Gifts Every Marketer Will Absolutely Love (and never think of regifting)

​Now, deep into the holiday season, you might find yourself in a familiar quandary – what to buy for those remaining on your gift list. If you are anything like me, you have spotted numerous items you would love to buy for yourself. Still, it becomes a puzzle when purchasing for others, especially those hard-to-shop-for individuals. And if that person is a marketer, the challenge can be even more significant.

Marketers, by nature, are often so engrossed in ensuring everyone else’s needs are met, be it in their professional projects or personal endeavors, that they rarely take a moment to think about what they might want or need. They often make sure campaigns run smoothly, clients are satisfied, and teams are motivated, constantly putting their desires on the back burner.

If you want to surprise and delight a marketer – whether it is a colleague, a family member, or a friend, fear not! I have compiled a list of gift ideas that will be appreciated. Over the years, we have refined and updated this list, and this year is no exception. With a fresh perspective and some new additions, you will find the perfect gift to acknowledge their hard work and provide them with something exceptional and thoughtful.

Gift Idea #1: Personal Mini Studio Kit

Today, your digital presence is your professional presence. Whether on Zoom calls, creating content, or hosting webinars, a personal mini-studio kit could be the ultimate game-changer. It is more than a gift. It is an investment in their brand and confidence.

Start with the essentials for enhancing video quality:

• Versatile Lighting System: You do not have to be a content creator to know that good lighting is essential. That is why this kit starts with a versatile lighting system — a portable clip-on ring light for those on-the-go moments, an expandable tripod with a phone holder for a stable and professional setup, and backlighting options to eliminate shadows and add depth to the video quality.
• High-Definition Clip-On Webcam: A high-definition clip-on webcam is included to ensure crystal-clear image quality during calls and recordings. Unlike built-in cameras, an external webcam can be positioned flexibly, allowing users to present themselves from their best angle — say goodbye to unflattering up-the-nose conference calls.

Add tools to elevate audio and content production:

• Professional-Grade Microphone: Crystal-clear audio is just as critical as visuals. Upgrade their calls and recordings with a top-tier desktop microphone.
• Wireless Lavalier Microphones: Compact, wireless mics that connect directly to phones are perfect for recording clear, high-quality audio while moving around or creating dynamic content.

For steady, polished video:

• Gimbal Stabilizer: A gimbal ensures smooth, stable footage, even for handheld or moving shots, making it ideal for creating professional-looking videos on the go.

Don’t forget ergonomic and supportive additions:

• Portable Laptop Stand: If you are lucky enough to have a great built-in camera, a portable laptop stand lifts the camera to eye level for a more engaging perspective while promoting good posture during long work hours.

This mini-studio kit equips marketers with the tools to create engaging, professional-quality content and deliver their message effectively. Whether they are presenting in virtual meetings or producing standout social media videos, this kit is an investment in a marketer’s unique brand and professional image, enabling them to shine in the digital world.

Gift Idea #2: A Suite of Creative Tools – Beyond Canva Pro

Empower the marketer in your life with a versatile toolkit designed to make creativity effortless. Canva Pro is a foundational piece of this suite. We started using Canva a few years ago, paying for images one at a time. We quickly saw the value of upgrading to the Pro subscription and adding team members. The Pro subscription offers premium templates, stock images, videos, and intuitive design features that help even non-designers create professional-grade content. A subscription is an essential addition to any marketing toolkit. Canva has simplified and enriched our design process with premium resources, including Magic tools to resize and generate instant ideas quickly. With constant updates, including AI-powered tools for brainstorming, resizing, and design suggestions, Canva Pro is more indispensable than ever.

But why stop there? For marketers diving deeper into video content creation, enhance their toolkit with additional powerful, user-friendly tools like:

• CapCut: Simplifies complex video editing tasks with AI features for captions, effects, and seamless transitions. Perfect for creating engaging, professional-quality videos under tight deadlines.
• Desygner: Ideal for on-brand content creation with team collaboration features, ensuring consistent and high-quality designs.
• Gamma: A cutting-edge platform for effortlessly crafting beautiful, dynamic presentations and documents. Its AI-driven design makes it easy to transform ideas into visually stunning slides, reports, and storyboards that stand out.

