
It's the most wonderful time of the year! But it's also the most stressful. And overwhelming. And exhausting. Finding the perfect gifts for the important people in your life shouldn't be a chore, but when you're unsure what to give someone, the temptation to give up entirely and just hand them over a stack of cash becomes increasingly tempting.
Don't throw in the towel just yet, though. We've taken the guesswork out of the gifting season by creating an expertly curated gift list filled with 50 picks from young professionals for young professionals. That's right; we asked real-life professionals starting out in their careers to send us gift recommendations they'd love to receive, and here's what they chose.
This isn't your typical generic holiday gift guide; this is the real deal. You can thank us (and these awesome contributors) later.
This Keeps Me Upright
I spent months, MONTHS, trying to decide on a desk chair. I wanted something comfortable that was also a mix between a desk chair and a recliner for when I wanted a cozy reading chair. There's nothing I would change about this . - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Folds Up Small
An author friend received this for her birthday this year and it immediately went to the top of my wish list. She does a lot of writing on the go while hanging out at her son’s sports practices, and with this keyboard, she can just connect it to her phone and type away. It folds up to about the size of a book and is super easy to tote around. - Saleema, Writer & Registered Veterinary Technician
This Saves My Throat During the Winter
or my desk. This makes my desk feel a bit like a spa (LOL). I really love using this during the dry winter months. I swear it helps me stay away from germs. - Zelda, HR Manager
These Help Me Remember Everything
If you’re not sure what to gift someone, you can’t go wrong with a pack of super sticky . From little reminders to important bits of information, I write everything onto these post-its. Once they’re stuck, they’re not going anywhere which is exactly what a chaotic desk-goblin like me needs. -Megan, Writer & Historian
This Is Silent and Compact
I squeeze in my daily steps with the . It’s silent, slim, and folds in the middle so you can store it under the bed, sofa, or coffee table lightning fast. It’s a bit of a pricier gift, but it’s absolutely well worth the investment. -Megan, Writer & Historian
The Was the Gift I Didn't Know I Needed
My friend got me this for my birthday, and honestly? I get the Kindle hype now. The is an inexpensive option for us girlies who love to read but hate creasing our hardcover books. It's also so easy to take on planes, without having to worry about screen glare or nosy seat neighbors. - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This Allows You to Work From Your Bed
I often switch up where I work. On cold, cold days I like to work from bed, directly under the heater, with blankets piled up. And sometimes I like to turn my regular desk into a standing desk. All that is possible thanks to this that is oversized when you need it but folds small under my bed when I don't. - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Is Fantastic
For no less than four years I have turned to to help me keep track of work projects, my personal life, and every little task that falls onto my plate. I'm team physical planner, but they also have digital planners that are dated and undated, and physical planners of varying sizes. I would be lost without it. - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Helps Me Organize My Life
This helps me put all of my thoughts into one place. I bought this last month for my home office and I have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of use it gets. It helps me keep all of my thoughts in one place, and visualize my notes. - Becca, Commerce Editor
I Recommend This to Everyone I Know
Glennon Doyle is a national treasure. I read shortly after it was released in 2020 and have gifted it to every woman in my life since. It’s definitely a must-read for anyone on the precipice of discovering themselves. - Saleema, Writer & Registered Veterinary Technician
This Could Not Be More Perfect for Me
This is honestly one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. Instead of spending my winter evenings wrapped up in a blanket on the couch, I can literally wear the blanket in the form of a hoodie. It’s super warm and soft, which means the cats love it too. I’m planning to gift these to the rest of my family this Christmas, so we can all wear them around the tree. - Saleema, Writer & Registered Veterinary Technician
This Protects My Curls
As someone with hip-length hair whose childhood Shirley Temple ringlets fell into softer curls over time, I can’t survive without a satin pillowcase. And are at the top of my wish list this year. They’ve got the best silk pillowcases on the market, and I desperately want to upgrade my average satin number for one of these. -Megan, Writer & Historian
This Affordable Is My Favorite Travel Item
