With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to finalize your holiday shopping. Many are rushing to secure those last-minute gifts. If you’re still searching for something special, here are some great accessory and gift ideas centered around the iPhone and Apple products.
I recommend the Mujjo iPhone 16 leather case, SwitchBot Wallet Finder card, Belkin portable charger, a Continuity Camera mount, and the Apple TV 4K. More insights about these selections after the break…
While AirPods are typically a popular gift choice, I anticipate AirPods 4 will be in high demand this season. However, they are pricier and many people may already own them, making them less ideal as gifts without careful consideration.
The following list highlights five items that your friends and family might not already possess but will find useful and enjoyable. While fun, frivolous gifts make great stocking stuffers, tech gifts should ideally be something people will appreciate and use regularly.
If you know someone who’s frequently misplacing their wallet, the SwitchBot Wallet Finder makes for an affordable and highly practical gift.
This device seamlessly integrates with the Apple Find My app, allowing for tracking from any iOS device and even through Siri. Its slim credit card design easily fits into a wallet pocket without adding extra bulk.
You can make your wallet beep on demand or track its location on a map. This is a straightforward gift without any hidden costs, as it functions entirely through the Apple Find My network without requiring ongoing subscriptions or additional purchases. Nearby iPhones will pick up the Bluetooth signal from the Wallet Finder and securely track its location for you.
Other alternatives:
- Apple AirTag: ideal for keeping track of keys, requires an accessory holder
- Chipolo ONE: similar to an AirTag but includes a built-in hole to attach it directly to a keychain
Did a friend or family member recently get their hands on a new iPhone 16? They might appreciate protecting it with a dash of style.
Although Apple has discontinued its leather cases, the third-party market offers some excellent alternatives. I’m particularly fond of the Mujjo leather case. These cases closely resemble Apple’s design and showcase minimal branding. The Mujjo Monaco Blue color provides a vibrant touch to any Pro model iPhone. Crafted from full-grain leather with a microfiber interior, this case feels luxurious and gives additional protection against everyday wear and tear.
Other alternatives:
I prefer gifts that are guaranteed to be useful. If you know someone with an older iPhone, they likely rely on finding a power outlet frequently. A portable charger alleviates that stress and enhances the experience of using an older device.
There are numerous portable charger options available, but I particularly recommend the Belkin USB-C Power Bank. Its sleek design offers ample power to recharge my phone from empty three times. It was crucial during my camping trip at Silverstone this year. Compact enough to fit in bags or pockets, it features both USB-C and USB-A ports, enabling charging of multiple devices at once up to 15W speeds.
Other alternatives:
With everyone communicating through FaceTime and Zoom nowadays, it’s worth noting that an iPhone boasts superior camera quality compared to a laptop. The Belkin Camera Mount facilitates clipping your phone to the top of your laptop screen, allowing you to leverage your iPhone’s camera as a webcam for your MacBook. This feature taps into Apple’s Continuity Camera, so make sure your friend has both a MacBook and a MagSafe-compatible iPhone to fully utilize this handy clip.
Alternatively, there are mounts designed to position your phone under a television, perfect for facilitating family FaceTime calls via Apple TV.
Other alternatives:
This last recommendation is on the pricier side and is ideally suited for close friends or family. A streaming set-top box is a gift that people often don’t realize they need until they own one, and knowledgeable friends shouldn’t let loved ones struggle with their smart TV’s operating system. This option offers comprehensive support for 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, enhancing the visual experience when watching shows and movies on modern OLED TVs.
The Apple TV 4K simplifies navigation through various streaming apps, with quick loading times and smooth functionality, all thanks to the trackpad on the Siri Remote. Advantages include the ability to browse your iCloud Photos library on a big screen, control your TV via your iPhone, a rich Apple Music experience complete with sing-along lyrics, access to Fitness+ workouts, and perhaps even engaging in some family-friendly games from Apple Arcade this holiday season.
Other ideas:
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