Last-minute digital gifts for gamers

How is it that the holiday season, despite occurring at a predictable date every year, still manages to sneak up on us? If you're as disorganized as we are, there are still a few names on your gift list with big question-marks next to them. In the event that some of those names belong to people who play the odd video game -- and who doesn't, these days? -- check out these ideas for zero-hassle, instant-access gamer gifts.

Wii Gifting

Yup, you can send gifts from the Wii Shop channel, and here's how. Note, there are a couple of provisos: You also must own a Wii, and the recipient needs to be in your console's address book. If that's not going to work for you, retail stores carry conventional gift cards for Wii Points, but you're going to have to brave the frenzy of the mall. Good luck.

Steam gifts

Steam, a service that lets you download complete PC games, is much-loved by PC gamers for its reliability and convenience. You can gift any Steam game to anyone -- even if they don't yet have a Steam account -- by following these instructions. These days, many folks prefer Steam to retail boxed games, so you may well earn extra kudos with savvy players. Our current faves are Left 4 Dead and Far Cry 2, but both are Mature rated; check out the equally wonderful World of Goo for something more family-oriented.

Gamefly certificates

Think of Gamefly as the Netflix of games: you pay a flat rate per month, and receive your choice of games mailed directly to your door. When you're finished playing, you just mail them back. Gamefly offers a convenient gift certificate program -- it's a great service, and well worth checking out.

iTunes certificates

Perfect for anyone receiving an iPhone this year, iTunes lets you buy gift certificates online. You can print the cert and tuck it into a card if you like the old-school touch, or just email it if you're into convenience. iTunes credit can be spent on games, music, audiobooks, movies, TV shows... anything in Apple's vast selection.

Xbox Live Points/Sony Playstation store credit

Although the thought of sending your Xbox 360 or PS3-owning buddies points is tempting, it doesn't look as if Microsoft or Sony offer this function at present. Although both services have gift cards available at major retailers, you'll either have to go out there yourself or get one shipped to you, and that's just not in the spirit of this list.

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