Brilliant gifts for any iPad fan [Gift Guide 2019]

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iPad-Gift-Guide-2019
Shopping for an iPad fan? Start here!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Black Friday is upon us, which means it’s a great time to start your holiday shopping. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to buy — Cult of Mac is here to help you choose the best gifts for the iPad lover in your life.

Gift-Guide-2019-bugYou’ll find the best headphones, speakers, game controllers, and keyboards in our iPad gift guide for 2019. And there’s something to suit every budget.

So, when you’ve finished scoffing down that turkey, check out the roundup below.

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

Best gifts for iPad fans

All of the iPad gifts we’ve chosen have been used and recommended by a member of the Cult of Mac team. So you can be sure you’re spending your hard-earned cash on something good.

Some of our selections might be obvious choices (who wouldn’t want AirPods?), but you should also find a few gems you may not have stumbled across before.

AirPods-Pro
The best wireless headphones for iPad.
Photo: Apple

AirPods Pro

No list of iPad gifts would be complete without the incredible new AirPods Pro. They’re the best wireless headphones you can buy for $249, and the best-selling headphones in the world today.

AirPods Pro are the newest, most impressive models. They offer improved sound, active noise cancellation, and a better fit. They’re also sweat-resistant, so you can wear them during workouts.

A built-in W1 chip means AirPods Pro pair quickly and easily with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac. And they last a good 4.5 hours — 24 hours with the Wireless Charging Case — in between charges.

Check out our full AirPods Pro review for more.

Buy from: Amazon

AirPods
The second-best wireless headphones for iPad.
Photo: Apple

AirPods

If AirPods Pro are a little out of your price range, pick up Apple’s second-generation AirPods instead. They’re still terrific headphones, and now available everywhere with big discounts.

AirPods pack the same W1 chip as AirPods Pro, which gives you “Hey Siri” support and a wonderfully reliable connection. They also last a little longer — up to 5 hours — in between charges.

Check out our full AirPods review for more.

Buy from: Amazon

The newest iPad mini supports the first-gen Apple Pencil, not the newer version of this stylus.
A must-have for iPad owners.
Photo: Apple

Apple Pencil

Every iPad owner should have an Apple Pencil. It’s essential for drawing, jotting down quick notes, and things like advanced photo editing. And it’s by far the best iPad stylus money can buy.

Apple Pencil offers unbeatable accuracy and virtually no lag. The newest model, compatible with the 2018 iPad Pro lineup, also features a built-in tap sensor for shortcuts, and wireless charging support.

For those with an earlier iPad or iPad Pro, you’ll need to pick up the original Apple Pencil, which is a little more affordable.

Buy from: Amazon

Sony-DualShock-4
Yes, you can use PS4 controllers with iPad now. And they work great!
Photo: Sony

DualShock 4 wireless controller

Apple’s recent software updates allow iPad to play nicely with PlayStation and Xbox controllers for the first time. And that’s huge for those who enjoy gaming on iOS. So gift them a DualShock 4 controller.

It connects to iPad in an instant, and requires no additional software to work seamlessly. It works inside all games that have controller support, including big hits like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Mobile.

The controller can also be connected to iPhone, Apple TV, and Mac to play games there. And it instantly makes the best games even more enjoyable. Pick one up on Amazon this Black Friday to save 35%.

Buy from: Amazon

Logitech Slim Folio Pro
The best iPad Pro keyboard case.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech Slim Folio keyboard case

Those who like to get stuff done on their iPad need a decent physical keyboard. And they don’t get much better than the Logitech Slim Folio keyboard case, which simultaneously protects your iPad while you use it.

The Slim Folio has a full keyboard — with function keys — that’s a dream to type on. The keys have great travel, feel sturdy, and are backlit so that you can use them comfortably in darker rooms.

The keyboard folds out of your way when you don’t need it, while the case protects your iPad during travel. There’s even space for your Apple Pencil so that won’t get lost in your bag.

Check out our full Slim Folio review for more.

Buy from: Amazon

Viozon-iPad-stand
Turns iPad into a tiny iMac.
Photo: Viozon

Viozon aluminum iPad stand

For those who like to use their iPad at a desk with an external keyboard, pick up the brilliant Viozon aluminum stand. It turns your tablet into a tiny iMac and makes getting things done much more comfortable.

The stand can be tilted to get the best viewing angle, and rotated so that you can quickly switch your iPad between portrait and landscape modes. And there’s a handy hole to keep dangling cables in check.

The bracket that holds your iPad is adjustable, so it works with almost device — from iPad mini to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. You can also use it with devices like the Microsoft Surface.

Check out our full Viozon iPad stand review for more.

Buy from: Amazon

HyperDrive-iPad-Pro
Connect anything to iPad Pro.
Photo: HyperDrive

HyperDrive USB-C hub for iPad Pro

The 2018 iPad Pro lineup packs a USB-C port that lets you connect almost anything — but you’ll need a USB-C hub first. This one from Sanho is one of the best, with common ports and a great design.

You can use the HyperDrive hub to connect traditional USB cables, SD and microSD cards, wired headphones, and even an external monitor. It has a USB-C that supports power passthrough, too.

What’s really great about the HyperDrive is how it attaches directly to your iPad, so you don’t have to worry about a dangling dongle. Order yours on Amazon now to get $30 off the usual price.

Don‘t miss our full review of Sanho’s HyperDrive iPad Pro.

Buy from: Amazon

Ultimate-Ears-Boom-3
When you need bigger sound, the Boom 3 delivers.
Photo: Ultimate Ears

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 wireless speaker

The speakers built into Apple’s newest iPads are surprisingly good. But you’ll still need an external speaker if you plan to enjoy music and movies with your friends — and the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a terrific choice.

About the size of a 16-ounce beer can, and the same cylindrical shape, the Boom 3 pumps out superior sound. It features a Magic Button that puts your favorite playlists at your fingertips, and has a mic for taking calls.

The Boom 3 is dust- and water-resistant, so you can use it just about anywhere. And it’s built like a tank, so you don’t have to worry about breaking it when lugging it around in your bag.

Order yours on Amazon today to save $30.

Buy from: Amazon

Apple-gift-card
A gift card never fails when you don’t know what else to get.
Photo: Apple

App Store & iTunes gift card

If you’re holiday shopping on a tight budget, you can’t go wrong with an App Store & iTunes gift card. They can be used to purchase apps and games, music and movies, books, and more.

You can also spend them on services like Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple TV+. They’re an ideal gift for any iPad fan, and they start at as little as $25.

Buy from: Apple — from $25

That’s it for our list of the best iPad gifts for now, but we’ll be updating this roundup again ahead of the holidays. Come back later to find more amazing iPad gift ideas, and don’t miss our new iPhone gift guide.

Note: On some of these products, Cult of Mac may earn a small commission through an affiliate link. However, we’ve picked them strictly on their potential value to our readers.

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