Whether it’s a functional, beautifully-designed executive desk or an ultra-fast laptop, here are a few productivity tools that make great workspace gifts for the high-flying executive in your life.
Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re still wondering what to get for a loved one who happens to be a high-flying professional, nothing says “I care about you” more than a thoughtfully-selected gift that fits a busy lifestyle centered around productivity. The executive or entrepreneur in your life will certainly appreciate practical tokens both big and small, namely those that will help make their work life easier and even more enjoyable.
If you’re on the lookout for quality gifts, here are a few you can consider adding to your shopping list.
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Genuine Leather Satchel: A Professional Carry-On
There’s something particularly distinguished about a satchel—from its form to its function, it’s the ideal work bag for people who prize practicality and aesthetics in equal measure. A satchel is casual enough to use even when one isn’t in the office, but sophisticated enough to use during important business affairs.
When it comes to selecting a satchel to give to someone, you wouldn’t want to get one in just any material. Genuine leather is a fantastic choice, as it lasts a lifetime with proper care, with certain types developing a stunning patina over time. Philippine-based leather bag maker The Tannery Manila has a wide selection of fantastic bags to choose from, many of which are satchels.
Its Rogan bag in the Sienna Tan colorway sports a classic look that goes well with nearly any outfit, with a unisex appeal that’s very versatile. It can also fit all sorts of business essentials, including notebooks, laptops, tablets, files, and the like, with a system that allows it to be worn in three ways: as a satchel, briefcase, and backpack (so it’s a handy three bags in one).
Leather Card Holder: Networking in Style
While digital business cards are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, nothing quite beats the feel and professionalism inherent in physical cards. Every high-flying professional has to have a couple (or more) in their stash, which means they will always appreciate a sturdy, sleek leather cardholder that shows they mean business.
When it comes to looks, the combo of black and white is a safe and elegantly timeless option, and one that Montblanc executes perfectly. The luxury brand offers an assortment of black cardholders with different pockets, each featuring their recognizable yet minimalist logo. To make the gift even more special, Montblanc also offers free personalization for these pieces, which means you can even have your giftee’s name or initials monogrammed on the edge of these cases.
Traditional Planner: Where Productivity Starts
There are plenty of digital systems available to help get routines, schedules, agendas, and projects organized in order to boost productivity. Yet many people prefer to stick to analog options, as the tactile feeling of putting pen to paper is something they find enjoyable or helpful. If your loved one is partial to more traditional organization systems, try getting them a planner with nice paper and a flexible format.
A popular option nowadays are the products of Japanese brand Traveler’s Company. Fans of leather goods and versatile notebooks will enjoy the Traveler’s Notebook system: a starter kit comes with a durable leather cover that will develop a patina over time and a blank notebook. This can be further customized by adding more notebooks and accessories like folders and zipper pockets for holding documents.
Traveler’s Company offers flexible monthly, weekly, and daily planner refills without dates; or if your giftee prefers having everything laid out, the brand also has a roster of pre-dated planners for each year. These notebooks come in two sizes: a small, passport-size one that’s great for busy executives on the go and a larger, vertical size that’s ideal for those who need a bit more space for their ideas and plans.
Fountain Pen: A Distinguished Writing Tool
Fountain pens make great gifts for both those who are new to the tool (but enjoy handwriting things) and those who are longtime users. They’re not only a more sustainable option for people who tend to write a lot (as they’re refillable), but also an ergonomic writing instrument for many.
They distribute ink in a way that allows users to put less pressure on paper, which helps with long writing sessions. Optically, they also look incredibly professional, and can be used for signing important documents—as many leaders and great thinkers have done, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and Albert Einstein. Nothing quite compares to choosing an ink in a nice black shade or special color and signing one’s name with it using a finely-crafted pen.
Montblanc has always been a leader in classic pens that write wonderfully and with gravitas, namely its signature Meisterstück Pens. Yet another German brand, Pelikan, also produces excellent fountain pens that carry a distinguished air, mostly notably its grand Pelikan Fountain pen Souverän® 1000 which will have any discerning pen aficionado nodding in approval. The pen writes like a dream with a springy, smooth 18K duotone gold nib that will certainly make an impression during important document signings.
Laptop or Tablet: Supercharged Technology
Laptops and tablets have become an accessible necessity for many in today’s digital landscape. Yet as successful professionals know, the quality and speed of one’s tech is incredibly important, and can greatly affect one’s productivity. Laggy devices delay important work tasks, whether one is just editing a document or creating a whole video production.
This is why Apple has been a go-to for many people in the workforce, especially executives who value their time and require a more streamlined interface, as well as creatives who need extra horsepower for heavyweight applications. Desktops are ideal for those who work from home and need a powerful setup, but professionals who often travel may need something more portable without compromising performance.
Apple’s latest Macbook Air with M3 chip features a slim, lightweight body that packs a punch through its advanced processor, bringing speed and fluidity to various tasks for maximum productivity. It also boasts a long battery life of around 18 hours, which means users won’t have to fuss with charging on particularly hectic days.
If your giftee is more of a tablet person, but also wants to try out the classic format of a laptop, the all-new iPad Pro is the brand’s thinnest product with a vibrant Ultra Retina XDR display and the latest M4 chip that provides more power than ever. A new Magic Keyboard built for this model sports a thin, metal build that enhances the productivity of the tablet experience, transforming it into a laptop-like device for those who need it.
An Executive Desk: The Space for Productivity
A desk is a bit of a large gift, but if you have the logistics to deliver it to your giftee (and they’re in need of a workspace renovation), then it’s definitely something to consider. As the name suggests, executive desks are built for the professional with their large sizes and elegant designs that just feel powerful. Those who enjoy multitasking and working in a spacious environment will also appreciate the way these desks are built for productivity.
Executive desks come in different styles, from more vintage-looking designs to streamlined, contemporary ones. So the type of desk you decide to get for someone will depend on their own personal preferences or workspace setup. What’s most important is getting a table that’s equal parts functional and timeless; regardless of its aesthetic, it should be a piece that will look tasteful for years to come.
The Erasmo by Giorgetti is a great example of this: smooth lines that form a clean, rounded silhouette that’s flexible enough for different types of meetings, like negotiations or more casual conversations. Both sides of the desk also have a sliding shelf and a large series of drawers equipped with an independent opening system, allowing them to swivel open by 360° degrees.
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