This suite of tools is the ultimate creative enabler. It does not replace a gifted designer, but they are helping marketers produce dynamic ad campaigns, engaging social media posts, and visually striking presentations across multiple platforms.

Moreover, this toolkit is a game-changer for small business owners or teams looking to internalize some design work. Whether resizing agency-designed templates, creating fresh content, or experimenting with video, these tools ensure efficiency, brand consistency, and the creative freedom to stand out in today’s fast-paced digital world.

This is not just a gift but an investment in their ability to unlock new creative potential and amplify their brand’s impact.

Gift Idea #3: Curated Collection of Marketing Must-Reads

Books make timeless gifts, blending knowledge and creativity to inspire growth. Whether for personal enrichment or professional development, a carefully curated collection of marketing must-reads can provide marketers with valuable insights and actionable strategies. This year’s selection includes classics and trending titles that reflect the evolving needs of today’s marketers.

Some of my favorites from this year

While the curated collection of our favorite business books continues to be relevant, these books spoke to me this year.

• “Thanks for Coming In Today” by Charles Ryan Minton: A must-read for leaders, this book highlights the power of creating exceptional workplace experiences that translate to superior customer satisfaction. Perfect for marketers focused on brand reputation and employee engagement.
• “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley: A cornerstone of modern marketing, this guide emphasizes the art and science of creating resonant content. With practical tips, it’s ideal for marketers looking to hone their storytelling skills in the digital age.
• “The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever” by Mark Schaefer: This book is packed with actionable insights from top marketing professionals, covering a wide range of strategies to navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape.
• “The Experience Maker” by Dan Gingiss: Gingiss explores how creating memorable customer experiences can drive loyalty and advocacy. This book is invaluable for marketers focused on customer retention and brand differentiation.
• “Creating Superfans” by Brittany Hodak: A playbook for turning customers into loyal advocates; this book provides practical tips and inspiring stories for marketers aiming to cultivate emotional connections with their audience.
• “Giftology” by John Ruhlin: Explore the art of strategic gift-giving as a tool for building meaningful business relationships. Marketers will appreciate its fresh perspective on customer appreciation and brand advocacy.

Why These Titles Matter

These new additions to the collection resonate with current marketing trends, including the rise of AI in marketing, post-pandemic consumer behavior, and the growing emphasis on customer experience and storytelling. Whether crafting compelling content, leveraging emotional connections, or enhancing customer experiences, these books provide timely and actionable insights.

How to Present This Gift

• Personalized Library: Create a department library with these books, inspiring collaboration and fresh ideas within the team.
• Customized Set: Pair the books with a personalized bookmark or notes explaining why each title was chosen, adding a thoughtful touch to the gift.
• Ongoing Inspiration: Include a journal for the recipient to jot down ideas and reflections sparked by their reading journey.

With this curated collection, you are not just gifting books; you are providing a resource that sparks inspiration, fosters growth, and equips marketers with the tools to write the next chapter of their professional journey.

Gift Idea #4: Grammarly Premium and Communication Power Tools

The pen — or keyboard — can be mightier than the spreadsheet in business. The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is often the invisible dividing line between success and stagnation (which is why I love Ann’s book so much). Grammarly Premium is an essential ally in this endeavor, sharpening the most common tool of the trade: writing.

Grammarly Premium goes beyond basic grammar checks. Features like AI-driven suggestions for marketing-specific tasks and enhanced tone detection ensure your message is correct and impactful. Whether crafting ad copy, penning reports, or writing concise yet compelling emails, Grammarly elevates every piece of communication. And, yes, I ran this through Grammarly before posting!

But why stop there? Enhance communication further with these complementary tools:

• Hemingway App: This tool simplifies complex writing, improving readability by highlighting overly dense sentences and passive voice. It is perfect for marketers aiming to create clear, concise messaging.
• ProWritingAid: A comprehensive writing tool that combines grammar checks with in-depth analysis of style, sentence structure, and readability, helping marketers refine their unique voice.
• Jasper AI: For marketers struggling with writer’s block, Jasper offers AI-powered content creation, from ad copy to blog posts, tailored to your tone and target audience.
• Wordtune: Focused on rewriting and enhancing sentences, Wordtune provides smart suggestions to make your content more engaging and polished.

