The Entertainment Software Association is reporting that most kids ages 5-17 (58%) have at least one video game-related gift on their wish list this holiday season. Video game gifts ranks third on kids’ wish lists, behind money/gift cards (69%), and clothes and accessories (63%).
Boys (76%) are much more likely to wish for video games than girls (39%). More than half of kids (58%) want to play more video games with their parents.
Video game gifts can include new games, in-game currency, live service subscriptions, or a new console.
In-game currency is the most requested video game gift at 43%, followed by a new video game console (39%), and physical games (37%).
Another sobering number: of parents who say they are planning to buy video game gifts this holiday season, they intend to spend an average of $736.83. Clearly a lot of kids are getting brand new consoles this year!
“Video games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world today, with more than 205 million Americans powering up games every week to have fun, relax and connect with friends and family,” said Stan Pierre-Louis, president and CEO, Entertainment Software Association. “Our research this year shows that kids not only want games, they also want quality time with their families. In a world where people feel increasingly disconnected, playing video games remains one of the easiest – and most fun – ways to stay close to the people we love.”
The ESA survey comes from a YouGov online survey from September 2025, and included over 1,900 respondents. Kids ages 5-17 completed the survey under parental supervision.
The ESA encourages parents and guardians to remember three factors when introducing video game gifts:
- Check the ESRB age rating of each new game purchase
- Set up parental controls on new gaming devices — and always enter accurate birthdays!
- Have a conversation about children playing online with others
See our Holiday Gift Guide for gaming gift recommendations for all ages!
