10 Things: 2015 Team Gift Guide

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The last few years, we’ve tried to help you celebrate your team members with gift guides, and as promised, here is our 2015 edition (check out 2014, 2013 and 2012 for more ideas). While once a year may not be enough to express your full appreciation of your fellow colleagues, the holidays are ideal for a slightly grander gesture (even if that gesture isn’t a financially grand gesture, because celebrating people needn’t be costly). Click through for this year’s suggestions to fete your folks:

1. For the road warrior among the group:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The F1 Seat Pak is an awesome organizer that allows you to grab the gear you have to have at your seat on those occasions when you’re stuck gate checking a bag because the overhead bins are all taken or when you have that overstuffed carry-on because who wants to check a bag anymore? Bonus points for the orange color, making it super easy to spot in the black hole that every bag becomes.

2. For the ultra-organized planner with big ideas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a confession to make: for all of the technology that surrounds me in my daily life, when it comes to staying organized, I am a paper and pen girl. The Passion Planner isn’t the planner I use (I am trying out this one for 2016, which is spendy, but has some cool features that caught my eye), but I gave one to my kiddo, and I love the different components, and the fact that it’s undated. Definitely a good option for that member of your team who is always going in 15 different directions. Or has big plans for the future. Or both.

3. For the artistic soul, or the one who could use a bit of meditative downtime:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coloring books for grownups are a thing now, which I love. What could be a better way to give your brain a break from the ugly we’re so frequently confronted with than these lovely, highly detailed pages, shrunk down to postcard size (perfect for tossing in a purse or backpack). Give a copy of this alone, or pair with these pens for a complete gift.

4. For the one with wanderlust:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I heart these city scratch-off maps. Besides NYC, they also make ones for London, Paris and San Francisco. This is a particularly fun idea for people with kids, because it creates a scavenger hunt out of every visit. An inexpensive and creative gift idea: give a single map or the whole set.

5. For the foodie (or the one who has sworn they are going to start cooking at home more often):

 

 

 

 

 

Have you used Blue Apron yet? We use it in our house and have loved the variety and convenience of having it delivered to our doorstep. We’ve also given a week of it to several family members as Hanukkah gifts. They deliver all over the country (sorry, this one is so US-focused), and it allows for quite a bit of customization (including adding wine pairings!). Plus they don’t repeat recipes, and every meal is done in under 45 minutes or so. Can be ordered for 2 people or 4 (we always have leftovers with the 2-person option).

6. For the big-hearted one (wait, that’s all of your team, isn’t it?):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jewish Women International currently has a campaign going on: Book by Book. They’re raising money to build libraries in domestic violence shelters all over the US. Think about a donation in the name of your team; the website outlines the different items your donation will buy, including books, toys and computer equipment. A cool idea that can make a difference in the lives of our patients (in a very different way than perhaps what we’re used to).

7. For the highly caffeinated (and overly sweetened):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A gift box that includes fabulous Stumptown coffee and Mast Brothers chocolate (delish!). This is a perfect pairing (IMHO), and visually pleasing to boot. A particularly good one for the hipster on your team 🙂

8. For the one who needs a little inspiration:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, I’m a fan. This is on my list, but I haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet. She’s always a good read, and from the reviews I’ve read there’s plenty of great stuff to light a fire under your butt and give you the encouragement you need. May be particularly helpful for that colleague who’s feeling a bit frayed at the edges.

9. For the one who really loves their pet(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No longer must those photos with the cats clutter up your iPhone; give a copy of Petsies and you can finally have one place to display all of them. Pair it with a gift card to one of the online photo printers like TinyPrints (we use them for our holiday cards) for a slightly more extravagant gift.

10. For any of your colleagues, because a heartfelt note is an awesome way to show your appreciation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No need to get overly maudlin this holiday season, but a personal note, contained in a funny card, is appreciated anywhere you go. I love the ones from Emily McDowell (she also has great prints and other gifts on her site); they strike a good balance of slightly askew and heartfelt. Not too sappy for colleagues, warm enough for people you’ve been in the trenches with for years. I just ordered a whole new bunch for people in my life to give out throughout the year.

{Full disclosure: this post contains some affiliate links. I earn a small amount from purchases made through those links that go toward supporting FHO’s operations.}