The Career Woman’s Ultimate Gift Guide - 2023
23 Practical Presents to Gift Yourself
Women corner the market on buying power and influence. I’m talking $31.8 trillion globally. With women projected to own 75% of the discretionary spending by 2028, according to Nielson, we’re the local (and global) purchasing decision-makers who lay down the cash for the wants in our homes.
The holidays are no exception. Two out of three women say they champion holiday shopping for their families. 65% of women buy their own Christmas gifts. And 59% of us? We claim the “best gift giver” title in our family (Guilty!). Whether you’re on the hunt for a gift for yourself or someone else on your list, consider adding practicality to your working woman’s present pile.
I took to LinkedIn to uncover what products (and services) make professional women’s lives easier. Because, darn it, women report higher levels of burnout compared to men, with a widening gap that’s doubled in the last 4 years per Gallup. So, no need to get your tinsel in a twist as you not-so-secret-Santa your own gift. Snag one of these practical picks for smoother sailing in 2024.
Home
Done-for-you Laundry - Poplin ($1/pound)
Poplin (formerly Sudshare) is the first and only nationwide laundry service eliminating laundry piles in 48 states and 8,000+ zip codes. Check any working women Facebook group and Sudshare is a must-have. This done-for-you, so fresh (and so clean) service removes this never-ending chore off your to-do list. Can I get an amen?
Robot Vacuum ($749)
Look, Ma, No hands! While not a new item to the cleaning space, consider carving out more time with a robot vacuum that takes you away from the arduous cleaning task (plus it gets those hard to reach places) for more time with your people.
Milk Frother - InstaPot ($34.99)
Barista-quality cold brews or cappuccinos right from home. While this may not be a practical need, coffee is! So try this Instapot Milk Frother to transform your at-home coffee experience into the coziness (and warmth) of your favorite cafe.
Care (Pricing varies)
Our village is what makes the day-to-day work, am I right?! So if you are short on help, consider a mother’s helper, caregiver or pet-sitter to make 2024 a little more easy-breezy.
Handheld Steamer - Conair ($44.99)
I know exactly one person who owns an iron (and uses it)! I’m team steamer all the way. If you’re not yet on board, snag a handheld version of this steamy goodness. Wrinkles be gone!
Mudbuster Portable Paw Dog Cleaner ($27.99)
Calling all dog lovers! Keep your digs mud-free this winter with this easy to use paw cleaner. Just add water!
Quick-Dry Bath Towel - Dock & Bay ($42)
Waiting for a wet towel to dry is like watching water boil. No more! These fast-drying towels absorb moisture quickly without forsaking fashion. Being wet is a thing of the past!
Food
Meal Prep Cookbook ($19.29)
I can vouch for Cook Once Eat All Week by Cassy Joy Garcia. Candidly, I’m not as organized as the cookbook calls for, but I love prepping our protein of the week for easy, throw-together meals that (most of us) love!
Crockpot Separators ($13.99)
Crockpot separators for the elite multi-taskers among us. Cook one meal? Nay. Prepare two dishes at one time in the ease of your crockpot. You’ll win back time and meal prep. And personally? I think it’s an award-worthy effort!
Meal Subscription (Pricing Varies)
The sky's the limit on healthy meal delivery service choices. Consider giving yourself the gift of less meal planning and prep while not sacrificing nutrition.
Souper Cubes ($19.95)
If making soup is your thing, consider freezing your leftovers in this perfect-portion silicon mold for an easy reheat.
Family Organization
Get your family all on the same digital page…I mean calendar. It syncs up in real time to Google calendar and keeps everyone in the know for what is going down for that day, including after school activities, dinner plans and kids’ chore list.
The Office
ReMarkable 2 ($279)
The digital notebook that feels like paper. No more scouring through a paper trail when you store all your handwritten notes and PDFs in one place.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses ($19.99)
We don’t need to be more tired than we are! Save yourself from eyeball fatigue with these blue light blocking glasses. And for those non-glasses wearers - This is your chance to accessorize your style in a practical way.
Cable Management Box ($23.99)
If having alllll the things on your desk is stressing you out, bundle up your cords in this cute box for ultimate efficiency and style.
Always feel safe on the go with a personal safety alarm that alerts your people when you’re in trouble and even receive an excuse-to-leave-call for a quick exit to get the heck outta dodge.
Carry-On Closet Suitcase ($279)
You can now take your closet with you when you travel! Mind-blowing, right? It’s the carry-on suitcase that expands into closet mode. No dresser drawers required.
Beauty + Fashion
Clothing rental subscription - Nuuly ($98/month)
Take the risk out of new fashion trends or color choices. Rent 6 items a month to wear and repeat. Shopping just got a little easier.
Dyson Airwrap ($599)
If your mornings are always a whirlwind, check out this tech-forward hair tool that dries and styles your hair at the same time. Precious morning minutes saved - You’re welcome!
Washable Silk Pajamas - Quince:
Long Sleeve top + Pant ($79.90 each)
Good sleep is hard to come by. Soft (washable) silk may be just the right mix of practicality and luxury to get those z’s to be ready to run the world…Tomorrow!
Health + Wellness
It’s valuables peek-a-boo! Hide your must-haves at the gym by keeping them close… in your water bottle? Magic, right? Don’t limit its concealment powers to when you’re sweating off the calories. Think beach, travel, sporting events. The list goes on…
Don’t let the cold weather deter you from your favorite activities this winter. Pump up the heat with a quick recharge. Perfect for cold walks with your dog (I know this first hand - Pun intended!)
Add a touch more resistance to your regular exercise routine with the slip of a weighted bangle. No new workouts required.