If you find yourself looking for a unique pinball gift for this guide is packed with reasonably priced options! We use a similar approach from our previous Pinball Gift Guides (see this one, this one, and our last one). This guide includes pinball themed gifts, game owner essentials (cleaning products, premium pinballs) along with a few game room oriented gifts, stocking stuffers and ornaments that are sure to please. When in doubt, a gift card is always a safe bet too!
Here is the pricing guide to help you choose gifts that fit this year's budget!
$ = under $50
$$ = $50-$200
$$$ = over $200
FUN PINBALL THEMED GIFTS
New! Roger Sharpe the Man Who Saved Pinball Action Figure $$
Celebrate one of pinballs most critical moments- when Roger Sharpe proved pinball a game of skill, not chance. This one of a kind gift is fantastic for the true pinball fanatic. The First Edition Action Figure is modeled after the famous image of Roger Sharpe demonstrating the skill of pinball to the New York City Council overturning longstanding bans on the game as gambling.
The first edition is limited to the first 100 sold and is individually numbered and signed by Roger Sharpe and artist Dano Brown.
Pinball Patent Blanket $$
Who doesn't love a cozy fleece blanket during the winter months? The fleece pinball blanket includes mechanical pinball drawings from the original US patents from 1957 by Donald F. McDonald. These fleece blankets are available in three sizes depending on how much cozy you are hoping to achieve.
The patent drawings are also available on a pillow, tapestry (fancy word for cloth wall hanging) and poster at Red Bubble. Perfect pinball gift for the mechanically oriented pinball fanatic in your life.
Puzzles $
Back for another year is my personal favorite - the pinball puzzle. What's not to like about a puzzle to entertain those holiday guests? There are several pinball puzzles on the market but I think the Pinball Parlor from Toynk is the best pick.
Featuring back glass images from the 80's through the early 2000's, this puzzle will test your memory of pinball back glasses through the years. At 1,000 pieces, it's perfect to enjoy during the cold winter months.
Another puzzle option worth mentioning is the Pinball Back Glass Puzzles featuring a single pinball machine back glass. There are 32 to choose from (primarily pre 80's games) and puzzles are limited to 500 pieces.
New! Roger Sharpe the Man Who Saved Pinball Action Figure $$
Celebrate one of pinballs most critical moments- when Roger Sharpe proved pinball a game of skill, not chance. This one of a kind gift is fantastic for the true pinball fanatic. The First Edition Action Figure is modeled after the famous image of Roger Sharpe demonstrating the skill of pinball to the New York City Council overturning longstanding bans on the game as gambling.
The first edition is limited to the first 100 sold and is individually numbered and signed by Roger Sharpe and artist Dano Brown.
game owner essentials
Replacement Pinballs $-$$
While you may be thinking, 'Replacement pinballs?? How boring! But shinny new pinballs are sure to please as they look fantastic in your game. And looks are not everything- these pinballs are a high quality premium ball that performs.
Because pinballs need to be replaced as they become damaged from game play, these are a gift that any game owner can use. Be sure to store unused pinballs in a sealed moisture free container with a light oil coating to avoid corrosion.
Pinhedz Cleaning Products are always a great gift for game owners. This collection is specially formulated for pinball machines and is highly recommended. The Glass Cleaner bundle is especially fantastic for games with Invisiglass.
Game Room Signs $$
This year we return to the classic gift for the pinball gameroom- the light up sign. A flashing sign in your game room truly recreates that arcade feeling right in your home. There are several varieties available but our favorite is Stern's latest the Chicago Pinball Theater Sign available from Stern Pinball. And a game room favorite is the Play Pinball Here sign which is classic. And if you want a non-light up sign, consider an official game-themed banner. Available in several styles, these banners are a great pinball gift!
Stern Insider Connected Upgrade Kit $$$
If you don't have a limited budget, you might consider the Stern Insider Connect upgrade. The Insider Connect makes your game experience more social! Compatible with Stern's most recent LCD games, the add on allows you to track achievements and open challenges and other features not available in the game. And you can create a home team so your entire family can track achievements, and complete challenges together.
Make sure the game you are buying for is compatible (Stern Spike 2 LCD games) and you purchase the right version (Pro or Prem/LE).
Stocking stuffers
Fun pinball gifts for stocking stuffers are always a great little something and this year we've updated our list with a few new inexpensive options.
Soft Goods & Trinkets $
The 25 cent retro tee from The Flipper Room is a flashback to a time when twenty-five cents bought a pinball game. Available in a variety of colors and styles depending upon your budget this feel good shirt comes from a GREAT family owned company in California.
The Nuts and Bolts is a fun pinball sculpture crafted by Steelman24DE is a unique handicraft of metal screws bolts and other parts. This fun sculpture is perfect of a game room or office!
Merch by your pinball afficiando's favorite company is also a great add- this year we recommend pinball socks by Stern Pinball. And no, socks are not a bad gift that your mother gives you especially not pinball socks!
Key Chains & Night Lights $
If you've not checked out the amazingly fun up cycled art from Tilt Cycle you are missing out! Two great options in the lower price range you should consider. First, these key chains made from upcycled pinball machine parts that were headed to the landfill. These key chains are assembled from old coin slot covers and feature game pricing.
Second, we love these Retro night lights for an inexpensive gift option. Tilt's night lights are craftily made using old pinball pop bumper tops which vary in styles and designs.
Shout out to Tilt Cycles great upcycling and amazing art.
pinball holiday decorations
This is one of the best times of year and bringing pinball decor into it just seems to make the season brighter. Ornaments and decor are the gift that keeps on giving each and every year they are taken out for the holiday season! We love a figurine we bought years ago with Santa playing pinball but since it isn't available any longer, these options are the next best thing!
If you can get your hands on this 1996 Hallmark Pinball Wonder Magic, do it! This ornament plugs into holiday tree lights and flickers. It's a Hallmark Keepsake that is worth picking up for the pinball fanatic.
You might find it on eBay, or obscure shopping site! And if you don't a quick search for pinball ornaments on eBay will reveal some great options.
Another great pinball holiday ornament is this mini pinball machine from Etsy. These would make a great stocking stuffer or secret Santa gift!
Let us know if you have other great holiday gifts for our next guide!