Can you believe the year is almost over? The pre-Christmas rush is about to begin (yes, we know 😅), and while we can’t help with making dumplings, we’ve got some fantastic gift ideas for the IT industry and beyond. Feel free to dive in! 

Something for the soul and body 

Maintaining work-life balance and mental health is a priority for us, and it’s reflected in our strategy. We underline this through our yearly wellbeing initiatives. The holidays are a great opportunity to give a gift that not only helps someone take care of their wellbeing but also inspires them to focus on their health and happiness. 

Good gift ideas include gadgets that encourage physical activity, like a smartwatch or smartband, because as we know, movement means staying healthy. Massage mats or cushions, which can be placed under your feet or on the backrest of your chair for a moment of relaxation, are also great. For those working long hours at the computer, specialized mouse pads with wrist supports can help reduce discomfort. To take a break from work and give tired eyes a rest from blue light, board games (like Scrabble, Dixit, or Splendor), puzzles, or timeless LEGO blocks work wonderfully. 

Ideas for practical gifts 

Comfort and convenience at work are crucial – they help with concentration and improve wellbeing. How can we make a developer’s work easier and more enjoyable? 

In winter, when the days are gray and it gets dark earlier, an ergonomic backlit keyboard is a great idea – guaranteed “wow” effect! When working from home or in a busy office, noise-canceling headphones are perfect – not just for meetings, but also for listening to music. Another great option for those who frequently use their phones, such as for testing, is an inductive charger or power bank to ensure the battery lasts longer. 

In these times, we must be extra careful about data and information security. A gadget that might not be directly useful at work, but is a necessary tool, is a security key, which helps protect online accounts from hacking attacks. 

Vouchers – a classy gift idea 

People in the IT industry are highly focused on professional development; they enjoy learning, expanding their horizons, and acquiring new skills. This holiday season, you can support them in that. An industry-specific online course or books will always be a great idea. If you’re not familiar with IT topics, you can give a voucher for an online course platform or a bookstore, so the recipient can choose the right training or reading material themselves. 

What are the best gift ideas for leisure time? 

After work, it’s important to take care of free time. This is the perfect moment for relaxation and to nurture hobbies and passions. A universal gift idea is a mini projector for a phone, which, thanks to its small size, is handy and works both at home and on the go. 

Also great for relieving stress and focusing attention on one activity are various DIY kits, such as AVT EDU, Raspberry Pi, or model kits (e.g., airplanes, ships, etc.). These tasks require great precision and concentration, helping us to focus our thoughts and fully engage in one thing. 

With the holiday season approaching, another gift idea is a speaker – perfect for family or friend gatherings. It can create a great atmosphere. 

Time for stylish gadgets 

What’s timeless, iconic, and original? Of course – Christmas sweaters, thick socks, and hats. The more colorful and patterned, the better! These are essential winter wardrobe items, so such a gift will certainly last for years. They combine style with comfort – they’re warm and practical. We guarantee they’ll be a great choice because, who said you can have too many socks? 

The above list is based on our experiences, as we’ve already gifted speakers, board games, and hats to our #AilleronExperts. We hope it sparks some ideas and helps you find the ideal gifts for developers, IT professionals, testers, or anyone else. 😉 

Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!