Chances are good that most of the people on your holiday shopping list own smartphones—which is pretty convenient, since a smartphone case or accessory is one of the easiest gift ideas no matter who you're shopping for. Plus, it's something that the recipient can actually use (unlike last year's sweater fiasco).
With a plethora of cases available, it should be simple enough to pick one (or ten) for every person on your list. But it's not just as easy as throwing any old case in your cart and clicking the Checkout button. Here's a short list of what to consider when you're shopping for a smartphone case (and some bonus pointers on selecting other accessories).
Model
What kind of phone does the person have? No matter how rad that iPhone 4s case is, it's unlikely to be of much use to your nephew if he owns an iPhone 5. To start, find out exactly what brand—and model—of phone you're shopping for. Most case manufacturers offer styles that fit a variety of smartphones, including models from Apple or Samsung. Next!
Speck's uberpopular CandyShell Grip case.
Grip
In addition to protecting a phone, many cases are designed to be easy to hold. Speck's CandyShell Grip case is popular for a reason: Texturized silicone strips ensure that the phone remains in the user's hands during vigorous group-texting sessions, while a dual-layer and raised bezel physically safeguards the device. Another contender is the Knucklecase, which has an imposing look but actually offers a stellar way to keep a device safely in hand.
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