It’s the time of year when people start to struggle to find last-minute gifts for those who are not (or are) on your naughty list. If those wonderful people are MacOS users, why not give them something to make their digital life a bit more enjoyable and/or productive?
Also: 5 Apple products you shouldn’t buy right now (including this popular iPhone model)
There are plenty of MacOS-related gifts to have, but for me, these are at the top of the list.
1. Apple hardware
Let’s start with the obvious… a new MacBook, iMac, or Mac Mini. Why not go all out and give your loved one a new laptop or desktop powered by the latest Apple Silicon?
For my needs, it comes down to either the new MacBook Pro 14″ M4 Pro in Space Black, a Mac Studio, or a new iMac beefed up to 32 GB of Unified Memory and 2TB internal storage. Although Apple hardware does cost a pretty penny, it tends to last quite a bit longer than the competition. I’ve personally known people who’ve continued using their MacBooks for over a decade, so the investment is worth it.
2. Laptop case
Because Apple laptops cost so much, it’s important to protect them when on the go (or even around the house). A laptop case is a small investment that pays off big. With the right case, you could drop your MacBook, and it would remain safe within the protective and comfy confines of a case.
Also: This laptop case has saved me thousands of dollars in MacBook repairs
I’ve used the same Booq case for over a decade, but that model is no longer sold. The best type of laptop case to buy is a hardshell case, such as the Sithon Hard Shell case or the Smatree hard shell laptop sleeve.
3. Laptop stand
One of the issues inherent in every laptop is that when the hardware lays on a flat surface, it tends to force the user to look down. Do that for an extended period of time, and your neck and back will have something to say. If you want your loved one to avoid such physical strain, consider buying them a laptop stand that raises the laptop from the table (or desk). It also creates more space on the desk because you can tuck things underneath it.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that most laptop stands aren’t sturdy enough to allow typing directly on the laptop. Because of that, the MacBook user on your gift list will also need a keyboard (more on that in a bit). A solid entry in the laptop stand space is the Besign LS03 Aluminum Laptop Stand (which is currently 37% off on Amazon).
4. iPhone mount with MagSafe
The webcams on MacBook laptops are typically subpar. I’ve tried to record videos with them or use them in video calls, but the results are always disappointing. If your MacOS fan also uses an iPhone, they probably opt to use their phone as the laptop camera, which results in much clearer video.
Also: The best MagSafe accessories
If that’s the case, you might consider the Belkin iPhone MagSafe Camera Mount which attaches to a MacBook, and then the iPhone attaches via MagSafe. Once mounted (temporarily, of course), iPhone Continuity is used for vastly improved video calls.
5. A portable charger
There’s not always a wall outlet around when you need one. I’ve been in these situations enough that when I’m going to be out of the house for extended periods using my laptop, I always carry a portable charger. This has become a necessity for me when traveling or doing any sort of work beyond the house.
Even better, a portable charger doesn’t just work for a MacBook but also for iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and more. One of the lightest portable chargers is the Nitecore NB10000, and one of the more unique-looking portable chargers is the Shargeek Storm 2. Either of these chargers would be an outstanding gift for your MacOS lover.
Also: The best power banks
6. A USB hub
MacBooks are notorious for not having enough ports. My M1 MacBook Pro has only two USB-C ports, and that is not always enough. Thankfully, I have a Baseus 10Gbps docking station that extends those ports with two USB-B, two USB-C, an HDMI, and an RJ45 port. One of the reasons I prefer this USB hub over others is its size, which makes it highly portable and packable. The HDMI port is a must for anyone who needs to project video or images to an external source.
7. Headphones
Who doesn’t love a good pair of headphones? With a quality pair of headphones, your MacOS lover can do their thing just about anywhere without disturbing anyone else. Of course, I’m talking about actual headphones and not a headset that includes a mic. This is all about listening to music or watching videos in situations where others might not appreciate the added noise.
Also: The best headphones
For me, you can’t go wrong with the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro headphones,, which are an absolute dream to use. If your MacOS fan prefers earbuds, the Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 wireless earbuds (sensing a theme?) deliver brilliant clarity and accuracy.
8. External drives
Once upon a time, I would have said 512GB or 1TB was more internal storage than I’d ever need. Fast forward to today, and my iMac currently has five external drives attached. Granted, that’s mostly due to the number of videos I produce (with file sizes often nearing 100GB). External drives can serve to house files or even backups. Either way, your MacOS fan should have at least one external drive for backups.
Also: The best external hard drives
For me, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is the best bargain you’ll find. Not only do they have read/write speeds fast enough for video, but they’re also very rugged.
9. A new keyboard
I am not a fan of Apple keyboards. They might look good, but for long periods of typing, they stink. Not only are they too small, but the keys are also too mushy and fragile. I much prefer external keyboards, such as the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard.
If your MacOS fan suffers from any kind of repetitive stress issues from typing, this keyboard will save the day. I’ve been using a UHK keyboard for years, and it has all but alleviated the chronic wrist problem I had from typing on standard keyboards.
10. A new mouse
The Magic Mouse is cute. It really is. But for long-term use, like the keyboard, it stinks. Not only is it too small and hard to hold, but the charging port is on the bottom (but expect that to change in the next 12-18 months), which means if it runs out of juice, you’re going to have to wait until it charges to use it again. Whoever thought to put the charging port on the bottom needs to go back to design school.
I switched to the Logitech MX Ergo mouse a few years ago, and I haven’t looked back. This mouse is not only extremely comfortable, but it also includes a button that switches the cursor from normal movement to one pixel at a time, which makes it easy to get very detailed when working on image edits.