1. iPod touch
image copyright Apple Inc.
The combining of the iPod touch's large storage - it maxes out at 64 GB - Internet access and App Store support, the touch is not only a great music player, it's also great for games, productivity apps, and much more. Add the new 4-inch Retina Display screen and the ability to record 1080p HD video and you've got an amazing all-around device that will thrill anyone who gets one.
2. iPod nano
image copyright Apple Inc.
While it doesn't offer the large capacity or App Store support of the iPod touch, the nano has a lot to recommend it. As a very portable, very light iPod, it can be great for people on the go. The new 7th generation model takes the best elements of its predecessor--its multitouch screen, a more iOS-style interface--and combines them with an FM radio, a good amount of storage, and an attractive price.
3. iTunes Gift Cards
image copyright Apple Inc.
The music fan in your life probably already spends a lot of time (and money) at the iTunes Store, so they’ll know just what to do with this gift. In fact, they may already have a wishlist to spend it on. ITunes Gift Cards come in denominations of $15, $25, $50, and $100 and ensure that the recipient is always getting music they want.
4. Spotify Subscription
image copyright Spotify Ltd.
5. eMusic Subscription
image copyright eMusic
Your independent-minded music fan may already be an eMusic subscriber. Or they might want to be. The indie-music heavy site is a the best fit for those with adventurous or non-mainstream tastes, especially when it comes to independent and world music, classical, jazz, and blues. EMusic's become even more useful thanks to the addition major-label artists, which include Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Run DMC, The Clash, and many more. Subscriptions can start as low as US$6.49/month.
6. iPod & iPhone Car Kits
image copyright Belkin
Chances are, your music fan loves to listen to music in the car. Give them a way to pipe their music through their car stereo with a car adapter. There are three kinds of iPhone/iPod car kits: cassette adapters, FM transmitters, and built-in jacks. Jacks offer the best quality and the highest price, while cassette adapters have low prices and acceptable quality. FM transmitters are prone to interference in areas with a lot of radio stations, so choose wisely.
7. iPod & iPhone Speakers
image copyright Harman Kardon
Nobody wants to drag all their CDs out of storage when they’re already in that handy little iPod package. As a result, the music fan on your list will probably be interested in some high-end iPod speakers. Great-sounding models will start around $100 and go up from there.
8. iPod & iPhone Headphones
image copyright Sennheiser
True audiophiles won’t be interested in the little white earbuds included with every iPod. They’re fine for civilians, of course, but the enthusiast will want something with more clarity, better response, and improved style. New iPod headphones can run anywhere from about $50-$500, with prices generally matching the level of performance.
For an especially nice, affordable option, I recommend Apple's new EarPods. These $30 successors to the company's iconic white earbuds offer better sound and much better fit in the ear. They're a major improvement for music on the go.
9. Airport Express
image copyright Apple Inc.
Your music fan probably doesn't just love music on the go; I bet they enjoy it throughout the house, too. With the Airport Express, they can stream music to any speakers connected to it from their iTunes library over Wi-Fi. Set up a few of these throughout the house and their iPod touch, iPad, or iPhone becomes a remote control for a house-wide audio system.
10. Bluetooth Music Receiver
image copyright Kanex
Want the wireless audio streaming features of the Airport Express at a lower price and a smaller profile? Then check out these Bluetooth music receivers that connect to your home stereo system and let you stream audio from your iOS device. Streaming audio via Bluetooth means the sound is compressed a bit, so true audiophiles probably won't find this pleasing, but people who just want to get music wirelessly from their devices to their stereos will enjoy it. Expect to spend $40-$60.
Compare prices on some leading models:
