This guide is for anyone shopping for someone with an iPhone, an Apple Watch or a Mac. We've used every pick ourselves. Most come from our reviews and our Gear Guide or are current Apple hardware, and a few were sent to us by brands to test, which we label on each one.
We say when something lives in our own house, and we point out the catch when there is one. Black Friday is November 27, so if you want sale prices, our early Apple Black Friday deals list tracks those separately.
Some products in this guide were sent to us free for testing by the companies that make them, and we note it on each one. We used every product here before including it. Links on this page may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure
Stocking stuffers
Small, useful and easy to wrap. All four work with any recent iPhone.
AirTag (2nd generation)
List $29 at Best Buy for one
The easiest gift for anyone with an iPhone. Get the 4-pack so they can cover keys, wallet, bag and suitcase in Find My.
Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit
A tray lines the glass up, so it goes on straight the first time. Two in the box. Check whether they have a Pro or a Pro Max first.
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)
For the friend whose phone is at 20 percent by dinner. It snaps on, charges at 15W over Qi2 and adds about one full charge.
Ember Mug 2 (10 oz)
Holds coffee at the temperature they set in the iPhone app. Made for the person who leaves half a cup going cold on the desk.
For the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone Duo owner
Cases at a few different styles, a charger for the nightstand and a camera upgrade.
Nomad Modern Leather Case
Sent by Nomad for testing
Our top case pick. Tested on an iPhone 17 Pro Max, where the Horween leather built a patina within weeks. For someone who keeps a phone for years.
Mous Limitless Case and MagSafe Wallet
Sent by Mous for testing
Our editor carries the Limitless in Aramid Fibre on his iPhone 18 Pro Max with the Mous wallet on the back. A protective case and a wallet in one setup.
PITAKA aramid fiber cases
Sent by PITAKA for testing
Thin aramid fiber cases for the 18 Pro and Pro Max, with Duo versions too. We use one on an 18 Pro Max. For someone who hates bulk.
Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable
Charges an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods on one stand, at 25W on recent iPhones. We reviewed the bigger UltraCharge Pro; this one folds flat for travel.
Moment Camera Case II
For someone who uses an iPhone 18 Pro as their main camera. Rated for 10 foot drops, with a mount for Moment lenses and filters.
Apple iPhone Duo Case
A Duo case has to clear the hinge and still close flat. Apple's thin two part case does both and keeps MagSafe working.
For workouts, flights and everyday listening
An Apple Watch, a band to go with it and two very different ways to listen.
Apple Watch Series 12
List $399 at Best Buy
The Apple Watch most people should get, and the best way into the redesigned Health app. Start with the 42mm GPS model.
Nomad Sport Band
A second band is the gift most Apple Watch owners won't buy themselves. Shrugs off sweat and water, in sizes for every current Watch.
AirPods Pro 3
Reviewed: 9.0List $249.99 at Best Buy
The best noise cancelling we've used in earbuds, plus heart rate sensing for workouts. The fit is hit or miss, so include a gift receipt.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Our pick for long flights. You lose the automatic switching between Apple devices that AirPods get, so it suits someone who mostly listens on one.
For the home and family
Most of these live in our own house, and we say so where they do.
Skylight Calendar 2 (15-inch)
We bought it
One screen in the kitchen with everyone's day on it, and the whole family loves it. Our review covers the half finished AI features, and the best extras need Plus.
Nori Family Hub
Sent by Nori for testing
A family hub built around Hey Nori voice control, meal planning and chores. In our house since late October and the family likes it so far. Full review, with a Skylight comparison, to come.
Skylight Buddy
A chore and bedtime screen for kids. Ours sits on our five year old's dresser, and he's stayed interested well past the first week.
Owlet Dream Sight Camera
In our house
For new parents. We run two Owlet cameras at home. Dream Sight is the current one: 2K video and cry alerts in the app, with no hub to set up.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
In our house
We've run an ecobee for years. It shows up in the Home app, and the room sensor evens out the bedroom that's always too cold.
HomePod mini 2
List $149.99 at Best Buy
The cheapest home hub for Apple Home. Siri AI arrives in a later software update, so don't sell it as a smarter Siri on Christmas morning.
For writing, drawing and the desk
For the person who takes notes all day, and the one who sits at a Mac to do it.
iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
List $749 at Best Buy
Most of the iPad Pro's speed for much less. Only step up to the Pro if they'll use its OLED display for drawing or video.
Astropad Rock Paper Pencil 4.0
Sent by Astropad for testing
A matte screen protector and Pencil tips that make an iPad feel like paper. The protector comes off cleanly. Our editor uses it on his iPad Pro.
reMarkable Paper Pure
Sent by reMarkable for testing
A 10.3 inch E Ink notebook with no apps or notifications. It has become our editor's daily notes hub. For anyone who keeps getting pulled into email.
Logitech MX Master 4
Logitech's flagship mouse, now with haptic feedback. A real upgrade for anyone still using the mouse that came in the box.
Splurge
Two big gifts we'd stand behind.
MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
Our pickList $1,299 at Best Buy
The Mac most people should buy. Get 16GB and 512GB, the configuration we'd expect to last five years.
AirPods Max 2
List $549 at Best Buy
For someone who cares about sound and uses Apple devices all day. Hard to justify on value alone, so save it for the person who has everything else here.
Prices move a lot in November. The Best Buy list prices above are a reference point, and the buttons show the current price at each store.
Comments