Whether you are writing for social media, drafting client proposals, or developing ad campaigns, these tools collectively enhance clarity, persuasiveness, and overall communication effectiveness.

This is not just about correcting grammar but transforming how marketers connect with their audience and colleagues. Equipping your favorite marketer with these tools is a strategic investment in their ability to inform, inspire, and influence with every word they write.

Gift Idea #5: Conference Attendance – A Gateway to Growth and Opportunity

Professional development is more than an option for marketers. The last few years have shown it to be a necessity. Conferences provide unparalleled opportunities for growth, networking, and staying ahead in a fast-changing industry. A ticket to a conference is not just a gift — it is an investment in their future.

Here are some top recommendations for 2025:

In-Person Conferences

1. Social Media Marketing World
   • Date: Typically in March (March 30-April 1, 2025)
   • Location: San Diego, California
   • Overview: This premier event focuses on social media strategies, featuring workshops and sessions led by industry experts. It’s essential for marketers seeking to maximize brand engagement and customer acquisition through social platforms. I will be there. So, if you are, too, let’s catch up!
   • Pro Tip: This conference overlaps with the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention, creating a unique opportunity for marketers in the casino space to gain insights into social media strategies and gaming industry trends in one action-packed week. Though it may be a long week, attending both events in the same location can provide unmatched value and diverse perspectives.
2. Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention
   • Date: March 31-April 3, 2025
   • Location: San Diego, California
   • Overview: The largest gathering of tribal gaming professionals, this conference offers unparalleled insights into gaming strategies, operations, and trends. For marketers in the tribal gaming industry, the networking and educational sessions provide practical takeaways to elevate their marketing efforts.
3. Casino Marketing Boot Camp
   • Date: March 24-26, 2025
   • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
   • Overview: A deep dive into the unique challenges and strategies of casino marketing. Attendees gain actionable insights and learn from the industry’s best. It is a must-attend for casino marketers looking to level up their game.
4. Content Marketing World
   • Date: September 15-17, 2025
   • Location: San Diego, CA
   • Overview: The largest content marketing event globally, attracting professionals across sectors. With sessions on content strategies, audience engagement, and measuring ROI, it is perfect for marketers aiming to enhance brand awareness and drive customer engagement.
5. Global Gaming Expo (G2E)
   • Date: October 6-9, 2025
   • Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
   • Overview: G2E continues to be a must-attend event for gaming professionals, with a recent addition of interactive workshops. These deep-dive sessions focus on specific topics, such as digital marketing, data analytics, and customer engagement, offering actionable insights for marketers looking to refine their strategies.
6. DigiMarCon World 2025
   • Date: November 5-7, 2025
   • Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
   • Overview: As a leading digital marketing, media, and advertising conference, DigiMarCon World offers sessions on emerging strategies, innovative technologies, and best practices.

Virtual and On-Demand Options

For those unable to attend in person, many conferences offer virtual attendance or on-demand sessions, allowing marketers to learn at their own pace. Pairing these options with resources like coworking day passes can provide a conducive environment for focused learning.

The Gift of Time

Time is often the most precious resource. Pair conference attendance with thoughtful time-focused gifts:

• Prepaid Coworking or Quiet Day-Pass Memberships: Give them a distraction-free space to absorb conference content or apply what they have learned.
• Planners or Productivity Tools: Help them stay organized and maximize their learning journey.

By sponsoring conference attendance or virtual sessions, you are opening doors for marketers to gain fresh ideas, make meaningful connections, and return with actionable strategies that can transform their work. Combine this with the gift of time, and you empower them to focus on personal and professional growth.

 

Gift Idea #6: Wellness Toolkit for the Marketer’s Well-being

In this 24-hour world of casino marketing, well-being often takes a back seat to deadlines and campaigns. This year, give the gift of health, balance, and something radical: time to breathe. A Wellness Toolkit tailored for the hardworking professional can help them recharge and sustain their creativity.

Start with essentials for mental clarity and relaxation:

• Wellness Apps: Subscriptions to Headspace, Calm, or the rising favorite Insight Timer, which offers meditation, sleep stories, and stress-reduction exercises. These are perfect for marketers navigating high-pressure environments.
• Productivity & Focus Tools: Apps like Focus@Will use neuroscience-backed music to enhance concentration, while Stretchly provides gentle reminders to take regular breaks.

