20+ Ideal Gift Ideas for Every Entrepreneur - Essential Items for Small Business Owners
/Are you looking for the best gift for the small business owner or entrepreneur in your life?
The Christmas holiday season is just around the corner at the time I write this, so I've put together a list of ideal gifts for small business owners.
Whether you’re looking for something to reward them for their achievements this year or for an item to help them succeed in the next, I’ve got you covered.
Gift inspiration for small business owners
Starting a business from scratch is one of the toughest and bravest things an individual can do, so entrepreneurs will appreciate any support they can get - whether that's a word of advice, a helping hand in getting set up, or - in this case - a gift to help them succeed on their journey.
Giving a gift to a small business owner is a small way of showing them that they aren't alone on their journey; that you have their back every step of the way. And with 20% of all new businesses sadly failing in their first year, they need all the help they can get!
The right gift can inspire an entrepreneur to accomplish anything they want to, while also strengthening the bond between you, whether a family member or a friend.
Choosing The Best Gift For An Entrepreneur
The best gifts for a small or new business owner is something that will make their job easier.
Ideally, you want to strike the right balance between something that is both thoughtful, but will also be useful as they embark on their new career path.
For example, if the recipient has recently started a dog grooming business, consider gifting them something to help keep track of their busy schedule like a productivity planner or a sturdy notebook.
Also think about the specific type of business the recipient is running as this can help you find the right gift. For example, people who work on the road may prefer something different to someone working in an office.
Lastly, don't forget to consider their personal interests. Do they enjoy learning new skills? Get them a book on business strategy or a subscription to online classes. Do they enjoy exercise or fitness? Something to take their passion to the next level would be a great idea.
Best Office Gifts for Entrepreneurs
Let’s start with some office essentials for every small business owner and entrepreneur. I’m of the belief that buying quality items for work makes the job easier and more pleasurable. So while my picks aren’t the cheapest, they are made to last.
Moleskine notebook - $23.50
Moleskine is the gold standard with it comes to notebooks for entrepreneurs, whether for meetings, ideation, or a daily diary.
Moleskine planners, journals and notebooks come in hardcover or softcover and their thick, ivory paper pages
Moleskine's thick, ivory paper pages are perfectly textured for writing with a ballpoint pen, fountain pen, or pencil. An array of color options and styles means you'll find a perfect fit for any recipient.
Sharpie pens
Another gift to file under "practical, not trendy" is a set of markers or pens - specifically Sharpies - and paired with a Moleskine notebook, as recommended above.
In spite of tech, small business owners inevitably do a lot of writing, so owning a set of quality and durable pens to hand is an essential day-to-day tool.
Which type of Sharpie you choose will depend on what your small business owner recipient will use it for. Thick markers are great for scribbling notes on any surface, while its multi-point pens deliver the same bold, smooth, high-quality writing experience of that doesn't bleed through paper.
Magnetic whiteboard and markers
It might not be the trendiest of items, but for practicality and functionality, a whiteboard and markers could be a really appropriate gift for your favorite small business owner.
Whiteboards come in all shapes and sizes (can you imagine the perfect wall space for it in your giftee's office?), and the best are magnetic (great for pinning up notes) and easy to mount.
With a head full of ideas and to-do lists as long as their arm, a whiteboard and some quality-grade markers would be most welcome.
Lucrin leather mouse pad
What do you give the entrepreneur who has everything?
With a touch of leather, even the newest of technology can be given an elegant, classy appearance. Enter the humble Lucrin leather mouse pad, hand-made from high quality leather.
The rectangular mouse pad by Lucrin is an elegant office accessory that protects your desk's surface while providing a soft support to your mouse movements.
Best tech gifts for entrepreneurs
The right piece of tech can change the working life of a small business. The gift suggestions below will ensure your favourite entrepreneur is always ready to go, comfortable, and stylish.
Apple Airpods bluetooth headphones
The popularity of wireless bluetooth headphones has sky-rocketed in recent years, and they’re the kind of tech that, once you own, you wonder how you did without.
