10 Virtual Reality Gifts for the 2022 Holiday Season
Virtual reality is one of the most exciting technologies of our time. Here are some great gifts to introduce someone close to you to the magic of VR.
Here are ten virtual reality gifts to give for the holidays.
If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive VR gift, consider Google Cardboard. This virtual reality headset is made from cardboard and any smartphone. You can even make this gift yourself from card stock, tape, special lenses you can order online, and Velcro. Google Cardboard makes excellent presents for kids of all ages and anyone who is VR-curious but still needs to buy a headset. It's a perfect introduction to the world of immersive 3D for only $15!
The Tzumi Dream Vision Virtual Reality Smartphone Headset is one level up from Google Cardboard. This entry-level headset is available from Walmart for less than $30. The headset comes with earphones and an adjustable head strap. All you need to add is a smartphone and an app or two. The Cardboard and Dream Vision are ideal for anyone who wants to try VR without breaking the bank.
2. Oculus Quest 2 or Meta Quest Pro
The Oculus Quest 2 VR headset is a great gift for those who want a high-quality VR at a relatively affordable price. This headset has everything you need for an immersive and social VR experience, including eye-tracking technology, hand controllers with thumbsticks, and positional tracking via internal and external cameras. The Quest 2 is wireless, has built-in speakers, and weighs about one pound. This makes it the best low-cost headset option for those who want to use their headset for fitness apps.
Meta Quest Pro is a higher-priced and more fully featured version of Meta's VR headset. The Meta Quest Pro is slimmer and more well-balanced for long-lasting comfort. Breakthrough high-resolution mixed reality passthrough uses full-color sensors to let you see and engage with the physical world around you. A new intuitive controller dispenses with tracking rings. Instead, the Meta Quest Pro uses self-tracking cameras to capture a greater range of motion and fine motor controls to translate detailed finger operations like writing and drawing into VR. Advanced multi-point haptic feedback makes virtual interactions feel realistic.
Unfortunately, this is not the best gift for kids. Meta's policy does not allow children under 13 to register with Oculus and Horizon Worlds; Meta's virtual reality social media environment is unavailable to anyone under 18.
The best VR headset for kids is Sony PlayStation VR for the PlayStation 4. This headset allows gamers to play games in a fully immersive environment. It's compatible with over 350 games, including Resident Evil 7 and Batman: Arkham, and has no age restrictions. The headset comes with cables and earbuds. It's important to realize that PlayStation VR is not a standalone product; it requires a PS4 console. Buy the headset without a PS4 console, and you'll have some very disappointed kids this holiday season.
Aubika Rechargeable Controller Grips are a must-have accessory for your VR controllers. They are easy to install and remove, and they give you more control with your hands while enjoying games. The textured controller covers are custom designed for the Quest 2 controllers. However, these rechargeable controller grips are compatible with many VR headset controllers, not just Oculus. The Aubika grips feature built-in USB ports for quick and easy charging. The battery stays tucked inside the controller during play. At the same time, the grip cover provides texturized support for all your sessions and lets you completely let go during play without losing control in your VR experience.
5. VR Headstrap
With the Quest 2 Elite Headstep, you can extend your play time, maximize comfort, and secure your headset. Play for up to 2 times longer with a built-in second battery. Get a more tailored fit with an easily adjustable fit wheel that lets you quickly find your size. This head strap will keep your Quest 2 firmly but comfortably in place with a rigid stabilizing strap that gives all-around support. Lighten the feel of your headset, reduce wearer fatigue, stay focused on the adventure, and forget about the hassles. No additional charge cables or power outlets are required.
Protect your Meta Quest with a lightweight, portable case to compactly store your headset, controllers, cables, power adapter, and the standard or Elite Strap. A dual-shell casing and shock-absorbent interior molding give protection against bumps, rattles, and drops. A graphite grey felt covering, Meta Quest logo, and slim profile is fashionable for travel. The Dual recessed zipper guarantees easy access wherever you go.
If you have a VR enthusiast in your life who wants the best VR gaming experience available, you have several high-end headsets to choose from. The features of these headsets are too numerous to list in this article, but I will overview some of the most popular models.
The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset with a high-resolution OLED display, generating images at about 16 times more pixels than an HDTV.
The Valve Index has been called the most powerful VR headset currently on the market, and it's easy to see why. It has a built-in 4K display that supports 120 Hz frame rates and HDR, and it also comes with its inside-out tracking system. That means you don't need any external cameras for your room to be tracked, unlike other headsets that rely on external sensors.
The HTC Vive is the top choice for PC gamers, especially if you want to expand your gaming capabilities beyond just sitting and playing on your computer. The Vive was the first VR headset to offer room-scale tracking, allowing you to walk around your virtual space. This feature gives users a much more immersive experience than other devices since you can move around an area up to 15 feet x 15 feet while enjoying a full VR experience.
8. VR Apps
There are many VR apps to choose from, but some make it possible to experience high-adrenaline activities without traveling. With the virtual roller coaster simulator app, you'll be able to choose from dozens of virtual versions of famous real-world coasters like Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Other immersion apps include VR drone experiences that let you soar through beautiful landscapes from a bird's eye view or realistic robot combat.
The Samsung Gear 360-Degree Virtual Reality Camera is compatible with most Android phones and has a battery life of up to 270 minutes on a single charge. The camera is also waterproof and shockproof. Samsung Gear captures 360-degree panoramas without any stitching errors or artifacts by using two 180-degree fisheye lenses fitted into the camera body. All you have to do is press the shutter button and start recording.
If you're looking to give someone an out-of-this-world Christmas gift, the Virtual Reality Theater Chair is the perfect thing. The chair offers 360 degrees of surround sound, so you can feel like you're right in the middle of a movie or video game. It also has motion control and vibration effects that make watching videos even more realistic. You can use your headset with this chair or enjoy it as a standalone product.
Sliicer question of the week: What VR gift do you want this holiday?
If you are looking for a unique gift idea this holiday season, we hope that our list of virtual reality gifts has provided some inspiration. There is no doubt that these products will wow anyone on your shopping list!