Gifts for 2021 job seekers

Planning for holiday gift-giving this year is more complex than running a stealth military operation. Supply chain logistics, timing, finances, personnel – it’s all there. About all you’d need to make the situation more dramatic is a giant pull-down map with little ship icons to demonstrate your purchases inching their way across the Pacific Ocean.

Of course, you don’t have to be beholden to this troubled process. For example, you could beat the stress of late-arriving gifts by simply doling them out in January, or whenever you finally have them in hand.

Or, you could skip online purchases and shop locally, choosing your gifts from the inventory you find on the store shelves when you walk in.

And what about crafting your gifts yourself ? Or of course, as a last (or first) resort, there’s always the option of sending a gift card.

Now that we have that sorted, it’s time for my annual gift guide for those in your life who may be struggling with career issues or managing a job search. Some gifts are tangible and will need to reach the recipient by physical means, while others can be “transported” through the magic of technology.

You’ll also notice that only some of the gifts relate directly to employment issues. That’s because your job seeker may need a break from this weighty topic; it could be that the best gift is something he or she has cut out of the budget for the moment, rather than something more practical.

Classes. This is one of those “lifetime” gifts, which can stay with the recipient far beyond the holiday season. For more impact, you could sign up as well and share the experience. Here are some ideas: skills sessions, such as welding or bartending; health sessions, such as yoga or meditation; or personal interest classes, such as creative writing or genealogy.

Memberships or subscriptions. For more gifts with long-lasting impact, consider a membership or subscription that can be enjoyed the whole year, such as: career-specific professional association or magazines; health club or fitness center enrollment; theater or sports team season tickets; state or national park passes; newspapers, perhaps from their hometown; or streaming services.

Gift baskets. You can’t go wrong with a basket full of goodies delivered to the door — or a similar option in the monthly subscription family. For example: food or wine baskets; craft- or book-ofthe-month subscriptions; spa baskets with self-care products; or any basket you make yourself with special treats or notes of encouragement.

Gift cards or certificates. Always welcome are the gifts that can be redeemed for something enjoyable or practical. In some cases, if you give your gift early enough, recipients on a tight budget can incorporate them into their own holiday plans. As an example, a gift card for an upscale grocery store can be translated into a nice dessert on the holiday table. Some other ideas include certificates for: restaurants or other entertainment options; personal services, such as a salon or spa; or any personalized certificate from you, redeemable for things like babysitting, home-cooked meals, a day trip together, or perhaps use of your vacation home if you have one.

Something personal. Gifts from the heart can make a big difference to someone wrestling with job search or other issues. Some options might include: a curated collection of photos, digital or printed; a personal item of yours, such as heirloom jewelry or art; or daily journal or a book of inspirational quotes.

Gifts specific to job or career issues. If you want to be more direct in your support for your recipient’s job search or career process, these options might fit the bill: career counseling or coaching sessions; books or classes on job search strategies; LinkedIn premium service subscription; or Coursera subscription, to provide options for certification classes.

In truth, any way in which you remember others this season is a step in the right direction. For those struggling with career issues or job search, even a warm email expressing good wishes will provide a welcome boost. So toss off your supply-chain concerns and put on your thinking cap: The perfect gift for these special individuals on your list could be right at your fingertips.