Add ergonomic upgrades to transform their workspace:

• Hybrid-Ready Equipment: An ergonomic chair, standing desk, or adjustable monitor arm for those juggling remote and in-office work.
• Portable Wellness Devices: Tools like a compact massage gun or heated lumbar support cushion can bring relief during long workdays.
• Blue Light Blocking Glasses: High-quality glasses to reduce eye strain and improve sleep, especially for marketers who are glued to screens late into the evening.

And now for something truly radical:

• The Gift of Time: Offer a floating day off each quarter, encouraging them to step away from work entirely and focus on themselves. Whether they spend it relaxing, exploring hobbies, or reconnecting with loved ones, this day is a powerful reminder that their well-being matters as much as their productivity.

This Wellness Toolkit is more than just a collection of items; it is a comprehensive approach to supporting a marketer’s mental, physical, and emotional health. It is a message that you value their creativity and success as much as their happiness and longevity in the industry they love.

By choosing gifts that prioritize well-being, you are providing immediate comfort and fostering a sustainable work-life balance that benefits both the individual and their work.

Gift Idea #7: Learning

For marketers, the need to learn and adapt is constant. Rapid market dynamics, consumer behaviors, and technology changes demand robust core skills and a forward-looking approach. This year, give the marketer in your life the gift of knowledge through virtual and flexible learning opportunities.

Here are some standout resources and updated offerings for 2024 and beyond:

• Hubspot Academy offers a variety of FREE certification, documentation and training courses covering inbound marketing, email marketing, content strategy, and more. Each course is broken down into bite-sized modules, perfect for marketers balancing hectic schedules.
• Google knows its analytics platform is a great deal to understand (especially now that we are all relearning.) So, they offer an Analytics Academy to guide you from beginner to advanced. Of course, they are web-based short modules that can be reviewed according to your schedule.
• Google Analytics Academy: With GA4 becoming the industry standard, this resource guides learners from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring they can navigate and utilize analytics effectively. These courses are now available on Coursera, which is an excellent resource for training the modern marketer. Courses from respected institutions are presented in a textbook-like environment and feature videos, projects, and quizzes. The coursework runs the gamut of arts & humanities, social sciences, and data science (a skill every marketer needs).
• LinkedIn Learning: Boasting over 13,000 courses on everything from branding to leadership, LinkedIn Learning provides tools for staying ahead of trends.
• MarketingProfs: Known for its rich collection of articles, courses, and guides, MarketingProfs is an excellent investment. While focused on B2B, the insights are equally valuable for B2C marketers.

Dynamic Learning Platforms

• Coursera: Offers professional-grade courses from respected institutions, blending textbook-style learning with interactive video lessons and quizzes. Topics range from data science (a must for modern marketers) to arts and social sciences.
• Skillshare and Masterclass: Perfect for exploring creative aspects of marketing. Courses taught by industry icons like Malcolm Gladwell, Anna Wintour, and Gordon Ramsay inspire marketers to think beyond the box.

Updated Certifications

• AI Marketing Strategy: With AI transforming how businesses operate, certifications in AI-driven content creation, customer targeting, and campaign optimization are must-haves.
• SEO and Content Marketing Courses: Platforms like Semrush Academy or Yoast Academy offer cutting-edge knowledge for mastering search and content strategies.

Community-Driven Learning Hubs

• Maven: This platform focuses on cohort-based courses where marketers can learn and network simultaneously, fostering collaboration and peer support.
• The Marketing Hub by the American Marketing Association: This hub offers resources, webinars, and networking opportunities for marketers to enhance their skills and stay updated on industry trends. It focuses on community-driven learning through shared experiences and knowledge exchange among marketing professionals.

Casino-Specific Training

Many higher learning institutions and industry-specific organizations now offer training tailored for casino marketers, providing actionable strategies for this niche market. Programs like the Casino Marketing Boot Camp combine traditional education with hands-on application.

Accountability is Key

Online courses and certifications allow marketers to develop skills at their own pace. However, fostering accountability is key — check in periodically to ensure no one feels overwhelmed or left behind. By gifting access to these learning opportunities, you are investing in their growth and empowering them to navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern marketing.

