Holiday shopping for an Apple Watch fan couldn’t be easier. There are so many awesome bands and accessories out there, you’re bound to find something they’ll love. But we’re here if you need a helping hand.
We’ve rounded up some of the best Apple Watch gifts that are a steal at under $40. There are bands, charging stands, cases, and more to choose from. All from brilliant brands like Mifa, Elago, and Rilee & Lo.
These products make for terrific stocking stuffers that are all but guaranteed to fetch a smile. And they’ve all been used and recommended by a member of the Cult of Mac team, so you can be sure they’re good.
Best Apple Watch stocking stuffers under $40
Photo: SwitchEasy
Blocks charging stand kit
Why buy a ready-made charging stand when you can have fun making your own from scratch? Not only will you spend less (probably), but you’ll have the freedom to create a stand that uses your own design.
Whether you want yours to charge iPhone, Apple Watch, or both, the Blocks kit gives you almost endless possibilities. It also makes a great gift for any creative mind, and it’s reduced to just $15.99 for a limited time.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $15.99
Photo: Mifa
Mifa classic leather band
Everyone loves a great leather band, and they don’t have to be expensive. Mifa’s classic option uses genuine hide that’s 3mm thick for great durability, and combines it with stainless steel buckles and adapters.
Perforated dots along the strap allow it to be more breathable, which means it’s perfect for all-day wear. And it looks good whether you’re dressing up for work or dressing down for the weekend.
Mifa’s classic band is so versatile, everyone should have one in their collection.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $25
Photo: Rilee & Lo
Rilee & Lo stretch-link band
Available in a range of gorgeous color options and made from premium stainless steel, Rilee & Lo’s wonderful stretch-link bands help make your Apple Watch look better than ever.
They’re inspired by high-end jewelry and designed to deliver a premium look and feel, and they’re considerably easier to get on and off than traditional stainless steel bracelets.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find an alternative stainless steel option that looks this good for under $40.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $40
Photo: Laut
Laut AW Stand
Laut’s simple AW Stand is a single piece of strong aluminum that gives your Apple Watch a place to rest while it’s charging. It looks great on any desk or bedside table, and it’s compatible with all Watch models.
The top of the stand is angled at 45 degrees to make your Apple Watch easy to read in Nightstand mode, and it has a rubber sleeve that ensures the back and sides of your Watch don’t get scratched.
Anti-sleep feet prevent the AW Stand from sliding around, while its three color options — gunmetal, gold, and silver — allow you to match its look with your Apple Watch case.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $29.99
Photo: Elago
Elago retro charging stands
Elago’s spectacular Apple Watch charging stands are my favorite products on this list. And if you’re buying for a fan of anything Apple (or retro gaming), I know they’ll love them, too.
The stands come in a number of outstanding designs inspired by the original Macintosh, the iconic iMac G3, early iPods, and the very first Game Boy. And they come in a number of eye-catching colors.
They’re also surprisingly affordable, with prices starting at just $13. The only problem you’ll have is choosing between them because they’re all so wonderful.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — from $13
Photo: Elkson
Elkson bumper case
It seems a shame to hide Apple Watch’s gorgeous design. But it’s also a bad idea to leave it exposed. So if you know someone who wears theirs in harsh environments, pick up the Elkson Quattro Bumper.
It ensures your Apple Watch doesn’t have to fend for itself by protecting it from scuffs and scratches. It covers the sides of the device that are prone to getting knocked, and has a lip that protects its screen.
The Quattro Bumper is made from military-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), so you know it’s up to the task. And it’s available in black or white.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $11.99
Photo: Elkson
Elkson silicone sports band
Whether you’re jogging dusty planes, surfing crazy waves, or lifting heavy weights, the Elkson sport band is perfectly suited. And it’s more than durable enough to handle it all.
Made from sturdy silicone, the band is lightweight and flexible, so it won’t feel uncomfortable while you’re on the move, and completely water-resistant so you can wash it off when it gets dirty.
It has a traditional buckle — not the fiddly “pin-and-tuck” closure you’ll find on Apple’s official Sport band — and it’s a bargain at $14.99.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $14.99
Photo: EdgeGear
EdgeGear Shift band for runners
Buying for a runner? Gift them the outstanding Shift band from EdgeGear, which is designed to fix one of the biggest complaints runners have with Apple Watch — that it’s hard to see while you’re on the move.
The Shift puts your Apple Watch on the back of your hand where it’s easily readable, so you can see important stats in an instant. It’s fully adjustable, incredibly comfortable, and super-secure.
It’s also compatible with all generations of Apple Watch.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $39.99
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac
Nyloon nylon bands
Nylon bands are delightfully lightweight, comfortable, and available in a huge variety of styles and color options. And Nyloon offers some of the nicest money can buy — all for under $40.
Each one is made from ballistic-grade nylon and fits most wrist sizes. They’re thicker and more durable than ordinary polyester bands, and they feature stainless steel adapters that are built to last.
With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect look for the Apple Watch lover in your life.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — from $39.95
Photo: Benjamin McKay/Cult of Mac
Carterjett nylon NATO bands
You can also get nylon bands in a NATO-style strap, thanks to Carterjett. They’re soft and flexible, waterproof, and extremely comfortable — ideal for long days and an active lifestyle.
Carterjett uses unique adapters that don’t use screws, which means you don’t have to worry about them falling apart after a few months. It also offers XXL size options, so its NATO straps will fit almost any wrist.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — from $39.95
Photo: Carterjett
Carterjett leather NATO bands
How about a NATO strap made from leather instead? This one offers all the advantages of the NATO fit, but with premium leather — soft and supple right out of the box — that provides a more professional look.
The band sports burnished edges and minimal stitching, and it’s combined with polished black hardware. It’s ideal for Apple Watch owners with more sophisticated taste, and nowhere near as pricey as it looks.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $29.99
Photo: Elago
Elago 3-in-1 charging hub
For the Apple Watch owner who also has AirPods, how about Elago’s excellent 3-in-1 charging hub? It tops-up iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously — and looks good while it’s doing it.
The hub is made entirely out of silicone, so it’s virtually unbreakable. You don’t have to worry about it getting knocked over, and you can take it anywhere without fear of it getting crushed in your bag.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $30
Photo: Elkson
Elkson Quattro Pro
The Quattro Pro combines a bumper and band into one. Its incredibly strong design, which includes sturdy stainless steel buckles, ensures Apple Watch stays on your wrist even during intense activities.
The bumper encases your Apple Watch in a 1.2mm cushion with a raised edge that protects its sides and screen without interfering with its functionality. And it even works with most screen protectors.
You can continue to use your Watch’s Digital Crown, buttons, microphone and speaker, and features like the ECG while wearing the Quattro Pro. It won’t get in the way of charging, either.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $18.99
Photo: HEDock
HEDock charging stand
The HEDock is made entirely out of high-grade aluminum, and it costs just $15. It looks good no matter where you put it, and it’s crafted to securely hold onto your Watch without falling over.
Its compact, minimalist design means the HEDock will fit anywhere, whether you plan to stick it by your bed or on your desk. And its brushed finish complements other Apple products beautifully.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $15