Whether it’s listening to audiobooks or podcasts during some downtime or, for entrepreneurs, taking hands-free calls while you multi-task on something else, they are pocket-sized beauties!
The bluetooth headphones market is flooded with otions, with options for every budget. I can’t vouch for the cheaper options, but owning Apple Airpod Pros, I can say they excel in both sound quality, build, battery, and comfort.
You’ll always pay a premium for Apple products, but in this case, I really do think you get what you pay for.
Blue Yeti USB microphone
If you or an entrepreneur in your life needs to record audio for interviews, a podcast, or other things they want to create, this Blue Yeti microphone is a crazy-popular option, and for good reason. It’s the best microphone to start with if you want great audio for an affordable price.
Mophie Powerstation power bank
When you're an entrepreneur whose on the go all day, out of the office in meetings or on long flights, a portable charge is a lifesaver when your phone or headphone batteries are running low and you need some instant juice.
There are tons of portable chargers on the market, but the best will support a variety of outputs (lightning cable and USB C included), and pack enough punch to charge up multiple devices, several times each.
Medium power banks (7,500-14,999mAh) are usually enough to charge a smartphone twice.
I can highly recommend the Mophie Powerstation PD XL, which features fast charge technology to speed up charging of devices, and pass-through charging - which means you can charge both the power bank at the mains, as well as devices plugged into it, simultaneously.
Anker phone charging cable (6ft long)
Here's one that any small business owner who's away from home a lot would really appreciate, since tons of hotel rooms still don't have power outlets beside the bed!
A long (6ft) charging cable is ideal in this situation, whether your entrepreneur gift-receiver is strategizing first thing in the morning or swiping through TikTok at 3am after a stressful day.
These 1.8m charging cables are also perfect if you have a friend who likes to "walk and talk" when they're on the phone.
Charging cables are notoriously prone to damage (even more so when squished into backpacks and suitcases for travel), so it pays to go with a durable option from a trusted brand.
I can personally vouch for Anker charging cables, whose products go through rigorous testing and come with a lifetime warranty.
Tile Mate key finder
Is the entrepreneur in your life always losing their keys, phone, wallet, or other important item?
As an absent-minded person myself, the Tile Mate has eliminated so much stress from my life! Attach it to everyday things like keys and bags and use the free app to find them. It's just like a keyring, measuring less than 1.5in square.
The Tile Mate app will ring your Tile when it's within range of Bluetooth (up to 250ft), or show you its most recent location on the companion app's map when it isn't.
And if you lose your phone, double-pressing the logo on your Tile will make your phone ring - even if it's on silent!
Matein Electronics Travel Organizer - $16
Dongles, USB cords, pens, clips, etc create clutter and are a pain to keep organized.
Memory cards, chargers, dongles, cables, and more can clutter up desks and drawers and be a nightmare to find when you need them.
This compact and waterproof electronics organizer from Matein is a lifesaver, with tons of pockets and zips to keep all kinds of tech accessories safe, and right on hand when you need them.
Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker
The Amazon Echo is almost ubiquitous at this point, and the Echo Dot with clock is its most popular smart speaker with Alexa.
Perfect for a desk top or nightstand, it can used to set alarms, check the weather, control lights and thermostats, lock doors, play music, and more - all through your voice.
Reasonably priced and lovely to look at too, it's the perfect pocket-sized gift.
Square Reader for card payments anywhere
If your entrepreneur gift recipient sells products at the likes of farmer's markets and fayres, then the ability to offer card payments wherever they are is essential in a post-pandemic world.
The Square Reader for magstripe allows you to do just that, simply and easily. Download the Square app, plug the Reader into your phone's headphone jack, and start swiping cards anywhere.
And with Square Reader for contactless and chip, you can connect wirelessly to your device to accept contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
It's surprisingly good value too. Pay just 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, with no monthly fees and no long-term commitments.
With Offline Mode, Square payments will even work when there's no internet connection available.
Best health and wellness gifts for entrepreneurs
MOBOT 2-in-1 water bottle
Everyone knows the importance is keeping hydrated for health and performance, which is especially important for entrepreneurs who are on the go all day. How's this for a unique two-in-one gift idea? A water bottle that's also a pocket-sized foam roller.
