I’m an iPhone accessories expert. Here are all the gifts I recommend

Casely has an enormous range of designer and colorful iPhone cases available for the iPhone XR, 11, and later—right up to the iPhone 16 family. Most are available in either a flexible glossy Classic version or a more rigid and protective Bold version. Art lovers will appreciate the range of impressionist paintings that can now adorn their iPhone. There is even a range of festive winter and Christmas cases available.

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Casetify is another maker of colorful iPhone cases and these can be customized with personalized text, colors, designs, and protection levels. There are hundreds of case designs to choose from, and you can choose the level of protection that suits you best. The camera case is very retro, and you can buy non-slip cases with physical ripples that make your phone grip firmer.

You don’t have to cover your iPhone to protect it from drops of up to 10 feet (3m). With the Arc Pulse you can add a rigid aluminum shell that protects the edges and corners with an internal shock-dampening structure in a minimalist sculptural design that is precision-fit for your iPhone (iPhone 13 and later). There’s wide range of colors, from Matte Black for $69.99 through Rose Bronze and Gold to Titanium Onyx Black ($299.99) depending on your model of iPhone. For those with the deepest pockets, Arc has the Arc Pulse Titanium Opal Damascus, available for the iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max at $1,600 in a limited run of 100.

You can match this with a protective shell for your AirPods Pro, too. Make sure you pick the right version for Arc Pulse for AirPods Pro 1 and 2 or Arc Pulse for AirPods Pro 3. Arc Pulse for AirPods is available in a range of colors, including Matte Black/Orange/Blue and Polished Silver.

The super-slim Figura Case (above) for iPhone 16 from OtterBox features psychedelic patterns that are hydro-dipped by hand. The graphics envelop the case from edge to edge. The material is flexible with a soft touch. OtterBox has a wide range of cases for many older iPhone versions, too—including its robust Defender range. Just released is an intense limited edition Figura case that features a NASA Hubble Space Telescope photo of the Lagoon Nebula, an interstellar cloud in the Sagittarius constellation.

The ShiftCam series of lenses and compatible cases can enhance your mobile photography. You select from a choice of individual LensUltra lenses, including 60mm Telephoto, 16mm Wide Angle, 10x Traditional Macro and 200° Fisheyes; and for filmmakers 75mm Long Range Macro, 1.33x Anamorphic and 1.55x Anamorphic. Prices start at $129.99 / £129.99. Compatible with iPhone 11 and later, right up to the iPhone 16.

The ShiftCam ecosystem also includes a range of ergonomic magnetic snap-on mobile battery grips (SnapStudio Light and SnapGrip Pro, from $89.99), inspired by pro digital cameras, that offer greater stability and a shutter button. turning every phone into a pro camera. The grip also includes a built-in 5000mAh battery power bank capable of delivering 20W charging. Apple sells an exclusive ShiftCam ProGrip Starter Kit that would make a great gift for your photography-loving iPhone user for $149.95 / £129.95.

Unlike most macho protective cases, the ESR Cyber Tough cases are available in a range of colors depending on the model of iPhone, including one in a fetching pink. ESR has a huge range of iPhone cases, many with hidden ring stands and other features. Available for iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series.

The Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank is available in four colors—black, blue, pink or white—and uses MagSafe to magnetically stick to the back of your iPhone when you need a power boost. In our tests, it recharged an iPhone twice over with its 10000mAh battery capacity. Better still, it features its own built-in USB-C cable for charging up the battery pack or wired-charging the iPhone 15/16/17 families that have a USB-C port rather than Lightning. Using the cable rather than MagSafe will charge an iPhone 15/16/17 at an impressive 30W. MagSafe wireless charging is slower at 7.5W but it will still rescue a fading iPhone 12 or later—or you can supply your own Lightning cable (or USB-C for iPhone 15 users) and connect with a wire. It also features a handy kickstand.

Anker

If you have an older (pre-15) iPhone, then you need a Lightning cable but the non-magnetic Anker Zolo Power Bank has both, meaning it will still be relevant when you upgrade to a USB-C iPhone. And of course you can use the USB-C cable to charge the power bank itself. If you have a family with both USB-C (15/16/17) and Lightning (14 and earlier) iPhones this will suit all models. There’s a handy digital battery-level display, too. This version of the Zolo doesn’t feature wireless charging.

Anker

With no built-in cable but a fast 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging pad, a third option is the Anker MagGo 10K Slim Power Bank (above), which is the slimmest 10K high-capacity wireless power bank we have tested—perfect for carrying with you in a bag for emergencies when your iPhone starts to fade and you are miles from a power socket or have forgotten your charger and cable.

This 5K battery pack was the winner for slimmer 5K magnetic power banks in our recharging tests, recharging a faded iPhone 16 Pro by 79%.

