HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING GUIDE
With the holidays quickly approaching, and the persistent question of what to get for your loved ones, I present the first annual MacWhisperer gift-giving guide.
This guide is broken down into two separate sections:
1. Gifts organized by the different people in your life
2. Gifts organized by price (high to low).

MOTHER/FATHER/OLDER
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Let's start with the older people on your list. Your mother, father, or older friends and family. For this group, you need to keep the technology simple, giving them something that will better their lives without creating technological hurdles.

Suggestion 1: Apple Watch ($249-$799)
One of the best gifts for this crowd is the Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch comes in three separate models:
- Apple Watch SE($249) – The basic affordable model
- Apple Watch 8th Generation ($399) – The standard model
- Apple Watch Ultra ($799) – The brand-new durable and powerful Pro model
Why I recommend it:
The Apple Watch is a fantastic device with a strong fitness and health focus. It allows you to easily stay connected, and receive notifications without a phone. It's a great gift (specifically for older people), because it comes with fall and crash detection, that can alert you if your loved one takes a nasty spill or ends up in a car accident. If the watch detects one of these situations (or heart palpitations or a heart attack) it reaches out to designated emergency contacts with a text including the user’s location.
Suggestion 2: HomePod Mini ($99)
The next suggestion for this crowd is the Apple HomePod mini. The HomePod Mini is a standalone speaker, that lets you easily play music, or use Siri to send texts, create reminders, check the weather, set timers, and more. You can even use a HomePod to create an intercom system between rooms. They come in 5 colors, and deliver an unexpectedly big sound for such a small speaker.

Why I recommend it:
It's a simple device that can easily fill a house with music and without a phone or other device to control it. Plus, the older crowd loves talking on speakerphone, and with its powerful microphones and crystal-clear sound it makes the best speakerphone of all.
Runner-Up Suggestions:

Airpods
These headphones are great for discouraging the speakerphone

Apple TV
This small box makes any TV into a smart TV. With a Siri powered remote and infinite streaming capabilities it can help your parents finally cut the cord.

Airtags
These quarter sized GPS trackers can be used to prevent misplacing purses, bags, wallet, keys, bikes and more


HUSBAND/WIFE/
SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Your significant other is the most important people in your life, so you want to make them feel special. These gifts may cost a little more, but they show how much you care.
Suggestion 1: iPad ($329-$1,099)
The iPad comes in four models, and 3 sizes:
- iPad – The cheapest model, but it gets the job done (9th Gen. $329, 10th Gen. $449)
- iPad Mini – This 8.3” power house is compact, powerful, and comes in 4 colors ($499)
- iPad Air – This 10.9” tablet is light, fast and comes in 5 colors ($599)
- iPad Pro – By far the best iPad, with a great camera, Face ID, and a super fast M2 Chip. It comes in two sizes (11” - $799, 12.9” - $1,099)

Although the iPad has been around over a decade, it's just now hitting its stride. With the new iPadOS 16, the iPad can finally multitask and can even replace a computer. Your loved one may have never had one, might have an old one, or might be looking to lighten their load or replace their computer altogether. And you can even get it engraved for free. Imagine the look on their face when they unwrap it!
Why I recommend it:
The iPad finally has enough power to replace a laptop, plus they are great for watching videos in bed together, a little light work while traveling, or Facetiming the kids. If you splurge for the cellular version they will be able to get online wherever they are without Wi-Fi or other complications.

Suggestion 2: iPhone ($429-$1,099)
The iPhone comes in 5 models
- iPhone SE – This affordable basic model is still a great phone at a great price ($429)
- iPhone 14 & 14 Plus – The iPhone 14 comes in two sizes (6.1” - $799, 6.7” - $899)
- The iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max – The best iPhones around (6.1” - $999, 6.7” - $1,099)
Is the love of your life walking around with an ancient phone, or with a smashed screen? Are they constantly complaining about battery life and the inability to take good pictures? The holidays are a great time to upgrade a phone because most of the carriers have significant deals available.
Why I recommend it:
New phones feel like a luxury, but don't have to cost a fortune. It's a gift that the receiver secretly wants, but it's afraid to ask for. The latest generation of iPhones take amazing pictures, have great battery life, and keep you current with your Apple technology so that you can get more done from the palm of your hand. Plus they come in a wide selection of colors and sizes so whether it's the bright red iPhone 14, or the brand new purple iPhone 14 Pro Max you're sure to find a phone that will surprise and delight them.
Suggestion 3: AirPod Max ($549)
The AirPod Max are over the ear studio quality headphones with amazing sound, superior comfort and all the perks you would expect from Apple’s Airpods, like easy connection to all your Apple devices, built-in Siri control, and a sleek design.

