5 iPads That Make Perfect Christmas Gifts

When you shop for an iPad tablet as a holiday gift, you want something that fits the recipient’s habits — whether that’s streaming, drawing, working or staying connected. This guide compares five standout options so you can pick the right balance of power, portability and price.

These picks focus on real-world benefits: speed, display quality, battery life and value, and they include both Apple iPad tablet options and alternatives if you need a lower price point. Read on so you can confidently choose a device that will be useful from day one.

Top Picks

How We Picked These iPads

You want a holiday gift that feels useful from the first day. We focused on the factors that matter most to real users: performance (chip and RAM), screen quality for media and creativity, battery life for all-day use, storage options, device ecosystem and accessory support, and value at the listed price.

We also considered form factor and portability so you can match each tablet to how the recipient will use it — from professional creative work to casual streaming or as a smart-home display.

Apple iPad 11-inch (128 GB, Silver)

11-inch iPad with A16 chip, Liquid Retina display, 128GB, Wi‑Fi 6, 12MP front/back cameras, Touch ID, USB‑C and all-day battery — Silver.

£310.00

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You’ll notice right away that this 11-inch iPad feels speedy for everyday use — browsing, streaming and light photo or video edits all run smoothly thanks to the A16 chip. The Liquid Retina display makes movies and sketches pop, and Apple Pencil plus Magic Keyboard support turn this from a handheld tablet into a practical creator’s tool or compact workstation.

If you’ve used Android devices or a Samsung tablet before, you’ll find it familiar for media and browsing, but with a few Apple conveniences like Touch ID and iPadOS multitasking. For a holiday gift, it’s a stylish, well-rounded choice whether the recipient wants something for entertainment, school or light work.

What People Say

Most buyers praise how responsive the A16 chip makes everyday tasks and love the screen quality for streaming and drawing. Reviewers frequently mention long battery stretches and useful Apple Pencil compatibility, while a few note minor hassles like charger cable issues or delivery and support experiences. Overall, people tend to see it as good value for a capable, mid-size iPad.

Use Cases

Versatility

iPadOS supports split-screen apps, multitasking and a huge app library, so the device can handle everything from reading and streaming to light productivity and creative apps. Add a keyboard or Pencil, and it adapts to schoolwork, sketching or quick office tasks.

Looks

The Silver finish looks clean and modern, with slim bezels that keep the focus on the screen. It’s subtle enough to suit most tastes while still feeling premium.

Travel Friendly

At 11 inches, it hits a sweet spot: big enough to work on, small enough to slip into a tote. USB‑C charging and dependable Wi‑Fi 6 make connections and top-ups straightforward on the go.

Key Benefits

• Superfast A16 performance for apps and multitasking
• Bright Liquid Retina screen that’s great for media and drawing
• 12MP front and back cameras with Touch ID for quick access
• Supports Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for notes and creativity

Current Price: £310.00

Rating: 4.5 (total: 2,599+)

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MUISOO 10-inch Android Tablet

MUISOO 10-inch Android 15 tablet — 16GB RAM, 32GB ROM, 1TB expandable, 1332×800 HD IPS, Wi‑Fi 6, BT5.4, 5MP+2MP cameras, 5000mAh battery, Widevine L1.

£59.98

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You’ll find this MUISOO tablet is an oddly capable budget option: Android 15 keeps things feeling fresh and the 16GB RAM (with expansion tech) helps apps run without constant hiccups. The 10-inch IPS screen is bright enough for evenings of streaming, and Widevine L1 means you can actually watch HD shows on services that need it.

Storage is generous once you pop in a microSD — great if you like downloaded shows on trips. If you’re weighing this against an Ipad tablet for a gift, this one is more about practical value than premium polish, so it’s ideal for someone who wants a reliable everyday tablet for media, light work and kids’ apps.

What People Say

Buyers often praise the tablet’s surprising speed for the price and comment that the screen is clear for streaming and reading. Lots of reviewers highlight the roomy RAM and expandable storage, plus the convenience of Widevine L1 for HD video. A smaller group mention occasional software hiccups or orientation issues, but most feel it offers solid value for everyday use.

Use Cases

Versatility

This tablet handles a lot of day-to-day jobs: streaming, browsing, note-taking and casual gaming. Android 15 makes app management straightforward, and the expandable storage means it can shift from a media player to a study companion or a kids’ device without too much trouble.

It won’t replace a premium iPad tablet for pro-level creative work, but for most people, it’s an adaptable, cost-conscious choice.

Looks

The black finish is simple and unobtrusive, so it fits in at home or at a café. Bezels are a bit thicker than flagship tablets, but the overall build looks solid and practical rather than flashy.

