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01Check their iPhone before you buy
The best gifts for iPhone users work with the exact iPhone they carry. Two features decide most of it: whether the phone has MagSafe magnets, and whether it charges over USB-C or Lightning.
| iPhone | Magnets built in? | Charging port |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17, 17 Pro, Air, 17e, 18 Pro | Yes | USB-C |
| iPhone 15 and 16 (all except 16e) | Yes | USB-C |
| iPhone 16e | No | USB-C |
| iPhone 12, 13 and 14 | Yes | Lightning |
| iPhone 11 and earlier, all iPhone SE | No | Lightning |
Also glance at their case. Magnetic gifts hold through a thin case, but a thick rugged or wallet case without its own magnet ring weakens the grip a lot. If they use a plain case, a magnetic case makes a smart add-on gift, or pick something that doesn't rely on magnets, like a charger or a cable.
Can't ask without spoiling it? Look at the cameras on the back next time you see the phone, then use our guide to tell which iPhone someone has. Our blog keeps a full list of which iPhones have MagSafe.
02Under $20: small things they'll use daily
Little magnetic accessories make great stocking stuffers because they solve a daily annoyance and snap on with no glue.
- Camera-Style MagSafe Grip & Desk Stand ($17.99): a grip for one-handed photos that doubles as a stand. Fun for anyone who loves their camera.
- Faux Leather MagSafe Card Wallet with Stand ($18.99): carries a couple of cards and props the phone up for video. Good for people who hate carrying a wallet.
- 3-Pack Full-Cover Camera Lens Protector for iPhone 11–17 ($17.99): practical rather than exciting, but iPhone camera bumps scratch easily. Check the exact model fits.
- 240W Braided USB-C Cable with Foldable Stand ($17.99): for iPhone 15 or later. A cable that also holds the phone upright while it charges.
Magnetic grips, a card wallet and practical extras.
Want more ideas at this price, including some for Android owners? See phone accessory gifts under $25.
03$20 to $40: power and charging
This is the sweet spot for iPhone gifts. A magnetic power bank or a good wall charger gets used every week, and most people are still charging with whatever came in an old box.
- Pocket 5,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank ($30.99): snaps on and charges without a cable. Enough for a solid top-up on most iPhones.
- GripLux HyperGaN 160W GaN Charger ($29.00): three USB-C ports, so one plug handles a phone, earbuds and more. Recent iPhones don't come with a charger in the box, so this one fills a real gap.
- MagSafe Luxi Snap Grip ($31.99): our own magnetic grip, for anyone who uses their phone one-handed.
- 15W MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Charger ($20.99): a simple snap-on charger for the nightstand.
Which is the better buy? If they're often out all day, the power bank. If they're still using a slow old USB-A cube, the charger will make more difference to their week. A multi-port charger also means one plug for the whole kit when they travel, which is why we'd pick it for anyone who flies a lot. More on that in how to choose a wall charger.
iPhones charge fastest wirelessly on Apple's MagSafe charger or Qi2-certified chargers. Other magnetic chargers still work, but often more slowly than the number on the box. For overnight charging it doesn't matter. Qi2 vs MagSafe explains the difference.
Snap-on power, a 3-port charger and our own magnetic grip.
04$40 and up: charging stations and bigger banks
If they also wear a smartwatch or use wireless earbuds, a 3-in-1 station clears the cable clutter off a nightstand or desk. For travelers, a foldaway version packs flat.
+Why a 3-in-1 station makes a good gift
- One plug, three devices, one tidy spot
- Phone snaps into place on magnetic iPhones
- Something people rarely buy for themselves
–Check before buying
- Apple Watch needs a charger that lists it; check the product page
- Uses a wall adapter, which may not be included
- Larger iPhone camera bumps or thick cases can affect fit
- Desk 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Station ($47.99): for a desk or bedside.
- Foldaway 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Travel Charger ($49.99): folds up for a travel bag.
- Slim 8,400mAh MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Power Bank ($43.99): more capacity than the pocket bank for long days out.
3-in-1 stations and a larger magnetic power bank.
Torn between a 3-in-1 and a simpler stand? 3-in-1 vs 2-in-1 wireless chargers compares the two.
05Gifts to skip
A case, unless you know the exact model. An iPhone 17 Pro case won't fit an iPhone 17, and Pro Max is a different size again. If you want to give a case, ask, or include a gift receipt.
Lightning gear for a new iPhone. iPhone 15 and later use USB-C. A Lightning cable is only useful for iPhone 14 and earlier, or an iPhone SE.
Magnetic gifts for an iPhone 16e or SE without a magnetic case to go with them. They won't hold on the bare phone.
Questions people ask
What is a good gift for someone with an iPhone?
A magnetic power bank or a magnetic grip is useful and personal, and both snap onto iPhone 12 and later, except the 16e and SE. A 3-in-1 charging station is a good bigger gift if they also have a watch or earbuds.
Do MagSafe accessories work on every iPhone?
No. iPhone 12 and later have built-in magnets, except the iPhone 16e and the SE models. Older iPhones and the 16e need a magnetic case for magnetic accessories to attach.
Do new iPhones come with a charger?
No. Recent iPhones ship with a USB-C cable but no wall adapter, so a good USB-C charger makes a practical gift. Any USB-C Power Delivery charger of 20W or more fast-charges an iPhone.
Will a 3-in-1 charger charge an Apple Watch?
Only if the charger is built for it. Apple Watch uses its own magnetic charging puck, so check that the product page lists Apple Watch support before you buy.
What can I get an iPhone user under $20?
A magnetic grip stand, a magnetic card wallet, a camera lens protector pack or a USB-C cable for iPhone 15 and later all come in under $20.