After the best iPad gifts this Christmas? Or, more specifically, are you on the hunt for the best gifts for the iPad owner(s) in your life? Because the second one makes more sense. But we digress.
A few well-chosen accessories can make even Apple’s practically perfect tablet more useful – whether you’re settling down to sketch or frantically catching up on work away from your desk. With that in mind, you’ll find six gift ideas below, catering for a broad range of iPad owners, across different budgets. And yes, you’re allowed to treat yourself.
Apple Pencil Pro
Apple’s Pencil Pro is a no-brainer for the creative in your life, responding to pressure and tilt, giving digital artists finer control over their strokes and shading. Rotating the barrel even turns a shaped brush, much like twisting a flat paintbrush in the hand – at least, so other actual artists tell me. There are useful shortcuts, too – in Procreate, for example, a squeeze can bring up the colour picker or switch tools without a trip to the toolbar.
Pairing and charging cleverly happen automatically when it’s attached magnetically to a compatible iPad, while Find My support helps locate a misplaced Pencil. Apple offers free engraving, too. Do check which iPad they own before ordering though – Pencil Pro won’t work with every tablet that supports an Apple Pencil. Best to avoid tears on the day, eh?
Moft Dynamic Folio Case
Moft’s Dynamic Folio Case hides a clever folding stand into the cover of an iPad case. Open it out for a low drawing position, or raise the tablet for more comfortable reading and video calls, if you fancy. It supports portrait and landscape use, with folds that let you adjust the angle to suit whatever you happen to be doing.
This updated version adds protection around the edges and corners, while still folding flat to slip into a bag, while the leather-free covering comes in plain black or two-tone finishes. There are versions for supported iPad Air, Pro, and Mini models, so make sure to sneakily clock the lucky recipient’s exact iPad model before ordering.
RayNeo GT Max
An iPad is great for watching films on a train, though even the most wide-eyed, optimistic users won’t mistake it for a cinematic experience. RayNeo’s GT Max glasses offer a rather larger view in a compact, hands-free form factor, connecting to a compatible device (like an iPad!) over USB-C to conveniently place a large, virtual screen directly in front of their eyes. The default virtual screen is equivalent to 267in, with smaller and larger settings available.
Built-in head tracking conveniently lets you pin the screen in place instead of having it follow every turn of your head (though that’s an option too, if you prefer), while four Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers beam surprisingly impressive sound towards your ears. As with other items in this guide, you’ll want to make sure you note the iPad model in question. It requires an iPad with video output over USB-C for a direct connection – older Lightning port-toting iPads will need an adaptor, as mentioned on RayNeo’s website.
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad
8BitDo’s Pro 3 brings retro console styling and physical thumbsticks, triggers, and a D-pad to iPad gaming sessions. It connects over Bluetooth, leaving the screen clear of fingers while players work through whatever the latest DLC-downloading, AAA loot-crate-busting, celeb-endorsed shooter is these days.
The magnetic face buttons can even be rearranged to suit their preferred layout, and it also works with Switch, Switch 2, Windows PCs, and Macs. Throw in a charging dock, and there’s plenty to love! Just make sure any iPad intended to be used with it is running iPad OS 26 or later.
Paperlike 3
Writing on glass can take some getting used to after years of notebooks and sketchpads – particularly if you’re buying for a stubborn luddite. Paperlike’s finely textured screen protector is here to ease the transition, giving an Apple Pencil more resistance as it moves, making the surface feel closer to paper – useful for someone who spends plenty of time drawing or taking handwritten notes.
The pack includes two protectors, plus cleaning and alignment tools to help with fitting. Choose the version for their exact iPad model, and bear in mind that the texture slightly affects clarity and brightness. Definitely one for a keen sketcher, rather than a dedicated Netflix enjoyer.
Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub
For someone who works from their iPad, Satechi’s folding stand brings an indispensable collection of sockets to proceedings. Its SD and microSD readers handle camera cards, while USB-A and USB-C ports connect drives and other accessories. There’s an HDMI for an external display, too, plus a 3.5mm socket for wired headphones or a microphone.
The stand also comes in handy for upright typing with a separate keyboard, then folds flat for travelling, with its built-in USB-C cable tucked underneath. Plug a charger into the power socket, and you can keep the iPad charging while using the other ports, too.