The MOBOT water bottle is single-walled to maximize water volume, which you can fill with cold water for an icy roller or fill with warm water for a heated roller.
It's made from 100% recycled stainless steel, is BPA free and the foam is high-density EVA, which is non-toxic. The roller can be used whether the bottle is full or empty, and has been tested up to 350lb.
Apple Watch Series 7 or Fitbit Inspire 2
Small business owners often find themselves working long hours at a desk, often without a break.
If you want to gift something that will remind them to get up and move, and inspire them to take care of their overall health, a wearable like the Apple Watch or Fitbit Inspire HR are both great picks.
Adjustable laptop stand
I think we've all been guilty at one time of another of crouching over our laptops in incredibly comfortable positions.
It's not something you want to make a habit of for innummerable health reasons, which is where adjustable laptop desks come in.
They can be used standing or sitting, and also fold flat for easy transportation.
Best productivity gifts for enrtrepreneurs
Looking for a gift for a small business owner whose easily distracted or needs some help with their schedule? Check out these productivity picks.
Gravity hourglass for time management
With so many distractions in our day-to-day lives, it can sometimes be difficult to sit and focus on one task.
Setting a timer on your phone isn't bad, but there's something more "concrete" about using a physical hourglass to help build healthy time management habits - something any entrepreneur will appreciate.
This set from OrgaNice comes with two hourglasses - one for 5 minutes (play time) and one for 30 minutes (work time).
Philips Smart Wake Up Light
If you are looking for a gift for someone who struggles to sleep at night or wake up during dark winter mornings, then the Philips Wake Up Light is ideal.
Unlike a traditional alarm clock, it is designed to wake you in a more natural way, using a unique combination of light and sound.
Its sunset simulations prepare your body to fall asleep by gradually decreasing light and helping you to wind down. And in the morning, it brightens slowly to simulate a natural sunrise to leave you ready for the day ahead.
Smart features include FM radio, tap snooze, a choice of 5 natural wake-up sounds and an automatic dimmable display.
A desktop calendar
Even with an online planner, it’s always nice to have a calendar that’s quick and easy to reference. What better place to have a calendar than right on your desktop? These are cheap and extremely handy for any small business.
A YETI Rambler insulated coffee mug
I don't think you'll find too many coffee-drinking small business owners who wouldn't appreciate this one.
After all, is there anything worse than brewing a coffee, only to get distracted and come back to find it cold?
Enter the YETI Rambler, a double-wall vacuum insulated mug that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Perfect for entrepreneurs who are running errands or juggling multiple tasks. It's dishwasher safe too, so a breeze to clean.
Give the gift of a guaranteed, comforting warm beverage that will for years to come.
Best stocking stuffers for entrepreneurs
PopSockets Phone Grip
We all know that one person who fumbles their smartphone and ends up with dings, dents, and scratches. This little smartphone accessory does it all: props your phone up, able to mount itself on car mounts, and more importantly keep your phone secure while in use.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Keep lips hydrated and smooth with beeswax and fruit extracts packed into every tube of Burt's Bees Lip balm.
This stocking stuffer pack comes with four different flavours, including Strawberry and Vanilla Bean.
Best Business Books for Entrepreneurs
There are a whole ton of books from so-called business gurus out there, promising riches and how to level up your business. But for some of the fundamentals for success, you can’t go wrong with these:
Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill, which teaches readers that they can achieve anything they conceive and believe when they put their mind to it.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, which teaches the difference between an asset and a liability and how to leverage the income of assets to grow your wealth.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by Al Ries and Jack Trout, including the lesson that in today's competitive landscape, creating a new category and getting into a prospect's mind first, is key to success.
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, which advises that you should avoid trying to beat competitors. Make them irrelevant by creating a leap in value for buyers and your company.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, which encourages entrepreneurs to “Embrace your weirdness, your background, your instinct."; that ultimately there is no one-size-fits all solution for business.
Gifts for Entrepreneurs - Over to you
Think I’ve missed an essential gift for small business owners and entrepreneurs? Let me know in the comments below!
