Gifts for under $100 - Australian Gift Guide
It is that time of year again where fake trees adorn shops and homes, candles are lit and the same dozen holiday movies are placed on tv’s across the nation. But it also means presents and for a lot of folks this year, the budget is going to play a big factor in what you are looking at buying.
So, in the hopes of making things a bit easier we have opted to do our gift guides a little differently this year. Instead of picking the best of a console or the best tech, we are doing them by dollar amount. What we are hoping for with this is that if your budget is fixed, we can provide a few worthwhile options that fit under it. We will also ensure that the price is the RRP so if there is a sale, you can save more, but you won’t have to pay more.
We have three guides this year, in addition to this one we also have $50 and under and $200 and under. That should account for budgets of all sizes. One final reminder to double check prices with your retailer of choice as they may change at anytime. Here are the categories we have:
Headsets
Video Games
Computer Accessories
Controllers
Lego, Toys and More
So with that done, let us begin.
Headphones
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
RRP: $69.95
Where to buy: JB HiFi | Amazon | Officeworks | Big W
Long before Apple released their big over ear headphones, the Sony headphones were what everyone had and for good reason. These headphones offer up the great Sony audio quality, but in a much lighter form factor. The headphones are more for general use, rather than geared towards a specific use case, so they are great for music, chatting and gaming. The headphones will give you around 50 hours of use and if your headset does go flat, you can get 90 minutes of use from a 15 minute charge. Plus, the headphones come in a range of colours, giving you a few more choices.
The Atlas 200 headset is the first headset from Turtle Beach that is licenced for PlayStation. As you can see in the picture, the PlayStation option comes in Black and White, with the multiplatform headset only in Black. For the PlayStation owners, the headset supported Tempest 3D Audio, so you can enjoy the spatial audio, making this one of the most affordable ways to get that. The headset is ultralight, at least according to Turtle Beach, as it weighs only 280g, this is due to the mesh headband, which also makes it very comfy to wear.
The Astro range of headsets have been going strong for a number of years now and for good reason, they deliver great sound and at a decent price. The A10 Gen 2 keep that tradition going. The headsets all weigh around 240g, making them lighter than the Atlas 200 above, but they are slightly more complicated to breakdown. There are a few colours of each headset, but some are geared towards PlayStation and others Xbox. There are PC specific ones in Grey and Purple, but the Black and White ones have one for either. As they use 3.5mm for connection, they will work on anything, but just be aware if you are buying for a diehard console gamer that you don’t buy the wrong one.
We have a 4Gamers headset in our Under $50 gift guide and while this one is not to much more expensive, it has a few more worthwhile reasons to pick it up. Now this one is unique for its 3D Mirror effect on the outside of each ear cup. With the lights off, it is just one of those endless looking holes, but with the lights on, it looks like a fun endless looking hole. While the RGB lighting is fun, the reason why the headset is worth the price is that it is incredibly comfortable, with the ear cups having some serious padding. The only issue I have with the headset is the microphone being flexible means it is often in the way when not in use, but that might not be an issue for some.
Video Games
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition
RRP: $69.95
Where to buy: EB Games | JB HiFi | The Gamesmen | Big W
The reason we are including this game is simple, for the amount you pay, the sheer number of gaming hours you can get from it are insane. Since the game first released back in 2006, I have put a few hundred hours into the game and its expansions. All that is before they added creators club content to it. While you can just run through the story and save the day, being a hero is not always fun, so you can be a thief or an assassin, the choice is yours. The remastered edition is a great version of a great game, you can read our review to learn why we think so.
Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake
RRP: $89.95 - $99.95
Where to buy: EB Games | JB HiFi | Amazon | The Gamesmen
While released in an odd order, Dragon Quest and Dragon Quest II have finally been given the full remake treatment that Dragon Quest III got in 2024. These games complete the Erdrick saga, with the play order being 3, 1 and 2. Unlike the remake of 3, this is both the remaining games in one release, ensuring you can get a much more detailed story, with extra playable characters, new locations and a host of updates to make it more enjoyable for new players and returning fans. The price difference is due to the Switch version having a lower RRP than the Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 release.