Whether you’re taking full advantage of your weekends off to jet-set around the globe or you’re racking up frequent flyer miles for your job, you’ve got to be able to rely on a solid suitcase. My top pick is . This historic brand is all about durability, and mine has survived many trips with nary a scratch. -Megan, Writer & Historian
This Is Compact and Cute
I think everyone needs a label maker in their life, actually, but especially someone like me, who has both ADHD and a LOT of work to do. My brain power doesn't often extend to remembering what tools are for what, or what drawer I put what I need in, but that's where this comes in handy. It's easy to set up on your smart phone, print out a label, and slap that sticker on where you need it. Easy peasy. - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This Keeps Your Coffee Hot for Hours
I don't think I have ever finished a cup of coffee, tea, or sippable soup at a comfortable temperature. Read: Not ice cold. I've switched to enjoying my hot beverages in an insulated mug, but that keeps them so hot that I can't actually drink them for so long. Maybe it's time I finally bought a this year. - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
These Are My Tried-And-True Favorites
This brand of notebooks is my favorite. I fell in love with when I was in college, and as I transitioned into the working world, I knew that these were the only planners for me. I like that they are sturdy, clean and come in a ton of different colors. - Becca, Commerce Editor
This Helps Me Relax at Night
My best friend’s nighttime routine is #goals. They have a relaxing bath every single night before bed, and I was honestly shocked when I learned they didn’t have any bath accessories. So, of course, I had to get them some for Christmas last year. They love how it can expand to fit any bathtub size and has a convenient little for reading or TikTok scrolling. - Saleema, Writer & Registered Veterinary Technician
This Works Wonders on Wrinkly Work Clothes
Every young professional on the game needs an afterwork hobby to look forward to and mine’s crocheting. You need steam to finish many crochet projects, and has worked wonders. It’s super easy to use and works great on both clothes and crafts! -Megan, Writer & Historian
This k Is the Perfect Travel Companion for Flights
It's chic. It's roomy. It holds everything I need to carry on a flight without me having to double-up with a personal item. Even for things outside of travel, this has been a useful little addition to my home and work life. My electronics and valuables make it anywhere without a single issue. Why did we stop using when school ended? We should normalize backpacks in adulthood, actually. - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This Keeps Me Updated While Working from Home
I'm planning to ask for a this year for the holidays. Working from home, it just makes sense to have a little more security and keep an eye on what's going on when we're gone. Everyone seems to have one of these, so I'm ready to jump on the bandwagon. -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
These Were Made for My AirPods
I...don't know how else to say this, but my ears canals are slippery. I love listening to music and podcasts while working, and considering I'd already spent the money on AirPods, I couldn't justify making another expensive purchase. These little are SO nifty and they keep my AirPods in place for as long as the charge lasts. - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This Is a Necessity for Someone Who Uses Earbuds Everyday
This is such a simple little , but I use it religiously. It comes with different parts to help clean your computer screen, keyboard, mouse — you name it. As someone with two cats who shed like it's nobody's business, this comes in handy nearly every day when a stray cat hair has once again interrupted my mouse's performance. The irony does not escape me. - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This Came With Me on a Summer Girls Trip
I love this for traveling. This seamlessly attaches to my laptop so that I can have two screens while working outside of the office. It has made traveling for work 10x easier. - Zelda, HR Manager
This Is So Good I've Bought It Twice
The I recommend to everyone! I'll let my fiancé take the credit for this one, since he got me hooked onto this ergonomic desk chair. It's not the most beautiful piece of furniture you've seen, but it has been a crucial part of my work day ever since I bought it. It keeps my body feeling great while I work. - Becca, Commerce Editor
This Helps Me Relax After Work
Games are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. is as much fun to play as it is to say and super easy to learn. Plus, it’s great for an adults-only game night or a family-friendly event. - Saleema, Writer & Registered Veterinary Technician
This Gives a Bit of Flair to My Workspace