Belkin and Amazon offer a choice of colors (It’s available in a range of colors (White, Blue, Sand, Blue, Citrus Yellow, and Gold), and the Apple Store now has an exclusive set of new colors, including a brighter Pink, Deep Purple with a red stand and Teal with a yellow stand

The Belkin’s kickstand is easy to use and feels robust, and the battery pack itself is marginally smaller than the Ugreen. The $49.99 Torras MagStall Power Bank is a little slimmer but wider and boasts a stand/finger-grip, although recharges to a slightly lesser extent.

This 25W wireless power bank lived up to its claims of wirelessly charging an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 50% in 32 minutes—12 to 15 minutes faster than a 15W power bank. That might not sound a lot but when you’re in a rush to charge your phone, every minute counts. 25W wireless charging is limited to the iPhone 16 and 17 families, running at least iOS 26; older iPhones will charge at 15W using this power bank.

The Baseus PicoGo Magnetic 10K Power Bank (AM61) is an output blazer is more ways than one. It is certified Qi 2.2 so charges wirelessly at 25W. The built-in USB-C cable is rated at 45W, which is fast enough to keep even a MacBook going.

This compact OneGo power bank has it all: it can charge four devices at the same time—including iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, plus another via its side USB-C port—and then folding up into a lightweight form that can slip into your pocket or overnight bag.

The latest GaN (Gallium Nitride) chargers are tiny so we’re used them them being labeled “cute” but this small phone charger really is cute, shaped like a friendly robot. Take off its boots and you’ll find the plug prongs that connect straight into a wall power socket. The boots are even magnetic. Why? We don’t know but you can store the plug protector on most metal surfaces when the charger is in use. When plugged in, the LED screen shows different expressions that refer to the charging states. Its 30W power is enough to fast charge even the biggest iPhone. You’ll need a USB-C to USB-C cable to charge an iPhone 15/16/17 and USB-C to Lightning cable for older iPhones. It’s even powerful enough to keep a small MacBook charged.

Measuring just 1.12 × 1.12 × 1.39 inches (U.S. model), the 30W Anker USB-C Nano Charger is the smallest 30W USB-C charger we’ve had in our labs for testing, and it weighs just 1.3oz (36g). The U.K. model is larger but also features foldable prongs and is equally incredibly light. It’s available in a range of pastel colors, including Misty Blue, Lilac Purple, Phantom Black, Aurora White, and Natural Green.

This two-port wall charger from Ugreen is great if your household or office has two phones—one doesn’t even need to be an iPhone! Indeed you could charge your iPhone plus Apple Watch or AirPods, too. Each USB-C port is rated at 45W so one could charge a mid-sized laptop. Using both ports, one will give 25W and the other 20W—enough for a reasonably fast charge. It’s a great compact choice for homes with a couple of devices in need of a power boost.

We love that once static MagSafe chargers are now folding up into highly portable devices, and that’s certainly true of the Satechi 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Stand. It uses Qi2 magnetic wireless charging tech so can power an attached iPhone at 15W. The 5W Apple Watch Charger is all set for Watch fast charging, and you can place your AirPods case at he front for three-at-a-time charging.

2025 saw the release of a new wireless charging technology called Qi 2.2, which allows for super-fast 25W speeds, which is nearly as fast as you’ll get with a less convenient charging cable. 25W works only for the iPhone 16 or 17, with older iPhones stuck at 15W, but this is a great gift for owners of the latest iPhones if they also own an Apple Watch and AirPods.

This is a great budget option for a stand that will charge both your iPhone and AirPods. At 7.5W, Anker’s stand is not as fast at charging as the 15W or 25W models reviewed above, but it will be fast enough for most of us. If speed is your only priority, charge using a cable! Like those pricier charger options, this charger features an adjustable charging pad, so can be angled to your own requirements.

The ButterFly charger from Twelve South is a beautiful piece of design and works exactly as it should. You can charge your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time, or switch the iPhone for your AirPods case if that is your greater need. It’s a great travel charging companion that easily slips into a pocket. There’s the original metal MagSafe ButterFly model or the more affordable ButterFly SE that uses Qi2 but matches MagSafe for 15W iPhone charging speed. The ButterFly comes in five different color options, two exclusive to Twelve South.

A similar option to the ButterFly is Native Union’s cool and compact Voyage 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger for iPhone and Apple Watch. It comes with a color-matching USB-C cable and pouch to protect the charger when you travel with it.

Handcrafted from full-grain leather in San Francisco this refined super-premium crossbody bag from Waterfield features a dedicated iPhone pocket, which you can access one-handed via the clever magnetic closure that eliminates the need for fumbling with zippers. An extra layer of protection, the self-finding magnetic Fidlock buckle secures the flap in place. There’s also a more open slip pocket at the back.

