As we look back on 2011, we realize what a great year it really was for gaming. We got to see new games, continuations of beloved series and even reinventions of old favorites. It was definitely a good time to be a gamer. Best of all, many of these games weren’t bound by platform limitations. more »

Gamers can be difficult people to shop for when the holidays come around. That’s partially because so many are about instant gratification. If a game is due out that one is interested in, odds are the gamer will already have a pre-order in at his or her favorite store. Which means that sometimes gifts that aren’t games, but are game-related, are the best bet.

Of course, there are only so many gift cards you can give. I mean, they’re quite practical and will nicely feed the recipient’s habit, but they’re hardly personal. That’s where general goodies can help. You could find a really awesome and unique gift that’s somehow related to the hobby, but could be hard to find or the kind of item someone wouldn’t normally buy for him or herself.

So, Gamertell’s here to help. I’ve scoured stores and the internet to find the best unisex gamer gifts that aren’t actually games that are under $50. That way you can make someone happy without having to worry about getting them something they already own…

Portal 2 is the game that keeps on giving. Even though everyone has probably already completed the single and multiplayer campaigns by now, Valve keeps adding extra features that make it worth returning to the PS3, Xbox 360, Windows and Mac game. The first DLC, Peer Review, added a whole new multiplayer track and Challenge modes with leaderboards for the original single and multiplayer modes. Now Valve’s announced the second DLC, which should end up providing enough content to make Portal 2 relevant forever…

Now this is the Portal 2 product I have been waiting to see! My life is complete, now that I’ve learned I can own my very own Turret. Valve obviously saw the demand for them and heard my silent prayers, because ThinkGeek has confirmed it will be carrying them in December 2011. $29.99 will be a small price to pay for Turret love.

The Portal 2 Turret toy looks and acts almost exactly like the turrets in the game…

Some of the best internet videos come from creative minds with free time on their hands. Jeff Heimbuch is one of those minds, and he has come up with what is and will probably always be the best take on Apple’s iPhone 4S Siri function. That’s because Heimbuch is a fan of Portal 2, and saw how Siri could be improved by adding in a little GLaDOS.

The result is a slight alteration of the Apple Siri commercial. It’s mostly the same video you all remember from Apple’s big meeting this week, but only mostly. A very important detail has been changed, turning a simple virtual assistant into the best virtual assistant ever…

You know what I just realized? Something’s missing. Let’s see, I have my purse. I have my cell phone. I remembered to lock the door before I left the house. Oh wait, I remember! I seem to be missing the free Portal 2 DLC pack that Valve promised would be coming for anyone with the PS3, Xbox 360, Windows or Mac version of the game!

Well, it’s been found now. Valve’s calling it Peer Review, and it will make sure everyone can play it next week on October 4, 2011…

Know what would be a great costume for female gamers this year? Chell. Really, it’s simple, it’s awesome and, if you’re slightly shy about your nerdy side, you could always claim you’re just dressed up as an escaped prisoner. All you need is a white tank top, an orange prison inmate one-piece with the top tied around your waist and. Well, actually, there’s something missing. Not the Portal gun or companion cube, but the Long Fall Boots. I guess it’s time to go to J!NX.

J!NX is an online retailer known for its rather awesome geeky clothes, with a focus on appealing to gamers. One of its latest products is a pair of Portal 2 Long Fall Socks…

Sometimes, I wonder if Valve is testing us. You know, fan’s devotion and what-not. See, back in April 2011, Valve said it was going to be unleashing some free Portal 2 DLC goodness on the world. People rejoiced, and eagerly awaited more news. New they thought would come swiftly since Valve had given a “summer” release window for said DLC. Well, summer’s nearly come and gone, and Valve’s Doug Lombardi, the company’s marketing director, finally gave a more definite release window at Gamescom 2011. Get ready for more scientific triumphs with portals in September, 2011…

I’m guessing everyone who owns Portal 2 has probably beaten it by now. In fact, you’re probably yearning for some of that free DLC Valve was talking about to give you a reason to play again. Well, too bad! No free DLC for you unless you have the Sixense Razer Hydra Motion Controller!

The Razer Hydra is a computer motion controller for Windows computers that costs $139.99…

Father’s Day is next week on June 19, 2011, so Toys R Us’ June 12-18, 2011 ad is all about providing deals on items that might make good gifts for the father figure in your life. There are also a few miscellaneous deals as well, like buy one video game under $19.99, get one for the same price or less for 40% off and the 15% off promotion on all iTunes, Microsoft Live, Nintendo Points and PlayStation Network cards too. But mainly, the deals are on bigger items.

For example, Toys R Us has broken the standard ad rule of offering a free Toys R Us gift card with only one console this week…