Why I recommend it:
By now almost everyone has a pair of AirPods, but these luxurious feeling headphones are a massive improvement. They allow complete noise cancellation, and are comfortable to wear for hours, and if your loved one loves music (or keeps you up at night watching movies in bed on their iPad) this is a great fit for them.
Runner-Up Suggestions:

Airtags
For the loved one who would lose their head if it wasn’t fastened on

AirPods or AirPod Pro
Considering getting a sweet message engraved on the case

Apple Watch
To help support them to get in shape and stay healthy

Homepod Mini
To fill the bedroom with sweet, romantic, music on date night


SIBLINGS/FRIENDS
We love our siblings and friends, but when it comes to the holiday season we don't want to spend a fortune on them. These suggestions thread the line between affordable and desirable.
Suggestion 1: HomePod ($99)
The HomePod mini is a great gift especially for someone who loves music. They are affordable, portable, come in multiple colors, and don't require any other Apple devices for them to function. Whether they have a big house, or a small apartment, it can fill their room with sound. Combined with an Apple Music subscription, they get access to every song on iTunes even if they don’t have or use an iPhone. In addition to being able to play music, they act as a hub for a smart home, allowing you to turn on or off smart lights, control the thermostat, or even lock the front door by voice.

Why I recommend it:
Unlike many other Apple products, most people don't own and have never heard of a HomePod. It means you are giving them a gift they most likely won't return, and they didn't know they wanted. This allows you to show up as an awesome sibling, without having to call them and ask what they want (again).

Suggestion 2: Apple TV ($129)
The Apple TV is another Apple product that is constantly underestimated and misunderstood. It is not a television set, it is a small box that plugs into any TV, and turns it into a smart TV. With a voice controlled remote, and the ability to stream from any service (Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon prime, etc.…) it is an entertainment powerhouse, but when you add the connectivity of the Apple Ecosystem you gain the ability to share photos to the big screen or stream anything from your other Apple devices to the biggest screen (and best sound system) in the house.
Why I recommend it:
Apple just updated the Apple TV, and reduced the price from $179 to $129, making it a great time to upgrade an old Apple TV or purchase your first Apple TV. They are standalone devices so they don't require an iPhone or a computer, but they give you enormous capability to download hundreds of apps including games, music streaming, fitness and yoga classes and more. For a small price they pack a huge list of features!
Runner-Up Suggestions:

Airtags
For the loved one who would lose their head if it wasn’t fastened on

iPhone Cases
You can even design your own case with a fun picture of the two of you or

Car Mounts
An easy way to use an iPhone or iPad in the car

Charging Hubs
These can power your iPhone, AirPods, and watch simultaneously


KIDS
When it comes to gifts for the kids (your kids or the other kids in the family), it's important to keep it fun. These suggestions spark creativity, encourage them to use their imagination sand give them great ways to play.
Suggestion 1: iPad ($329-$1,099)
The iPad comes in four models, and 3 sizes:
- iPad – The cheapest model, but it gets the job done (9th Gen. $329, 10th Gen. $449)
- iPad Mini – This 8.3” power house is compact, powerful, and comes in 4 colors ($499)
- iPad Air – This 10.9” tablet is light, fast and comes in 5 colors ($599)
- iPad Pro – By far the best iPad, with a great camera, Face ID, and a super fast M2 Chip. It comes in two sizes (11” - $799, 12.9” - $1,099)

The iPad is a great gift for kids of all ages, but before you purchase one ask yourself how they will use it. If they are artistic, consider purchasing an Apple Pencil too so they can draw, journal or create. If they love reading, consider the iPad mini which is smaller and easier to hold in their hands. If they are into photos or graphic design, consider the larger screen iPad Pro which has a phenomenal camera, and an M2 processor that can support Photoshop, Procreate and other powerful art apps. If they love music consider adding on AirPods so they can really drop into the zone.
Why I recommend it:
An iPad is not a toy, it's a tool, and as our kids grow they will be using tools like this more and more so you are giving them a gift that can grow with them. And don't forget the iPad case, especially if they are young and you are afraid they might drop it. They make several durable cases (some of which are specifically made for young kids) that can keep the iPad safe and add a little extra whimsy to the gift.