As a mid-century historian, I compulsively collect iconic pieces of the past. What better way to keep time than the delightful ? You can get them in a rainbow of colorways (I went with orange because it’s my favorite color) and special edition designs. Nothing fills the silence better than the delicate clacks of the kitty cat’s swishing tail. -Megan, Writer & Historian
This Makes You Feel Like You're on the Clock
I love to decorate my office in ways that take a second to realize what you're looking at. And this was a fantastic build, especially during winter, and it sits on my bookshelf. Everyone who sees it goes, "Oh, wow! That's so neat a typewriter!" Until I point out it is so much more than that. It's a great decor and reminds me that I get to do what I love: write! - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Is Automatic
A full-blown litter robot might not be in my budget just yet (and would be way too much to ask for a gift), but I wouldn't mind upgrading my cat's litter box to something like that makes daily cleaning just a bit easier. And he'd probably love it, too! -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
This Helps Me Find My Happiness
When you're deep into a project, it can be easy to lose sight of the why you started or to keep your chin up. I've read this countless times, and if there was a Gretchen Rubin prayer candle I'd have one on my desk instead. But this book reminds me to take a step back and reframe without complicating. - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Can Be Programmed to Start My Morning Early
Ever since I started dating my now husband, we haven't owned an automatic coffee pot. We've been living the Chemex and french press life for the past 8 years, but this year I convinced him it's time to get an automatic coffee pot that can make our coffee for us early in the AM to make it easier to get out of bed. This is the we chose so it could be somewhat similar to a pour over, and we both love it, and love how it looks. -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
These Let Me Add Information Anywhere
I'm a note person. I take so many, all of the time. And I did not expect to fall in love with these as hard as I have. I use my planner to make sure I'm writing in straight lines, and they're a great way to add to notes to a page that's already a bit busy without creating more chaos. - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Has Saved My Life More Than Once
Migraines happen to me very often, especially as someone whose work involves staring at a computer screen for most of the day. These have been so helpful when the headaches are especially bad. Quick tip: Buy two, so you can switch one out for the other from the freezer quickly! - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This Game Is Fun for Everyone
I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life as the day my sister gave me Telestrations. It’s basically the of the iconic game, Telephone. You can play with anywhere from three to eight players, but the more, the better. Leave your drawing skills at the door and get ready to double over with laughter. - Saleema, Writer & Registered Veterinary Technician
This Is Sleek and Stylish
My fiancé works long hours, and often times cannot bring his phone out on the job. I got him this for his birthday last year to use during the week and he loves it! Not only is it helpful for checking the time, but is a stylish addition to any of his work outfits. - Becca, Commerce Editor
These Noise Cancelling Keep Me Focused on Work Calls
Yes, cost quite a bit but I have used them nearly every day for three years. They block out all sounds while I'm working (including my Roomba!) so when I need to buckle down and not be distracted, I can block out the world and crush my to-do list. Bonus: They block out all noise on an airplane so you can enjoy your music without any rumbles and chatting. - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Keeps Me Cool in the Summer Months
In the summer, I run warm. And while I do love my tower fan, I do not love how it sends everything flying. This little , however, fits under my monitor and I can aim it how I please. If I could bring this with me wherever I go, I would. - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Is the Gift I Never Knew I Needed
We got as a Christmas gift last year, and both use it almost every day. Since we lead pretty active lifestyles, our feet appreciate the love. It has multiple massage settings plus a heat option, and gets your calves, too. I can't imagine not owning this in the future - it's worth the price! -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
This Holds My Tablet & Comes With a Mouse
I am incredibly picky about and their usability without having to press two or three buttons without making one thing happen. I can turn up my volume, pause, skip, or stop music with just one touch of a button. I can prop up my notepad in the holder or keep it there ready to go. - Allison, Writer & Mixologist
This Makes Me Feel Like I'm in a Real Office
