Holiday season is rolling around, and it’s the perfect time to explore gift ideas for the VR enthusiasts in your life. But have you SEEN the overwhelming number of options out there? Reminds us of that saying about needles and haystacks (you know the one).
Anyhoozy, to save you the pain of sifting through an overwhelming sea of options, we’ve highlighted the creme of the crop across various price points. Whether they are seasoned VR gamers, creative minds who revel in digital artistry, or newcomers eager to dive into virtual worlds, there’s something for everyone. Check it out!
Meta Quest 3
This one’s kinda obvious.
Meta’s Quest 3 is the company’s next generation of headset, building on the Quest 2 and the Quest Pro. The Quest 3 has an improved display which includes a “blended” mode, allowing the user to see the real world around them without leaving their virtual one. There are two models available, one with 128GB of storage, and another with 512GB.
- Continuous IPD adjustment for better user comfort.
- Supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster, more reliable connectivity.
- Improved controller haptics for more immersive experience.
- Limited game library specifically optimized for new features.
- Pretty expensive.
With the new Meta Quest 3, Meta shows they still lead the standalone VR space thanks to smart tweaks that advance the category. The boosted 2064 x 2040 LCDs and pancake lenses make everything strikingly sharp without that annoying screen door effect. Text and textures feel more real thanks to the pixel density jump over the aging Quest 2. Plus, paired with the Snapdragon XR2+ platform, the graphic processing power on this thing has practically doubled.
But wait, that’s not it. Quest 3 now comes with a slimmer visor + easy IPD adjustment, a balanced front battery, and comfier Touch Pro controllers that shape a natural experience for those super long sessions. Mixed reality presence is also a huge advantage here, thanks to full color passthrough cameras and six-degree tracking.
Of course, the $500 price tag means that it may be restrictive for some. But for those who take the plunge, expect your notions of standalone VR to be shattered and reimagined again. And if you’re expecting to gift this to a loved one who is into VR, you might just get a bear hug!
The Quest 3 not your ideal choice? Check out this article on some of our top VR headset picks this year for some alternatives.
Casematix Custom Hard Shell Case For Meta Quest 2/3
So you can protect your latest gift purchase.
Protect your Meta Quest 3 with the CASEMATIX Hard Case, featuring a customizable foam interior, robust hard shell exterior, and comfortable handle. Ideal for secure transport and storage of your VR headset and accessories.
- Customizable foam interior for tailored protection.
- Comfortable carrying handle for easy transport.
- Durable hard shell exterior guards against impacts.
- Hard exterior can be bulky for travel.
- No additional pockets for small items.
The Casematix Hard Case is a top pick for Meta Quest fans needing to store or haul their VR gear. Designed for the Quest 3, Quest 2, and the original Quest, this case is an absolute essential, thanks to its sturdy build and thoughtful layout. Coming to business, the hard shell exterior provides literally unmatched protection against drops, hits, and travel abuse, or even general frustration (not that you should be using it as a punching bag).
Worried about what you’re getting on the inside? You can also tailor the foam to perfectly fit your headset, controllers, cables, and accessories. This not only holds everything securely in place but adds shock absorption too. Being able to customize the layout is especially great for folks with add-ons like the Elite Strap.
Another nice touch is the comfy reinforced carrying handle, making it easy to transport the case without strain over long periods. This will come in handy for those hitting up VR events every now and then. Overall, a pretty solid choice as a gift for someone who already owns the latest flagship from Meta.
Meta Quest $50 eGift Card
In case you’re unsure…
Gift the ultimate VR experience with a $50 Meta Quest eGift Card. Perfect for purchasing games, apps, and accessories on the Meta Quest platform. Instant delivery, endless possibilities.
- Allows them to choose their own gift, so they can get something they truly want or need.
- Easy to purchase and send, especially for last-minute gifting.
- Eliminates the stress of finding the ‘perfect’ gift.
- Can be perceived as lacking thought or effort compared to a carefully chosen gift.
- Lacks the excitement of unwrapping a physical gift.
Okay, this one’s kinda self-explanatory. A lot of the time, we don’t exactly have a clue as to what someone would like as a gift, and the gift card is a solid way to tackle that issue. If you’re trying to gift a VR enthusiast something cool and flexible, just go for one of them Meta Quest cards.
It’s gonna give them unlimited access (well, $50 worth of access) to all the gifts, games, and accessories from the official Meta site, which is a pretty solid gift, in our opinion. The only possible downside here is that it may be thought of as impersonal, something you didn’t put a lot of thought into. Maybe gift this with an actual card?
GoPro MAX-Waterproof 360 Camera
For shooting VR content!