This is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving, enabling marketers to evolve, adapt, and thrive.

Gift Idea #8: Subscription Boxes for a Personalized Experience

The gift that keeps on giving is subscription boxes, which provide marketers with curated experiences tailored to their interests and needs. These monthly surprises offer both inspiration and a touch of luxury, making them perfect for hardworking professionals.

Top Picks for Marketers:

• Tech and Productivity Boxes: Enhance their workspace with subscriptions like Tech Gadget Monthly or Workspace Spark, delivering innovative tools, office essentials, and gadgets to boost productivity.
• Coffee or Snack Subscriptions: Keep their energy levels high with Trade Coffee or SnackNation, offering high-quality brews and delicious treats for those late-night brainstorming sessions.
• Creative Inspiration Boxes: Spark new ideas with Maker Crate or Scribbler, encouraging marketers to explore hobbies like crafting or writing — perfect for nurturing creativity.
• Self-Care Packages: Help them unwind with TheraBox, which features mindfulness tools, skincare products, and relaxation aids to help them decompress after busy days.

A subscription box is not just a gift; it is a thoughtful reminder every month that you value their well-being and interests.

Gift Idea #9: Sustainable Gifts for the Eco-Conscious Marketer

Sustainability is more than a trend — it is a core value for many professionals today. Thoughtfully chosen sustainable gifts demonstrate care for both the recipient and the planet, aligning with modern values of eco-conscious living.

Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas:

• Reusable Notebooks: Tools like Rocketbook combine creativity with sustainability by allowing users to jot down ideas and erase them for reuse.
• Solar-Powered Chargers: Ideal for marketers on the move, solar-powered chargers like those from Anker ensure devices stay powered sustainably.
• Eco-Friendly Office Supplies: Bamboo desk organizers, recycled paper planners, or plantable pencils bring functionality and eco-consciousness to their workspace.
• Reusable Water Bottles and Tumblers: Stylish options from brands like Hydro Flask or S’well make hydration both sustainable and chic.
• Sustainable Swag Kits: Companies like Goods That Matter offer curated eco-friendly kits, including candles, journals, and tote bags, all made from sustainable materials.

By choosing sustainable gifts, you align with values many marketers hold dear while making a meaningful impact on their professional and personal lives.

Gift Idea #10: The Gift of Support and Mentoring

Professional growth is more than just tools and training; it is about connections, guidance, and the confidence to navigate challenges. Giving the gift of support and mentoring can be genuinely transformative for a marketer, helping them feel supported and empowered in their journey.

Ways to Provide Support and Mentoring:

• Membership in Professional Organizations: Enroll them in groups like Global Gaming Women (GGW) or the American Marketing Association (AMA) to foster peer connections and mentoring opportunities.
• Mentoring Sessions: Offer access to platforms like Ten Thousand Coffees or ADPList, connecting them with industry leaders for one-on-one guidance.
• Sponsored Career Coaching: Partner with a career coach who specializes in marketing to help them define goals, overcome challenges, and unlock their potential.
• Peer Networking Opportunities: Support their attendance at networking events or mastermind groups, where they can exchange ideas, share experiences, and grow alongside their peers.
• Personalized Mentorship: If you are in a position to mentor, dedicate time to share your expertise, answer their questions, and help them navigate their career path. A thoughtful note or card expressing your willingness to guide them can make this gift even more special.

By giving the gift of mentoring, you are investing in their confidence, fostering their professional development, and empowering them with the tools to succeed for years to come.

As we celebrate the season of giving, these thoughtfully curated gift ideas go beyond material items — they represent investments in growth, creativity, well-being, and success for the marketers in your life. Whether you provide tools to enhance their professional presence, subscriptions to fuel their creativity, books to inspire new ideas or opportunities for networking and learning, each gift is a meaningful acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication.

Marketers often give their all to ensure others’ needs are met, so this holiday season is the perfect time to give back and show appreciation. By choosing a gift from this list, you are not just surprising and delighting them — you are empowering them to continue thriving in their career and personal life.

So, as you wrap up your holiday shopping, remember that the best gifts inspire, support, and make a lasting impact. Here’s to a joyous holiday season filled with thoughtful giving and meaningful connections!