Gift ideas for coworkers, friends, and family can be hard.
But no worries…here’s a list of great gift ideas that help with staying healthy, happy, and productive.
They cover a wide price range so you can easily find something to fit any budget.
And don’t miss out on the joy – treat yourself to a few of these, or send a link to someone who needs a great gift idea for you.
Technology
Electronics don’t have to be expensive. There’s a wide range of prices on this list of technology gift ideas.
Misfit Wearables Flash – Fitness and Sleep Monitor (Black) – $19.00 (Amazon)
It seems all my coworkers have expensive trackers with multiple features built in. I want something simple and low cost. The Misfit tracks my activity and sleep, and that’s all I need. I love the simplicity, and if (when) I lose one (or two, ahem) the low cost makes it less painful, and easier to replace.
I also love that it uses a battery so I never have to worry about charging it. So easy.
If you prefer to wear the Misfit somewhere other than your wrist (I do) you can use these secure clips instead ($7.99 for a 3 pack).
Tile Sport – Key Finder. Phone Finder. Anything Finder – $34.99 (Amazon)
I never thought I needed this until I was stuck in the mall for FIVE hours after losing my keys. I’d only planned on being there 30 minutes. I had the employees and shoppers looking everywhere for my keys and they still weren’t found until the next day.
That was the day I finally gave in and got the Tile Bluetooth tracker.
This tracker is tiny and fits easily on your keychain (or anything else you want to track if lost.) And bonus, if you misplace your phone, you can use your Tile to locate that, too.
Dual Port Portable Universal USB Wall Charger – $10.88 (Amazon)
With two ports you can charge both your phone and Bluetooth headphones in the same charger. It’s compatible with most devices and is perfect for dropping in your purse or bag to always have available when needed.
No more asking co-workers if they’ve got a charger since you forgot yours. You have extra! They’re lightweight and easy to tuck away in your bag.
Dual Port Universal USB Wall Charger on Amazon
Anker 3ft Lightning to USB Cable for iPhone X / 8 / 8 Plus / 7 / 7 Plus / 6 / 6 Plus / 5s, iPod and iPad (White) – $13.99 (Amazon)
These Anker lightening cables are Apple MFi Certified – and they’re made by Anker – so you know they’re great quality.
No more asking to borrow a charger when you need one. You have extra! They’re lightweight and easy to tuck away in your bag.
Anker Lightning to USB Cable on Amazon
ADAX Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for Running & Workout, Necklace Design – $26.99 (Amazon)
These Bluetooth headphones are comfortable and stay in place. They have great sound, and they fit even petite folks like me. Many earbuds are too large for small people. These do wonderfully, even when I’m running.
They can also be worn around your neck like a necklace – with a magnet clasp – so you can keep them handy and ready even when you’re not using them. For this reason, they’re great during exercise, too.
Bluetooth headphones on Amazon
Amazon Echo – $79.99 (Amazon)
I didn’t know what the fuss was about when my husband bought me the Amazon Echo as a birthday gift.
It was pretty clear he really wanted it for himself.
But once we set it up in the kitchen and started using it, I loved having it. We use it daily for music (kitchen dance party, anyone?), weather, traffic, news, and much more. It won’t replace your home sound system. Instead, it’s a nice digital assistant and speaker that supplements your nicer stereo system.
Anker 60W 10-Port USB Wall Charger -$39.99 (Amazon)
Yes, this Anker PowerPort looks so boring. I know your eyes want to skip right past it.
But wait a minute.
Give it a chance.
If you live in a home with others, or you have multiple devices you want to charge all at once, this baby is super handy. All family members can use the same power outlet. Amazon says “Ultra-Powerful: ten ports pump out 60 watts of power, enabling simultaneous multi-device charging.” To me, that means we’re all charging devices in harmony at the same time. Good for travel, too.
Anker 10-Port USB Wall Charger on Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi – $119.00 (Amazon)
With the Kindle Paperwhite you can take a gazillion books with you wherever you go. The charge lasts a long time.
You can make the text larger if needed and the pages are backlit for more comfortable reading.
Travel
These gift ideas are great for travel, but great for having while home, too.
Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker – $29.95 (Amazon)
With the Aeropress, you can make GREAT coffee at the office, home, or anywhere.
It’s great for travel. I take mine all over the world with me. You won’t have to worry about what time the hotel restaurant opens (I’m a super early riser) or what quality the hotel room coffee is. There’s no grit in the coffee since it uses a filter. It packs light and is super easy to use, and cleanup takes only seconds.
Anker PowerCore 10000 – One of the Smallest and Lightest External Batteries, High-Speed Charging Technology Power Bank Charger – $25.99 (Amazon)
There’s so much peace of mind in having a backup battery source. I’ve used mine while on a camel trek in the desert, on overnight train rides in India, and most recently while running a half marathon. It’s comforting to know that I can power up even if there’s no other power source around, or I don’t have time to stop and wait for a recharge.
Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Bank on Amazon
Travel Blanket with Built in Stuff Sack-$29.95
This picture makes this blanket look frumpy and unattractive.
