21 Gift Ideas to Make Any Small Business Owner Happy
Most of us know at least one small business owner or entrepreneur who maintains an unconventional work schedule, is physically attached to their laptop, sees every get together as a networking opportunity and/or enjoys passionate discussions about spreadsheets. For many business owner, gifts that make their working lives easier and workspaces more efficient (and cozier) are often greatly appreciated since so much of their time is often spent immersed in their businesses. The list of gift ideas below, many of which are fairly inexpensive, may help to toggle some inspiration for the small business owner that you know:
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ELECTRONICS
1. Portable Document Scanner
At a time when many businesses (and households) are following the paperless model, a good scanner can be invaluable. Having used several scanners, I highly recommend the fujitsu scanners. No more paper getting jammed into the feeder or waiting for what seems like an eternity for a few documents to scan. This Fujitsu scanner handles documents, receipts, business cards etc. quickly and saves it to a folder on your computer. The portable scanner comes in handy when the small business owner is away from his office at a trade show or at a client and needs access to documents (eg. accountants who don’t want to have to schlep a sheaf of documents after visiting clients) . It can also be helpful at the office as the main scanner might be in a different room. There is also this digital highlighter that allows you to scan lines of text and watch it magically appear on your computer for those with documents that would otherwise have to be entered manually.
2. Bluetooth Keyboard and iPad Cover
This is a great accessory to transition your iPad into a computer, where typing out long sentences using the built in keyboard can become tedious. It connects through Bluetooth and also acts as a cover for your iPad when not in use. It is an integral part of my iPad and has lasted several years without showing any signs of wear. This allows you to take your iPad to the coffee shop or to bed (to the delight of your spouse) and be far more efficient with business communications.
3. Dual Monitor
Almost every person I know who spends significant amount of time in front of a computer either uses or wants a second (and sometimes a third) monitor to allow for more streamlined access to apps and software. It can be an excellent efficiency booster (assuming you don’t have Facebook or Reddit open on each monitor) as often the task that you are working on requires that you look at two or more different tabs at the same time.
4. External Hard Drive
Anyone who has ever had their computer crash understands the pain of having to recreate their data. Although many businesses have backup procedures in place, newer small businesses who are too busy focusing on actually selling their wares may not have time to implement a backup system. This external hard drive, which is 2 Terabytes (remember when floppy disks were 1.44 mb?), can save a significant amount of data, can be used with MAC or Windows and comes in several colours. It is a good option for backups or as a separate place to save large files, photos or music when computer space is insufficient.
5. Phone Enabled Headset/Headphones
Many business owners communicate with their clients virtually using Skype or Zoom. Having the proper equipment to facilitate this can ensure a higher level of professionalism (and simply being able to hear your clients without the crackling sounds that often accompany online communications can save a lot of headache) , This headset, with over 2,700 reviews and 4.5 stars, is a cost effective way to talk to your clients without having to worry about whether you can hear them or vice versa. It also uses “bone conduction” technology which allows for sounds to be transmitted through vibrations in the bones of the head and jaw.
6. Smart Watch Accessories
Smartwatches that encourage better fitness, monitor your health and allow you to be connected at the flick of a wrist are an amazing technology. My own apple watch has encouraged me to achieve movement and exercise goals on a daily basis that go beyond just counting steps. When I purchased the watch, I didn’t like the strap but wasn’t prepared to spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade. Instead I was able to find several alternative straps on Amazon . Additionally, I received this charger as a gift which has greatly simplified my nighttime charging protocol.
There are few first world problems worse than having a dead smartphone without access to a charger. Luckily, there are numerous low cost and compact options for battery chargers that can be stuffed into your bag to prepare for this eventuality. They are also invaluable in the case of a long power outage (which I can personally attest to). For desktop computers, I use and highly recommend this battery backup and surge protector to avoid the pain that accompanies losing all your work due to power failures and surges.
For business owners who like to listen to music and podcasts or who are further educating themselves with online courses, this portable speaker has an astonishing 5k reviews giving it an average of 4.5 stars. It is reasonably priced, has a 24 hour life and long Bluetooth range and even has a built in microphone for those of us who use our phones on speaker for business or regular calls.
BETTER OFFICE
9. Laptop Desk
For those of us who crouch over our laptops in incredibly uncomfortable positions, there are numerous laptop desks that can help mitigate the chronic back and shoulder pain that often comes with long term computer use. This adjustable laptop desk can be used standing, sitting on your bed or to make your workstation more comfortable. It also folds flat so that you can transport it relatively easily.
If you’re like me and balk at the sight of clutter in the form of numerous cords lying around or if find yourself tripping over them regularly (!), a cable management system can reduce this stress and improve the look of your workspace (or anywhere that has a mess of cords). This solution has sleeves that allow you to wrap up the cords in a tidy and aesthetically pleasing fashion.
