How to Gift Steam Points: The Ultimate Guide for Gamers Who Want to Surprise Their Friends
There’s something uniquely thrilling about surprising a fellow gamer with a gift that enhances their digital experience — not just another game, but something that fuels their entire Steam journey. Enter Steam Points — Valve’s clever in-game currency that unlocks cosmetic upgrades, profile customization, and exclusive items inside the Steam ecosystem. But here’s the catch: you can’t directly gift Steam Points like you would a game or wallet credit. So how do you gift Steam Points? And more importantly, how do you do it thoughtfully, creatively, and effectively?
This guide cuts through the confusion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, saying “thank you,” or just want to brighten a friend’s day, we’ll show you the smartest, most practical ways to gift Steam Points — even if Steam doesn’t offer a direct button for it.
What Are Steam Points — And Why Do They Matter?
Before we dive into gifting, let’s clarify what Steam Points actually are. Steam Points are earned by spending money on the Steam platform — every $1 USD spent equals 100 Steam Points. These points aren’t tradable or transferable, and they can’t be purchased outright. Instead, they’re used exclusively in the Steam Points Shop, where users redeem them for animated avatars, chat effects, profile backgrounds, and other digital flair.
Why gift them? Because for many gamers, these cosmetic upgrades are badges of honor — visual proof of their dedication to the platform. Gifting the means to earn Steam Points is essentially gifting personalization, pride, and fun.
Why You Can’t Directly Gift Steam Points (And What You Can Do Instead)
Valve’s system is designed to reward spending — not transfers. So no, there’s no “Send Steam Points” button. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, the workaround is simple, elegant, and surprisingly personal:
Gift games or Steam Wallet funds — and your recipient automatically earns Steam Points based on the purchase value.
For example:
- Gift a $25 game → recipient earns 2,500 Steam Points.
- Add $50 to their Steam Wallet → they earn 5,000 Steam Points when they spend it.
This indirect method is the only official way to “gift” Steam Points — and honestly, it’s better than a direct transfer. Why? Because it gives your friend the freedom to choose what they spend it on — whether that’s a new indie gem or finally upgrading their profile with that ultra-rare animated background.
Step-by-Step: How to Gift Steam Points Through Games or Wallet Credit
Method 1: Gifting a Game (The Personal Touch)
- Log into your Steam account.
- Browse the Steam Store and find a game you think your friend will love.
- Click “Add to Cart,” then proceed to checkout.
- Select “Purchase as a Gift.”
- Choose your friend from your Steam friends list (or enter their email).
- Add a personal message — this is where you can hint at the Steam Points bonus!
- Complete the purchase.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what game to pick, consider gifting a popular title they’ve wishlisted — or go for a bundle during a Steam Sale to maximize point earnings.
Method 2: Gifting Steam Wallet Funds (The Flexible Option)
- Go to the Steam Digital Gift Card page.
- Select the amount you want to gift (e.g.,
10, 25,50, 100). - Choose to send it via Steam friend or email.
- Add a custom message — perhaps: “Spend this however you like… and don’t forget to check your Steam Points after!”
- Pay and send.
Important: Wallet funds only convert to Steam Points after they’re spent on eligible items — not when received. So encourage your friend to use it soon!
Case Study: How Alex Surprised His Best Friend With “Hidden” Steam Points
Alex wanted to celebrate his friend Jamie’s 1,000th hour in Counter-Strike 2. Instead of gifting another skin or in-game item, he bought Jamie a $40 gift card to the Steam Wallet — accompanied by a note: “For all those clutch plays. Spend it on whatever you want… and check your Points Shop after 😉.”
Jamie used the funds to buy Hades — a game he’d been eyeing — and immediately unlocked 4,000 Steam Points. He then redeemed them for an animated CS2-themed avatar and a celebratory chat effect that triggered every time he messaged Alex. The gift wasn’t just monetary — it was personal, clever, and deeply appreciated.
This is the power of gifting through Steam Wallet or games: you’re not just handing over currency. You’re enabling experiences — and the joy of unlocking digital rewards.
Maximizing Impact: Creative Ways to Present Your “Steam Points Gift”
Presentation matters. Since you’re gifting indirectly, make the reveal fun:
- Create a “Steam Points Coupon” — design a printable or digital “voucher” that says “Redeem for 5,000 Steam Points (via $50 Steam Wallet!)” and include it in a birthday card.
- Pair it with a physical gift — throw in a gaming mousepad or headset and say, “This is for your hands… the Steam gift is for your soul.”
- Time it with