Game Informer’s Graduation Gift Guide 2023

A new school year is winding down and a class of graduating students will soon be moving on to their next chapter. Congratulation and gift ideas are both in order. If you’re looking for something special for the grad in your life, read ahead to explore a curated collection of toys, tech, tabletop games, and more – from modest to extravagant – sure to please any enthusiast and celebrate their accomplishments.

Disclaimer:Our editorial staff selects the products that we recommend, independently of GameStop, our parent company.

The Lord of the Rings Rivendell

Double dip into your graduate’s interests with one of the best Lego sets in recent memory, celebrating one of the most astonishing locales from the Middle-earth films. 15 minifigures let builders recreate favorite scenes, with tiny details like Bilbo’s optional angry grasping face, the council around the Ring, and Elrond’s study filled with Elvish art. Lavish and complex, it’s a wonderful choice for a shared family build or a lone Ranger from the North who can’t wait to return home. $500

You can buy it

POP! Games: Pokémon Pikachu Waving

As your student moves on to a new phase, the Pokémon franchise has also come to a moment of transition. Wave goodbye to Ash and Pikachu’s longrunning storyline with this adorable Funko Pop! The foundational character. Funko’s stable of unmistakable Pokémon figures continues to expand, so there should be no shortage of company for the little yellow guy. $13

Buy at Gamestop

The Showdown Pro Gaming chair

While the Showdown Pro Gaming Chair is an excellent at-desk solution, it’s specifically built for the tabletop gaming audience. Without side arms, it’s meant to scoot easily underneath a table when not in use. Seat back recliner, 360 degree swivel, and smooth height adjustments help keep backs comfortable for the duration of even long RPG or board games. $379

You can buy it

Earth

This boardgame is an exciting departure from the norm. Through the use of an enormous number of included cards and a variety of plants and elements, players will be able to see and understand how they interact and are affected by each other. Earth, a game with simple rules and many different options, is a great way to have fun. It’s a great game if that kind of complexity, with a strong focus on the natural world, appeals to you. $50

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Play Arts Kai Jack Garland

Although opinions on Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin are widely divergent, its armored leading character is a clear winner. Jack Garland is clad in black, violet and burnished gold armor. This massive (character-height) sword and fabric cloak with wire support allows for some dramatic posing. Play Arts Kai has a reputation for precision and detail; Garland, this version of which is the latest from their line, is one of its most stunning pieces. $240

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Carcassone Mists

This cooperative spin on Carcassonne’s formula gives new life to one of the world’s most beloved and long-lasting thematic boardgames. In this cooperative version of the classic game, the basic tile laying principles are the same as the original, but players have to work together in order to control the ghost spread across the village and countryside. The game looks great with its landscape artwork and the dozens of meeples. The classic game is brought to life in a new way that maintains its easy-to learn but difficult-to master elements. $40

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Infinity Game Board

The new Infinity Game Board, which is 18.5 inches in size and comes with a touchscreen digital setup, was designed to be a fun way for families to play a variety of familiar and simple board games. Battleship, Candy Land and Sorry! are all free games, but some of the more complex ones like Pandemic or Ticket to ride can be purchased for a modest price. The interface is easy to navigate and the screen bright. For the younger set of graduates in your family, it’s a fun and simple way to approximate the real tactile games and build up an impressive collection to switch between with ease on game night. $500

You can buy it

Wolverine V2 Pro PS5 Controller

Razer’s V2 Pro is an outstanding wireless performance that demonstrates its strong claims of competitive performance. Quick-firing buttons and tactile action triggers are responsive and clicky. It’s also a controller that rests comfortably in-hand, with textured hand grips and a broader contoured curve that fits larger hands well. Razer’s signature RGB lighting is also built-in. It’s a nice variation, though it is not a true PS5 controller. The left thumbstick offset (as on a regular Xbox controller) may be a deviation from the norm. There’s no shortage of extra inputs to set with four rear paddles and additional shoulder buttons. Interchangeable thumbstick cap allows you to adjust concave/convex preferences. You’ll miss out on any rumble or adaptive trigger inclusions, but if those aren’t a priority, this is a control option that earns its high price tag. $250

