Every holiday calls for its big, splashy presents, but sometimes those need a little accompaniment, the accent that spices up the bigger gift. Sometimes you also need a low-cost gift for stockings, office parties, or acquaintances. For those needs, try these nine budget-conscious iPod and iPhone gifts.
1. Nike+ iPod Kit
image copyright Nike
If you've got iPod- or iPhone-owning exercisers in your life, they'll love this gadget. This combination of hardware and software allows exercisers to track their workouts as they happen, create workout-specific playlists, and upload their results to a website where they can track their progress. The $30 item works with the second- and third-generation iPod touch, iPhone 3GS, and fifth-generation iPod nano.
2. iTunes Gift Card
image copyright Apple Inc.
You'll always make the folks on your gift list happy with iTunes Gift Cards. These gift cards can be redeemed for music, movies, TV, and iPhone apps - in short, all of the things people love to fill up their iPods and iPhones with. If you're stuck for a good gift, or want to add a small bonus, this is your best bet.
3. iTunes LPs
image copyright About.com
The iTunes LP format was introduced with iTunes 9 and aims to give buyers more when they buy music at the iTunes Store. Along with music, the iTunes LP format gives users bonus tracks, lyrics, photos, video, and more. The format is new, so there aren't many options yet, but watch the iTunes Store throughout the fall for more choices. These packages will make great gifts for hardcore fans of the artists.
4. Albums, Movies, TV Shows
image copyright About.com
Many of us are old enough to remember the fun of getting a CD, tape, or even LP as a gift during holidays gone by. While giving a gift card is nice, it's not quite the same as giving someone a specific item - an item that may have more meaning than a gift card. If you're looking for that kind of gift, consider using the iTunes Store to give an album, movie, TV show, or audiobook. Information about the gift will be delivered to the recipient via email as soon as you buy it, though, so if you want it to be a surprise, wait 'til the last minute!
5. iPhone or iPod Car Charger
image copyright Griffin
For the iPod user - and especially iPhone owner - on the go, battery life is a major concern. There's nothing worse than being on the go, needing to use your iPod or iPhone (for a call, the get directions from Google Maps, to send email) and finding that you don't have enough juice to do the job. Make sure that the road warriors in your life don't encounter this problem by giving them an iPod and iPhone car charger that plugs into a standard cigarette lighter.
6. iPod and iPhone Cases
image copyright Case Logic
Anyone who's bought an iPod or iPhone knows they're not cheap. So help the folks on your gift list protection their prized gadget with an iPod or iPhone case. A good case will be easy to grip, not too heavy, compatible with all functions of the device and, ideally, able to protect the device's screen without interfering with its operation. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of styles of case out there, so you should be able to find one that matches the style and taste of everyone on your list.
7. USB Power Adapter
image copyright Apple Inc.
This is another gizmo that travelers will love. Most iPods come with a USB cable to connect to computers to charge their batteries, but no way to plug them into a wall socket to get power. This adapter connects to the USB cable to provide a plug for the wall. This is a great addition for anyone who travels without their computer and needs a charge, or those with multiple computers who don't want to sync their device to something other than their main computer.
8. iPhone Screen Protector
image copyright Crystal Film
The iPhone and iPod touch get infinitely less fun when their big, bright, multitouch screens get scratched or damaged. After all, not only can that get in the way of using the device, it makes things harder to see and enjoy. Protect the iPhone and iPod touch owners in your life from this unpleasantness with these clear screen protectors. While a little tricky to get on, they're easy to remove and won't interfere with operation of the device. The protection they provide can be invaluable.
9. iPhone Screen Cleaner
image copyright iKlear
If they're not using a screen protector, the iPod and iPhone owners in your life will still want to keep their screens clean and clear (especially iPhone users, since the phone is prone to accumulating oil from the skin on fingers and faces). This handy kit - a spray and soft wipe that's screen-safe - is a terrific way to keep screens clean.
