Apple pushes holiday gift ideas to shoppers ahead of Black Friday

Apple on Wednesday redesigned its online store and sent out emails to customers spotlighting gift ideas, with just over a week to go before Black Friday kicks off the 2014 holiday shopping season.

With the tagline "From one gift come many," Apple this year is showcasing how its range of products can allow owners to accomplish a variety of unique tasks. Receiving the gift giving spotlight for 2014 is the new iPad Air 2, with Apple telling shoppers that the touchscreen tablet can be used to choreograph a recital, explore the North Pole, organize a food drive, and take an entire songbook caroling.

Next, the Mac gets featured for video editing, music composing, and photo viewing, while shooting photos and video with iPhone's camera is that product's focal point.

Apple has also chosen to spotlight its printable Photo Gifts, which allow users to create photo books, calendars and cards. All photo books are advertised to come with free standard shipping through December 12, and the last day to order with express shipping is December 17.

Finally, Apple's email also features the Apple TV set-top box, as well as Apple Store gift cards that can be used for any product the company offers.

At Apple's online store, the company has also chosen to showcase Beats by Dr. Dre products, including over-the-ear headphones, in-ear buds, and speakers. There's also a section devoted to toys and games, including drones, controllers, and more iOS-connected devices.

All in-stock items are available with free two-day shipping for orders placed before 5 p.m. Eastern. Users can also buy online and pick up available items at their local Apple Store in an hour.

Apple's promotional efforts come just over a week before the Black Friday shopping holiday, which occurs every year the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. Stores offer a range of discounts and deals on Black Friday to officially kick off the holiday shopping season leading up to Christmas on Dec. 25.

AppleInsider learned earlier this month that many Apple Stores will open at 8 a.m. on Black Friday, which is earlier than normal operating hours, but also two hours later than last year's sale.

Apple's Black Friday promotions have historically not been as aggressive as other retailers. For example, last year the company offered hardware discounts to customers in European markets, but chose to bundle gift cards in the U.S. and Australia.