Gamestop: Purchase Purchase

D&D Warduke Action Figure

A callback to some of the earliest toys and established characters in D&D fiction of the ’80s, Warduke was a fighter from the early Greyhawk campaign setting who turned evil. The distinctive design of his helmet was one of the most memorable aspects from those early days in role-playing games. The 7-inch figure is a detailed representation of the character and includes a variety of accessories and weapons, including an optional flaming blade. Warduke is among the first of a new line of D&D Ultimate figures, so he might not have to stand alone on a shelf for long. $35

You can buy it

Broken Compass

The game is fast and fun, with simple rules and a story telling style that resembles classic adventure movies like Indiana Jones and The Mummy. This game makes a great choice to break away from other systems. It has a straightforward core mechanic, which is rolling matching dice sets into a pool of dice. Character archetypes are also familiar and can be used for short and quick campaigns or one-shots. $50

You can buy it

Flyer Cruiser Electric Bike

Flyer offers a variety of cargo bikes that can be used to haul kids and heavy loads. However, the Cruiser is a more comfortable, enjoyable bike for those who want a ride with ample power assistance or exercise, depending on their mood. This rear rack can accommodate several optional accessories including a waterproof bag to keep electronics or food dry. This classic design is available as a traditional bike or a step through. It’s an ideal option for anyone looking for a fun way to get around. $1,799

You can buy it

ASUS ROG FLOW Z13 ACRNM

ASUS has a reputation for working with innovative tech designers, which is evident in the collaboration between Acronym and ASUS. The specs of this hybrid tablet/laptop are impressive for any activity. It includes a 13-inch Nebula screen, a 13th Generation Intel Core i9 Processor, and a GeForce RTX-4070 Laptop GPU. The integrated carry strap makes it portable, the aluminum frame and reinforced corners provide protection and there are many other features that make this laptop stand out. It’s an expensive way to engage with your games, but the price affords some remarkable versatility. $2,500

You can buy it

XreArt Framed Xbox 360 Controller

For the nostalgic types, Xreart’s beautiful electronic dissections transform once functional controllers into memorable and hangable art. This shadowbox-style insert holds all the pieces that used to help you through Halo 3 or BioShock. The components are labeled, and framed in simple shapes. Other options include the Game Boy PSP and Switch. $179

You can buy it

Transformers Studio Series Gamer Edition Bumblebee

Studio Series Transformers are aimed at collectors and offer levels of authenticity, detail, and complexity in transformations that other Hasbro Transformers figures do not. This version of the Autobot scout is a welcome addition for fans who recall Activision’s 2010 War For Cybertron. With a chunky robot design that converts into a slick domed Cybertronian vehicle, it’s an awesome take on one of the most distinctive versions of the character. $25

Purchase Purchase from GameStop

Scarlet Witch Gallery Diorama

Suppose you’re hoping to help your new graduate celebrate a love of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but you’re not aiming to break the bank. In that case, Diamond Select’s diorama series is an excellent place to look. The character likenesses and detail are excellent, even though they’re cast in PVC. Action poses from films and television shows also appear. Wanda Maximoff is captured at her peak of power in Wandavision. She stands 10 inches tall and magically drops onto the shelf. $60

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Anker Power Bank 733

For the graduating senior looking to charge an array of devices on the go, this 65W fast-charging portable station simultaneously supports up to three separate connections – two USB-C and one USB-A. It’s at its best and fastest while plugged in as a wall charger, but still does solid work keeping your phone, laptop, or other handheld going while out and about. If you’re looking for some added fun, an alternate version licenses the Transformers franchise and features Optimus Prime theming across the device, so you can roll out in style. $60

You can buy it

Star Wars Ahsoka & Darth Maul Milestone Statues

Each of these high-end figures is a knockout, with meticulous sculpting for the warriors in 1/6 scale. You can get both statues and immortalize some of the most memorable episodes from Clone WarsThe duel between two Force-users was fierce. Gentle Giant always manages to nail character likenesses; these two pieces represent a fascinating twist, transforming the animated visuals of the show to a more realistic take, but without losing what makes each character’s poses so identifiable. $250 (apiece)

You can buy it

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