11. Laptop Bag
While there are numerous ways to transport your laptop – purses, reusable bags, backpacks etc., having a dedicated laptop bag can provide protection to one of the business owner’s most precious possessions while making you appear more professional. This bag, which comes in several different colours, fits most 15 inch computers, is lightweight and sleek and has a patented protection casing.
12. Ergonomic Chair Cushion
One of the most pervasive modern health issues is poor posture as a consequence of sitting in front of a computer all day. Of course there are solutions to mitigate this problem. A better office chair is probably the most helpful. There are a number of accessories including this chair cushion with lumbar support and elastic straps that allow it to fit most chairs. It is portable and can also be used in the car when making long business trips.
Business Books and Reading
13 a) FastStart Your Business
FASTSTART Your Business is a comprehensive guide that simplifies the process of starting your Canadian sole proprietorship . The aim is to provide a simple, yet detailed understanding of starting a business so that you don’t have to spend hours trying to figure it all out and still not be sure if you’ve missed something. It helps you focus on what you have to do right away and what can wait while your business grows. Most importantly it removes the stress and uncertainty and helps you avoid the consequences of doing it incorrectly.
QuickBooks online is the world’s most popular small business accounting software. Written in an easy to understand and digestible format, small business owners, bookkeepers and administrators alike can all benefit from learning how to use QuickBooks Online. QuickStart Your QuickBooks is a comprehensive beginners’ guide that takes you through every step of the process. There are some invaluable tips, tools and tricks that every user of QuickBooks Online should know. The goal of this book is to help you save time, increase profits and take control of your finances. It also makes for an excellent reference guide or teaching tool.
Other books, written by me, and available at Amazon include:
Small Business Tax Facts that allows any unincorporated small business owner to have a better understanding of their taxes and gives them the necessary information to do it themselves.
FastStart Your Corporation provides you with the information you need to incorporate your business and takes you through every step of the process
14. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
This is a classic and invaluable book for any new business owner. It basically posits that small business owners can transcend the grueling hours they put in doing grunt work and instead build a business that is not reliant on the owner or any one employee by creating systems and processes and documenting them in detail. This allows for new employees to transition into their roles seamlessly while the business owners can focus on the more value added and creative aspects of the business. The blueprint for this model are franchises like McDonald’s, but essentially applies to any business who is looking to grow beyond a one man operation.
One of the hardest aspects of running your own business is determining how to price your services. This book provides a radical perspective on pricing, and how value, which is often subjective, is the key determinant to a good pricing strategy. Ron Baker demonstrates how the hourly billing model is an inferior method of pricing that essentially puts a ceiling on the level of revenue that a service provider is able to charge. With value pricing, time is no longer part of the equation – rather the price of the service is based on the value that the customer perceives. There are some great examples and metaphors as well as questionnaires in the book to help any business that wants to implement this change.
16. The Big Short
Everybody knows about the financial crisis of 2008 that brought down Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, decimated the stock market and made “too big to fail” a household term. Very few people, however, understand the complexities of what happened. Michael Lewis, in this amazing book, that reads like fiction, explains the details of the crisis in layman’s terms, shows how the signs of a crash were evident and presents a cast of unlikely heroes that saw it coming but were ridiculed for their opinions. There is also an excellent movie which I highly recommend whether or not you have read the book.
COZY STUFF
17. Soft Throw Blanket
Being able to take a nap is one of the great benefits of working from home. A cozy blanket, that allows a brief (or slightly longer) repose to recharge and rejuvenate is an excellent gift. Also, great for pet owners (most of whom can attest to their pets commandeering anything cozy for their own purposes) or for wrapping yourself up in when it is damp and cold inside while working at your desk.
18. Plush Fleece Robe
As an owner of a collection of robes, for full cozy coverage, this fleece robe was a great addition to my collection. With its hood and three quarters long length, it can be worn over regular clothing or if you decide to work in your pajamas. The fairly deep pockets are very useful for keeping your hands warm, and as a place to store your phone and/or random snacks.
19. Space Heater
Being cold when you work can seriously affect productivity. As winter approaches, there are times when it can be difficult to get warm without raising the heat to expensive levels. A space heater is a perfect solution when you are at your desk and need some concentrated warmth.
20. Mug Warmer
Taking a sip of tepid tea (or coffee) or having to get up and get a new cup can be annoying and unproductive, particularly when you are in a groove. A mug warmer that you can keep on your desk is the solution to this problem. With two temperature settings and a streamlined design, this is a great gift for anyone who enjoys a warm beverage.
21. Cozy Slippers
It can be difficult to concentrate on anything else when you have cold feet. A good pair of thermal socks can help with this problem, however, nothing beats a cozy pair of slippers (assuming you either work from home or your office cohorts understand your need for comfort). These lightweight slippers with a low back, memory foam and faux-fur lining ensure that cold feet no longer interfere with important work.
Ronika Khanna is an accounting and finance professional who helps small businesses achieve their financial goals. She is the author of several books for small businesses and also provides financial consulting services.
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