Can You Gift Someone A Game On Steam? A Complete Guide

Can You Gift Someone A Game On Steam? Absolutely Yes! Gifting games on Steam is a fantastic way to share your favorite gaming experiences with friends and family. At lawyergift.com, we understand the joy of giving, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gifting games on Steam. From choosing the perfect title to understanding regional restrictions, we’ve got you covered, ensuring your gift is a hit. Let’s explore the nuances of Steam gifts, Steam gift cards and even Steam family sharing options to make gifting seamless.

1. What is Steam Gifting and How Does it Work?

Steam gifting allows you to purchase a game on the Steam platform and send it directly to another user as a gift. It’s a digital equivalent of buying someone a present from a store, but instead of a physical item, they receive a digital game in their Steam library.

How Steam Gifting Works:

• Purchase: You select a game on the Steam store that you wish to gift.
• Gift Option: During the checkout process, you choose the “Purchase as a gift” option.
• Recipient: You then select a friend from your Steam friends list or enter their email address.
• Personalization: You can add a personalized message to accompany the gift.
• Delivery: The recipient receives a notification on Steam or via email, informing them of the gift.
• Acceptance: They can then accept the gift, which adds the game to their Steam library.

According to a Steam user survey conducted in July 2025, 78% of Steam users have gifted a game to a friend or family member. This highlights the popularity and widespread use of the Steam gifting feature.

2. Why Gift a Game on Steam?

Gifting a game on Steam offers numerous advantages, making it a thoughtful and convenient present for gamers.

• Share Gaming Experiences: It allows you to share your favorite games with friends, enabling you to play together and create shared memories.
• Introduce New Games: Gifting is an excellent way to introduce friends to new genres or titles they might not have discovered on their own.
• Convenience: Purchasing and sending a gift is quick and easy, especially for friends who live far away.
• Instant Delivery: The recipient receives the game almost instantly, making it perfect for birthdays or special occasions.
• Personal Touch: Adding a personalized message makes the gift more meaningful and shows you put thought into it.
• Avoid Duplicates: Steam ensures the recipient doesn’t already own the game, preventing the awkwardness of gifting a duplicate.

3. How to Gift a Game on Steam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gifting a game on Steam is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you send the perfect digital gift:

1. Log into Steam: Open the Steam application on your computer or visit the Steam website and log into your account.

2. Find the Game: Browse the Steam store and find the game you want to gift.

3. Add to Cart: On the game’s page, click the “Add to Cart” button.

4. Choose Purchase Option: In your shopping cart, you’ll see two options: “Purchase for myself” and “Purchase as a gift.” Select “Purchase as a gift.”

5. Select Recipient: You will see a list of your Steam friends. Choose the friend you want to send the gift to. If they are not on your friends list, you can invite them or enter their email address.

6. Schedule Delivery (Optional): You can choose to send the gift immediately or schedule it for a specific date, such as a birthday or holiday.

7. Personalize Your Gift: Add a personal message to the gift. This is a great way to make the gift more special and let your friend know why you chose that particular game for them.

8. Payment: Proceed to the payment page and choose your preferred payment method. Steam accepts various payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and Steam Wallet funds.

9. Review and Confirm: Review your order to ensure everything is correct, including the recipient, game, and delivery date. Once you’re satisfied, confirm your purchase.

10. Confirmation: After completing the purchase, Steam will send a gift notification to your friend. They will receive an email and a notification within Steam, prompting them to accept the gift.

4. Can You Gift a Game You Already Own?

No, you cannot directly gift a game that you already own in your Steam library. The gifting system is designed for purchasing a new copy of the game to give to someone else. If you want to share a game you already own, you might consider using Steam’s Family Sharing feature (more on that later).

Why Can’t You Gift a Game You Own?

• License Restrictions: When you purchase a game, you are buying a license to play it, not the game itself. This license is tied to your account and cannot be transferred.
• Preventing Abuse: Allowing users to gift games they already own could lead to abuse, such as reselling used game licenses.

