Last week, a marketing director messaged me about her team’s holiday gift exchange: “Half my team is remote, half is in office and all of them deserve something special.” It got me thinking about how our industry’s gift-giving needs have evolved along with our working arrangements.
As marketing professionals, we’re expected to stay ahead of trends and keep our finger on the pulse of what’s next. Shouldn’t our gifts reflect that same forward-thinking approach? After all, employees receiving high-quality recognition are 45% less likely to leave — and it’s no secret that retention matters now more 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! Not sure where to start? Here’s my personally curated list of genuinely useful and great holiday gift ideas for the marketers in your life.
Gifts for remote marketers
For our remote marketing colleagues, the right gift can help them upgrade their home office into a content creation powerhouse. These professionals often juggle multiple platforms and need tools that make remote collaboration seamless.
Since they’re typically creating or working 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 HD 1080p webcam with built-in ring light.
- A broadcast-quality USB microphone for crystal-clear meetings, podcast recordings and video narration.
- A collapsible green screen for professional virtual backgrounds.
Workspace enhancers
- A mobile standing desk converter for working from any room.
- A portable second monitor (1080p, 60hz refresh rate) for easy content reviews.
- Blue-light-blocking glasses in stylish frames.
- A smart mug that keeps coffee and tea at the perfect temperature.
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Gifts for in-office marketers
For marketers who thrive in the office environment, consider gifts that enhance their collaborative workspace. These professionals often move between meeting rooms, shared spaces and their desks throughout the day, so mobility and flexibility are key. Plus, they frequently collaborate with teammates in real-time, making tools that support creative teamwork especially valuable. Some standout options are:
Creative space solutions
- A high-end desk organizer with dedicated spaces for content calendars and brand guidelines (or space for a tablet that can also display that info!).
- Creative brainstorming prompt books, kits, dice and games.
- Colorful succulents to accent their workspace.
Tech that travels
- A smart notebook that digitizes handwritten notes.
- A sleek, portable USB speaker that connects to phones and laptops.
- A high-capacity 100W output USB power bank designed for laptop charging.
- A mini desktop 1080p projector compatible with laptops and smartphones for easily sharing presentations on the go.
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Universal marketing essentials
Some gifts work brilliantly regardless of a marketer’s work location. These are the tools and resources that enhance every marketing professional’s capabilities, whether they’re brainstorming at home or presenting in the boardroom.
Since marketers constantly adapt to new platforms and strategies, gifts that support continuous learning and productivity are always appreciated. Here are some top picks that work for everyone.
Digital must-haves
- A subscription to LinkedIn Premium to support networking and professional growth.
- A subscription to Audible or Spotify for the commute to the office or background ambiance when working from home.
- Access to professional networking groups or mastermind communities.
Productivity boosters
- Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds for focused work. (Bonus: This is a great way to support neurodivergent employees!)
- A subscription to a mindfulness app like Calm or Headspace.
- A certificate for an extra paid day off work — if your organization doesn’t already offer unlimited PTO.
Professional development support
- Registration for an exciting, upcoming marketing conference.
- Access to specialized marketing courses on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.
- A curated collection of marketing psychology books.
- Subscription(s) to industry-leading marketing publications.
Making it personal
Consider adding a personal touch that shows you understand each person’s or department’s marketing niche. For instance, pair a technical gift with a handwritten note mentioning how much you’ve appreciated their work on a certain project and hope this enhances their experience. You could also include access to learning resources that align with their career goals.
Remember that each employee doesn’t have to receive the same gift! Taking the time to choose a gift that will genuinely delight each person or team is an even stronger and more memorable way to show appreciation.
At the end of the day, the best gifts for marketers make them feel seen. They boost creativity, improve efficiency and support growth. Whether your marketing team is fully remote, entirely in the office or somewhere in between, focusing on gifts that enhance their professional capabilities while acknowledging their unique contributions will make them feel appreciated.
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