This bag will just as well suit the style-conscious iPhone user who doesn’t want to stuff their device in their back pocket. There’s plenty of space inside (3.5L) the 10-x-7-x-3-inch bag for more than just your phone, with another zipped pocket for your less-often required essentials. The black leather model of the Hudson is the most dressy of this beautiful bag, with the Chocolate and Grizzly colorways a little more casual but still very smart.

The all-metal UAG Magnetic Ring, in a unique hexagonal shape, adds little bulk or weight to your iPhone and secures magnetically as its name suggests. The ring grip stand features a 360-degree rotation that you can use as a portrait or lanscape kickstand for hands-free viewing or stable selfies.

It’s available in a wide of colors: Blue, Pink, Titanium, Black, Olive and, ahem, Nude.

How often do you carry a tripod around with you in case you need to take a group shot or selfie from a distance further than your arm? Or you simply want to flip your phone into a more comfortable viewing position? Inspired by origami, the Moft Snap Wallet Tripod could be several solutions you are looking for. It folds up into a credit-card-sized device that’s just 0.36 inches thick and weighs 4.7oz, so you hardly notice in your pocket even though unfolded it can raise your iPhone by up to 8 inches. It’s clever and you’ll be surprised just how useful it can be. It uses Apple’s MagSafe tech to firmly grasp the iPhone, and then it’s up to you to decide which of the three shapes—floating, stand or vlogging—you want to fold it into. Plus you can store two credit or travel cards in it even when it’s connected to you phone.

Aulumu calls its lightweight (34g) G09 Infinite Rotation Dual-Mag Stand “the first true 3-axis smartphone stand”. The aluminium alloy stand/grip features precision damping and its dual-sided magnetic attachment means it will securely clamp not just to your iPhone but any magnet-friendly surface on the other side. It can works as a desktop mount, kitchen aid, travel companion, or vlogging accessory. The inner white silicone ring even glows in the dark, and you don’t need to remove the stand when wirelessly charging your phone.

You could you this nifty stand for anything—video watching, gaming, travel and video calls to name a few activities enhanced by a phone stand—but Apple would like you to take it with your yoga mat to ensure you are hands-free when exercising to its Fitness+ service. The GoStand is built with a composite and silicone construction and steel hinge and features precision indexable back support adjusts with a low-profile button.

Clamping magnetically to the back of your iPhone, this tri-function wallet stand is good looking and helpful if you misplace your phone. Not only will it hold up to five standard-sized cards but it pulls out to create a versatile stand in either landscape or portrait orientations. On top of that the built-in location tracker works perfectly with Apple’s Find My app so you can track it and make it findable if you’ve mislaid it. It makes a lovely gift for an iPhone users who no longer carries a wallet but still needs a few cards to hand.

No wrapping paper is going to look as good as this gift when unwrapped. It’s cute, it’s tough, and it is available in a range of super colors. The PowerThru by Casetify can charge up to 60W, which is more than enough for iPhone charging so could also be used for your USB-C iPad or MacBook.

Cables are by definition awkward things to carry around. They get tied up in knots all by themselves, are a unsightly nuisance, and are tricky to store. This thin 3.3-foot (1m) or 5.5ft (2m) USB-C cable is retractable so will slip into a drawer or pocket without dangling around getting in the way. You can buy it in black, white, purple or blue and is rated to support 100W so it can be used to charge your MacBook, too.

An affordable alternative is the Cable Matters Short Retractable USB C Cable available in a two-pack. Its 60W rating is more than enough for an iPhone or iPad (but not a newer MacBook Pro).

Another range of colorful USB-C cables is available from Anker. These are also tough and ready to charge anything from an iPhone 15 to a MacBook Pro.

Tired of modern life and yearning for the old days when a phone was a phone and not a computer full of apps and annoying notifications? Frustrated by a cricked neck or strained wrist from doing all your talking on a thin rectangular slab of metal and glass, and dreaming of the ergonomic delight of a phone with an earpiece and mouthpiece that nestles to the side of your head?

Native Union has relaunched the old-style phone handset that works with today’s devices to make comfortable calls feel like proper conversations again. With the POP Phone in hand you won’t be tempted by modern day distractions such as doom scrolling, checking the sports results, Facebook Reels, TikTok videos or the latest Instagram posts. Think about the person you’re talking to, not the device they have contacted you on.

The USB-C connection plugs straight into your iPhone (15 or later), MacBook or iPad. You don’t need to pair or even charge the thing.

This is selling like hot cakes sued to, but we are assured that stocks will be replenished by mid December. Keep checking back here for the buying links.

