Best Gifts for Working Professionals This Holiday Season
Best Gifts for Working Professionals Holidays 2025
I often have clients ask me what they should buy their spouse or family member that will support their professional life. Everyone always thinks of books, and while I have some excellent book recommendations, there are several other gifts that my team and I enjoy as working professionals that we pass on.
The holiday season is the perfect time to show appreciation for the hardworking professionals in your life. Whether they’re working from home, commuting daily, or leading a team, these gifts are practical, fun, and guaranteed to make their workdays brighter. Here are my top picks for this year’s holiday gift guide:
Foldable Laptop Desk
For remote workers hunched over their laptops, this foldable desk elevates the screen to eye level, helping improve posture and reduce back and neck strain. It’s a thoughtful gift that supports both productivity and wellness whether they work from home full or part time.
Car Mount
Perfect for professionals on the go, this car mount keeps phones at eye level, increasing safety during commutes. It’s especially handy for those who occasionally need to take a call or meeting while safely parked. Don’t be that person who tries to take the video meeting while driving…
Coffee Mug Warmer
For the coffee or tea lover who gets “locked in” on their work, this mug warmer ensures their beverage stays hot while they power through big deliverables. A small luxury that makes a big difference.
Funny Coffee Mug
We all know a spreadsheet guru! This mug is a lighthearted gift for coworkers or friends who live and breathe Excel. It’s practical, funny, and perfect for office gifting.
Neck Fan
You’ve seen me talk about menopause in the workplace on my “Taking Care of Business” segment on CBS Pittsburgh KDKA’s Talk Pittsburgh show. A lifesaver for professionals experiencing hot flashes or simply working in stuffy environments. This neck fan is a discreet, portable way to stay cool and comfortable—an excellent example of a workplace-friendly “reasonable accommodation.”
To-Do List Organizer
Unlike traditional journals, this organizer stays open and visible, serving as a constant reminder of tasks. It’s ideal for professionals who thrive on visual cues to stay productive. It’s even a great gift for students who struggle with executive disfunction.
Stress balls are classic, but this magnetic fidget toy takes desk gadgets to the next level. It’s perfect for professionals who need movement to spark creativity or relieve stress during long workdays.
Funny Desk Sign
For the sarcastic coworker (or your own home office), this desk sign adds humor to the workspace. It’s a fun way to let personality shine while keeping spirits high.
This creative kit includes stickers, ribbon tape, and more. It’s perfect for professionals who love organizing thoughts visually. It’s a gift that blends productivity with creativity.
Career Exploration Book: Do What You Are
For anyone considering a career change, this book is a powerful starting point. While best paired with guidance from a career coach, it helps professionals explore new paths and discover their “what next.”
Leadership and Management Book: The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
A must-read for managers and leaders, this book teaches how to coach effectively, both for task completion and professional development. It’s another gift that is best paired with the support of an executive coach as it empowers leaders to inspire growth in their teams.
Final Thoughts
From practical tools to fun desk accessories, these gifts strike the perfect balance between utility and joy. Whether you’re shopping for a coworker, a friend, or yourself, these picks will make the holiday season brighter and the workday smoother. People often think of buying gifts that people will love, which is certainly a solid way to choose a gift. I also recommend considering a gift that tackles a pain point for the professional in your life. The gift of peace is immeasurable.
Holly Wilbanks is the Founder, Principal Consultant and Executive Coach for The Wilbanks Consulting Group, a boutique coaching and consulting firm developing professionals and executives to achieve their goals through strategic career transition, advancement, and job search services.
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