For many, gift giving is an art. For others, it’s a struggle. Often times finding the perfect present for that hard-to-buy-for friend becomes quite the challenge.
We’re here to bring that challenge into the 21st century.
The Unusual Suspects
Since freelancing is often considered a “non-traditional” career path, it follows that a “non-traditional” gift for would be fitting. Why not get the freelancer in your life a gift that can help them “next level” their business?
Because the majority of freelancers’ work lives online, it makes sense that some of the best gifts for them can be found there too. Digital gifts can be among the most thoughtful and useful gifts a remote worker can receive.
Whether you’re shopping for the upcoming holiday season, a birthday, or just a way to say “I’m thinking of you,” we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive digital gift guide perfect for the freelancer in your life.
Software Subscriptions
Software and apps can be absolute game changers for a remote worker. From productivity boosters to invoicing organization, technology can give a self-employed worker a huge leg-up. Here are just some of our favorites:
Grammarly
Consider Grammarly spellcheck pro. Not only does this software scan for typos and common misspellings, but it also can check for issues with punctuation, conciseness, vocabulary, and much more.
In short, Grammarly can help make you a better writer.
While a free version is available, the freelancer in your life could surely benefit from the upgraded features of their premium plans. Plans are available in monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions.
Audible
Writers are often avid readers. The problem is that many writers don’t always have the time to curl up on the sofa with a good book. If you’re anything like me, a one-chapter reading break can turn into an all-out read-a-thon.
Enter the audiobook.
Audiobooks are a great way to get your “book fix” while still allowing you to attend to the many responsibilities on your plate. As you well know, freelancers have to be master multi-taskers and expert time managers.
With a subscription to Audible, freelancers can take a break from their laptop, and *gasp* actually take a walk while listening to the newest thriller. Audible is perfect for listening to during household tasks like laundry or washing dishes.
Any opportunity to maximize time as a freelancer is one you should seize!
Quickbooks Self-Employed
“Tis impossible to be sure of anything but Death and Taxes.”-Christopher Bullock
While taxes are a reality for all of us, freelancers may have it just a bit more complicated. QuickBooks Self Employed can be a godsend for those of us who don’t even know when to start.
In a nutshell, the subscription gets linked to your banking accounts (checking, PayPal, whatever you use) and can help you easily track income, keep an eye on invoices, and get an understanding of how much you owe and when.
It can help find deductions and give you insight into profit/spending margins as well. If you have a professional tax preparer, you can keep them in the loop by adding them to your account with just a click of a mouse.
While these are great software subscriptions to start with, it’s worth noting that there are many, many other options available. If you’re looking to buy a meaningful gift for the freelancer in your life ask them about the programs they already use. You can always upgrade their existing subscriptions to the premium versions.
Memberships
DIgital memberships can help you work more productively, teach you new skills, or even help you find better gigs.
Coworking Space
Coworking spaces have become wildly popular across the country and for a good reason. While some are lucky enough to have a home office, not all of us freelancers have a designated place to work (that may be, in part, the appeal of freelancing for some).
Coworking spaces are also helpful for those looking to get away from the isolation that sometimes accompanies freelancing from home.
Coworking spaces allow you to “rent” an office, desk, or working space for a predetermined amount of time. Memberships can range from daily to annually, meaning there is a level for every remote worker.
The membership perks go beyond just internet a desk to work at too. Many coworking spaces offer unique benefits such as networking events, swanky snacks, and even gym amenities.
Contena Academy
We may be a *bit* biased on this one, but a Contena Academy membership is indeed worth its weight in gold. Freelancers spend a good majority of their days seeking out the best job opportunities. Contena streamlines that process and turns gigs into a searchable database, helping freelancers find quality jobs with ease with our jobs writing finder.
You can sort by job type, niche, and even compensation rates. With Contena, freelancers can spend less time wading through potential clients and spend more time on things that matter most, like writing!
In addition, you get training modules and other tools like writing alerts, writing submissions and writing leads: learn more about Contena Academy here!
Stock Photo Service
With almost too many to choose from, a membership to a stock photo service, like depositphotos, can be an excellent gift for bloggers and freelancers alike.
Many services offer new images weekly, instant access to archives, seasonal photos, and more. No more hunting around for that perfect image, membership programs make it easy to search for the pictures you want to accompany your skillfully crafted words.
E-Gift Certificates
E-Gift cards are easy (not to mention eco-friendly) ways to give a thoughtful gift without having to hone in an exact item.
Check out just some of our favorite e-gift cards for freelancers:
Hotel Stays
Sometimes the best gift of all is the gift of peace and quiet. By gifting a hotel gift card (usually available by hotel chain or travel site), the freelancer in your life can treat themselves to a personalized writer’s retreat on their own time.
Whether it’s a long weekend or a single night away, treating a loved one to a “staycation” could be just what the doctor ordered to get those creative juices flowing.
Airlines
Speaking of getaways, an airline e-gift card can go a long way in helping a freelancer book their next trip. Because freelancers have flexibility with their schedules, they can take advantage of off-peak fares and last minutes deals.
Massage
As a writer, I can tell you we spend a lot of time hunching over a computer. No matter what kind of ergonomic chair you use, an e-gift card to a certified massage therapist can do wonders and is always a much-appreciated gift.
Many mssage chains offer e-certificates by email, and typically have multiple locations to chose from.
Services
Working from home, while a treat for many, can also have some unexpected drawbacks. The line between home/family responsibilities and work responsibilities can often become blurred. Gifting a home-service is a great way to make life just a bit easier!
Babysitting
Music to a work-from-home parents ears, the gift of a babysitter can be a huge help. Services such as Care.com or SitterCity have thoroughly vetted their database of sitters and even allow you to search based on personalized criteria.
Whether it’s a whole day or just a few hours, a lot of work can be done in a kid-free environment. Trust me, a freelancing parent will thank you big time for this one!
House Cleaning
Freelancers have a lot of distractions to contend with, and household chores are chief among them. When you work from home, you can only ignore that dirty countertop or pile of laundry for so long.
Gifting a cleaning service as a one-off, monthly or even seasonal service can help cut down on daily distractions. There are a variety of companies that offer digital gift certificates, based on where you live such as Molly Maids or Tidy.
The Bottom Line
Digital gifts are perfect year-round and can be personalized to any individual, making them the ideal gift for any freelancer, remote worker, or work-from-home parent. They’re even great in a pinch when you (whoops!) forgot that special someone’s birthday (hello instant gift!).
Digital gifts are practically made for the busy holiday season.
When everyone is out running around for presents, you can check the freelancer in your life off your list, from the comforts of your home. Especially for freelancers, the holiday season can be an extra hectic one. With last minute projects and year-end accounting, digital gifts can help the freelancer in your life finish the year off strong.
Happy shopping!