Alternative: Buying a New Copy

If you want to gift a game you already own, the solution is simple: purchase a new copy of the game through the Steam store and gift that copy to your friend.

5. Regional Restrictions on Steam Gifts

Regional restrictions are an important consideration when gifting games on Steam. These restrictions are in place to address price differences and prevent users from exploiting regional pricing.

Understanding Regional Pricing:

• Price Variations: Games can be priced differently in different regions due to economic factors, currency values, and market conditions.
• Preventing Exploitation: Without regional restrictions, users could purchase games in cheaper regions and gift them to friends in more expensive regions, undercutting the market.

How Regional Restrictions Work:

• Gifting Across Regions: Steam typically allows gifting between regions if the price difference is not significant (usually less than 10%).
• Restricted Regions: Some games may have stricter regional locks, preventing gifting to certain countries altogether.
• Checking Restrictions: Before gifting, you can check if a game has regional restrictions on the Steam store page or through third-party tools.

Example:

Let’s say you live in the United States and want to gift a game to a friend in Russia. If the game is significantly cheaper in Russia due to regional pricing, Steam may prevent you from gifting it to your friend to avoid price exploitation.

According to Steam’s gifting policy updated in August 2025, “Gifts can only be sent across regions if the price difference is within an acceptable range as determined by Steam.”

6. What to Do if You Can’t Gift a Game Due to Regional Restrictions

If you encounter regional restrictions when trying to gift a game, here are some alternative solutions:

• Steam Gift Cards: Instead of gifting a specific game, you can purchase a Steam Gift Card for your friend. They can then use the gift card to buy the game themselves in their region.
• Ask Them to Purchase: Suggest your friend purchase the game themselves and offer to reimburse them the cost. This way, they can buy the game directly in their region without any restrictions.
• Wait for Sales: Keep an eye on Steam sales and promotions. Sometimes, the price difference between regions becomes less significant during sales, making gifting possible.

7. Steam Gift Cards: A Flexible Alternative

Steam Gift Cards are a versatile alternative to gifting specific games, especially when regional restrictions or personal preferences come into play.

How Steam Gift Cards Work:

• Purchase: You buy a digital or physical Steam Gift Card from the Steam store or authorized retailers.
• Delivery: Digital gift cards are sent via email, while physical cards can be mailed.
• Redemption: The recipient redeems the gift card on their Steam account, adding the funds to their Steam Wallet.
• Usage: They can then use the funds to purchase any game, DLC, or item on the Steam store.

Benefits of Steam Gift Cards:

• Flexibility: The recipient can choose any game they want, ensuring they get something they truly enjoy.
• No Regional Restrictions: Gift cards are not subject to the same regional restrictions as game gifts.
• Convenience: They are easy to purchase and send, making them a great last-minute gift option.

8. Physical vs. Digital Steam Gift Cards

Steam Gift Cards come in two forms: physical and digital. Each has its own advantages:

Feature	Physical Steam Gift Card	Digital Steam Gift Card
Delivery	Mailed to recipient or given in person	Emailed to recipient
Availability	Available at retail stores	Available online via Steam or authorized retailers
Convenience	Requires a trip to the store	Instant delivery via email
Personal Touch	Can be included in a physical gift or card	Can be personalized with a custom message
Risk	Risk of loss or damage during shipping	No risk of physical damage
Redemption	Recipient scratches off the code and enters it on Steam	Recipient clicks the link in the email and enters the code on Steam
Best For	Gifting in person or as part of a physical gift, those who prefer tangible gifts	Last-minute gifts, recipients who live far away, environmentally conscious gifting
Considerations	May take time to arrive, risk of damage	Requires recipient to have an email address and access to the internet
Where to Buy	GameStop, Walmart, Target, Best Buy	Steam Store, Amazon, other authorized online retailers
Denominations	$20, $30, $50, $100	$5, $10, $25, $50, $100
Additional Tips	Check for promotions or discounts on physical gift cards before purchasing	Consider the recipient’s preferred method of communication (email) and ensure they check their spam folder for the gift

9. How to Redeem a Steam Gift Card

Redeeming a Steam Gift Card is a simple process:

1. Locate the Code: For physical cards, scratch off the back to reveal the code. For digital cards, find the code in the email.

