Pinball Gifts
Looking for unique pinball gifts? Don’t fret- we’ve pulled together a new and improved pinball gift buying guide. Last years list has some classics including the Pinball Santa, Under cabinet lighting kits. This year we are reaching beyond straight up pinball to bring in cool arcade oriented gifts as well. The list has a wide range of items which we hope will help you find something for just about any pinball fanatic. We’ve included low cost ideas $-under $20, medium priced $$ for $20-$50 and higher end $$$ for items over $50.
Game Room Gear
Pin*Bot Pinball clock $$ This killer clock is made from up cycled pinball plastics giving it the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. The Pin*Bot face is one of the classic and most recognized faces in pinball artwork. A great, inexpensive gift.
Pinball Art $$$ For the ultimate pinball gift, you can commission a piece of pinball art from Tilt Cycle. You can select an up cycled pinball cabinet or playfield to be turned into a wall hanging, table or other unique creation. Imagine the possibilities, then work with Dan to create you piece.
PacMan Wall clock $$$ If you want to go all out, check out the Pac Man Classic Arcade Clock. Made to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the game, the clock is a replica of the game with music and LEDs. Standing at almost two feet high, this clock would make for an awesome gift.
Personalized Pinball Arcade Sign $-$$ How about a personalized arcade sign for the pinball lover on your list? Made of aluminum, this sign is available in three sizes from the Lizton Sign Shop on Etsy.
Framed Pinball Flyers $-$$ Another great gift for the pinball lover is a framed pinball flyer. Original flyers can be purchased for many titles on eBay and Marco Specialties. And if you have a Steve or Mike Richie game, you can pick of an autographed version of their flyers for some of their games here.
If you want to take a more thrifty approach, check out these two sites where you can download and print game flyers — Flyers Arcade Museum and New York Pinball’s Pinball Flyers. Download, print in high quality and frame. For an extra cool gift, print and frame both sides of the flyer.
Books and Reading
Books are always really, really cool gifts, especially when they are pinball or arcade focused. This year, we recommend these great coffee table books.
For the Metallica and Dirty Donny Fan, pre-order Pinball Wizards & Blacklight Destroyers $$ (Dirty Donny’s newest book) which features work on what is rumored to be his next pinball game artwork! Or, check out his first book Monster Revolt! The Art of Dirty Donny $$$ featuring work he did for Metallica (published in 2010).
For the ’80s arcade lover, check out the Art of Atari ($$) that features 40 years of the companies unique illustrations used in their marketing, packaging and more. This book is a great treat at a fair price.
And lastly, PINBALL by Santiago Ciuffo ($$) is contains beautiful pinball art and can be purchased from Pinball Magazine as a combo deal with a poster and one of the magazines. Ships from Europe so plan in advance!
Stocking Stuffers, Small Gifts
The pinball player on your gift list will be forever grateful for these two practical gifts. Pick up a set of high quality Silverjet Pinballs ($) from Marco Specialties. They are long lasting and of exceptional quality. You can’t go wrong with good pinballs.
The 11 in 1 Screw/Nut Driver from Klein Tools ($) is also a great little buy. Best part about this little treasure is the tips store inside the handle of the driver ensuring you always have the size you need right in your hand!
The 25 Cent Nightlight ($) also makes for a great stocking stuffer. The night lights are made from classic style 25 cent arcade and pinball machine buttons by Tilt Cycle.
Patches, pins or retro ball caps ($) from Double Danger and Tilt Hammer are also great stocking stuffers for your pinball lover. And if your gift list includes someone who is a diehard Twitch fan, pick up a Dead Flip lapel pin ($) celebrating one of pinballs well known Twitchers, Jack Danger.
Tee Shirts
Tee shirts are always a great buy, especially with the variety now available for pinball lovers. For the ultra competitive player, we recommend you pick up a PAPA (Professional & Amateur Pinball Association) logo tee or hoodie ($$). These are well priced and make a fantastic gift.
If your shopping for a pinball repair guru, you’ll want to check out the Drop Target Assembly Tee ($) from Oak City Pinball. An awesome design in great colors.
We also love the tee shirts available from Double Danger- our favorites are the Tim Lee Skull series ($) and the Worlds Okayest Pinball Player ($).
Game Specific Goodies $-$$$
Perhaps you want to help your pinball fanatic splurge on game-specific upgrades. Depending upon your budget you can wrap up one of these for many different games.
Custom plunger/shooter rods ($$$) to trick out the front of the game;
Video display mods ($$$) that plays game related video inside the game;
Flipper bat toppers ($) add a touch of coolness to the most active part of the game
Pinball illumination kits ($-$$) for the ball drain (trough), under cabinet or back board
And if you can’t find what you want, gift cards are always a great option- available from several retailers including Double Danger, Mezel Mods and Amazon.
