The Spin Sucks Holiday Gift Guide

There are some of us who wait until Christmas Eve to shop (cough, Martin Waxman, cough).

Of course, I have no room to talk this year. I’ve been traveling and speaking so much that I still have most of my side of the family to get. Hope my mom doesn’t mind taking me shopping later this week!

For people like Martin and myself, I asked my team for their thoughts on holiday gifts.

What came back was a hodge podge of some inexpensive (and some expensive) and fun gift ideas.

1. K Cup Coffee Brewer. Early this fall, Crister Delacruz and I were at a meeting where we offered a shot of espresso. Both espresso snobs, we eyed this K Cup pot the client had with cynicism. He talked us into trying it and the result was something delicious and super easy to make. So, when Molli Megasko had it on her list, I knew it had to be included here. The brewers start at $89 and go up from there.
2. Amazon Gift Cards. I know some people don’t feel like gift cards are personal enough, but I like to receive them as gifts. Rather than try to guess what your peers, colleagues, or clients like to read, treat them to a gift card so they can choose themselves. If you insist on buying them a book, do something such as The Synergist, Brand Against the Machine, The End of Business As Usual, The Like Economy, What Would Google Do, or Groundswell. You could also pre-order them Marketing In the Round. It’s due out in May so it’d be the gift that just keeps giving.
3. GPS System. Some of us have those colleagues who, when we get in the car with them, forget all common sense, not knowing which way is north or their left from their right. A GPS system is not only a great gift, but it helps them keep you safe while in the car. Starting at $70 (and moving up from there), it’s a relatively inexpensive gift for someone who takes your life in their hands.
4. French Press. Public relations is the second most stressful job in the United States so it makes sense that something coffee-related ended up on our list twice. Our office likes the French press because it steeps and brews a better cup of coffee. And it’s only $17.
5. iPad. Only half of us in the office have iPads and the other half are insanely jealous. While not something you’re likely to buy just anyone, it’s a great gift idea to show how much you care. It’s cool, it’s hip, and it’s extremely useful. The only thing we don’t like the iPad for is creating content. But everything else? It’s fantastic.
6. Bluetooth iPad Keyboard. To go along with the new iPad, buy a bluetooth keyboard. This is a life saver, as you use your iPad more and more because it cuts down on the hunt and peck typing and allows you to type as fast as you normally do on your regular computer. If you hurry, it’s on sale! Only $30.
7. A Tailor. My mom would be very happy to see this on the list. She gets mad at me when I’m too lazy to have something tailored so it fits a little bit better. And this goes beyond having pants hemmed, but also bringing in suit jackets to fit your waist or shortening sleeves. Give someone the gift of great-fitting clothes.
8. Unbroken. This book is a story about World War II survivors and Molli says it’s, hands down, the best book she’s ever read. She said it’s so good it deserved its own category. I haven’t read it yet, but will be picking it up!
9. Wireless Mouse. With the exception of mid-air on a flight, you can use a wireless mouse anywhere. I have two on my desk, one in my purse, and one in my suitcase. That way, I’m never without the use of a mouse, which makes it easier to do work from Starbucks, a hotel room, or someone’s lobby while you wait for a meeting.
10. Westone Headphones. I’m going to go ahead and admit this is a luxury gift idea, but they are so worth the price. These are the earphones I wear when listening to music on the plane so no one will talk to me, and also when I ride or cycle. They are so much better than Bose earphones, there really is no comparison.

So there you have it. Ten holiday gift ideas that, if you buy now, will still arrive by Christmas.

About Gini Dietrich

Gini Dietrich is the founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, a Chicago-based integrated marketing communications firm. She is the lead blogger here at Spin Sucks and is the founder of Spin Sucks Pro. She is the co-author of Marketing in the Round and co-host of Inside PR. Her second book, Spin Sucks, is due out in November 2013

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