Travel Friendly

At around 730 g, it’s not the lightest device, but it’s still easy to slip into a backpack or tote. Fast Wi‑Fi 6 and reliable Bluetooth pairing make it straightforward to use on the go, and the battery will typically last you through a day of mixed tasks.

Key Benefits

• Smooth everyday performance with Android 15 and extra RAM for multitasking
• Expandable storage up to 1 TB, so you can keep lots of downloads and photos
• Widevine L1 support for HD streaming on compatible apps
• Portable 10-inch IPS display that reads and streams comfortably
• Good battery life for a day of mixed use and reliable connectivity with Wi‑Fi 6

Current Price: £59.98

Rating: 4.5 (total: 106+)

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S11

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 AI Tablet Wi‑Fi, lightweight design, Multi‑Modal AI Tools, DeX, 128GB storage, 12GB memory, long battery life, Silver, 3‑year warranty (UK).

£649.00

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You’ll notice this Galaxy Tab S11 feels impressively polished for something so light. The Dynamic AMOLED display, fast MediaTek chip and 12GB of RAM make everyday browsing, streaming and multitasking feel smooth, and the S Pen plus DeX mode push it into proper productivity territory.

If you’re torn between an Apple iPad tablet and a Samsung tablet for a gift, this is the sort of pick that suits creatives who sketch, students who need note-taking power and anyone who wants a premium-feeling media device without lugging around a bigger slate. For holidays and downtime, it’s great for films and games, and for work, it can slot into a lightweight laptop-replacement setup on short trips.

What People Say

Buyers often praise how fast and responsive the tablet feels, and many highlight the screen quality and audio when watching shows. People also like the S Pen experience and the flexibility DeX adds for light productivity.

A few mention the price, but most agree it delivers a premium, well-built feel for creative and everyday use.

Use Cases

Versatility

This tablet is versatile enough to be a media hub, a sketchbook and a light productivity machine. You can hand it to a kid for videos, use it for note-taking in class, or dock it for email and spreadsheet work — it won’t replace a full laptop for heavy-duty tasks, but it covers most day-to-day needs well.

Looks

The Silver finish looks clean and modern without being flashy, and the slim bezels give a premium vibe that fits both home and office settings.

Travel Friendly

Weighing around 475 g and under 1 cm thin, it’s easy to slip into a bag. Battery life and fast Wi‑Fi make it dependable on trains and planes for long sessions away from home.

Key Benefits

• Bright Dynamic AMOLED display that's great for movies and sharing photos
• S Pen included for drawing, notes and quick edits without needing a charger
• 12GB memory and MediaTek performance make multitasking snappy
• Long battery life and a slim 475 g body for comfortable all-day use
• Samsung DeX support turns the tablet into a productive, multi-window workspace

Current Price: £649.00

Rating: 4.8 (total: 5+)

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Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) 256GB

11-inch iPad Pro with M5 chip, 256GB, Ultra Retina XDR display, 12MP front/back cameras, LiDAR, Wi‑Fi + 5G, all-day battery — Silver.

£1,199.00

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You’ll notice the iPad Pro feels both light and seriously capable the moment you pick it up. The M5 chip keeps multitasking snappy, the Ultra Retina XDR display makes video and photo work look great, and compatibility with Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard turns it into a proper creative and productivity tool.

If you’re weighing an Apple ipad tablet against other options, this Ipad tablet is the sort of gift that works for creatives, students and anyone who wants a premium media device that can also handle work on the go. For holidays it’s brilliant for films, sketching in downtime and staying connected with fast 5G.

What People Say

Buyers frequently highlight how crisp the display looks and how responsive the M5 chip feels for creative apps and multitasking. People also like pairing it with the Magic Keyboard or Apple Pencil for a laptop-like experience, while a handful note price and occasional battery or hardware hiccups as downsides.

Use Cases

Versatility

This iPad Pro easily switches between roles: a binge-worthy media player, a sketchpad with Apple Pencil and a light productivity device with the Magic Keyboard. It won’t replace a full workstation for heavy rendering, but it covers most everyday and creative needs very well.

Looks

The Silver finish is understated and modern, with slim bezels and a tidy industrial look that fits both home and office spaces.

Travel Friendly

At around 0.75 kg and with strong wireless options, it’s simple to carry on trips and reliable for streaming or working away from home.

Key Benefits

• M5 performance for smooth multitasking, editing and on-device AI tasks
• 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display with excellent brightness and colour
• Strong camera setup plus LiDAR for better photos, video calls and AR
• Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard compatibility for drawing and typing
• Wi‑Fi 7 and 5G support for fast downloads and reliable streaming on the move

Current Price: £1,199.00

Rating: 4.1 (total: 9+)

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Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M5) 256GB

13-inch iPad Pro with M5 chip, 256GB, Ultra Retina XDR display, 12MP front/back cameras, LiDAR, Wi‑Fi 7, all-day battery — Space Black.