is cute and functional. Saves me a lot of trips to my junk drawer, too. If I need a pen, I have a pen readily available to me. And there's no excuse to leave it lying around — it's as simple as dropping it back in its place. Same goes for any notebooks, sticky notes, or markers. - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This Gives Us Comfort While Looking Cozy
I've had this since we bought our house and I use it almost every day! It helps create the cozy ambience I want (especially in the winter) and heats up my space pretty well for being so affordable! Even in the summer, I love turning on just the flame part with no heat. Would make the perfect addition to an at-home office, too! -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
This Is Worth the Hype
Boy do I love this . I own the 24 oz and the 40 oz (prefer the 40, but sometimes it gets bulky if you're on-the-go). It keeps my water cold and I like that it has a straw option. They come in all sorts of fun color combinations and a lid that stays closed and pops open easily. -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
This Makes Me Feel Like I Have it All Together
All a girl wants is a set of plates. Plates that are shaped like bowls (or is it a bowl that's shaped like a plate?). This comes in cute neutral colors. I don't know how else to say it, but these just make eating easier. -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
This Keeps Me Active While Working from Home
I LOVE nature! I will not walk for five miles in it. To be fair, I'm from Texas, where it's hot 90% of the year — so has been the perfect way to get my steps in before, during, or after work. It's also so easy to move, set up, AND I never have to look cute to use it. Gremlin walking mode: activated. - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This Turns Off Automatically
How many times do I microwave my coffee in a day? Too many to continue to live like this. I have been thinking about getting a like this one to keep at my desk so I don't have to keep running downstairs to warm my coffee up, because luke warm coffee is absolutely not it. -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
These Are My WFH Best Friend
If there’s one thing we can all agree on it’s that Apple has made some misses over the years. Newer AirPod generations slip right out of my ears, but the original shape is perfect for keeping me up-to-date on podcasts and playlists. I listen to music the entire time I work, so a good pair of -Megan, Writer & Historian
These Are Perfect Year-Round
My husband made all of my childhood 90s grunge dreams come true by gifting me a pair of Doc Martens, and they’re the wardrobe staple I never knew I needed. These are great year-round, although there is a bit of a break-in period. But after that, they wear like a dream. - Saleema, Writer & Registered Veterinary Technician
These Are Perfect for Hosting
I'm slightly obsessed with this gorgeous colored . These would look so cute on display and would be awesome at parties so you don't have to keep track of whose glass is whose. I might have to get rid of some of my current ones just to make room for these, though. -Casey, Assistant Editor & Librarian
This Was a Gift From a Friend
This silly was a gift from a friend who a) knows about my love of foxes and b) knows how bad I am at communicating my feelings. Thus, now this little guy lives on my desk, and when something is frustrating, I simply turn him into his angry self. And vice versa. A great outlet. We can just scowl at each other instead of giving into our anger. - Claudia, Senior Brand Copywriter
This r Is Actually Supportive
If you’ve got a chiropractor on speed dial, then you’ve got to get the . It’s a stylish mid-price office chair that doesn’t skimp on support. You’re never too young to give yourself or your friends the gift of healthy joints. -Megan, Writer & Historian
These Are My Favorite WFH Shoes
If you're like me and you work from home, you know how crucial it is to have a cozy wardrobe full of fuzzy fabrics and warm shoes. These are a staple closet item - that work well especially while I'm at home! - Becca, Commerce Editor
These are the I've Ever Used - No Lie!
Usually, I abhor pencils, but Palomino’s Blackwing Pearls are where it’s at! They’re modeled off of a massively popular from Eberhard Faber called the Blackwing 602 and are smoother than any other I’ve ever tried. And the ferrule eraser mechanism with replaceable eraser lets you use the pencil all the way to the nib. -Megan, Writer & Historian
This Was One of My Best Purchases This Year
When you’re working from home, stretching your legs is an absolute must. Instead of forking over a ton of money for a standing desk, I bought . Although it’s a bit on the heavy side (so it’s a semi-permanent desk addition), it’s super easy to lift and lower, and it’s spacious enough for a laptop, mouse, and more. -Megan, Writer & Historian
These Keep All of My Tiny Necessities in Place
These help me store all of my little things. I use these pouches to organize my work purse, my travel bags and even keep a few in my desk drawer to keep cords in place. - Zelda, HR Manager