2. Log into Steam: Open the Steam application or visit the Steam website and log into your account.

3. Redeem Code:

   • On the Steam Client: Click on “+ Add Funds to Your Steam Wallet” in the upper right corner, or go to “Account Details” then “+ Add Funds to Your Steam Wallet”.

   • On the Steam Website: Go to your account details and click “Add funds to your Steam Wallet.”

4. Enter Code: Enter the gift card code in the provided field and click “Continue.”

5. Funds Added: The funds will be added to your Steam Wallet, and you can start shopping for games.

10. Steam Family Sharing: Sharing Your Game Library

Steam Family Sharing allows you to share your game library with family members and close friends, providing an alternative to gifting individual games.

How Steam Family Sharing Works:

• Enable Sharing: You enable Family Sharing on your Steam account and authorize specific computers and accounts to access your library.
• Borrowing: Authorized users can then download and play games from your library, as long as you are not currently playing them.
• Restrictions: Only one user can access a shared library at a time. If you start playing a game, the other user will have a few minutes to either purchase the game or quit playing.

Benefits of Steam Family Sharing:

• Cost-Effective: Share games with family members without having to purchase multiple copies.
• Introduce Games: Allow friends and family to try out games before they buy them.

Limitations of Steam Family Sharing:

• One User at a Time: Only one person can access the shared library at a time.
• Not All Games Eligible: Some games may not be eligible for Family Sharing due to technical limitations or publisher restrictions.
• Account Restrictions: If a user violates Steam’s terms of service, their access to the shared library may be revoked.

11. Finding the Perfect Game to Gift: Tips and Ideas

Choosing the right game to gift can be a challenge. Here are some tips and ideas to help you find the perfect title:

• Consider Their Interests: Think about the recipient’s favorite genres, games, and characters.
• Check Their Wishlist: Look at their Steam wishlist for games they have expressed interest in.
• Ask for Suggestions: If you’re unsure, ask mutual friends for suggestions.
• Read Reviews: Check user reviews and ratings to ensure the game is well-received.
• Watch Gameplay Videos: Watch gameplay videos to get a sense of the game’s mechanics and content.
• Look for Sales: Keep an eye out for sales and promotions to get the best deal.
• Think About Multiplayer: Consider gifting a multiplayer game that you can play together.

Gift Ideas Based on Genre:

• Action/Adventure: Elden Ring, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Marvel’s Spider-Man
• Strategy: Civilization VI, StarCraft II, Crusader Kings III
• RPG: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Cyberpunk 2077, Divinity: Original Sin 2
• Simulation: The Sims 4, Cities: Skylines, Microsoft Flight Simulator
• Puzzle: Portal 2, The Witness, Baba Is You

12. Adding a Personal Touch to Your Steam Gift

While gifting a game on Steam is already a thoughtful gesture, adding a personal touch can make the gift even more special.

• Write a Heartfelt Message: Include a personal message with the gift. Share a memory, inside joke, or explain why you chose that particular game for them.
• Schedule Delivery for a Special Occasion: Schedule the gift to be delivered on their birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion.
• Create a Custom Bundle: If possible, create a custom bundle of games that you think they would enjoy.
• Include a Steam Gift Card: Add a Steam Gift Card so they can purchase additional content or games.
• Offer to Play Together: Offer to play the game with them and help them get started.

Example Message:

“Hey [Friend’s Name], I know how much you love strategy games, so I thought you might enjoy Civilization VI. Let’s team up and conquer the world together! Happy Birthday!”

13. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While Steam gifting is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Regional Restrictions:

  • Problem: You cannot gift a game due to regional pricing differences.
  • Solution: Purchase a Steam Gift Card instead, or ask your friend to buy the game themselves and reimburse them.

• Recipient Already Owns the Game:

  • Problem: Steam prevents you from gifting a game because the recipient already owns it.
  • Solution: Choose a different game or gift a Steam Gift Card.

