Whether there is an approaching birthday or you want to show a celebratory gesture for the achievements of a freelancer in your life, you may be trying to find the perfect gift, preferably something more useful and creative than business books for a while now. Even if you are not actively searching for a gift, our list can at least give you some clues for the next holiday season.Freelancers make up a unique composition with treats and lifestyles that are universally recognized. Let's have a look at some standard features that come to mind when we think of a freelancer:
Working from anywhere
Working from home or coffee shops, freelancers have the flexibility to be location independent and turn anywhere into their workspaces. Therefore, considering compact gifts that they can carry around, and that can improve their working conditions would be a great idea.
Handling work organization all by themselves
Freelancers are solopreneurs who have taken the initiative to be on their own behind the wheel as they steer their careers. So, any gift that can function as a virtual assistant and prevent them from spending a lot of time on work plans and schedules, instead of their actual tasks would be beneficial.With these aspects in mind, we have compiled six practical gifts that any freelancer would undoubtedly fancy and sincerely thank you for.
1. All-in-one laptop backpack
Freelancing goes hand-in-hand with carrying your mobile office, your laptop, mobile phone, and chargers with you at all times. Be it for developers or designers, freelance writers, or digital marketing professionals, all freelancers need a high-quality and spacious backpack to carry their money-making and probably quite expensive electronic gear.A good laptop backpack should:Be made of a durable and waterproof materialHave several compartments and pockets to differentiate itemsInclude panels securing the electronic devicesBe comfortable to carry around with a breathable and supportive back paddingPreferably be stylish too!If you need a specific brand name to aim for, Thule is a very reputable brand. Thule EnRoute laptop backpacks come in different sizes and colors, among which you can find the perfect one for your freelancer friend.Thule EnRoute for 13" laptop and 10" tablet ($34.98 on Amazon)
2. Wireless charger or a power bank
Since freelancers generally carry around their electronic gear with them and are on the move for the best working spot, having a reliable and fast power supply is essential for them. Freelancers would appreciate a wireless charger or a power bank since crowded desk areas in coworking office spaces or working cafés with limited outlets, and standing desks can be a problematic equation.Wireless chargers give you the flexibility to leave your phone on for charging and take it up anytime without the need for a cable. Moshi is a stylish and strong candidate for this category, with the praise as the "fastest wireless charger in the world" by German Apple magazine Mac&I. Just make sure that you know the brand and edition of your friend's phone before you get one!Moshi Otto Q Wireless Charger ($39.95 on Amazon)As for a power bank, you can go with Anker PowerCore, which is always listed among the top power banks available. It is widely known as one of the lightest and smallest of 10,000mAh portable chargers in the market, and it delivers the fastest possible charge for any device. Plus, it comes with four different colors, black, white, blue, and red. Note that the USB-C and Lightning cable for iPhone / iPad is sold separately.Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Bank ($29.99 on Amazon)
3. Mouse pad and keyboard rest with wrist support
Ergonomy is the key to a healthy work-life. As freelancers are inseparable from their computers, spacers to soften their contact with the mouse and the keyboard would really make them very comfortable and thankful.You are probably familiar with the concept, but these pieces have a gelly stuffing or a memory foam inside, which makes the wrist rest on them gently. Therefore, they can help avoid pain and in the long run even more serious orthopedic problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.Owing to the digital printing technology, pads and rests come in any pattern you can imagine today. Depending on your freelancer friend's home-office style, we are sure that you can find the perfect set. Dooke's galaxy patterned set looks stunning and soothing, and it is far less distracting than the options with floral patterns.Dooke Keyboard Wrist Rest Pad and Mouse Wrist Rest Support ($19.99 on Amazon)
4. Smart speaker
Smart speakers are the heroes of the future way of living and working. Your freelancer friend would love the comfort of voice-controlling music, asking questions to Alexa, listening to the news or the weather forecast, and setting alarms without moving a finger.In this category, Echo Dot by Amazon rules without any doubt. It is the most popular smart and compact speaker with smooth fabric design. If your friend already has one, you can get a second for them to pair for stereo sound.There is a great limited-time deal on Amazon for Echo Dot 3rd Gen right now, so you might want to buy one today and wait for the day to give it as a gift later even if that day is way ahead.Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa ($29.99 on Amazon)
5. Travel coffee mug
There sure is a connection between being location independent and loving coffee. Many freelancers are known to name coffee as one of their favorite companions and areas that serve good coffee as their best working spots. Drinking coffee while working is tricky. Mostly it gets cold before it can be finished as a freelancer's mind is dwelling on work.A mug that can hold hot beverages truly hot (not just warm) for a long period of time would really be life-changing for a freelancer. For this purpose, S'well would be a great choice, since it can preserve hot drinks up to 6 hours in its stainless steel triple-layered vacuum-insulated container. Its trendy look and variety of color options are also a plus.S'well Stainless Steel Commuter Container ($35.00 on Amazon)
6. Noise-canceling headphones
One of the perks of being a freelancer is unarguably being "constantly on the go." So if your friend is not only a freelancer but also a nomad, noise-canceling headphones would be the ultimate gift on any occasion. They will thank you after they save a pop-up meeting at a crowded, noisy place or when they get a comfy flight-sleep on a plane without any disturbing sounds.Bose, QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones would be an unforgettable gift, or if you are looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, you can also check Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones.Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling ($299.00)Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones($48.00)
Bonus gift idea - Ruul referral
One of the most life-saving gifts that you can give a freelancer would be the flexibility to issue invoices to their business clients without owning a company. Ruul is a borderless company that turns unincorporated freelancers to Virtual Companies, which can create tax-deductible invoices for businesses in over 50 currencies and get paid without any hassle.After signing up for Ruul yourself, you can invite your freelancer friend to join the Ruul community and this guarantees a €25 bonus for both of you in your next transaction.Remember, signing up for Ruul is super easy and completely free.
