A Holiday Gift Guide for the Entrepreneur in Your Life
Happy holidays!
It's that time of year again when people go crazy at doorbuster sales, shop online during cyber week at work, and spend lots and lots of money. The holiday decorations brighten up every public space, people are in the holiday spirit, and Mariah Carey is all over the radio.
This year will be especially difficult because of the Coronavirus. Because shopping for many people and white elephant gift exchanges wasn’t hard enough. 🙄
But, you can still be a hero to your friends and family and give them thoughtful & useful gifts, in particular for those who are self-employed.
To make your shopping easier, below I’ve listed several awesome gift ideas for any entrepreneur you may be shopping for. Most of these items I own and can vouch for, or I’m intrigued by.
If you’re self-employed, you may want to suggest these to those shopping for you! These would make great gifts for your VIP clients.
Online shopping is up 40% compared to last year. Plus, 61% of shoppers expect to do most of their holiday shopping online. Make sure to jump on these items early in the season!
The links below may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a little commission.
#1: For Peace & Quiet
Distractions are work killers. It doesn’t matter if you’re at home, in the office, or on a plane, noise-cancelling headphones help you focus on whatever the task is at hand (even if the task is sleeping).
These are better than ear plugs because they use active-noise cancelling technology. They also double as a headset. The microphone can dull out background noise so people won’t know if your kids or pets are stirring up trouble. Music lovers like these headphones too because of the bass.
#2: To Look Great on TikTok, Reels, Youtube, & Live
Ring Light and Cell-Phone Holder*
Video marketing is one of the most powerful and profitable forms of marketing. But, no one enjoys watching a shaky, dark video. You’ve only got two hands, but that’s all you need. Here’s a nifty gadget to save your marketing efforts!
A selfie ring light and tripod can help you record beautiful videos, no matter the lighting or location. You can control the lighting hue and strength. The ring light includes a cell phone holder, giving you a better angle and the freedom to record anywhere. It even comes with a wireless remote to start and stop recording.
Whether you’re live streaming or recording a training, this tool makes it so much easier to record good-quality videos on your own.
#3: For a Stylish, Versatile, & Unassuming Gift
A gift card from the website Minted is a practical, versatile stylish gift. It also supports other entrepreneurs! This website focuses on all things print. Independent designers submit their work, it’s voted upon and then created. Every year, I order my holiday cards from Minted. Your happy entrepreneur could order branded stationery, decorations for their office, or even a fine art print.
In the past year, they’ve delved more into materials, and now make bags, cushions, puzzles, aprons, and more. If you’re unsure of what they would like, this is way more thoughtful than a Staples gift-card!
#4: For When Coffee is NOT a Luxury
Great coffee, no mess. For biz owners running on caffeine, gifting them a Nespresso machine will make you their hero! This machine makes a satisfying and strong cup of joe. It makes regular espresso and “lungo” long shots, which are closer to a regular American drip coffee.
I’ve tried many, many different types of coffee makers. This coffee is stronger than a Keurig or regular drip machine. The espresso is smoother than what a Starbucks Verismo can make. It’s way easier to use than a full-blown espresso machine. The coffee is always fresh because it’s in an airtight package. It’s single-serve, so you won’t waste any.
The pods are easy to find and come in many brands and varieties. If you’re a fan of a nice cappuccino, add on the milk frother.
#5: For When They Need More Screen Real Estate
This second screen is as portable as a laptop. Most people that moved from working at an office to working from home were utterly unprepared. They may not have had a quiet corner, their favorite keyboard, or a beloved second monitor. You can fix one of those problems now, with this portable second monitor.
Attached to the back of the laptop lid, the second screen slides out beside the main screen. It’s so easy to use, plus it adds very little space to their bag and is hard to lose.
Even with multiple vaccines on the horizon, it’s unlikely everybody will go back to the office 5 days a week. Regardless, your biz buddy will be ready. They can keep up their productivity at home with simple amenities like a portable monitor.
#6: For Personal Development
Atomic Habits by James Clear*
My favorite read of 2020 was Atomic Habits by James Clear. The year isn’t even done yet, but I loved the book that much to know it’s my favorite!
Clear goes into the power of habits, how to construct them, and how to stick to them. He covers all the common myths and blocks, so you can be successful. This is a great book for entrepreneurs because success is built upon good habits.
Bonus - sign up for the author’s weekly newsletter. It’s thought-provoking, interesting, and short. Click here to get a taste of the author’s work.
#7: For Staying Organized With a Daily Planner
Erin Condren Daily LifePlanner Duo
Warning: I’m in love with planners! I’ve tried many types and brands, and this new one from Erin Condren is my favorite. It’s broken down by months and days. You have space to map out the big picture, as well as your daily habits and to-dos. You can track your time or pencil in meetings each day. For the month, you have structured space to list your top goals, key dates, or anything else.
This planner is a Duo because it’s split into two 6-month books. In addition to the books, it comes with all the Erin Condren goodness - a beautiful design, functional and motivation stickers, and quote pages to keep you inspired.
#8: For Brightening Up Their Office
A little green goes a long way. Especially low-maintenance green. A plant adds life to an office. The goal is to get one that is low maintenance, so that it won’t create extra work or anxiety if your entrepreneur has a black thumb.
These succulents add color and style, plus you can order them online. They’re a type of cactus, so they’re hearty. Otherwise, head to your local home store and get a pothos vine or snake grass. An extra benefit is that they clean the air.
#9: For Suffering From Too Much Screen Time
Everybody could benefit from this shoulder brace. We are creatures of habit, and one common bad habit is poor posture. A posture-corrector-brace is an easy remedy.
This brace is a set of straps that fit both under and over normal clothes. It puts a little tension on your shoulders, thus preventing you from slouching in your upper back. This slouching is what causes “tech neck,” upper back, and shoulder pain.
By preventing the slouching, you avoid the pain. If you’re at a loss of what to get someone, consider this gift. It’s better than a massage!
#10: For Letting Off Some Steam
It’s been a stressful year. Even when it’s not 2020, many days and years are stressful. How you manage that stress has a big impact on your entire life. Laughing is a great cure, but so is getting it off your chest.
This gag gift, a Damnit Doll, is a safe way to vent. You can get one to poke at their personality, tastes, or pet peeves. They have dolls for most sports team colors, weddings, weed, TV personalities, and political characters. Some are just pretty too, like the “Party Like it’s Sherbert Day” and “Marioland Floral” dolls.
The doll has no ears, so you cannot hurt its feels. No bones or tender spots. And if you just need a friend at the end of a stressful day, you can rest the doll in your lap for moral support. Oddly, that’s what I found myself doing!