The Holiday Gift Giving Guide for the Content Marketers in Your Life
FRIENDLY REMINDER: Gift-giving season has arrived. If you’re anything like me, you probably think there’s PLENTY of time left to finish up (or start) holiday shopping for those special people in your life.
The reality is, there really isn’t all that much time left at all (sorry to burst your bubble). But, have no fear! I’ve pretty much done your holiday shopping for you, assuming of course that one of those special people to receive a gift happens to be a devoted content marketer.
As all successful content marketers (and their family and friends) know, successful writing (and marketing) extends well-beyond regular office hours, leaving them with content on their minds at nearly all times of the day. From gag gifts to pricey purchases, I’ve assembled a holiday gift guide for that special content marketer in your life. Simply click the links, purchase the item, and watch the elation on their face when the wrapping paper comes off!
Clothing for Content Marketers…
Because we love to wear our hearts on our sleeve
Writer’s Block T-Shirt
Why it’s a great gift: It’s a writer’s worst enemy, so why not turn the stress of writer’s block into a few smiles around the office?
Deadline T-Shirt
Why it’s a great gift: Anyone who’s held to strict writing deadlines can relate to this shirt. Rather than telling people to leave them alone, writers can toss on this shirt and make it loud and clear when they can’t be bothered.
Grammar Nitpicker T-Shirt
Why it’s a great gift: This is the perfect shirt for the grammar nitpicker in your life…who’s likely also a content marketer.
Writer Infant Creeper
Why it’s a great gift: Know a content marketer with an infant? Let them steer their kid towards a career in writing at a young age!
Wrist Warmers
Why it’s a great gift: Working at a desk all day (especially in the winter) can lead to a day of cold hands. Wrist warmers are one way to shake off the cold months.
Accessories for Content Marketers…
Because the best ideas seemingly come at the strangest times and places
AquaNotes
Why it’s a great gift: As a content marketer, this might be my favorite item on this list. On more than one occasion, I’ve come up with a content idea in the shower and let it slip away by the time I got to my computer. This waterproof notepad is the answer to that issue.
Fisher Space Pen
Why it’s a great gift: Know a content marketer that’s been to space? Me neither. While this pen is designed to write even in “zero gravity,” it offers some other benefits as well. It’s extremely durable (lifetime guarantee), can write at any angle and also in extreme temperatures (-30F to 250F).
Sticky Weekly Calendar
Why it’s a great gift: Content marketers love calendars and sticky notes. Why not give them both in one? These peel-off calendars are perfect for content marketers that are on the go.
iPad Keyboard
Why it’s a great gift: iPads are great for playing Angry Birds or watching Netflix, but what about the writers?! If you know a content marketer with an iPad, this wireless keyboard is the perfect gift, allowing them to turn their tablet into a portable workstation.
IdeaPaint
Why it’s a great gift: How do I know this is an awesome gift? Our conference room walls are covered with IdeaPaint and it serves as a great tool for mapping out strategies. Notepads are great, but being able to write on walls is even better.
Books for Content Marketers…
Because how many writers do you know that don’t like to read?
Newsjacking – David Meerman Scott
Why it’s a great gift: As I’ve noted in a previous post, an effective industry news strategy can generate significant brand exposure within the associated industry. Gift the gift of Newsjacking best practices this holiday season as it can be a very effective (especially within social media) industry news tactic.
Epic Content Marketing – Joe Pulizzi
Why it’s a great gift: As my colleague Stacy recently mentioned in a blog post, the biggest challenge content marketers face is separating themselves from the sea of content online. Give this book to a content marketer so they can learn some of the best ways to break away from the pack and offer readers content they can’t live without.
The Marketer’s Guide to SlideShare – Todd Wheatland
Why it’s a great gift: SlideShare is used by 41% of B2B marketers and its usage will likely continue to rise, making it one today’s most undervalued content marketing tactics. Content marketers looking to learn more about SlideShare will have all the information they need to build a successful campaign after unwrapping this book.
Capturing Community – Michael Silverman
Why it’s a great gift: Establishing a presence within industry-specific online communities is an excellent way to break through the clutter of the content marketing world. Michael Silverman offers some tips in this book that will surely bring holiday cheer to content marketers.
Content Marketing for Dummies – Susan Gunelius
Why it’s a great gift: A book list wouldn’t be complete without a “For Dummies” publication. This book provides a great “big picture” look at content marketing for those that are just wanting to get their feet wet.
Coffee Mugs for Content Marketers…
Because a little caffeine gets the gears turning and the words flowing
Write, Revise, Repeat
Why it’s a great gift: Content marketers know this process well. Why not give them a little extra motivation when they fill their coffee mug in the morning?
Writers know all the Tricks
Why it’s a great gift: I personally have told many people exactly what’s on this cup since I started working as a content marketer. Give this cup to someone that wants to let others know one of their many talents.
Tense Walk into Bar
Why it’s a great gift: Who doesn’t love a good grammar joke? This is a great gift for a content marketer that would love to show their respect to nerdy jokes (like me).
Keep Calm and Proofread
Why it’s a great gift: Proofreading is a critical element of the content production process. Give this mug as a gift to someone you know who does a lot of content editing.
Instant Writer
Why it’s a great gift: Sometimes a little coffee goes a long way for writers. Coffee-loving content marketers will appreciate this mug.
A Few More Ideas for Content Marketers…
Because your favorite content marketer deserves more than 20 presents
Laptop Skins and Decals
Why it’s a great gift: Laptops are a content marketer’s sidekick. Buy them some laptop skin or a couple decals that will separate their computer from the pack.
Stand Up Desk
Why it’s a great gift: Feeling extra generous or want to go in on an awesome combo gift with a few others? Get the content marketer in your life a standing desk this holiday season so they can stay active and avoid back pain that’s caused by long days of sitting.
Chicago Manual of Style Online
Available on Chicagomanualofstyle.org
Why it’s a great gift: While it’d be nice to have super powers, it’s nearly impossible to know every styling rule off the top of your head. A Chicago Manual of Style subscription is a great gift, eliminating all styling-related questions that content marketers may be looking for.
Moleskine Notebook
Why it’s a great gift: While tablets and other digital devices are great for keeping notes on the go, some content marketers prefer the old-fashioned notebook.
Gift of Time
Why it’s a great gift: Time is something that none of us can have enough of. Give this slip of paper to anyone that enjoys writing, not just content marketers. Taking time out of a busy schedule to do some writing (of any kind) can be therapeutic!
Show a content marketer how much they mean to you by purchasing them a gift they can use while doing what they love this year. Have some other ideas? Let us know in the comments section! Happy Holidays!