The Apple AirTag is a tiny disc-shaped device that gives users a means of recovering lost items. Once paired with your account, you can find it through the "Find My" app just like any other Apple device, whether it's near or far. Reasonably priced, AirTags are an accessible way to keep tabs on all your important possessions.

So besides attaching one to your keys, here are some more creative ways to use an AirTag which you might not have thought of.

It’s a pet owner's worst nightmare, but one you should probably be prepared for. Although AirTags don’t track like a GPS in real-time, attaching one to your dog or cat’s collar might be a good temporary solution in the event they get lost.

If your pet is missing, put your AirTag into Lost Mode, then all nearby Apple devices (Apple Watch, iPhone, etc.) will help track and recover your lost pet. You’ll have an immediate method of finding them by proximity.

If you’ve ever experienced the stress of an airline losing your luggage, then listen up. Next time you take a flight, simply slip an AirTag into your luggage or use a holder to attach it to the handle, and worrying about its location will be a thing of the past.

Although not designed as anti-theft devices, AirTags are a very affordable solution to helping you locate your bike or scooter if it gets stolen (sadly a very common occurrence in London and other major cities!). To go unnoticed by thieves, combine it with an AirTag bike mount disguised as a reflector. Remember you just have 3 days before the AirTag will start emitting a sound when it’s separated from its owner and will likely alert whoever stole your possessions. We do, of course, recommend that if you find its location, report it to the police rather than confronting the criminal yourself.

Run out of ideas to entertain the kids on a rainy afternoon? Or want to add another layer of fun to that Easter Egg hunt? Then start a high-tech game of hide-and-seek. Hide the AirTag and let the kids use an iPhone to seek it out. If you have an iPhone 11 model or higher, directional precision finding arrows will help with guiding them to the AirTag’s location. For extra tricky hiding spots, you can also make the AirTag vibrate and beep. Then kick back and enjoy some peace and quiet, even if you have to relinquish your phone for a while.

Locating trackers that are nearby, like in the home, are when the AirTag really comes into its own. If you’re inclined to losing things, the AirTag could save you all that time you spend searching for your keys, wallet, bag or glasses when you’re trying to leave the house. Just log into "Find my" app on your iPhone and your device will guide you in the right direction. Apple has even added a feature called Separation Alerts in iOS 15 that notifies you if you try to leave your house without your keys.

Consider attaching an AirTag to first-aid items, especially potentially life-saving medical devices like EpiPens or asthma inhalers. If you do have a medical emergency, an AirTag will give you extra peace of mind in case they accidentally get misplaced.

If you regularly park your car in huge multi-story car parks, you’ll know how easy it is to forget where you parked it. If that sounds a lot like you, consider putting an AirTag in your car and avoid a lot of wasted time and stress trying to get home!

Know some more weird, wonderful or surprising ways to use your Apple AirTags? Comment below.