While the kids are making their lists I started to think about what was on my list. While I don’t really need anything, I have some wants, and I realized there may be some other readers out there who are shopping for someone who works from home or is a freelancer this holiday season.
Freelance workers, work at home position, social media, and consulting are becoming more and more common in the digital age. If you’re shopping for someone on your list who works from home here are some ideas that are top on my list.
Note that it’s a little Mac heavy, what can I say I’m a fangirl!
12 Gift Ideas for People who Work at Home
1. Smart Phone
While we may not love being connected all the time, it’s often part of the job. Why not get them the ultimate gift? Smartphones are great for checking email on the go, social media on the go, taking calls in the carpool line, and working wherever you have to be.
Cost: Free-$800 depending on your phone plan and whether you’re buying an unlocked phone.
2. Laptop
Of course this is on the list! It’s not in everyone’s budget but a laptop will allow a freelancer to work from anywhere at anytime!
Cost: Laptops vary greatly, but look for one that has what your freelancer needs. MacBook Airs start around $900, but you could spend more or less depending on their needs.
3. Magic Mouse or a Wireless Keyboard:
Freedom to work without cords!
Cost: $70-$80
If the freelancer on your list doesn’t have a domain name buy it for them! It’s an affordable way to show them you support their endeavors. Creating a professional site for a freelancer is helpful to showcase their talents and help them find additional clients.
Cost: $5-$10 for a domain name, $30-$100/hour for design work.
5. Computer software
This could include:
- A copy of accounting software to keep track of their expenses and income, and make tax time a breeze.
- Photoshop if they edit photos or need to have images for their work.
Cost:$50-$400
6. Camera
While that point and shoot is ok, a DSLR would be a welcome addition for anyone who uses photos. No need to go crazy with a $1,500 camera and lenses, and a bag, and so many additions. Start with a good beginner camera like the Canon EOS.
Cost: Starts at approx. $500.
7. Pajamas
Since we love to work in our pjs pick up some super comfy pajamas, a luxe robe, or a warm pair of slippers to encourage people who work at home to be comfy while they work.
Cost: $20 or more
8. Personal WiFi Device
(AT&T) WiFi Hotspot with no contract
Give them the gift of WiFi wherever they go. You can either it to your current cell phone plan or purchase a separate device that allows you to connect multiple devices where WiFi is not available. Look for a device from a service that works best in your area. Consider a Pay-As-You-Go plan or a monthly prepaid fee.
Cost: Devices run from already owned-$100 while service plans run from free (on some family plans) to $40/month.
This site allows you to edit and add overlays to photos, watermark pictures, and so much more. It’s great for anyone who works in social media or uses visual in their work but doesn’t need the hefty tools in Photoshop.
Cost: $33 for the year
10. Professional help
This could include some of the following services with costs ranging from $40-$100s :
- Business Cards
- Membership to a Professional Organization
- Session with a Mentor
Cost: Varies
11. Conference tickets
Want to support your them in a big way? Give them the gift of a conference ticket where they can learn more about their field, and network. For bloggers I highly recommend Type-A Parent conferences and bootcamps. Read more about Type-A’s offerings here.
Cost: $100-$2,000 for ticket, travel expenses, and hotel.
12. Gift Cards
When you work at home you typically get wrapped up in what they are doing, so gift cards for coffee (so they can power through deadlines), gift cards for food (we sometimes forget to eat), or even coupons for time off to go work in peace and quiet at the bookstore are welcome gifts.
Cost: $5-$100
Bonus Gift!
I think this applies to parents especially. Sometimes we stay up late working so we can squeeze in an afternoon at school, or we’ve had a busy week meeting a deadline. Offering to let a freelancer sleep in is just a great way to support them!
Cost: FREE!
Do you have a work at home folks on your gift list? What are you planning on purchasing for them? If you work from home what are you asking for for the holidays?
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Over the next several weeks I’ll be sharing holiday gift picks on a budget. You’ll find everything you need for a centsible holiday. Start with our Ultimate Holiday Planning Guide and explore our Holiday Gift Guide posts for tons of ideas for everyone on your list.
Kelly
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Thanks for stopping by!
I hear you. I think they are a great investment, honestly. I have upgrade mine a bit, but it’s the same one my husband bought me 6 years ago to start the blog! At this rate it’s only cost me about $200/year, but been WELL worth every penny.
Ooh! Sounds like fun! I really need to dig in and learn how to use mine better.
So handy! You can’t always get on WiFi even when a place like the mechanic says they have it-it’s often unreliable!
Toni Munoz-Hunt says
Absolutely love this list! Especially the portable WiFi and the domain name ideas. Thanks for this post!
I’d love a Mac laptop, though right now I’d happy with more memory for my PC laptop to help when I’m working on images. Visiting from #sitsblogging
We just scored a DSLR bundle for an insane price at Best Buy for Black Friday. I am so excited to play with it over the break.
Janine says
I LOVE my personal hotspot - we have a MiFi and it comes in handy when I’m on the road or sitting and waiting for my oil change!