5 Clever Gifts for Colleagues and Clients

Happy December and… Happy Hanukkah! While some of us still have a little time to prep for Christmas, the Jewish holiday is early this year. It’s time to get down to shopping business!

One of my top love languages is gifts, but this isn’t just about receiving. This is about finding the perfect gifts for others too. I’ve always prided myself on finding meaningful, lasting cadeaux for my loved ones, and this includes those in my business life. I know that for some people, gifts aren’t a big deal (neither the receiving nor the buying), but I think it’s fun. For me, the holidays are a chance for me to really stretch my creativity!

Then, comes the wrapping. I turn our living room into the elves’ workshop and plop myself in a pile of boxes, wrapping paper, and bows. Don’t tell my childhood teachers, but my mom used to let me play hookie once a year to wrap all the family’s presents. For that one glorious day in December, I’d get to stay home from school, and I’d make $20! (#alwaysahustler haha).

Here’s a little round-up of 5 clever gifts to share with your colleagues or clients. They’re things on my Pinterest board that made me either laugh out loud or exclaim, “That is just perfect for __________!”

1 Ember mug // keep your boss’s coffee warm.

A few years ago, a friend bought me a heated coaster for work (in the shape of my favorite junk food, the Oreo). I thought it’d just be a fun talking piece, but it ended up being so functional too (thanks, Jess!). This is a fancier, techier version; and it can follow you or your boss around the house, office, or meetings!

2 Succulent // make your client smarter.

My cousin (who happens to be really smart) recently told me that houseplants make you smarter! It looks like the exact reasons why are still under discussion, but it can’t hurt, right? And your client doesn’t have to know that you’re sending the subliminal message, “be smarter and make my life easier” 😉 A live succulent will brighten up his / her work space and make him a little brainier. Plus, it’s easy to care for.

3 Adultinite Pin // bring your intern maturity and clarity.

If you don’t know Emily McDowell, you should. She’s a brilliant artist, master of empathy, and has a gift for cleverness. This little pin will bring the (aspiring) adult in your life “Clarity and direction to a meandering life path…” and assist in “painless lesson learning.” But it does warn that alcohol reduces effectiveness, so maybe hand it over after the holiday party.

4 Office doormat // make your team clown laugh.

Everyone <cough: with good taste> loves the Office. After all these years, it’s still LOL-funny. I picture this for the Jim of your work team. Perfect for sitting outside his office or under his desk, while he’s undoubtedly watching YouTube videos during the work day.

5 Spreadsheet tee // bring out your CFO’s personality.

This is hands-down my favorite find for this year. I’ve been telling everyone I can about it, including some accountants I met in South America last month. I’m not sure that they cared, but at the time, I was convinced that their life would be lacking without this new discovery. And yours was too, I bet. You’re welcome.

PS – One Holiday Gift that’s Perfect for All Your Colleagues