£1,299.00

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You’ll feel how capable this tablet is the moment you pick it up. The M5 chip keeps apps and multitasking buttery smooth, the 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR screen makes movies and edits pop, and pairing it with Apple Pencil or the Magic Keyboard turns it into a real productivity tool.

If you’re comparing options — whether an Apple iPad tablet or a Samsung tablet — this one is great for creatives, students and anyone who wants a premium media-first device that can pull double duty for work. For holiday travel, it’s perfect for long flights, sketching in cafés and streaming family films.

What People Say

Customers often praise the display clarity, long battery life and how responsive the M5 chip feels in everyday use. Many people mention pairing it with a keyboard or Apple Pencil for a laptop-like experience, while some point out the premium price as the main drawback.

Use Cases

Versatility

This iPad Pro moves between entertainment, creativity and light productivity with ease — it’s a great media player, a competent sketchpad and a handy laptop alternative for many everyday tasks.

Looks

Space Black gives it a sleek, modern look with slim bezels and a professional feel that fits both home and office.

Travel Friendly

At under 1 kg and with strong wireless options, it’s straightforward to pack and reliable for streaming or working on the go.

Key Benefits

• M5 performance for snappy multitasking, editing and on-device AI
• 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display with excellent brightness and colour
• Strong camera setup and LiDAR for better video calls, photos and AR
• Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard compatibility for drawing and typing
• Wi‑Fi 7 with Apple N1 for fast, reliable wireless connections

Current Price: £1,299.00

Rating: 4.4 (total: 8+)

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FAQ

Which Ipad Should You Choose As A Holiday Gift?

You should pick an iPad based on how the recipient will use it: for casual browsing, streaming and reading the Apple iPad 11‑inch (128 GB) at about £310.00 is a great value and portable choice; for creative work, video editing or to replace a laptop the Apple iPad Pro 11‑inch (M5) and the 13‑inch iPad Pro (M5) at around £1,199.00 and £1,299.00 respectively offer much higher performance and display quality. If the person prefers Android or needs advanced multitasking features, a Samsung tablet such as the Galaxy Tab S11 (around £649.00) gives excellent productivity tools and DeX-style workflows.

For a strict budget or a simple secondary device, a basic Android tablet like the MUISOO 10‑inch (about £59.98) can cover streaming and light tasks. When deciding, pay attention to storage (128 GB is a sensible minimum), stylus and keyboard support if they draw or type, and battery life; the iPad lineup advertises All‑Day Battery Life, but heavier workflows will benefit from the Pro models and higher capacity batteries.

How Do You Compare An Ipad Tablet With A Samsung Tablet Or Other Android Tablets?

You should compare the platforms by ecosystem, apps and the accessories you need: an Apple ipad tablet excels at polished tablet apps, long‑term software updates and tight accessory integration (Apple Pencil and keyboards), which is why many creatives and students prefer iPadOS; a samsung tablet brings Android flexibility, multi‑modal AI tools and desktop‑like features for productivity if you like deeper customization and native support for things like DeX or specific Samsung software. Performance varies by model — M5 iPad Pros will outperform most Android tablets for demanding creative apps, while high‑end Samsung models compete on displays and multitasking. Don’t assume one platform is always better: check that the specific apps you rely on are available and that you’re comfortable with the Apple or Google ecosystem, and consider practical items such as streaming DRM support, warranty and the price differences between models.

What Accessories, Warranty And Setup Tips Should You Consider When Buying A Tablet As A Gift?

You should plan for a few practical things before gifting: include a compatible charger and cable because some packages include only a short cable or no plug, verify stylus compatibility if you plan to add an Apple Pencil or an active pen for a Samsung tablet, and consider a keyboard case if they’ll do productivity work. Protect the gift with a case and a screen protector and think about storage needs — 128 GB is often enough, but creative users may want 256 GB or more. Add warranty coverage, such as AppleCare or an extended plan, for peace of mind and check the seller’s returns policy; buying from third‑party sellers can complicate after‑sales support.

For setup, you can preinstall essentials, enable Find My or device‑location services, and either create and hand over an account or leave the device factory reset so the recipient can sign in themselves.

Wrapping Up

Choosing an iPad or tablet as a holiday gift comes down to matching the device to how the person will use it. If you want the best all-around experience with advanced AI and a polished Android alternative, consider the Samsung Tab S11.

If you need the absolute top performance for editing, drawing or replacing a laptop, the iPad Pro 13 and iPad Pro 11 deliver the M5 power and premium displays. For a great balance of speed, display quality and price, the Apple iPad 11 is an excellent choice.

If your priority is the lowest possible price with decent everyday performance, the MUISOO Tablet gives surprising value. Pick based on use: streaming and portability, creative work, or budget — and you’ll give a gift that’s useful every day.

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