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 12 budget-conscious iPod and iPhone gifts.
image copyright Apple Inc.With a new two-year contract from AT&T, the iPhone 3GS isn't just a bit under US$30--it's $29 under $30. That's right, the iPhone 3GS is now just US$0.99. While the phone is two years old and thus doesn't offer the fastest processor or latest hardware features like
Siri, it's still a very good phone and could make a big splash with some gift recipients this year.
image copyright NikeIf 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 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation iPod touch, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, and 5th and 6th-generation iPod nano.
image copyright iWatchzOne of the cool aspects of the
6th generation iPod nano is that it's got a fullscreen clock app that offers multiple designs. Some enterprising accessory makers have combined that app with the nano's tiny size to transform it from a music player into a watch that also plays music. Your recipient will need to have the 6th gen. nano already, but if they do, these watch bands--available from lots of different companies in a variety of styles--will make the nano all the more fun.
image copyright Kidz GearA lot of parents are concerned about what too much iPod or iPhone listening can do to their kids' hearing.
And rightly so. While there are built-in features of the iOS that can help protect young ears, these headphones from Kidz Gear make it even easier by limiting the maximum volume they can play at.
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.
image copyright About.comMany 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!
Weber-Stephen Products Co.With over a quarter million apps available for owners of recent iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads, iPhone apps make great, affordable gifts. From productivity tools to recipe apps, from games to exercise aids, most iPhone apps run under US$15 and will provide hours of enjoyment for their recipients.
image copyright GriffinFor 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.
image copyright Case LogicAnyone 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.
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.
image copyright Crystal FilmThe iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad 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 iPad, 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.
image copyright iKlearIf 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.
