iDB 2012 holiday gift guide: Oliver’s picks

It’s that time of year again, when we’re all scrambling around trying to find that perfect gift for the loved ones in our lives.

If you’re anything like me, you revert to type and try desperately to find something with a technological bent. Be it earphones, an iDevice stand or some fancy software; gifts are hard enough to buy at the best of times, let alone when you know nothing about the subject matter.

Here I’ll showcase a handful of handy gift ideas across the world of tech and specifically, Apple. Some are cheap. Some not so much. But hey, it’s Christmas…

 RHA MA-450i earphones

Apple may have improved its own earphones considerably with its new EarPods, but some people will still prefer the snug fit and noise cancellation of a good pair of canal-phones. Wedging themselves right into the ear, canal-phones can provide an improved bass, as well as better noise cancellation than standard earphones.

RHA’s MA-450i earphones are the model of choice in our household. Made in Scotland and sporting tangle-free fabric cabling, as well as an inline remote, the RHAs not only look great, but sound great as well. They’re reasonably priced at less than fifty dollars from the Apple Store, too.

iTunes Gift Cards

For those ocassions when you just can’t think of a gift, why not give the gift of apps, games and media?

Apple gift cards come in various denominations, with iTunes credit allowing your loved one to buy anything from Apple’s iTunes store. That’s apps, movies, music, TV shows and games all thanks to one little card. Perfect for those people that are just so hard to buy for.

 iPod touch, fifth generation

The iPod touch has never been a better option for those wanting an iPhone, but without the monthly comitment. Perfect for kids who want to play all the free games the App Store has to offer, without breaking the bank, the fifth generation iPod touch is a gorgeous machine.

Looking distinctly like a mini iPad mini, the iPod touch offers the majority of the iPhone’s fun but without the cost. It’s even got a handy loop for securing it to your wrist! What’s more to say?

A lightning cable

Yes, you read that right. These little white cables are like gold dust to anyone with an iPhone 5, iPad mini or iPod touch that’s down to its last 10% of battery life.

Back when everyone had an iPhone with a 30-pin Dock connector, the chances were that someone in your office or the place you were visiting would have a cable you could use. Now though, you’re likely to be on your own. Having a spare cable can be a lifesaver, especially in the Lightning cable’s early days. We know we’ve got a few knocking around!

None of these recommendations tickle your fancy? Don’t worry, we’ve got more ideas in our archived iDB holiday gift guide, and will be adding more to it throughout the week.

What are your Christmas gift suggestions?