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remaster
RRP: $69.95 - $99.95
Where to buy: EB Games | JB HiFi | Amazon | The Gamesmen | Big W
Much like how Aspyr brought the first three games to modern audiences, they did the same with the second set of three, this time giving some attention to The Last Revelation, Chronicles and Angel of Darkness. The stories in each game are the same, but enhanced controls, remastered visuals (you can swap at anytime to the original too) and a host of other quality of life updates, make these releases the best way to play. For those who are big Lara Croft fans, there is a Deluxe Edition which comes with an artbook and audio cd, giving you more to enjoy. You can also pick up the first 3 games as well still.
Much like the Tomb Raider games above, the three Turok titles are taking the Nintendo 64 classics and bringing them to modern audiences, which is great as a new Turok is on the way. Apart from some quality of life updates, the games biggest draw is the overhauled visuals and while not remade in full, there are a lot of touch ups across all three games. The games are certainly still products of their time, but Nightdive Studios have refined their update techniques on other classic games of the era, while results in these games playing better than ever here.
If you are seeking a little extra colour within your own computer setup, or know someone who is, then the Pop Icon keyboard from Logitech is worth looking into. The keyboard is on the smaller size, so those with larger hands, or a preference for full size boards may want to look elsewhere. But even though it has a smaller form factor, it is not missing anything. In fact it is more powerful than some other keyboards, as it can connect to three different devices, say a PC, tablet and phone. While we are just showing the purple here, you can also get it in Rose, Off-White and Black, with each having some extra accent keys to give you that extra POP of colour.
Glorious is not likely a name you will know all that well, but if you are into PC, you should learn it. The big draw for the Glorious range is that they are customisable across the board. This one is slightly limited in the full suite of upgrades, namely shell, switches and such, but it does let you do key caps. While you get black here, you can clear ones, purple ones, blue ones and even shades of colours, there is a lot to choose from. Behind those keycaps lies a solid typing experience with some amazingly responsive switches. We reviewed one of the full size offerings from Glorious last year, and were really impressed, so fingers crossed this smaller brother still packs the same punch.
Controllers
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad
RRP: $99.95
Where to buy: EB Games | JB HiFi | Amazon | The Gamesmen
The 8BitDo controllers are some of the most versatile ones around, from their form factor to the number of devices they can connect to. Keeping that trend going is the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, which is an upgrade from the original Pro that first launched back in 2021. One of the cool things with this controller is the ability to swap the buttons around, so if you like the Nintendo layout of A to the side, you can do that or if you like the wrong layout of A at the bottom, that is an option. The controller has Hall Effect triggers for faster response times and TMR sticks for even better control. Plus its compatible with Switch, Switch 2, PC, Mac, iOS and Android, giving you a lot of choice on where you use it.
For those seeking for a second controller for their Switch or Switch 2, but don’t want just another boring black, the Rematch range from Turtle Beach is an option. The range includes the ones shown here, but each store stocks different ones, so if you want a specific design just be aware of that. The controller is rechargeable and will deliver around 40 hours of play and features a pair of programable rear buttons. None of the controllers have amiibo scanning support, but they all have fun lenticular or glow in the dark patterns. One final note, while compatible with Switch 2, there is no GameChat button on them, so you can’t make use of that feature directly from these controllers.
This is your basic Xbox controller, it has all the features and functions you need and nothing more. The controller is the same one that you get with a console these days from Xbox, but it will also work with PC and Apple devices like Mac, iOS and Apple TV. While the Black and White options are the ones under $100, there are always deals on some of the basic colours, bringing them down below the price limit we are putting on the list, but most of the time they are $110 or more if they are really special editions. If you need a second controller or looking to get one for your PC, this is a great option.
Lego, Toys and More
Retro MyArcade Arcade Machine
RRP: $89.95
Where to buy: EB Games | GiftBox | The Gamesmen | Big W
While new games are great, sometimes you just want to revisit a game from your past and the MyArcade range offers that. These retro-recreations of classic arcade machines offer up either a series of games or a platform of games and can be enjoyed while plugged in or off batteries. The screens are 2.75inch or around 7cm so they are fairly decent and there are even some that come with recreations of their original control schemes, though prices do get up high on some. If you are looking to buy for someone who wants a retro game, this is an option to look at, no coins required to play once owned.
