The Best Apple-Related Gifts for 2020

Not sure if you noticed, but 2020 is almost over…which means it’s time to start buying gifts for everyone you love and maybe a few people you just kinda like. Considering the effect the pandemic has had on fulfillment, distribution, and delivery systems, I recommend you start thinking about your holiday gift-giving sooner rather than later.

Even Apple, which generally does an excellent job predicting demand and shipping products quickly, has been suffering from delays this year. But if you order in time, Apple has a wide variety of products that would make great gifts for your Apple-using loved ones.

AirPods and AirPods Pro

Apple makes two models of its insanely popular wireless earbuds: the original AirPods and the noise-canceling AirPods Pro. Although it’s tempting to assume that the AirPods Pro are simply better than the AirPods, the decision isn’t that simple. The AirPods are cheaper ($159, or $199 with a wireless charging case) and don’t block the ear canal. The AirPods Pro are smaller and cost $249, and you also get active noise cancellation, a customizable fit, a wireless charging case, and sweat and water resistance. However, the AirPods Pro block the ear canal, which many people dislike, and don’t stay in as well for some.

HomePod and HomePod mini

Apple’s HomePod smart speaker lags behind Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home devices in large part because of its price, which started at $349 and later dropped to $299. But the sound that the HomePod puts out is top-notch, and Apple has done a good job of integrating the HomePod into the overall ecosystem of Apple devices, so you can use it as a speaker for an Apple TV. You can even set up a stereo pair of them for Dolby Atmos sound. It also works well for controlling HomeKit-compatible lights and plugs. I’m a huge fan of the HomePod, and it’s almost always on sale for $199 at Best Buy, which makes it much easier to recommend.

Cognizant of the price problem, Apple has just introduced a new HomePod mini that enters the market at $99. It’s also a lot smaller than the original HomePod, and while its sound probably isn’t as good due to fewer bits of audio hardware, I’m betting that it’s still excellent. A HomePod mini can do nearly anything a HomePod can do, including creating a stereo pair with another HomePod mini (but not with a HomePod). It’s a cheaper introduction to having a Siri-enabled smart speaker and a nice way to bring audio into other parts of a home or office.

iPad

Apple’s iPad line is stronger than ever. At the top, the iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, and while they’re more powerful than most laptops on the market, they’re also on the high end of the price spectrum (starting at $799 and $999), which makes them less attractive as gifts. Plus, they might be due for updates as soon as March.

Instead, for a demanding iPad user, look at the new fourth-generation iPad Air ($699), which combines the flat-edged industrial design of the iPad Pro with Apple’s latest A14 Bionic chip. It’s compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil ($129) and the Magic Keyboard for iPad ($299).

For kids or those who want an iPad for simpler purposes like browsing the Web, reading books, watching TV, and playing casual games, you won’t go wrong with the new eighth-generation iPad, which combines thoroughly respectable specs with a low price starting at $329. For additional input options, it works with the first-generation Apple Pencil ($99) and the Smart Keyboard ($159).

Finally, don’t count out the fifth-generation iPad mini. At $399, it’s a little more expensive than the 8th gen iPad, but its 7.9-inch screen makes it a lot smaller, which many people like. It too is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, and although Apple doesn’t make any keyboards for it, it will work with any Bluetooth keyboard. If you’re having trouble deciding between the iPad and the iPad mini, you can check out Apple’s comparison tool. If that doesn’t help, let me know!

Apple Watch gift certificate

Finally, I love the Apple Watch, and it would seem to make a great gift. However, I have to urge caution when considering it as a present. The problem is that Apple provides a dizzying number of options, and everyone has their own preferences, so it’s difficult to know what to get. You can choose from the new Apple Watch Series 6 (starting at $399), the equally new but less expensive Apple Watch SE (starting at $279), or the older Apple Watch Series 3 (starting at $199). Get the Series 6 if you want an Always-On Display, blood oxygen sensor, and ECG capabilities. The Apple Watch SE lacks those three options but has the same screen size as the Series 6, along with its compass, altimeter, and fall detection feature. And the Series 3 has a slightly smaller screen and just the core Apple Watch features. Apple has a helpful comparison tool to check out all the features side by side.

Within each model, you have to choose between larger and smaller case sizes, pick a case material (aluminum for all, or stainless steel or titanium for the Series 6), a case color, a band type, and a band color. And then there’s the question of whether Wi-Fi–only is sufficient or if a cellular-capable model makes more sense.

There’s also Apple’s new Family Setup feature that lets you set up a new Apple Watch for a family member who doesn’t have an iPhone. It’s perfect for giving an Apple Watch to your kids or to an elderly loved one who would like to stay connected but doesn’t necessarily want or need an iPhone. Bear in mind, this feature requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer with a cellular connection. That includes the Series 5, Series 6, and SE. Unfortunately, the Series 3 is left out of the party.

So unless you think you know exactly what the recipient would like, I’d encourage giving a certificate that’s good for a conversation about what would be most appreciated…and fortunately, you know an Apple consultant that can help as well! It would also be helpful to use the Apple Watch Studio to run through all the aesthetic decisions.

Look for deals

Apple doesn’t often run sales, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some to be found elsewhere. With Black Friday basically turning into an entire Black November, Apple deals will be popping up all over the place over the coming weeks, so make sure you keep an eye out. I’ve already seen AirPods as low as $99 on Amazon and price reductions on most iPad models at multiple retailers.

If you need any help deciding on a gift, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I love helping people spend money on Apple gear!