Which iPad Is Best for Christmas?
An iPad is one of those Christmas gifts that rarely disappoints. Whether it’s for schoolwork, creative projects, entertainment or everyday use, Apple’s tablet range offers something for almost everyone. But with several models available, choosing the best iPad for Christmas can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll break down the main iPad models, explain which ones suit different needs, and help you pick the right iPad to put under the tree this Christmas.
The Best iPads for Christmas: An Overview
Apple’s iPad lineup currently includes four main options: the standard iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPad mini. While all are excellent devices, not every model makes sense as a Christmas gift.
Standard iPad
The standard iPad is often the best all-round Christmas choice. It balances performance, screen size and price, making it ideal for students, families and first-time iPad users.
- 10.9-inch display
- Reliable performance for schoolwork, streaming and apps
- Compatible with Apple Pencil and keyboards
- Great value for money
iPad Air
The iPad Air is a step up, offering stronger performance and a lighter design. It’s perfect if the recipient plans to use creative apps, multitask heavily or keep the device for several years.
- 11-inch or 13-inch display options
- M-series Apple chip for fast performance
- Slim, lightweight design
- Excellent for students and creatives
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is Apple’s most powerful tablet. It’s best suited for professionals, designers or users who want laptop-level performance in tablet form.
- 11-inch or 13-inch display
- Top-tier performance with M-series chips
- Face ID and advanced camera system
- Higher price point
For most Christmas shoppers, the iPad Pro is more power than necessary — unless you know the recipient will genuinely use it for demanding tasks.
iPad mini
The iPad mini is compact and powerful, but its smaller 8.3-inch display makes it less suitable as a main Christmas tablet. It works better as a secondary device rather than a primary gift.
Which iPad Is Best for Christmas School Use?
If the iPad is a Christmas gift for school or college, screen size, battery life and compatibility with accessories matter most.
For most students, the standard iPad or iPad Air is the best choice:
- Large enough for note-taking and split-screen apps
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Supports Apple Pencil for handwritten notes
- Light enough to carry daily
The iPad mini is usually too small for extended study sessions, while the iPad Pro may be unnecessarily expensive for school use.
Why an iPad Makes a Great Christmas Gift
An iPad works for far more than just one purpose, which is why it’s such a popular Christmas present. Depending on who receives it, an iPad can be used for:
- schoolwork and revision
- streaming films and TV
- creative drawing and design
- video calls with family
- reading, gaming and everyday browsing
It’s also intuitive to use, making it suitable for children, teenagers, adults and even grandparents.
Best Apps to Set Up on an iPad for Christmas
To get the most out of a new iPad, a few apps can make a big difference from day one:
For notes and schoolwork
- GoodNotes
- Notability
- OneNote
- Evernote
For productivity
- Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Google Docs
- Trello or Todoist
For learning
- Quizlet
- Anki Mobile
- BBC Bitesize
Many students can also access Microsoft Office 365 Education for free with a valid school email address.
Helpful Tips for Gifting an iPad at Christmas
- Set up a to-do or planner app for organisation
- Enable Split View for multitasking
- Link apps across devices using iCloud
- Consider accessories like Apple Pencil or a keyboard case
Protective cases and screen protectors are especially useful for younger users.
FAQs
Which iPad is best value for Christmas?
The standard iPad offers the best balance of price, performance and features for most people.
Is an iPad better than a laptop for Christmas?
An iPad can handle most everyday tasks, but laptops are still better for heavy typing. Many people use an iPad with a keyboard case as a middle ground.
Is refurbished a good option for Christmas?
Yes. A refurbished iPad allows you to give a higher-spec model for less money, while still receiving a fully tested device.
Which accessories should I buy with an iPad?
The most useful accessories are the Apple Pencil, a keyboard case and a protective carry case.
If you’re shopping for an iPad this Christmas, you can browse our range of refurbished iPads, each fully tested through a 90-point check and ready for gifting. And if you’re upgrading from an older device, you can also trade in your existing tech to put its value towards your Christmas purchase.