GoDice - D20 Connected Electronic Dice
RRP: $79
Where to buy: EB Games | Amazon | JB HiFi | The Gamesmen
While this has been around for a few years, it is still a pretty neat device, especially if you play D&D with mates via the internet. This dice can be integrated with a number of online RPG platforms, letting those you are playing with see what you roll, the moment you finish your roll. D20 Connected looks premium, but still has a design reminiscent of a classic RPG die, but packed with cool tech - Bluetooth, 3D sensors, 10-second charging, and a colourful light system, to track and calculate your rolls instantly on your platform of choice. It's a “magical” GoDice D6 smart die shelled in a Polyhedral shell
Young gamers will have hours of fun assembling the Fortnite llama piñata, which is known as the Supply Llama in the LEGO Fortnite video game. Packed with fun details to inspire creative play, it has a movable head and an opening mouth as well as a saddle and loads of cool gear. This includes a Grappler, Slurp Juice, Rough Ruby, Back Pack, Good Luck Charm, Slap Juice and Dynamite. Based on exciting items from LEGO Fortnite, these objects encourage kids to recreate their favourite gaming moments off screen. Once built it becomes an awesome play-and-display model to showcase proudly in their bedrooms or gaming room. It also makes a thoughtful gift for gamers and Fortnite fans.
Introduce kids to the mystery character from a 2002 LEGO Star Wars set who became a fan favourite with Jedi Bob’s Starfighter. A cool birthday gift idea, this LEGO Star Wars buildable toy set features a starfighter with an opening cockpit, 2 spring-loaded shooters and retractable landing gear. Play out exciting adventures with 2 LEGO Star Wars minifigures: Jedi Bob and an Ackbar Trooper, plus a Servo (SR-V0) LEGO droid figure, as seen in the LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy Disney+ special. Accessories such as Jedi Bob’s lightsaber, which clips to the base of the brick-built starship toy, and a blue milk carton and banana element, which can both be stowed in the storage compartment, add to the fun.
The Creeper is a large, posable action figure for kids to build, play with and put on display for all to admire. This buildable toy recreation of Minecraft’s iconic Creeper stands over 21 cm tall. It has 4 movable legs and a posable head that moves from side to side and tilts up and down. The front of the LEGO Minecraft Creeper figure’s head detaches to reveal an interior space containing a first-version Creeper and a TNT element. While not a complex build, there is a lot going on with all the small square flats going on the body, so just be aware of that for younger builders.
A fantastic gift for fans of Nintendo video games, the collectible set features a near 1:1 scale brick-built replica of the original Game Boy handheld game system from Nintendo. Press the +Control Pad, A and B Buttons, and SELECT and START, just like on the real system. The model has other iconic Game Boy details, including the contrast adjustment and volume dial and the Game Pak slot. Customise your display with interchangeable, brick-built The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening or Super Mario Land Game Boy Game Paks and corresponding lenticular screens (or a Nintendo start screen). For those who are really keen, there are also mods available online to turn this into a functional GameBoy.
The interactive set makes it easy to understand different concepts like the orbit of the Earth and the Moon, the Earth’s gravitational pull and how the rotations affect the seasons. Cool features include a crankshaft that kids can turn to create the rotations. There are also months and moon phases to show the progress of the Earth, Sun and Moon throughout the year. This set is quite large once built, coming in at 24cm tall, 33cm long and 18cm deep, so make sure there is space for it.
The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter is here in Lego form. It has a minifigure cockpit, passenger space for Grogu, a cargo compartment, a spring-loaded shooter and realistic details. This set features LEGO minifigures of The Mandalorian and Peli Motto, plus LEGO figures of Grogu (affectionately known by fans as ‘Baby Yoda’) and a BD Droid to inspire creative role play. Just something to be aware of, there is also a much cheaper and smaller version of the set, aimed at 4 years and up, so just make sure you are grabbing the right one.
This spectacular plane model-building kit, based on the X-Jet in X-Men ’97, will inspire endless high-flying adventures with its Cyclops, Rogue, Magneto and Wolverine minifigures. The buildable action toy features twin cockpits with room for 4 minifigures, 2 stud shooters on both sides of the plane and 2 spring shooters beneath the wings. The buildable model plane also includes 2 removable containers where kids can store spare studs and Wolverine's long claws when they are not attached to the minifigure. Something to note for this set, this is going to be retired at the end of the year, so if you have a X-Men fan, this will be the last year you can pick this set up, without paying those eBay prices.
So there we go, a nice range of things that we suggest for the geek or gamer in your life and all under $100.
As a reminder, Gift Cards are also viable options and you can pick up retailer specific ones at most places, or opt for either console gift cards or even generic multi-store options. Most supermarkets also stock a range of cards, so if nothing in this list appeals to you, be sure to give those a look.
