We met on a Minecraft server over ~6 ish years ago when we were like 12. We’ve definitely split over time but we still chat sometimes. Their birthday is in like a week and id like to give them a gift this year since it’s their 18th and also I would like to give back to them since they’ve been a great friend for so long.
I’ll list some attributes:
- they are trans but closeted for the foreseeable future (I am trans too that’s kinda why we get along so well)
- they cosplay for conventions every year. I considered going once but it’s like 13 hours away.
- they have a laptop and a Nintendo switch, but mainly use the laptop
- they like Minecraft
- they like the band Crane Wives
I ideally would like to spend $15-20 and my options are really limited since we only know each other online. My thoughts are either like 3 months of the basic discord subscription (they expressed they wanted it in the past) or a game on Steam.
I’m leaning more towards the game on steam as it’s a long lasting thing.
I’m thinking either A Hat in Time or OneShot
I’ve never bought a gift for someone online other than among us to someone for $5 when it was popular.
Is there anything im missing or anything else you’d recommend?
Noita (<- Minecraft)
A short Hike (<- Webfishing, Stardew Valley)
And just a suggestion: since you mentioned that they had a switch: Maybe try finding a used copy of Animal Crossing : New Horizons and bring it at that convention (this would be an amzing suprise but pretty costly depending on how you intend to do this 13h trip)
Do they have a wish list? That’s what I’d recommend doing. Most people don’t play games they’re bought by other people I’ve learned that very well over the years, but if it’s on their wish list already there’s a good chance they will.
Try Celeste. It’s not obviously about being trans but it’s a really good puzzle game that has a story they might find relatable.
“How Celeste became an icon of trans gaming” article about it
great suggestion, it’s just hard to imagine a trans person who owns a Switch not already owning it.
13 hours is not that far if you’re in the states… You should go and meet them!!
Just kidding, good luck in whatever you decide to do; your heart is in the right place!
Have you considered sending them a physical letter? You can put a lot of digital goods as codes there (even steam games, albeit bought in 3rd party stores), also gift cards like ‘$10 in X store chain’ if that’s a thing at their place, but the novelty (hehe) of getting a birthday card that they can keep is waaay more cool than a gift notification. See if that’s possible and is up your alley.
Look for a humblebundle that donates to a cause they would care about.
If they like story games Oneshot is a good idea. You could also send them Steam credit so they can pick one for themselves, like sending them a gift card.
Dave the Diver
If you have a venmo or other money-transfer method, consider cash.
While a thoughtful gift is nice, cash is flexible. Enough small gifts, and one can flee home…
No Mans Sky might be a good idea.
Terraria.
RimWorld or Terraria maybe?
Definitely Stardew. Everyone should have Stardew.
I think the screenshot is from their friend’s account, to show us what kinds of games they’ve already played? Wasn’t super clear to me either though
Ohhhhhh shit you’re right. I still stand by my statement lol. If you don’t own Stardew you should.
Hollow knight is another one like that. Absolute must play.
Vintage story.