Suggestion 2: iPhone ($429-$1,099)
With carrier promotions and the new iPhone lineup, this is a great time to buy. Don't forget the iPhone SE ($429) is a great purchase with great capability and solid updates for a very low price, and your carrier may even sweeten the deal with some of their own incentives.
Why I recommend it:
I know what you're going to say, your kids are already on the phone too much… but getting them comfortable with technology is an important step towards their future. Technology isn’t going anywhere, and learning how to use it properly, and using good equipment creates good habits for later on in their life. Plus, who isn’t excited to see a shiny new iPhone under the tree?
Runner-Up Suggestions:

Airtags
You knew it was coming, and aren’t you tired of finding their stuff for them?

Apple Pencil
To augment that new iPad and make beautiful art with it

iPhone Case
To protect that valuable shiny new iPhone

Charging Hubs
To clean up SOME of the wires and clutter on their desk.

Aipods
Be honest you don’t want to hear their YouTube, music and games

OVERVIEW OF ALL
RECOMMENDED GIFTS

iPhone
- iPhone SE – This affordable basic model is still a great phone at a great price ($429)
- iPhone 14 & 14 Plus – The iPhone 14 comes in two sizes (6.1” - $799, 6.7” - $899)
- The iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max – The best iPhones around (6.1” - $999, 6.7” - $1,099)

iPad (4 models)
- iPad – The cheapest model, but it gets the job done (9th Gen. $329, 10th Gen. $449)
- iPad Mini – This 8.3” power house is compact, powerful, and comes in 4 colors ($499)
- iPad Air – This 10.9” tablet is light, fast and comes in 5 colors ($599)
- iPad Pro – By far the best iPad, with a great camera, Face ID, and a super fast M2 Chip. It comes in two sizes (11” - $799, 12.9” - $1,099)

Apple Pencil
There are 2 Apple Pencils, make sure to get the right one for your iPad. Except for the base model all iPads support the far superior Apple Pencil 2, and if you get the 10th Generation base model you may need an adapter for the pencil.
-
Apple Pencil: $99
-
Apple Pencil 2: $129

Airpods
- AirPods 2: The lowest priced AirPods, they are a few years old but still excellent ($129)
- AirPods 3: The new upgraded AirPods with a new shape and better battery ($179)
- AirPod Pro 2: Noise cancellation, wireless charging case and custom sizing ($249)
- AirPod Max: Over the ear, high quality, noise cancelling headphones ($549)

Apple Watch
- Apple Watch SE – The basic affordable model ($249)
- Apple Watch 8th Generation – The standard model ($399)
- Apple Watch Ultra – The brand-new durable and powerful Pro model ($799)

Apple Watch Bands
There are dozens of high quality fashionable Apple Watch bands that you can find at Apple & Amazon. Most bands fit all model Apple Watches. Have fun and buy a few at a time so you have one for exercise, one for casual wear, and one for a nice night out.

Airtags
- Apple Airtag 4 pack $99 for a 4 pack
- Apple Airtag $29/each or single

Homepod
- HomePod Mini - available in Black, White, Orange, Yellow & Blue ($99)
OTHER ACCESSORIES

Car Mounts
- Magnetic Phone Car Mount - $13.99
- Macally Windshield Phone Mount - $24

iPad/iPhone/Airpod Cases
- ZUGU Case for 2021/2022 iPad Pro - $69
- Case Compatible with iPhone 14 - $26
- AirPods Case - $7.99

Apple Magsafe
- Apple MagSafe Charger - $37.90

Multi Charging Hub

Backup drive

iPad Case for Kids
- LTROP Case for iPad 10.2 - $15.99
- SUPLIK iPad 10.2 - $11.98

iPhone/Keyboard Case
- 12.9" iPad Keyboard case - $189.98
- 11" iPad Keyboard Case - $169
- iPhone 14Pro case with kickstand - $26.09