Best Apple Watch accessories for smartwatch fans [2017 Gift Guide]

Treat the Apple Watch lover in your life to some sweet gifts this holiday season.

Cult of Mac can help you pick out the finest accessories money can buy for Apple Watch fanatics. We have everything from swanky straps to chic charging stands in our best Apple Watch accessories roundup.

Best Apple Watch accessories

Apple famously calls its smartwatch its “most personal device ever.” That’s at least partly because Apple Watch is the company’s most customizable device ever.

In our guide to the best Apple Watch accessories, you’ll find unique Apple Watch bands to suit any style. Plus, we’ve rounded up the best Apple Watch chargers, docks and other gear to complement Cupertino’s ultimate smartwatch.

Casetify Holiday Bands

Casetify now offers a number of festive bands that are perfect for those who love the holidays. Available for both 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch variants, they come covered in Christmas trees, snowflakes and reindeer, snowmen, and more.

They’re made from fine Italian leather that’s water-resistant and comfortable to wear. They boast a scratch-resistant coating, and they’re incredibly durable. Check out the Cult of Mac watch store to see them all.

Buy from: Watch Store — $52

Nomad Sport Strap

The Nomad Sport Strap is ideal for fitness freaks.

While many Apple Watch bands put fashion front and center, the Nomad Sport Strap embraces the wearable’s exercise potential. This wide, black silicone strap makes the Apple Watch look less like a smartwatch and more like a hard-core fitness tracker.

It’s comfortable to wear — even on long runs — and sweat won’t spoil it.

Buy from: Watch Store — $39.95

SmaShell Charging Case

For those who take their Apple Watch with them wherever they go, there’s the SmaShell Charging Case. Not only does it provide complete protection while traveling, but it also keeps Apple Watch topped up so it’s always ready for use.

A 3,000mAh battery is enough to charge an Apple Watch four to six times, so for short trips, a dedicated charger won’t be required at all. And because SmaShell is compact and lightweight, it’ll slip into almost any bag unnoticed.

Buy from: Amazon — $28.99

TYD Accessory Case

Another great Apple Watch travel accessory is the accessory case from TYD. Available in a variety of colors, it carries Apple Watch itself, plus up to 12 different bands for those who are constantly switching up their look.

There’s also room for a charger and other essentials, and they’re all protected by high-quality carbon fiber PU, and a soft microfiber lining.

Buy from: Amazon — $34.99

Bucardo Pendants

If you want to gift something new and unique, check out these glamorous Apple Watch pendants from Bucardo. They turn a smartwatch into a charm necklace or pocket watch, and they’re available in a number of gorgeous colors and styles.

Each one is made from steel, and right now they’re discounted in the Watch Store.

Buy from: Watch Store — from $119

Apple Sport Loop

Apple’s Sport Loop band combines the comfort of a nylon strap with the ease of a Milanese loop. Its hook-and-loop fastener makes for quick and easy adjustment, while its double-layer nylon weave provides soft cushioning that allows moisture to escape.

Apple also promises attachment loops that are securely anchored for “superior” durability, so you get an attractive, easy to use band that’s guaranteed to last. All for just $49.

Buy from: Apple — $49

Spigen Rugged Armor

Just like any other gadget with a glass display, Apple Watch needs protection when used in harsh conditions. Spigen’s Rugged Armor case is great at keeping pricey wearables protected without impacting functionality.

It’s made from flexible TPU and couldn’t be easier to install. Its 1.2mm frame protects an Apple Watch from bashes and scrapes, and is compatible with all Series 3, Series 2, Series 1, and first-generation Apple Watches.

Buy from: Amazon — $13.99

Orzly Night Stand

Apple Watch is great as a bedside clock, and the Orzly Night Stand is an ultra-affordable way to make it visible at all times. It holds your device in landscape orientation, and accommodates its charging cable to keep it tidy and out of sight.

The Night Stand is made from durable TPU with a non-slip base, which means it’s incredibly robust yet compact and lightweight. It’s available in a number of pretty colors, and is compatible with all Apple Watch variations.

Buy from: Amazon — $7.97

Belkin Valet Charge Dock

If the Apple Watch lover you know also owns an iPhone, Belkin’s Valet Charge Dock is a wonderful addition to their desk or nightstand. It charges both devices at the same time, and looks good while doing it. It hides cables to reduce clutter, and comes in colors to match Apple gadgets.

Buy from: Belkin — $129.99

Apple AirPods

Apple’s latest software lets Apple Watch stream millions of songs from Apple Music. But a decent pair of wireless headphones are required. Look no further than AirPods.

They look and feel a lot like EarPods, but they sound even better. They feature Apple’s W1 processor for super-simple pairing with Apple Watch, and they last an impressive 8 hours on a single charge. They also let you use Siri hands-free, while the AirPods case keeps them topped up on the go. (Read our full review: “With AirPods, Apple gets back to ‘it just works’.”)

Buy from: Amazon — $159.00

Apple Music Gift Cards

Want to give the gift of music without breaking the bank? Choose an Apple Music gift card instead.

They can be used toward a three- or 12-month subscription plan, or you can give them a full year for the price of just ten months. And if they’re new subscribers, they’ll get another three months free.

Prices start at $29.97, and because you can email them directly to the recipient, they’re ideal gifts for those you won’t get a chance to visit over the holidays.

Buy from: Apple — from $29.97

Casetify Nylon Watch Bands

Nylon bands for Apple Watch are in high demand for their comfort and versatility. Add in great engineering and style, and you’ve got Casetify’s beautiful nylon bands.

Soft yet durable, with stainless steel fittings, these straps comfortably mold to one’s wrist with wear. They’re water-resistant, which makes them ideal for swimming and working out, and they’re available in a number of pretty colors.

Buy from: Watch Store — $40

Zens Powerbank

Like the Belkin Valet Charge Dock above, the Zens Powerbank charges both an Apple Watch and an iPhone at the same time. Except it doesn’t require mains power. Its built-in 4,000 mAh battery makes it ideal for Apple Watch wearers on the go.

It’s light and easy to carry around, yet delivers enough juice for recharging an Apple Watch almost 12 times. Sturdy and well-made, it measures just over 5 inches long and slips easily into a jacket pocket or laptop bag. (Read our full review: “This compact 2-in-1 battery pack recharges your Apple Watch and iPhone.”)

Buy from: Watch Store — $69.99

Bezels & Bytes Studded Bands

Transform Apple Watch into a chic fashion accessory with Bezels & Bytes’ decidedly girly collection of bling-accented bands. Made from high-quality leather with stainless steel studs, they are ideal for work and play. These feminine Apple Watch bands are comfortable and incredibly robust.

Buy from: Watch Store — $88

Ullu Leather Bands

Ullu offers a taste of the accessibly exotic with its line of handcrafted leather bands for Apple Watch.

Quality leather can give any Apple Watch (not to mention an entire wardrobe) a high-style touch. Ullu’s luxurious leather bands come in a wide variety of eye-catching colors.

Buy from: Watch Store — from $99

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Speaker

Apple Watch can stream music to a Bluetooth speaker, and with the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Speaker, you can get the party started anywhere.

With massive 360-degree sound and up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, it’s ideal for use inside and out. It boasts a 100-foot range over Bluetooth, and comes in a range of bright colors to suit any style.

Buy from: Amazon — $69.43