But you won’t care once you use it.
It’s soft and fuzzy and makes long flights much more comfortable.
It works well as either a blanket or folded and zipped up as a pillow.
As a blanket, it fits around your neck and covers your shoulders, and stays in place even when sleeping. The built-in stuff sack doubles as a large zipper pocket – a nice feature. You’ll feel like a kangaroo.
And when you pull it out mid-flight and your kids laugh and mock you, you’ll have the last laugh when they’re begging if they can please use it, too.
Travelrest Travel Blanket on Amazon
Contoured Sleep Mask by Bedtime Bliss® – With Moldex® Ear Plug Set. Includes Carry Pouch – $12.90 (Amazon)
It’s contoured so it blocks out all the light.
And since it has adjustable velcro straps it fits people of all sizes – even petite ones like me.
Sleep is important for peak performance, and this helps ensure you get the sleep you need, even if your spouse is up reading late in bed with the lights on.
Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask on Amazon
Coffee Gift Ideas
I know you need gift ideas for coffee lovers. You’re welcome.
Spill-proof travel mug – Contigo – $14.69 (Amazon)
Why I love it: because it’s a spill-proof, insulated mug. All those words together.
I tend to drop things. I knock them over.
I need kid-proof items that will protect my laptop (and dignity) when I knock my coffee over while in a meeting. It also saves time and dry cleaning costs – no more spilled coffee on your freshly laundered white shirt or expensive suit while dashing out the door to work.
All that, and it keeps your coffee hot, too.
It makes a great co-worker gift or stocking stuffer.
Tip – get the silver – it’s dishwasher safe.
Dark Chocolate Covered Coffee beans 2 lb bag – $17.99 (Amazon)
Because it’s coffee AND chocolate.
Hoosier Hill Farm Gourmet Dark Chocolate covered Espresso Beans (2 lb Bag)
If you want something prettier for gift-giving, try Gourmet Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans, 2 lb Bag in a Gift Box by Cuckoo Luckoo Confections
Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans & Gift Box on Amazon
Capresso Burr Grinder -$82.00 (Amazon)
For years I used the tiny pulse grinder that produced an inconsistent grind and required that I had to stand there and press while grinding. Yes, that works, but switching to this burr grinder was a huge upgrade.
If your giftee drinks a lot of coffee, this is a winner.
The bean container stores 8-1/2 ounces of beans, and there are multiple settings for various methods of brewing. There’s a timer so you can walk away while it grinds your beans. The steel conical burr design preserves the coffee’s flavor by not overheating the beans while grinding. And you can grind a lot of coffee at once.
Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder on Amazon
Starbucks (or other) Gift Card – $15, $25, or other amounts
This gift idea is good for just about anyone as a small “thank you”. I’ve bought them in bulk to have on hand to thank a co-worker who stepped up to give an extra hand when needed.
Self-Improvement and Goals
Gift ideas for those who want to reach a little farther and grow.
Self Journal from Best Self – $31.99
5 Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day – $18.78 (Amazon)
I wrote a post about the benefits of gratitude and recommended this journal there, too. It’s simple to use, has a clean layout, and the pages are not dated so you can start at any time.
The Five Minute Journal on Amazon
Audible Gift Membership – price varies
You can give a 3 month, 6 months, or 12-month gift membership to Audible, even if you’re not a member. I love my Audible membership and do most of my “reading” during my daily commute to work. Or when doing yard work. Or laundry. Or home renovations. So many opportunities to get in a good book. Your books are still available even after the membership period ends. You’ll likely find you love it so much you want to keep it going.
Bad Meetings Happen to Good People: How to Run Meetings That Are Effective, Focused, and Produce Results Paperback $12.95 (Amazon)
Yes, this is my book, but you know you want your co-workers to run meetings more effectively, so I’m adding it here.
And after all those long, dreadful meetings you’ve attended, it’s the perfect co-worker gift!
Other Ideas
A few gift ideas that merit a mention.
Crazy Aarons Thinking Putty – $7.46 (Amazon)
Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty on Amazon
Built “Gourmet Getaway” Lunch Tote, Multiple Designs- $12.79 (Amazon)
I have used this lunch tote almost every day for the past two years and it’s held up beautifully.
It expands to accommodate oddly shaped containers and bumpy edges. It’s both attractive and practical!
Built “Gourmet Getaway” Lunch Tote on Amazon
Time and attention – priceless
Gift ideas don’t have to cost a lot to show you care. If you want to truly show someone that they’re important to you, give them the gift of your time and attention.
It’s one of the most valuable things you have, and it may just be the thing they want the most.
Summary
These are all items I use and love. They all make my life easier, make me more productive or improve my life in some way.
And even though I’ve listed them as great gift ideas for someone else, you may want to get some (or all) of these items for yourself.
If you’ve got other suggestions, leave a comment below. What other great items am I missing here?
Note: In the spirit of full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links, which means that I may get a commission if you decide to purchase via the provided links. I only recommend items that I use and love. See my Disclosure statement here.
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