My favorite iPhone accessory stocking stuffers, 2016

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This year you probably know someone who got a new iPhone and needs some new accessories. Here are a few of my favorite. All are well under $25.

Case

I always recommend to use a case with your iPhone. Even a minimal one can save your iPhone from a drop. I’m a fan of Elago cases because they are inexpensive and come in a wide variety. You may want to explore their full catalog but here are a couple of my favorites. They range from about $10 to $15 depending on size and color.

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Bluetooth car upgrade kit

If you got a new iPhone 7 (or if you have an older iPhone but want the convenience of wireless) you can get a very inexpensive Bluetooth upgrade kit for your car, provided you have an AUX input already. This little adapter plugs into your car’s AUX input, is powered by USB (adapter not provided, but keep reading) and pairs via Bluetooth. It allows you to control your music and answer calls with a button, and automatically stops and starts your music with the ignition. Now you can listen to music or get navigation and charge your iPhone simultaneously.

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USB charger for the car

If you’re plugging your iPhone in with an older USB adapter or with your car’s built-in USB, you are likely not charging your iPhone at full speed. Standard USB offers 0.5 amps of power, but recent iPhone models can accept about 1.5 amps. Don’t worry about overpowering a device though, higher amps aren’t delivered unless the device asks for it. Changing to a newer USB adapter can charge your phone 2 to 3 times faster than an old adapter. Even faster than the wall charger that is included with your iPhone.

This little one is great because it is small, offers up to 2.4 amps per port to charge even power hungry iPads, and has an additional port so you can charge two phones or a phone and the above Bluetooth adapter. Cables not included, since it can work with any USB device.

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USB wall charger

Like the charger above, will charge your devices much faster than a generic charger. Even faster than the charger that is included with your iPhone. And it is powerful enough to charge an iPad at full speed.

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iPhone dashboard mount

I’ve used several dashboard mounts over the years and this is by far my favorite. And not because it is also the cheapest one I’ve owned. It is simple, elegant, and is easy to mount or pick up with a single hand while keeping your other hand on the wheel. It comes with two magnetic plates that slip inside of your iPhone case or attach to the exterior. Just slide the mount onto your air vent fins (turn that vent off to avoid heating or chilling your iPhone too much), and put your phone on the pad.

It comes in a standard size and a size for “Plus” phones.

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