Planning Christmas presents this year is more complex than running a stealth military operation. Supply chain logistics, schedule, finance, people – it’s all there. Just about all you would need to make the situation more dramatic is a giant scrolling map with little ship icons to show your purchases crossing the Pacific Ocean.
Of course, you don’t have to be beholden to this troubled process. For example, you can take the stress out of presents that arrive late by simply handing them out in January or whenever you finally have them on hand.
Or, you can skip online shopping and buy locally, choosing your gifts from the inventory you find on store shelves as you walk in.
What if you made your own gifts? Or of course, as a last (or first) resort, there is always the option of sending a gift card.
Now that we’ve got that fixed, it’s time to publish my annual gift guide for those in your life who may be struggling with career issues or managing a job search. Some gifts are tangible and will need to reach the recipient by physical means, while others can be “transported” through the magic of technology.
You will also notice that only some of the freebies are directly related to employment issues. This is because the job seeker on your list may need a break from this important topic; the best gift may be something that he or she has cut in the budget right now, rather than something more practical.
Classes. It is one of those “lifetime” gifts, which can stay with the recipient well beyond the holiday season. For more impact, you can also register and share the experience. Here are some ideas:
• Skills sessions, such as welding or bartending
• Fitness sessions, such as yoga or meditation
• Courses of personal interest, such as creative writing or genealogy
Memberships or subscriptions. For more freebies with a lasting impact, consider a membership or membership that can be enjoyed year round, like:
• Professional associations or career-specific magazines
• Registration for the health club or the fitness center
• season tickets for the theater or sports teams
• state or national park passes
• Newspapers, possibly from their hometown
• Streaming services
Gift baskets. You can’t go wrong with a basket full of door-to-door treats – or a similar option in the ____ family – of the month. For example:
• baskets of food or wine
• Subscriptions to crafts or to the book of the month
• spa baskets with self-care products
• Any basket you make yourself with special treats or cheering notes
Gift cards or certificates. Gifts that can be exchanged for something pleasant or practical are always welcome. In some cases, if you offer your gift early enough, recipients on a tight budget can make it part of their own vacation plans. For example, a gift card for an upscale grocery store can translate into a good dessert on the holiday table. Other ideas include certificates for:
• Restaurants or other entertainment options
• Personal services, such as a salon or spa
• Any personalized certificate from you, redeemable for things like babysitting, home cooked meals, a day trip together, or maybe the use of your vacation home if you have one.
Something personal. Gifts from the heart can make a big difference to someone struggling with a job search or other issues. Some options may include:
• An organized collection of photos, digital or printed
• A personal item of your own, such as heirloom jewelry or art
• A daily journal or a book of inspirational quotes
Gifts specific to employment or career issues. If you would like to be more direct in supporting your beneficiary’s job or career search process, these options may be suitable:
• Career advice or coaching sessions
• Books or courses on job search strategies
• Subscription to the premium service LinkedIn
• Coursera subscription, to provide options for certification courses
In truth, any way you remember others this season is a step in the right direction. For those struggling with career or job search issues, even a warm email with good wishes will provide a welcome boost. So, let go of your supply chain concerns and put your mind to thinking: the perfect gift for those special people on your list might be just around the corner.
Amy Lindgren owns a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at [email protected].
Comments are closed.