5 Gift Ideas for Freelancers, Creatives, and Entrepreneurs

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

My birthday (October 23rd) signals the beginning of the end....end of the year celebrations and new years that is! 

Chances are, in your circle, you know a freelancer (also known as a contract worker or consultant), who is always on the go because of the nature of their job; or an entrepreneur, maybe an aspiring entrepreneur, who is diligently building momentum for their "side hustle;" or maybe you're good friends with someone who is just plain creative—whether they're artsy, crafty, into photography, graphic design, or even writing! 

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring a little comfort and joy to those people in your circle, so why not give a gift that they'll actually use and appreciate. 

Here are 5 gift ideas for the freelancers, creatives, and/or entrepreneurs in your life:

1. Cash

Photo By: NeonBrand

You cannot go wrong with cold, hard (oxymoron?) cash.  Why? You put the buying power directly in your recipient's hands, which gives them options. 

Whether it's buying much needed office, business, or crafty supplies, or having the ability to treat themselves to a nice lunch (for pleasure, rather than business), or adding to their savings stash for that big-ticket purchase they've been dreaming about—think DSLR camera or a new laptop—your cash gift will come in handy. The best part? You're free to choose an amount that works best for your budget. 

2.  Anti-Radiation Gear 

Photo By: Me Cara Findlay of the SafeSleeve for IPhone 6s

Entrepreneurs and independent workers, more often than not, are connected to their electronics, which puts them at risk for extended EMF (electromagnetic fields) exposure. EMFs have been linked to some serious health issues—you can read more about it here. 

Anti-radiation gear, like the SafeSleeve for IPhone (pictured above), will not only safeguard your loved ones from the nasty effects of long-term EMF exposure, but they will also serve as protective cases for your friends' treasured electronic tools—laptop, tablet, and phone. 

While there are a number of radiation protection products on the market, SafeSleeve products (I use the SafeSleeve for Laptop and IPhone) are my personal favorite, because:

• they can handle the wear and tear of travel
• they're multi-functional (my phone sleeve is also a wallet case!)
• they're effective in reducing 99% of radiation
• and they're beautifully designed!

SafeSleeve anti-radiation gear ranges in price from $29.95 to about $75 on sale! 

3. Computer Glasses 

Photo By: Mark Solarski

Speaking of protection, freelancers, and entrepreneurs often spend hours staring at their computer screens; it's common to experience blurred vision, red or dry eyes, eye strain that leads to headaches, and insomnia, as a result, even in people with otherwise normal vision. 

Computer glasses help to block the blue light from computer screens that often cause eye strain and disrupt a person's sleep cycle. The best computer glasses also include lenses with an anti-glare coat that eliminate reflections and glares that come from the artificial light emitted by screens. 

Computer glasses come with frames in all shapes and sizes, some of which are very fashionable! Choose a look that would fit your friend. Prices range from $20 to $100, depending on whether you opt for an off-brand or one of the more well-known, high end brands. 

4. Good Stationery 

Photo By: Mike Tinnion

Every business person can benefit from stationery—whether its a journal, a quality pen, or unique cards and letterheads. Good stationery helps people make a memorable impression and standout. 

Consider sponsoring 50, or 500, business cards for a friend. A good journal is as much for the entrepreneur who wants to jot done business ideas or meeting notes, as it is for the writer and creative doodler. Personalized letterhead can add a professional touch. And everyone loves a thank you card set as much as a handwritten thank you card! And there's nothing worse than having to dig around for a pen, any good pen, when in the middle of a potential business-securing transaction. Stationery products and styles vary, which means prices do too! 

5. Use Their Services 

Photo By: thebluediamondgallery.com

There is no greater gift you could give a business person than the gift of your patronage by becoming a customer or client. Nothing says, "I believe in you," like actually hiring, and using a person's services! And there's no better time to do it than the holiday season. 

Know a writer? Hire them to write personalized cards for your family and friends. Know a photographer? Hire them to take your formal holiday family portraits. Know an independent retailer? Shop at their store, buy their goods, and give their products as gifts to others. 

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As we prepare to gather together with family and friends to give thanks, and prepare to shop on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and give to our favorite nonprofits on Giving Tuesday, which all lead up to Christmas and the New Year, remember to show a little extra love to your favorite freelancers, creatives, and entrepreneurs!

Disclosure:  SafeSleeve sent me one (1) SafeSleeve for IPhone 6/6s case in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way as per my guidelines for this blog.