$349 $500 Save $151
The GoPro MAX, a versatile 360-degree camera, offers Max HyperSmooth, PowerPano, and live-streaming. Ideal for dynamic filming with horizon leveling, it features six microphones for superior audio and is widely known for its advanced capabilities.
- Versatile 3-in-1 camera functionality.
- High-quality 360-degree and stereo audio capture.
- Exceptional stabilization with Max HyperSmooth.
- Limited battery life under heavy use.
- Requires specific editing software for 360 videos.
At the core of the MAX’s appeal is its ability to capture stunningly realistic panoramic footage at up to 6K resolution. The camera employs both front and rear ultra-wide lenses combined with 360-degree audio to fully envelop viewers within each moment. This creates a breathtaking sense of presence perfect for VR applications.
Advanced stabilization ensures the most rugged exploits that you could think of, remain smooth and steady. HyperSmooth anti-shake technology and horizon leveling allow the MAX to render even the wildest stunts into a comfortable viewing experience.
The MAX also introduces PowerPano, an innovative feature enabling users to capture sweeping 270-degree shots free of distortion. This opens the door for pioneering creative methods not possible with single-lens cameras. When stitched together in post-production, PowerPano footage can transport you into incredibly expansive scenes. If you don’t mind spending a little extra on this thing, it makes for the perfect gift for any VR enthusiast!
Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery
Never run out of juice.
The Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery enhances comfort, playtime and durability with up to 2 extra hours of VR gameplay from its built-in extended battery.
- Extends gameplay time with integrated battery.
- Compatible with Meta Quest 3 charging dock.
- Easy adjustability with a twist dial.
- Adds extra weight to the headset.
- Relatively high price for an accessory.
The Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery is a worthwhile upgrade for serious VR fans using the new Meta headset. Its main USP is that it ends up giving you up to two more hours of playtime, thanks to the integrated battery. The ergonomic strap design effectively reduces facial pressure by evenly distributing the headset’s weight (but the added weight is still noticeable), making lengthy VR sessions more pleasant. This pairs up with the soft silicone cradle that hugs the rear of the head, giving the user a more balanced, secure fit.
The strap’s flexibility is another advantage. The intuitive dial offers quick fitting adjustments, ensuring the headset stays put even when things get active. Compatibility is also a non-issue here. The Elite Strap plays nice with the wider Quest 3 ecosystem, syncing with the charging dock and carrying case out of the box for a smooth experience.
Click here to explore some of our other top accessory picks for the Meta Quest 3.
D-Link VR Air Bridge
For all the air link fans!
$90 $99 Save $9
Enhance your VR experience with the D-Link VR Air Bridge. Offers direct Wi-Fi 6 connection, low latency, and high performance for Meta Quest headsets.
- Low latency enhances immersive VR gaming experience.
- Compact design, convenient for travel and storage.
- Easy to install and integrate with Oculus App.
- Requires a Wi-Fi 6 compatible PC for best performance.
- Limited use outside of VR gaming.
The D-Link VR Air Bridge marks a big step forward for Meta Quest users seeking better VR performance. This slick device bridges Meta’s mobile headsets with a PC for smoother, more immersive experiences courtesy of direct Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
The coolest part about it is that it’s great at maintaining a stable, low-latency link, something that is absolutely crucial for distraction-free VR gaming.
This is cause even the most minor lag disrupts your experience when it comes to fast-paced titles. The Air Bridge leverages Wi-Fi 6 to deliver buttery, smooth, unbroken sessions, even in graphically intense games. Easy installation is another win. Plus, it also integrates seamlessly with the Oculus App, reducing setup friction for less tech-savvy folks.
The only tradeoff that we can think of here is that it has very limited utility beyond Meta devices. In case you’re curious about how you can connect the Quest 3 to a PC for gaming, click here to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any educational or creative VR-related gifts?
Definitely! There are some great educational and creative VR gifts out there. For example, you could gift Tilt Brush for painting stunning 3D masterpieces or immersive VR games that let you explore history, science, or new languages in cool new ways. Books on VR development or design are another neat idea for folks keen to start crafting their own VR stuff.
Can I gift something for VR social experiences?
Absolutely! Look for games or apps that promote social interaction in VR, like VRChat or Rec Room. Gift cards for these platforms can allow the recipient to purchase in-game items or experiences. Gift cards for these platforms also let your recipient pick up custom avatar items or wild in-game experiences.
Is it a good idea to gift a VR headset to someone new to VR?
Gifting a VR headset to a newcomer can be a fantastic idea, as it introduces them to the world of virtual reality. Standalone headsets like the super popular Meta Quest series are perfect for first-timers since they’re hassle-free to set up. Just make sure to include some beginner-friendly games to ensure they ease into it!
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