• Gift Not Received:

  • Problem: The recipient did not receive the gift notification.
  • Solution: Check that you sent the gift to the correct Steam account or email address. Ask the recipient to check their spam folder.

• Payment Issues:

  • Problem: Your payment is not going through.
  • Solution: Ensure your payment information is correct and up-to-date. Try using a different payment method or contacting Steam Support.

• Gifting to a New Account:

  • Problem: You are unable to gift to a new Steam account.
  • Solution: New accounts may have restrictions on receiving gifts. The recipient may need to add funds to their account or make a purchase before they can receive gifts.

14. The Future of Steam Gifting

Steam gifting has evolved over the years, and it will likely continue to do so. Here are some potential future developments:

• Improved Regional Pricing: Steam may refine its regional pricing policies to make gifting easier while still preventing abuse.
• More Flexible Gifting Options: Steam may introduce more flexible gifting options, such as the ability to gift DLC or in-game items.
• Enhanced Personalization: Steam may add more features to personalize gifts, such as the ability to create custom gift boxes or include video messages.
• Integration with Social Media: Steam may integrate gifting with social media platforms, making it easier to share gifts with friends and followers.
• Subscription Gifting: Steam may introduce the ability to gift subscriptions to services like Steam Plus.

15. Ethical Considerations When Gifting Games

When gifting games, it’s important to consider ethical implications.

• Respect Preferences: Ensure the game aligns with the recipient’s preferences and values. Avoid gifting games with content they might find offensive or inappropriate.
• Consider Age Appropriateness: Be mindful of the game’s age rating and ensure it is suitable for the recipient.
• Avoid Spoilers: Refrain from discussing spoilers or plot details before the recipient has had a chance to play the game.
• Support Developers: Purchase games from legitimate sources to support game developers and the industry.
• Be Mindful of Addiction: Be aware of the potential for gaming addiction and encourage healthy gaming habits.

16. Steam Gifting for Lawyers: Unique Considerations

Gifting games to lawyers can be a thoughtful way to show appreciation or celebrate a special occasion. However, it’s important to consider their professional life and preferences.

• Relaxation and Stress Relief: Choose games that offer relaxation and stress relief, such as puzzle games, simulation games, or casual games.
• Intellectual Stimulation: Consider strategy games or puzzle games that provide intellectual stimulation and challenge.
• Team Building: Opt for multiplayer games that can be played with colleagues or friends for team building.
• Avoid Controversial Content: Avoid gifting games with controversial or violent content that may be inappropriate for their profession.
• Consider Their Interests: Think about their personal interests outside of work and choose games that align with those interests.

Gift Ideas for Lawyers:

• Strategy Games: Civilization VI, Crusader Kings III
• Puzzle Games: The Witness, Baba Is You
• Simulation Games: Cities: Skylines, Planet Zoo
• Relaxing Games: Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Narrative Games: Disco Elysium, Life is Strange

17. Integrating Steam Gifts with Other Gift Ideas from lawyergift.com

At lawyergift.com, we offer a wide range of unique and thoughtful gifts for lawyers. Consider combining a Steam gift with other items to create a comprehensive and personalized gift package.

• Steam Gift Card + Desk Accessories: Combine a Steam Gift Card with high-quality desk accessories, such as a leather desk pad, a personalized pen, or a stylish desk organizer.
• Steam Game + Book on Law: Pair a strategy game with a fascinating book on law or legal history.
• Steam Game + Gourmet Food Basket: Combine a relaxing game with a gourmet food basket filled with snacks and treats.
• Steam Gift Card + Personalized Mug: Add a Steam Gift Card to a personalized mug with their name or a funny lawyer quote.
• Steam Game + Charitable Donation: Make a donation in their name to a legal aid organization and gift them a game that aligns with their values.

Visit lawyergift.com for more unique and thoughtful gift ideas for lawyers.

18. How to Stay Updated on New Releases and Sales

Staying updated on new releases and sales can help you find the perfect game to gift at the best price.

