AppAdvice’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

ZOELO Satellite Communicator

While Apple is reportedly planning on adding satellite communication features to future iPhone models, there’s no need to wait for the same capabilities thanks to the ZOELO Satellite Communicator.

Instead of a satellite phone, the small device can provide communication options on your iPhone even when not in range of a cellular signal. Connecting to an iPhone via Bluetooth, the device uses the Iridium satellite network to provide text messaging anywhere on the Earth. In case of an emergency, you can also send an emergency SOS that provides your location to an emergency monitoring center for help.

And the communicator is designed to withstand the elements and more. The built-in battery can work for more than a week. Even though there is a subscription plan required to use the device, ZOLEO offers a number of price points to help you make the most of the device.

Roborock S7+ Robot Vacuum

Keeping a house clean definitely takes time and effort, especially if you have kids or pets. But the Roborock S7+ Robot Vacuum can help make your life a bit easier by keeping your floors clean of dust, debris, and more—all with the push of a button or Siri command on your iPhone. When it comes time to empty the robot, there’s no need to worry about getting your hands dirty as it will return to an auto-empty dock that can collect dust for up to two months before needing to be emptied. It uses LiDAR, the same technology found in many newer iPhones, to make a complete map of your home so you can choose to tackle a single room or area.

And it can do more than just vacuum. It also uses sonic technology to mop the floor and make shot work of stains on hard floors. The robot will automatically detect a carpeted area and stop mopping. It’s a complete package to help you retire the conventional mop and vacuum to a closet.

Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

Keep your Apple devices charged with the Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger. The charger can juice up your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch in one convenient package. Any model from the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 lineup can use the MagSafe charger to power up at the fast charging 15W speed. You can also charge in either horizontal or landscape orientation.

And at the same time, you can also power up an Apple Watch and AirPods. You can select from a black or white version of the charging station to best match your home.

Satechi Slim X2 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard

Satechi’s Slim X2 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard is a lightweight and easy-to-use keyboard for your Mac or iOS device and is a great alternative to Apple’s official option. The backlit keyboard features a full numeric keypad and specific function keys for both iOS and Macs.

As a nice touch, you can type across four connected wireless devices. You’ll juice up the wireless keyboard with an included USB-C cable.

Mophie snap+ powerstation

Another great accessory for any MagSafe compatible iPhone is the Mophie snap+ powerstation. The main draw is a 10,000mAH battery that can juice up your iPhone more than once. Thanks to the built-in, adjustable stand, you can place the iPhone in a great orientation while charging. There is even a tripod attachment on the bottom of the battery pack so you can attach it and your iPhone for better video or photos.

It can also be used to charge older iPhone models wirelessly, you’ll just need to place the battery in a flat orientation.

Twelve South PowerPic mod

For a permanent way to provide wireless charging to your iPhone in a home, take a look at Twelve South PowerPic mod. The charger is hidden behind a thick and borderless acrylic frame. Add your favorite photo and place the frame in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. Then you can place an iPhone, or even AirPods, on top to start charging.

You can select from a version with a black or white base. You will need to provide your own 20W USB-C adapter.

YETI Crossroads 27L Backpack

When you hear the word YETI, you probably think of the line of popular coolers and drinkware. But the company is much more. If you’re looking for a backpack to withstand your daily commute and much more, the YETI Crossroads 27L Backpack is for you.

Made with 700D nylon that’s designed to withstand water and abrasions, the backpack sports a padded sleeve large enough to hold up to a 15-inch Mac. The main compartment features room to hold your other accessories and pretty much anything else. For the most comfortable carry, the straps are made with EVA foam and the back panel uses a soft, contoured design. Three different color options are available.

Withings Sleep

Everyone knows the benefit of getting a good night’s sleep. But many times that is easier said than done. While the Apple Watch offers built-in sleep tracking, it can be uncomfortable to sleep with the wearable device on your wrist. The Withings Sleep provides truly hands-off sleep tracking.

The device is a small mat that is placed under your mattress. The tracker will provide advanced sleep analysis and even detect breathing disturbances and you heart rate while sleeping. Immediately when you wake up, results are sent to the companion Health Mate app. All of the information can transfer to Apple’s Health app.

Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station

Power is an essential utility for modern life. And the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station will keep you powered up not matter where you are or the situation. Instead of needing to use an expensive, loud, and dirty gas generator, the power station provides 1,000W hours of use with a 1500W inverter generator. That’s good enough to power large devices including a standard refrigerator.

The Yeti 1000X can be used to power almost any device with seven different port options, including two 120V AC and a 60W USB-C PD port for something like a MacBook Pro. Instead of gas, you can charge up the Yeti 1000X with a traditional power plug or even with an optional solar panel.

While perfect to use camping and in other situations, it can even be useful at home. After living through the four-day power outage in Texas in February from a massive winter storm, the Yeti 1000X can provide peace of mind when the next storm hits.

Speck SiliRing AirTag Holder

First unveiled earlier this year, Apple’s AirPods are an almost perfect way for anyone to keep track of their most important items. But there’s one problem. There’s no built-in hole in the device to attach it to keys or something else. Thankfully, a number of companies have stepped in to fill the void.

The Speck SiliRing AirTag Holder is tailor-made to attach your AirTag to a set of keys. It’s made from soft silicone and the two-piece construction will keep a tight grip on the AirTag. There is also a metal keyring. And if the SiliRing isn’t your style, Speck also has a wide variety of other AirTag accessories including a luggage tag holder and more.

Incase Hipsack With Bionic

To help carry your iPhone and other small essentials, the Incase Hipsack With Bionic is a great choice. The Hipsack features two inner compartments with multiple mesh pockets for easy organizations and a zippered internal valuables pocket. For quick access, there is also a zippered outer pocket.

The Hipsack is made with high-grade yarn made from recovered ocean plastic. You can select from a blue or light brown version. The Bionic line also features a MacBook Pro sleeve and backpack.