There’s less than two weeks left before the holiday, which means it’s time to quit thinking about what you’ll get your busy coworker or PR peer for Christmas – or Hannukah – and start shopping. For those of you who are wrapping up last-minute shopping (no pun intended), I’ve decided to list my top 12 picks that I think will help any PR pro have a jolly holiday.
Here are a few items that I’ve put on my PR wish list that you might want to consider adding to your holiday shopping list:
- Beats by Dre Headphones – It’s very rare for me to go a day without listening to my music, so these headphones would be the perfect gift for music lovers like myself. Plus, the biggest perk is that they are noise-canceling headphones, which means less distraction and enhanced productivity.
- E-reader – I’ll never misplace a book with this handy tool. I am still comparing various products to see which is the best for me, but my colleague Anne could tell you everything you’ll need to know about them, including the benefits of owning one.
- Pens – I love a good pen. Doesn’t everyone? Although this seems like a simple gift, PR pros are always taking notes or busy writing at some point in their days.
- Nikon D3000 camera – I’ve heard great reviews about this product and would enjoy one myself. It’s also an ideal gift for any PR pro to capture fun moments at office gatherings and client events, as we look to tell our stories on social networks and other marketing channels.
- Just Dance 3: Nintendo Wii – Everyone needs a break at some point in the day. I have a Wii at home, but a Wii for the office would be even better! We could enjoy a little friendly competition against our peers, shake a leg and revive our creativity.
- Ergonomic Keyboard – Every now and then my hands get cramped from typing for a long period of time. According to some studies, this keyboard is proven to help reduce carpal tunnel syndrome by allowing your palms to rest and relax on the curved key bed.
- Planner – Yes, some of us still like a paper planner. From the multiple activities that I’m involved in outside of work to the variety of tasks that I work on at the office, a planner would definitely come in handy. I found an Organizher that helps make planning easier and is a fashionable item to carry around.
- GPS –Our former intern would sometimes get lost and end up taking random tours of the city. To avoid this from happening to you on your way to a client meeting or event, a GPS might be just as helpful for you as it would’ve been for him.
- Engraved Business Card Holder – Here is a great gift for anyone’s professional life. A business card holder adds a touch of sophistication to presenting your business card at networking events and to clients. Plus, you can customize them for any recipient.
- Subscriptions – As PR pros, we must keep a pulse on breaking news and current events. A magazine or newspaper subscription would make it much easier for us to stay informed at all times.
- Spa package – After a long week of client requests, team meetings, brainstorming sessions and media follow up, some form of relaxation is due. Treat your PR peer to a day at the spa or a gift certificate for a local masseuse.
- Gift Cards – You’ll never fail with this gift. Around the holidays, the Cookerly team gets together for its annual bingo party to enjoy tasty food, good fun and great prizes. Last year we had the opportunity to win a range of prizes, including gift cards, and those were some of the best gifts I received that Christmas.
As design director at Cookerly, Tim serves as the creative lead in the development of branding campaigns, print collateral and digital media for clients across a broad range of industries, including consumer, professional services, healthcare and technology.
As senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman specializes in building and maintaining relationships with the media and has an excellent track record of landing significant placements in print and broadcast media including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Money Magazine.
As vice president of Cookerly, Sheryl Sellaway uses her extensive corporate communications background to lead consumer PR efforts, deliver strategy for marketing programs and share expertise about community initiatives.
As a senior vice president at Cookerly, Matt helps organizations protect and advance their reputations and bottom lines through strategic communications programs. Using creativity, planning and flawless execution, he works with a team to deliver compelling public relations campaigns that produce results and support clients’ business objectives.