Last week, a marketing director sent me a message about her team’s Christmas gift exchange: “Half my team is remote, the other half is in the office and they all deserve something special.” special. It got me thinking about how our industry’s gifting needs have evolved alongside our work arrangements.
As marketers, we’re supposed to stay ahead of trends and stay tuned to what’s coming next. Shouldn’t our gifts reflect this same forward-thinking approach? After all, employees who receive high-quality recognition are 45% less likely to leave – and it’s no secret that retention is more important than ever in our dynamic industry.
With 78% of people reporting increased job satisfaction after receiving a meaningful gift from their employer, the holidays are a great opportunity to share your appreciation and really make it count! Don’t know where to start? Here’s my personally curated list of truly useful and awesome holiday gift ideas for the marketers in your life.
Gifts for Remote Marketers
For our remote marketing colleagues, the right gift can help them transform their home office into a content creation powerhouse. These professionals often juggle multiple platforms and need tools that make remote collaboration seamless.
Since they typically create or work with content across various mediums – from social posts to blogs to video content – ​​the right equipment can be transformative. Some of my favorites include:
Studio-quality meetings and content creation tools
A professional-grade 1080p HD webcam with built-in ring light. A broadcast-quality USB microphone for crystal clear meetings, podcast recordings and video narration. A foldable green screen for professional virtual backgrounds.
Workspace Enhancers
A mobile standing desk converter for working from any room. A second portable monitor (1080p, 60Hz refresh rate) for easy content review. Blue light blocking glasses in stylish frames. A smart mug that keeps coffee and tea at the ideal temperature.
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Gifts for Office Marketers
For marketers who thrive in an office environment, consider gifts that enhance their collaborative workspace. These professionals often move between meeting rooms, shared spaces, and their desks throughout the day. Mobility and flexibility are therefore essential. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with teammates in real time, making tools that support creative teamwork particularly valuable. Some notable options are:
Creative Space Solutions
A premium desktop organizer with dedicated spaces for content calendars and brand guidelines (or space for a tablet that can display this information too!). Books, kits, dice and games to invite creative brainstorming. Colorful succulents to accent their workspace.
A technology that travels
A smart notebook that digitizes handwritten notes. A stylish, portable USB speaker that connects to phones and laptops. A high capacity 100W USB power bank designed for charging a laptop. A 1080p mini desktop projector compatible with laptops and smartphones to easily share presentations on the go.
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The essentials of universal marketing
Some giveaways work wonderfully regardless of where the marketer works. These are the tools and resources that enhance the abilities of every marketing professional, whether they’re brainstorming at home or presenting in a conference room.
As marketers are constantly adapting to new platforms and strategies, gifts that support continuous learning and productivity are always appreciated. Here are some top picks that work for everyone.
The digital essentials
A LinkedIn Premium subscription to support networking and professional growth. A subscription to Audible or Spotify for commuting to the office or for background ambiance when working from home. Access to professional networking groups or mastermind communities.
Productivity boosters
Noise-canceling headphones or earphones for concentrated work. (Bonus: It’s a great way to support neurodivergent employees!) A subscription to a mindfulness app like Calm or Headspace. A certificate for an additional paid day off, if your organization does not already offer unlimited PTO.
Support for professional development
Register for an exciting upcoming marketing conference. Access to specialized marketing courses on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning. A curated collection of books on marketing psychology. Subscription(s) to cutting-edge marketing publications.
Make it personal
Consider adding a personal touch that shows you understand each person or service’s marketing niche. For example, pair a tech gift with a handwritten note mentioning how much you appreciated their work on a certain project and hope it will improve their experience. You can also include access to learning resources that align with their career goals.
Remember that each employee does not have to receive the same gift! Taking the time to choose a gift that will truly delight each person or team is an even stronger and more memorable way to show appreciation.
Ultimately, the best gifts for marketers make them feel seen. They stimulate creativity, improve efficiency and support growth. Whether your marketing team is entirely remote, entirely in the office, or somewhere in between, focusing on gifts that enhance their professional abilities while recognizing their unique contributions will make them feel appreciated.
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