Despite the increasing ubiquity of USB-C as the cable connector for all devices, you are sure to have a Lightning device among your Apple goodies—say your AirPods case or Magic Mouse—or something that requires the older rectangular USB-A. You might even still be cursed with devices that still use the ultra-fiddly MicroUSB. The keyring-sized inCharge X includes swappable connectors that will solve all your charging challenges. It can handle USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, USB-A to Lightning options and USB-C to MicroUSB. It supports charging up to 100W so can be used bot just for your iPhone or iPad but your MacBook too. It also includes a clever proprietary chip that allows for charging laptops, tablets, and Bluetooth speakers using a USB-C device as a power source when you are away from a power socket, so you could take power from one device to another. A tied protective cap keeps the cables protected when not is use.

There’s a cheaper $20 InCharge with maximum 15W power and also an inCharge XL that can power at a high 240W but lacks the MicroUSB connector.

We know Arc for engineering the world’s most minimalist phone case, the Arc Pulse, and the company has introduces a new fashion accessory Arc Pulse (from $59.99) designed specifically for the AirPods Pro 3 with an aluminum, no-adhesive shell wrapping around the AirPods to guard against drops and also look fabulous in four finishes: Matte Black, Matte Orange, Matte Blue, and Polished Silver to match the latest iPhone 17 lineup while adding a pop of color to your white AirPods.

Why carry around a separate stand for your iPhone when you can use your drinking flask to do the job for you? This nifty gadget features an adjustable magnetic mount that works with all MagSafe iPhones (from 12 onwards). The flask itself features double-wall vacuum insulation for up to 12 hours (hot) or 24 hrs (cold) beverage storage. You can even add the top part to some of the most popular flasks, such as HydroFlask and Mira, too.

Journey

Ever mislay your water bottle or wonder who in the office/gym has swiped it? For $79 you could upgrade your choice to the Journey REEVUS Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle, pictured above, that has the same magnetic iPhone holder but also a super-useful built-In Apple Find My function.

If your iPhone stops charging via its cable, it’s understandable to think it’s old and broken and you’ll have to rely on wireless charging or just buy a new one. What is more likely the reason that your wired charging isn’t working is a dirty charging port or duff cable (see above). Stick your iPhone in your pocket and it inevitably attracts dust, fluff, and lint. Clear out the port (very gently!) and cable-based wired charging should return. This iPhone cleaning kit has more than you need to keep your iPhone and cables clean, and is available for iPhones with Lightning ports (any iPhone before the 15) and for iPhones (from 15) and iPads with a USB-C port.

Quick tip: if you need to clear out the accumulated fluff from your iPhone’s port you can use a small wooden cocktail stick with utmost gentleness. But a cocktail stick does not make much of a gift, does it? And this cleaning kit offers a whole lot more.

Belkin’s AirPods Cleaning Kit is a safer way to clean your AirPods than soap and a cotton bud. There’s no nice way of saying it but AirPods can get messy—that is yellow and waxy after spending time in your ears for a few hours. Follow the gentle cleaning process to safely remove dirt and earwax from your AirPods.

Apple’s AirTag is a great Bluetooth tracker that is easy to use and syncs wonderfully with the iPhone’s Find My app. You can buy just one or a pack of four. You can add it to a keyring or other accessory: check our Best AirTag Accessories roundup, so there are lots more gift ideas there too. If you want a tracker for your wallet or something that requires a flatter tracker, we like the Chipolo Card Spot.

The Wonderboom 4 is an excellent budget-friendly speaker that’s extremely portable, easy to use, fully waterproof (it even floats!), sounds great and lasts a long time. That might be enough for most people but it is also built with eco-friendly materials, which is always welcome in our book. 

Playing chess on your iPhone is an easy anywhere-way of honing your strategy skills with the classic game. But nothing beats playing on an actual chessboard—now you can combine the two with the AI-powered and app-enabled GoChess range from Particula. The GoChess app records and keeps track of all the games and moves, providing real-time analysis and insights to help users hone their skills and keep on top of their progress. You can invite friends for a match or play solo.

Offering three play modes, users can play face-to-face with an opponent or alone in AI mode (32 levels of difficulty). Colorful indication lights on the smart board provide real-time coaching, which includes suggestions of possible, best and worst moves, enabling players to improve their skills. Additionally, they can connect to popular chess platforms (Lichess and Chess.com) and play against people around the world or solve challenging puzzles and revisit historical games.

Available in a range of colors, the Tripped Tech Traveller is a premium, medium-sized tech bag that’s as happy next to your desk or in your tent as it is in your suitcase or backpack. It boasts multiple compartments and is tough enough for travel—made from tough 900D Polyester with weatherproof YKK zippers, soft protective padding, and a leather handle and zipper pulls. There are two internal pockets (one mesh so you can see what’s inside) for extra security for your most valuable kit, such as SD cards or a mini SSD. One external side pocket is big enough for your phone or whatever else you need fast access to. In the center, there are nine different-sized, divided, tight pockets for cables and small devices.

We also love this Bellroy tech case that is very well organized and will open flat so you can easily see all your cables and gadgets at a glance. If you know a friend who carries a lot of gear with their iPhone, there’s no better gift.