A holiday gift guide for marketers

Last week, the marketing director sent me a message about her team’s team gift exchange: “Part of my team is remote, part is in the office and they all deserve something special.” It got me thinking about how our industry’s gifting needs have evolved along with our operating systems.

As marketing professionals, we are expected to stay ahead of trends and keep our finger on the pulse. Shouldn’t our gifts reflect the 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 now 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 make it really work! Not sure where to start? Here is my curated list of really helpful holiday gift ideas for the salespeople in your life.

Gifts for remote sellers

For our remote marketing partners, the right gift can help them develop their home office into a content creation headquarters. These professionals often integrate multiple platforms and need tools that make remote collaboration seamless.

Since they often create or work with content in a variety of ways – from social posts to blogs to video content – ​​the right equipment can change. Some of my favorites include:

Studio quality assemblies and content creation tools

• High-quality HD 1080p webcam with built-in ring light.
• Broadcast-quality USB microphone for crystal-clear meetings, podcast recordings and video narration.
• Collapsible green screen for professional interface.

Workplace enhancements

• A mobile standing desk converter for working in any room.
• Portable second 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 right temperature.

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Gifts for office marketers

For successful marketers in the office environment, consider gifts that enhance their collaborative workplace. These professionals often move between meeting rooms, shared spaces and their desks throughout the day, so mobility and flexibility are essential. Also, they often collaborate with colleagues in real time, making tools that support design teamwork even more valuable. Some outstanding options are:

Creative space solutions

• A high-quality desk organizer with dedicated spaces for content calendars and product guides (or space for a tablet that can display that information!).
• Quick design books, kits, dice and games.
• Succulents are colored to emphasize their functional environment.

Technology on the move

• A smart notebook that digitizes handwritten notes.
• A compact, portable USB speaker that connects to phones and laptops.
• 100W high power USB power bank designed for charging a laptop.
• A compact 1080p desktop projector compatible with laptops and smartphones to easily share presentations on the go.

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Universal marketing essentials

Some gifts work very well regardless of the marketer’s area of ​​work. These are tools and resources that improve the skills of all marketing professionals, whether they’re negotiating at home or presenting in the boardroom.

As marketers are constantly adapting to new platforms and techniques, gifts that support continuous learning and productivity are always appreciated. Here are some top options that work for everyone.

A digital must-have

• Signing up for LinkedIn Premium supports networking and professional growth.
• Sign up for Audible or Spotify for the commute to the office or the backyard when you’re working from home.
• Access to professional networking groups or communities of thought.

Productivity enhancers

• Noise canceling headphones or earbuds for focused work. (Bonus: This is a great way to support neurodivergent employees!)
• Sign up for a mindfulness app like Calm or Headspace.
• Certificate of paid overtime — if your organization does not already offer unlimited PTO.

Professional development support

• Sign up for an exciting, upcoming marketing conference.
• Access to specialized marketing courses on platforms such as Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.
• A curated collection of marketing psychology books.
• Subscriptions to the industry’s leading publications.

Make it personal

Consider adding a personal touch that shows you understand the individual or department’s marketing environment. For example, pair a tech gift with a handwritten note saying how much you appreciate their work on a particular project and hope this improves their experience. You can also include access to learning resources that are relevant to 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 an individual or group is a powerful and memorable way to show appreciation.

At the end of the day, the best gifts for marketers make them feel seen. They improve creativity, improve efficiency and support growth. Whether your marketing team is entirely remote, entirely in-office or somewhere in between, focusing on gifts that enhance their professional skills while valuing their unique contributions will make them feel valued.

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