These stocking stuffers are the perfect gift for tech lovers

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stocking stuffers 2019
You don't have to give a big gift to make someone's holiday memorable with these great stocking stuffers.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The holidays are near, and the season of gift-giving is here. Finding that perfect something for your loved ones can be tricky, but sometimes it’s the little things that really make the difference.

Whether it’s a stocking stuffer, a secret Santa gift or you just need something quick and easy, these are five excellent gift ideas to point you in the right direction.

Apple Watch bands

Whether the person you’re shopping for is you, or someone else, one great option for a simple gift is a fresh Apple Watch band. It’s a great option to liven up the look of an Apple Watch and add a touch of color or class.

While Apple’s own bands are a nice option, you can get an equally great band — if not better — from Nomad.

The Nomad Rugged Strap looks great, and will hold up to your hardest workouts
The Nomad Rugged Strap looks great, and will hold up to your hardest workouts.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The company’s Rugged Strap is a silicone band with a classic buckle style. It comes with either black or silver hardware to match the Apple Watch case, and is tough, lightweight and super-comfortable. The Nomad Rugged Strap sells for $50.

If you’re looking for something a little fancier, the stainless steel (or titanium) bands perfectly complement the watch, feel incredibly sturdy and cost a fraction of Apple’s own link bracelet.

Nomad's line of metal bands (Stainless Steel and Titanium) add a touch of class to your Apple Watch for a lot less than Apple's own offering
Nomad’s line of metal bands (in stainless steel and titanium) add a touch of class to your Apple Watch for a lot less than Apple’s own offering.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

At $120, the Nomad link bands may be a little on the expensive side for a stocking stuffer or secret Santa gift, but it’s a great option if you feel like spoiling someone.

And, as always, the Cult of Mac Store stocks plenty of unique, high-quality Apple Watch bands.

Portable power

The Aukey PB-XN10 packs a 10,000mAh battery - enough to charge an iPhone two full times
The Aukey PB-XN10 packs a 10,000mAh battery – enough to charge an iPhone two full times.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Nobody likes running low on power, regardless of the device. That’s where a portable battery like the Aukey PB-XN10 comes to the rescue. The power block packs a 10,000 mAh battery – enough to recharge an iPhone or Nintendo Switch twice. It’s even powerful enough to fully recharge a 12.9-inch iPad Pro a single time.

The PB-XN10 also features both a USB-C and USB-A port. The pair allows you to charge two devices at the same time, making it great for traveling or an on-the-go lifestyle. Unlike many other portable power options, the PB-XN10 is also a fairly compact package. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket, or purse, and won’t break the bank.

Power without a plug

This Choetech wireless charging pad packs USB-C in, and up to 10 watts of power out
This Choetech wireless charging pad packs USB-C in, and up to 10 watts of power out.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Now that both the iPhone and AirPods (as well as a bunch of Android devices) come with wireless charging, it’s not a bad idea to pick up a Qi charger for anywhere you or your family might leave your phone. Whether it’s a kitchen counter, a desk or a side table in the living room or bedroom, having a wireless charger makes it quick and convenient to add a little juice back to your battery.

While there are hundreds of options on the market, one of my personal favorites is this one from Choetech. It plugs in to power with USB-C, and the square design looks great on any desk. It also features a subtle charging indicator light to let you know your device is powering up. The anti-slip material on the top also works great at keeping your slippery iPhone right where it needs to be.

Sound to fill the season

For only $60, the Tribit StormBox is an incredible speaker with tons of sound to accompany you, whatever the occasion
For only $60, the Tribit StormBox is an incredible speaker with tons of sound to accompany you, whatever the occasion.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

If you want something even more universally loved, give the gift of music. Room-filling music. The Tribit StormBox is an incredible Bluetooth speaker at a crazy-good price. At $60, this speaker has a big sound, punchy bass and is small enough to fit almost anywhere.

The StormBox’s shape is perfect for slipping into a backpack, bicycle or stroller water bottle holder, or tuck out of the way in your kitchen or living room. It pairs with any Bluetooth device — phones, tablets, computers, or even an Apple Watch — to make music enjoyable at home or on the go.

The wrapping is the gift

A Slickwrap is a great, affordable way to add personality to your device without the bulk of a case
A Slickwrap is a great, affordable way to add personality to your device without the bulk of a case.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

There are plenty of completely logical reasons for someone to use a case on their devices. It’s a shame, because the best-feeling device is often a naked one. That’s where a product like Slickwraps comes in. They offer a very thin layer of protection without bulking up or taking away from the natural shape and feel of your device. Slickwraps are super-easy to apply, come in a huge range of patterns and colors, and are a fun and unique way to add some personality to your device.

Unlike many cases on the market, Slickwraps are also compatible with PopSockets and Qi chargers, thanks to the vinyl material and incredible thinness. Slickwraps are available for a huge range of devices, from iPhones to Pixels to OnePlus, and even iPads, Apple Pencils and AirPods.

Slickwraps come at a variety of price points, depending on the device, and the company is known to run huge sales of up to 60% off. That makes Slickwraps a great, affordable gift option to treat a friend, family member or yourself this holiday season.

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