Apple fans, admit it. You love a good bit of iMerchandise. Whether it’s those white Apple stickers that come bundled with every product from Cupertino, or a special T-shirt given out at the opening of a new Apple Store. If it’s got the Apple stamp on it, you can guarantee you’ll go ga-ga for it.
But the really cool Apple merchandise? The rare stuff? You’ll have to hunt hard for it. Or read on, where we’ve rounded it all up for you. Yeah, you know it makes sense…
Weird official Apple merchandise
Apple Sneakers
Or, Apple Trainers to those in Britain. These ultra-rare kicks were given out to Apple employees in the 1990s. They’re not a knock-off, or even fan-made tribute-shoes, they’re the real deal, and specially commissioned by Cupertino. Unfortunately, they’re hard to get hold of, but set up an eBay alert, and you might get lucky.
Adidas Micropacer: iPod edition
Can’t get hold of the original Apple Sneakers? Then try this: In 2007 Adidas created a special edition of its Micropacer trainer, fashioned in shiny white leather and reportedly taking its inspiration from the Apple iPod. The box, while similarly special edition and shiny, never uses the iPod name, and neither do the shoes themselves.
It’s unclear just how willingly Apple gave its blessing to the Adidas branding, but as far as we can tell it never kicked up a fuss legally. Most unlike Apple, so we suspect it was all official.
Apple T-Shirts
There’s a history of Apple giving out T-shirts for special events. It might be the launch of a new gadget, or the opening of an Apple Store. But the pride of any Apple merchandise collection must be these original, and lurid, Apple T-shirts from the days of the Apple Lisa and Macintosh. Fleetingly showing up on eBay, beware of reproductions, an original will cost you a couple of hundred dollars.
Apple Fridge Magnets
You’ve probably seen those iPhone icon fridge magnets in Urban Outfitters, but these are the real deal: Genuine Apple iPod nano fridge magnets, created by Apple to promote its Back To School discount scheme, offering students a free iPod when they bought a Mac. Do students even use fridges? Does anyone like cold Pot Noodles?
Apple Babygrows
Did you ask for an iMac but get a child instead? Don’t worry, you can brand it up just the same with these official Apple Babygrows. They’re only on sale at Apple’s Company Store on its Cupertino campus, but if you just have to have the ultimate iOffspring, they’re ideal. Adorable picture via Louis Gray.
Oddball unofficial Apple merchandise
Apple’s official merchandise is barmy enough, but check out this little lot of loony creations, each cooked up by Apple fans and enthusiasts.
Steve Jobs Action Figure
It’s been stopped once by Apple’s legal department, but is now back on sale after a quick re-branding as the Pineapple CEO. Amazingly detailed, and sporting removable glasses, changeable hands, a choice of black or white iPhone 4s and even a speech bubble to force the Jobs likeness to speak your words. It’s the work of an obsessive, and at $100 the plaything of a true Apple nut.
Re-purposed Mac parts
Want a lamp made from an iMac G4? Head to Etsy. You’ll find several people scooping out the innards of Apple’s angle-poise iMac and replacing it with a desk lamp. Want to wear your love for Apple with pride? Try this hairclip made from an iMac circuit board. Or how about a USB memory stick crafted from old Apple keyboards?
Yes, it’s mostly a load of old tat, but Apple fans have crafted all sorts of household items out of repurposed Mac components. Even the odd fishtank or two, and most are for sale, at a price.
Mac Mini Apple Pie
Is it a Mac Mini, or is it an Apple pie? Obviously, it’s the latter. Unlike most of the items here, you can make this one (fairly) easily at home. Just head to Evil Mad Scientist and follow the detailed instructions. Beware though, you might have to do without the lattice Apple logo – the makers of the original used a 45 watt carbon-dioxide laser to slice it precisely.
PodBrix LEGO Figure
Can’t afford a fully-fledged Jobs Action Figure? Then check out these LEGO minifigs. They’re almost as rare as genuine Apple merchandise, since they’re hand-made and make fleeting appearances on the web (the original PodBrix website seems to have disappeared). But if you just have to show your appreciation for all things Apple in miniature, they’re hard to beat.
Happy Mac Cross Stitch
“It’s the happy little face old school Mac veterans are so familiar with. . . in cross stitch!” says its creator Benjibot. If you’re feeling crafty, we recommend it highly. Particularly in such a lovely frame. It looks like something we’d find on our nan’s sideboard. You can download the cross stitch pattern yourself, so there’s no excuse for not giving it a go.
Apple OS X Icon Cushions
The work of the fleet-fingered stitchers at ThrowBoy, these plush cushions are fashioned after the icons of OS X. Some even include the hidden messages we’ve covered previously. Buy the lot of them, line them up on the nearest glass surface and you’ve got your very own super-sized OS X dock!
