One would think getting a graphic designer a gift would be an easy task, but it really isn’t. This doesn’t mean that they are an unappreciative lot. It simply means that a gift that a designer considers ideal is something that should ideally help them with their day to day creativity.
And because they are creatives, they don’t settle for less because well, their work doesn’t allow them to.
They can’t deliver half-baked work to clients and so for them it’s go big (not moneywise) or go home. Because we know how hard this task can be, we’ve rounded up a few gift ideas that you can think of and get your graphic designer friend.
1. Pressopump
Introduction
Graphic designers work long hours especially when they have deadlines to meet. As such, coffee, for most of them, is a well-needed friend after every couple hours or so. Sometimes, the available coffee has the worst taste on planet earth. As such, one great gift idea for your designer friend is the Pressopump.
Pros
It’s both USB powered so you never have to worry about the state of your coffee and is small in size which implies it can easily fit into any bag or satchel. The most critical thing, however, is that it guarantees you coffee regardless of where you are.
The Pressopump makes a rich and creamy espresso coffee shot in under two minutes meaning you never have to stay long waiting for your coffee. It’s much easier to clean as it has detachable parts, unlike most coffee makers that are portable.
Cons
Wears out quickly.
2. reMarkable Tablet
Introduction
While some graphic designers prefer buying notebooks or sketchbooks, there are others who prefer them as the same only in tablet form. That is why there is the reMarkable tablet that you can buy as a gift for a graphic designer whether on their birthday or over Christmas or any other time you feel they need a gift.
Pros
With 100,000 pages of storage, the reMarkable tablet is a good gift for graphic designers who still prefer using paper but in a more digital way. It has a good battery life that can go a couple of days without needing to be charged.
The tablet is multipurpose and is designed for both sketching, reading, and writing. As a paper tablet, it has a responsive E-ink display that is quite beautiful and definitely a worthy gift for any creative professional.
Cons
It’s quite expensive.
3. Eliza Tinsley Executive Chair
Introduction
As mentioned, graphic designers spend a lot of time sited on their desktops or laptops trying to get their work done. Because of this, one of the best gifts that they’d be happy to get is an ergonomic chair. The Eliza Tinsley Executive chair fits the bill.
Pros
If you’re searching for a comfy chair that has a great back and arm support, then the Eliza Tinsley Executive chair gives you just that. Besides having a high-quality design, it has a proper lumbar support that makes it stand out as a good seat for someone who will spend countless hours in front of a screen.
It has a stylish design that is coupled with a supportive mesh for their back. It’s also quite affordable and won’t cost you a leg and an arm.
Cons
It’s not ideal for small squeezed office space.
4. Microsoft Surface Book Pro 2
Introduction
Now, if money isn’t the issue and you don’t mind going all the way to get a gift for your graphic designer friend, then consider getting them the Microsoft Surface Book Pro 2. As a detachable laptop that can also be used as a tablet, this is definitely a gift that any graphic designer would treasure.
Pros
With at least seven different configurations to choose from, the Microsoft Surface Book Pro 2 has high-quality specs and comes with improved performance from the first Surface Book Pro laptop launched by Microsoft.
With an improved battery life, it also comes with a better and bigger screen making it easy for a graphic designer to get the job done. It has a high screen resolution of 3240 by 2160 at 260 ppi making it an insanely powerful laptop.
Besides using the Illustrator to make designs, it can also be used for 3D graphics as well as for video editing.
Cons
It’s quite expensive with the price going up depending on the storage size you choose.
5. Subscription for a Computer Arts Magazine
Introduction
Each one of us draws inspiration from different places or things. If you want to get a gift for a graphic designer inspired, consider getting them a subscription for the Computer Arts Magazine. The magazine provides inspiration and insight for the universal design community.
Pros
The magazine is all season and doesn’t need to be a one moment gift. The magazine includes business issues and best working practices, in-depth look at trends, insightful opinions from thought leaders in the design soave, a roundup of the best work from the universal design community, listings of some influential agencies as well as access to behind the scene innovative design briefs.
The magazine will not only give inspiration but ideas as well and is quite affordable especially for a yearly subscription.
Cons
There isn’t really a con just that you will be paying by yourself.
Final Thoughts
Buying a gift needs to be a well-thought-out process even for graphic designers. In fact, understanding the need or asking leading questions can help you figure out what they need at the moment. For instance, an upcoming graphic designer may just need mentorship or someone to pay his graphic design tuition fees.
As such, being able to identify the need and getting them what they need is one sure way of not making a mistake with the gift. Additionally, you will need to set a maximum budget and see what you can be able to get them.
There are lots of brilliant ideas on what the best gifts are for graphic designers. Take your time and do the research and you will be sure to get something that suits them.