iDB Holiday Gift Guide: great gifts for iPhone and iPad users

In this segment of our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide, you will find our favorite gift ideas for iPhone and iPad users.

Pelican Go G40 Waterproof Case

iPhone waterproof case 2019 holiday gift guide

I really like this Go G40 Case from Pelican. It’s IP67 rated to withstand dust, dirt, sand, and water—1.5M for up to 30 minutes—and it has extra space inside for things like car keys, cash or a spare USB cable. So it’s essentially like having a portable, mini, waterproof locker that you can easily carry around with you at music festivals, amusement parks, hiking and other adventurous outings.

Buy for $40

Sony DualShock4 Wireless Controller

As part of this year’s big iPhone/iPad update, both devices were made compatible with Sony’s wireless PlayStation controller. This means you can now play those awesome games in the App Store—most of which are free or much cheaper than their console counterparts—with this top-of-the-line gamepad. The DualShock4 is a must-have accessory, even for casual gamers, and yes it works with Apple TV.

Buy for $47

Logitech Powered Wireless Charging Stand

wireless iPhone stand 2019 holiday gift guide

In a crowded category like wireless charging stands, this one from Logitech stands out for a few reasons. It supports fast-charging on the iPhone (so 7.5W, instead of the usual 5W), it works in both portrait and standby mode, and it was designed to sit at the perfect 65-degree viewing angle. I keep one on my desk, so I can watch the latest episode of Apple’s The Servant while pretending to work.

Buy for $43

ZUGU CASE The Muse Case for iPad 

I don’t typically like recommending cases for gifts, but The Muse Case from Zugu just hits different. It’s protective enough that it can withstand drops of up to 5 feet, yet thin enough that it won’t make your iPad feel overly bulky. It also has a slot for your Apple Pencil stylus and an adjustable magnetic kickstand that has 8 viewing angles, and is strong enough to mount on your fridge.

Buy for $60

Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil for iPad

crayon iPad stylus 2019 holiday gift guide

Speaking of iPads, another accessory I really like for Apple’s tablet is the Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil. Sure, Apple’s own Pencil stylus is the benchmark for the category, but the Logitech Crayon is less than half the price and it features a lot of the same technology. It pairs instantly to any compatible iPad via Bluetooth, and it draws smoothly without any lag. Perfect for taking notes, sketching or coloring.

Buy for $50

Joby GripTight GorillaPod Stand PRO

Tripods are essential for taking more creative shots with the iPhone like stop-motion, time-lapse, and Night mode on the newer iPhones. So why the GorillaPod from Joby? It’s portable enough to toss in a smaller bag or stick in your back pocket. It fits almost any smartphone model, with or without a case. And its bendable legs help mount your phone to a variety of places, to ensure you get that perfect shot.

Buy for $40

Tello Quadcopter Drone with HD Camera

Yes, drones are still very much a thing, and whether you’re shopping for a kid or an adult, the Tello from DJI is worth checking out. It’s small enough to launch out of the palm of your hand, it has an HD camera for taking photos and videos, and of course you can fly it using your iPhone. It’s also perfect for beginners thanks to its lower price tag, durable design, and technology like auto takeoff/landing and assisted hovering.

Buy for $100

Aukey Wireless Power Bank

I know, battery packs have essentially become a cliche for gift guides, but hear me out. This one from Aukey is state of the art: it uses USB-C, it has an ultra-slim design, and it supports tech like 18W PD and QC 3.0 output. But the real selling point of this battery pack is that it supports wireless charging. Yes, you can literally just set your iPhone on top of this charger, with no wires, and it’ll charge it. Game-changer.

Buy for $30

Play Impossible Gameball

The Play Impossible Gameball is an active game system that gets you moving, laughing and showing off your skills. When paired with your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV, the connected ball can be used in a variety of single and multiplayer games. For instance there’s Hot Taters, a modern take on hot potato, and Splash, a virtual water balloon toss game where you must try to catch the ball softly or it will “pop.”

Buy for $70

Mattel Games Pictionary

On a similar note, I also like Pictionary Air from Mattel Games. It features a light up stylus that connects to your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV, and what you draw in the air shows up on the display of your smart device. There’s a round timer, which can be adjusted up or down based on the age of the players, a Selfie mode for drawing without limits, and 112 double-sided clue cards.

Buy for $17