Step 5: Pay and Confirm

Complete the transaction, and voilà! You’re officially the MVP of their friend list. Steam will notify them instantly.

Creative Ways to Make the Gift Extra Special

The beauty of gifting on Steam is that it’s already pretty awesome on its own. But if you want to go the extra mile, here are some fun ideas:

1. Set the Scene

Send your friend a cryptic message beforehand. Something like: "Dude, make sure you log into Steam tonight. No questions. Just do it." This adds an element of suspense and makes receiving the gift even more exciting.

2. Bundle It Up

Why stop at just one game? If your budget allows, throw in DLCs, expansion packs, or even a second game. Does your friend love The Witcher 3? Add the soundtrack DLC or the Hearts of Stone expansion. Sometimes, it’s the little extras that go a long way.

3. Coordinate a Co-op Surprise

Gifting a multiplayer or co-op game? Add a cherry on top by offering to play it together. “Hey, I just sent you It Takes Two. Let’s make a night of it this weekend!” You’re not just gifting a game—you’re gifting quality time.

Pro Tips for Budget-Friendly Gifting

We get it—gaming can be an expensive hobby. But Steam’s frequent sales make it budget-friendly to treat your pals without draining your wallet. Here’s how to hack the system:

- Wishlist Alerts: If you’ve got time, monitor your friend's wishlist and wait for their desired game to go on sale. Steam’s seasonal sales (Summer Sale, Winter Sale, etc.) are goldmines for discounted games.

- Indie Games Are Gems: Don’t overlook smaller indie titles. They’re often cheaper and brimming with charm. Think Hollow Knight, Celeste, or Papers, Please—all fantastic options under $20.

- Steam Wallet Codes: Can’t decide on a game? A Steam Wallet gift card is always a safe backup. It’s like giving your friend gaming currency to pick whatever they want.

Don’t Forget the Etiquette

Just because you can send a gift doesn’t mean you should. Keep these pointers in mind to avoid any awkwardness:

1. Check Their Library First: Steam won’t stop you from gifting someone a game they already own. Do a quick library check before hitting that purchase button.

2. Don’t Force It: If your friend doesn’t seem particularly interested in a game, don’t try to push it on them. Gifting is about thoughtfulness, not imposing your tastes.

3. Respect Privacy: Not everyone likes surprises. If you’re unsure whether they’d be okay with a random gift, ask them casually first.

Wrapping Things Up (Virtually, of Course)

When done right, gifting a game on Steam can make someone’s day—or even their month. It’s not just about the game you’re giving; it’s about the thought, effort, and care you put into choosing something they’ll genuinely enjoy. It might take a little stealth and creativity on your part, but trust me, it’s worth every second.

Next time you’re pondering the perfect gift for your gaming buddy, ditch the socks (again, nobody wants socks) and make a beeline for Steam. Who knows? The game you gift could become one of their all-time favorites. And honestly, isn’t that the best feeling ever?