The perfect gift that your designer friend will actually appreciate

Without getting the issue of whether you should be gifting gelt (money) or items, Chanukah is without doubt a great excuse to buy (and, more importantly, receive) gifts.

There is an art to gift-giving. To finding that perfect item the receiver would appreciate and yet doesn’t already own. Something they want, but wouldn’t spend the money on for themselves. It requires really knowing the receiver, the items they use regularly, their likes and dislikes, their personal style and taste. And, sometimes, their profession.

That being said, here’s a list of great gifts for your friend the graphic designer. They've been eyeing these items all year, waiting for an excuse to splurge on themselves. Consider this your not-so-subtle hint 😉.

*I included approximate pricing for each product, in case that's a big deciding factor for you.

Equipment

Wacom Tablet ($50-75)

You know that dream you've always had of improving your illustration skills - this is the sign you've been waiting for.

Apple Pencil ($75-100)

Take your drawing to a new level.

Field Notes ($5-25)

For making notes and sketches on the field. Or on the go, at your desk, in bed, in the carpool line - you get the idea.

Laptop Backpack ($20-40)

For the friend who works at Starbucks

Laptop Stand ($20-40)

For the friend who works from home

Books

I don't own all of these but they're all definitely on my wishlist.

Made by James ($40)

Coming out January 2022! Pre-order to get a free exclusive video from James by submitting your receipt on his website, here.

Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler ($25-35)

How to by Michael Beirut ($20-50)

For that friend who's going to change the world

In Progress by Jessica Hische ($10-20)

The cover is too beautiful not to buy it.

Ogilvy on Advertising ($10-30)

If you don't own this are you even in marketing?

Brand Thinking by Debbie Millman ($10-30)

Logo Design Love by David Airey ($20-30)

The essential book on logos

Identity Designed by David Airey ($10-25)

So good that even my husband read it!

Designer Swag

Pantone the Game ($25-30)

You know you want to spend all night matching cards with minute differences in shades of color.

Pantone Mug ($20-25)

Express yo'self

Judging Your Font Choice Mug ($10-15)

We both know it's true

Graphic Designer T-shirt ($10-20)

For the mind-reader extraordinaire