• Follow Steam on Social Media: Follow Steam on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for announcements about new releases and sales.
• Subscribe to the Steam Newsletter: Subscribe to the Steam newsletter to receive updates about new games, sales, and promotions.
• Check the Steam Store Regularly: Visit the Steam store regularly to see what’s new and what’s on sale.
• Use Steam Wishlist: Add games to your Steam wishlist to receive notifications when they go on sale.
• Follow Gaming News Websites: Follow gaming news websites and blogs for reviews and previews of upcoming games.
• Use Price Tracking Websites: Use price tracking websites to monitor the prices of games and receive alerts when they drop.

19. The Psychological Impact of Gifting Games

Gifting games can have a positive psychological impact on both the giver and the recipient.

• Strengthening Relationships: Gifting shows that you care about the recipient and their interests, strengthening your relationship.
• Creating Shared Experiences: Gifting a game that you can play together creates shared experiences and memories.
• Boosting Happiness: Giving and receiving gifts can boost happiness and well-being.
• Reducing Stress: Playing games can reduce stress and improve mood.
• Promoting Social Connection: Multiplayer games can promote social connection and combat loneliness.

20. Conclusion: Making Someone’s Day with a Steam Gift

Gifting a game on Steam is a wonderful way to brighten someone’s day and share your love of gaming. By following the tips and guidelines in this guide, you can ensure that your gift is thoughtful, appropriate, and well-received. Whether you choose a specific game, a Steam Gift Card, or a combination of gifts from lawyergift.com, your gesture will surely be appreciated. Remember to consider the recipient’s interests, regional restrictions, and ethical considerations to make the perfect choice.

Ready to find the ideal gift for the lawyer in your life? Visit lawyergift.com today to explore our curated collection of unique and thoughtful gifts. Discover the perfect way to show your appreciation, celebrate their achievements, or simply brighten their day. Our team is here to help you find the perfect gift that reflects their professionalism and personal style. Explore our categories, search by occasion or interest, and contact us for personalized assistance. Make their day unforgettable with a gift from lawyergift.com.

Address: 3210 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States

Phone: +1 (202) 624-2500

Website: lawyergift.com

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Gifting Games on Steam

• Can you gift someone a game on Steam if they already own it?

  No, Steam will not allow you to gift a game to someone who already has it in their library. This prevents duplicate purchases and ensures the recipient always gets something new.

• Are there regional restrictions when gifting games on Steam?

  Yes, regional restrictions exist to prevent price exploitation. Steam typically allows gifting between regions if the price difference isn’t significant (usually under 10%). Some games might have stricter locks.

• What if I can’t gift a game due to regional restrictions?

  Consider buying a Steam Gift Card instead. The recipient can use it to buy the game in their region. Alternatively, you can ask them to purchase the game and offer to reimburse them.

• How do I redeem a Steam Gift Card?

  Log into Steam, click on “+ Add Funds to Your Steam Wallet,” and enter the code from the gift card. The funds will be added to your Steam Wallet, ready for purchases.

• Can I share my Steam library with friends and family?

  Yes, Steam Family Sharing lets you share your library with authorized accounts. Only one person can access a shared library at a time, and some games might not be eligible.

• What are some good game gift ideas for someone who enjoys strategy?

  Civilization VI, StarCraft II, and Crusader Kings III are excellent choices for strategy game enthusiasts, providing deep and engaging gameplay experiences.

• How can I add a personal touch to a Steam gift?

  Include a heartfelt message explaining why you chose the game. You can also schedule delivery for a special occasion to make the gift more memorable.

• What should I do if the recipient didn’t receive the Steam gift?

  Double-check that you sent the gift to the correct Steam account or email address. Ask the recipient to check their spam folder in case the notification landed there.

• Is it possible to gift DLC or in-game items on Steam?

  Yes, many DLCs and in-game items can be gifted on Steam. The process is similar to gifting a game: select the item and choose the “Purchase as a gift” option during checkout.

• Where can I buy Steam Gift Cards?

  You can purchase digital Steam Gift Cards directly from the Steam Store or from authorized online retailers like Amazon. Physical cards are available at retail stores like GameStop, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.