Best gifts for Mac fans [Gift Guide 2018]

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Mac gift guide 2018
Buying for a Mac fan? Start here!
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

We’ve shown you the best gifts for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users, but what if the person you’re buying for is a long-time Apple fan whose first love was the Mac? Then you should start your shopping right here!

Gift guide 2018 bugThis guide is filled with awesome accessories and gadgets that every Mac addict will enjoy. We’ve handpicked only the best — things we’ve used, reviewed, and would recommend — so that you can be sure your hard-earned cash is being well spent.

Check out our gift guide selections for Mac users below.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

AirPods in case
AirPods are for everyone.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

AirPods should be on everyone’s shopping list

Apple’s on a mission to eliminate the headphone jack entirely, which means wireless headphones are the way forward. And they don’t come much better than AirPods for those who use Mac and iOS devices.

AirPods offers super-simple connectivity, great sound and reliability, and terrific battery life. They also come in a handy charging case that keeps them safe while they’re rolling around in the bottom of a bag.

No matter who you give AirPods to, or what they’ll use them to listen to, they’ll be delighted. — Killian Bell

Buy from: Apple

Journal MacBook Air case
Look the part with the Journal case for MacBook Air.
Photo: Twelve South

Rich leather protection for MacBook Air

The MacBook Air may be Apple’s most affordable laptop, but it will look expensive in the cognac-colored leather Journal case from Twelve South. The Journal was designed for the new MacBook Air but will also fit the smaller MacBook Pro. It closes thanks to dual zippers, features reinforced corners and has a hidden internal compartment for documents. — David Pierini

Buy from: Twelve South

Mac Mini
The new Mac mini SleeveCase.
Photo: WaterField Designs

Beautiful bags for transporting the Mac mini

The Mac mini’s tiny form factor means you can throw it in any old bag, but that doesn’t mean you should. WaterField Designs has a sleeve and a satchel case made specifically for Apple’s updated desktop that lets you transport it with ample protection.

The SleeveCase fits the Mac mini like a glove and offers a wax canvas exterior that prevents scratches and scrapes, while the larger Travel Case has padded pockets that offer impact protection for your machine and essential accessories. — David Pierini

Buy from: WaterField Designs

SteelSeries Nimbus controller
Every game is better with physical controls.
Photo: SteelSeries

SteelSeries takes macOS gaming to the next level

For those who play games on their Mac (and other Apple devices), the SteelSeries Nimbus wireless controller is a must.

Its traditional design makes it a joy to hold even for long periods, while its built-in battery keeps going for up to 40 hours on a single charge — and can be topped up with a Lightning cable. It has all the buttons required for macOS and iOS games, pressure-sensitivity for precise control, and console-style analog sticks.

What’s more, the Nimbus is compatible with almost all Apple devices, including iPhone, iPod touch, and even Apple TV. — Killian Bell

Anker ultra-slim iPad keyboard
Slim, lightweight, and affordable.
Photo: Anker

An affordable keyboard that’s good for everything

This Bluetooth keyboard from Anker is perfect for pairing with a Mac (or an iOS device) when you’re in the office or on the go. It offers a full function row (with media controls and escape key), allowing full keyboard functionality.

Its rechargeable battery lasts for six months of daily use and can also be charged while in use. The slim design fits in almost any backpack or computer bag while leaving each device free from bulky cases.

Don’t be put off by its affordable price tag; this keyboard is a joy to type on — even all day long — and well-built. — Ian Fuchs

Buy from: Amazon

Avanti_Air_Feature_1
Superior comfort and even better sound.
Photo: Moshi

Premium wireless headphones with big sound

Looking for the best wireless over-ear headphones? Moshi’s Avanti Air boast a premium, retro look, comfortable cushioning, and — most importantly — great audio quality. The battery life is darn impressive, too, with more than 27 hours of playtime. My favorite audiophile discovery of 2018 — Luke Dormehl

Buy from: Amazon

The top of the Logitech MX Master mouse.
You can’t go wrong with this mouse.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

The best wireless mouse money can buy

Its simplistic design makes Apple’s own Magic Mouse uncomfortable and impractical for many Mac users. But you won’t have that problem with the Logitech MX Master 2S, which is widely regarded as the best wireless mouse money can buy.

The MX Master 2S works on almost any surface — including glass — and can be connected to three devices simultaneously over Bluetooth. It’s incredibly accurate, and boasts a speed-adaptive scroll well that can be tuned to your liking. It’s also incredibly comfortable to use for long periods, and lasts up to 70 days on a single charge. — Killian Bell

Buy from: Amazon

Logitech MX Sound speakers
Great sound at an even better price.
Photo: Logitech

Desktop speakers with stellar sound

Logitech also makes terrific speakers these days. Its new MX Sound 2.0 stereo speakers offer Bluetooth and wired connectivity, and they’re ideal for any Mac. They look great on your desk, have easy-switch technology that lets you seamlessly switch between different audio sources, and most importantly, they sound terrific. They’re also very affordable. — Killian Bell

Buy from: Amazon

The Lightpad and Loop Block work together.
The Lightpad and Loop Block work together.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

A treat for the little dummer boy (or girl)

This is the perfect way to shut up the annoying table-drummer in your life. Paired with a Mac (or iPhone or iPad), the Roli Lightpad Block makes music making easy for everyone.

It’s a pressure-sensitive silicone-topped block that doubles as a screen, and the bright colored patterns correspond to drum pads, music scales, even control sliders for your favorite music apps. It’s Bluetooth, it’s MIDI, and it’s awesome. — Charlie Sorrel

Buy from: Amazon

P300 Neo projector
The P300 Neo doesn’t need a lot of space to project a huge picture.
Photo: AXAA

Pocket projector turns any Mac into a cinema

Tiny projectors have always seemed like toys more than practical tools, but AXAA’s P300 Neo LED video projector bucks that trend. This tiny little guy packs 2.5 hours of battery life, touch controls on top, video inputs, and enough lumens to bust out an amazing picture anywhere.

The entire thing is about the size of three iPhone XS units stacked on-top of each other. I’ve been using the P300 Neo projector at outdoor parties for the last few months and it’s always a crowd pleaser, whether we use it play Mario Kart on the side of my van or watch BioDome in the woods.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a cheap external monitor just to watch movies and TV shows, I’d consider this little guy instead. — Buster Hein

Buy from: Amazon

Luna Display easily converts an iPad into a second screen for your MacBook Pro.
Luna Display easily converts an iPad into a second screen for your MacBook Pro.
Photo: Astro HQ

A second screen they already own

For the Mac lover who also owns an iPad, check out the terrific Luna Display. It’s an affordable dongle that turns any iPad into a second desktop display — and it works wonderfully. It’s better than any software solution, and it suffers hardly any lag. It’s a great way to make an iPad infinitely more useful when it’s not being used. — Killian Bell

Buy from: Luna Display

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