Our top holiday shopping gift ideas this year focus on office, relaxation, trending technology, and gifts for those closest to you. There are gift ideas for any budget, ranging from less than $20 all the way up to $800. We hope you find ideas for gifts for the “hard to buy for” people on your list. All prices were compiled in early November 2022, so check for even better deals after reading this article.

Office Gifts

The New Yorker Book of Lawyer Cartoons
Price: $12.95

Lawyers might think they’ve heard all the lawyer jokes, but people outside the profession also enjoy hearing the jokes or reading funny cartoons about the legal profession. The New Yorker Book of Lawyer Cartoons, published in 1994 and featuring 85 different cartoons, shows the humor in everyday legal situations and general assumptions about the profession. This is a great gift that appears on many of the top-gift ideas for folks in and outside the legal profession (at least, for those with a sense of humor).

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/121413/the-new-yorker-book-of-lawyer-cartoons-by-the-new-yorker/

Aduro Powerup 40W 6 Port Hub USB Charging Station
Price: $59.99

A charging station is one of my favorite devices to have at home and at my office, because of all the USB-powered devices needed in both settings (wireless speakers, smart phone and watch, wireless headphones, and tablet). The six charging ports in this product have an auto-detecting charging feature that will determine the type of device being charged and provide optimal output speed for charging (as an example, a tablet needs more output power to charge than do wireless headphones). Save outlet space by unplugging all individual chargers and plugging those charging cables into this single charging station.

www.aduroproducts.com/collections/usb-hubs/products/powerup-6-usb-port-charging-station

Home Office Pro Lap Desk, Black Carbon
Price: $50.00

Working from home or behind a desk all day can become monotonous. Time might seem to pass faster if you occasionally move to a different location in your home or office, especially for people who have a comfortable chair or couch. The lap desk is a good substitute for using pillows or blankets to prop up a laptop. It provides top cushions for the user’s wrists when typing and cushions underneath to ensure comfort when the desk is resting on a lap, a phone slot stand to make it easier for video calls, and even a dedicated mouse-pad area.

https://lapdesk.com/collections/home-office-lap-desks/products/lapgear®-home-office-pro-lap-desk-black-carbon

Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver
Price: $189.00

I am a techie and probably could have figured out that I could buy a Bluetooth receiver device and connect it to an old stereo, which would then allow me to stream music from a device through the old stereo’s speakers. But I have never needed to research the topic, so I appreciate that a LOMAP Advisory Committee member suggested it (and also the Apple Pencil in the final section of this article) for the list this year. This Bluetooth music receiver helps transmit smooth sounds through the speakers and will be a thoughtful gift for music-loving friends.

www.amazon.com/Audioengine-B1-Premium-Bluetooth-Receiver/dp/B00MHTGZR4

Ember Mug²
Price: $129.95

Enjoy a constant temperature (120°F to 145°F) for hot beverages with the Ember Mug². The built-in battery will keep a beverage warm in the 10-ounce mug for 1.5 hours (a 14-ounce mug with a longer battery life also is available) and all day if the mug rests on the included charging coaster. A smart LED light will shine when the beverage has reached an optimal temperature, and the auto-sleep feature automatically senses when the mug should be shut off. This is a great gift for people who live in cold climates and for anyone who likes to drink warm beverages regardless of the outside temperature.

https://ember.com/products/ember-mug-2?variant=42924843565241

The Foodie
Price: $148.00

Who could say no to smoked-yellow-peach jam, salted peanuts, Guntur Sannam Chilli, a walnut cutting board, a gold cheese spreader, olive oil, and sea salt and olive oil crackers? If you know that friends or family members enjoy quality food, consider purchasing this mouth-watering gift. This product has appeared on many holiday shopping top-gift lists.

www.teakandtwine.com/products/the-foodie

Relaxation Gifts Under $100

Philips Wake-up Light
Price: $99.95

This product, which uses a combination of soothing lights and sounds, might be a perfect gift for people who don’t like to wake up to the sound of a loud alarm. The light features a colored sunrise simulation with different light intensities and five different natural sounds to help people wake up. There is also a sunset simulation that can help folks get ready to fall asleep. A built-in FM radio allows users to listen to their favorite local stations when falling asleep or getting ready in the morning.

www.usa.philips.com/c-p/HF3520_60/smartsleep

Freida & Joe Aromatherapy Mind/Body 6-Piece Bath Bomb Set
Price: $23.99

Mint, lavender, yoga sunrise, sandalwood, green tea, and vanilla surprise bath bombs are part of this package, ideal for people who head straight to the tub to destress after a long day at work. These bath bombs are said to help with different ailments, such as colds, influenza, and congestion, and can even help reduce stress and anxiety.

www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/freida-joe-aromatherapy-mind-body-6-piece-bath-bomb-set/5056586?keyword=bath+bombs

Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser & 10 Essential Oils Set
Price: $39.95

Another great gift for bath lovers is this diffuser and essential oils set. The diffuser includes seven ambient light modes and different intensity settings, and it can create 14 light combinations. The gift recipient also will receive a wide assortment of oils, including lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, orange, peppermint, lemongrass, jasmine, nutmeg, clove, and spearmint.

https://puredailycare.com/products/ultimate-aromatherapy-diffuser-amp-essential-oil-set

Tranquility Weighted Blanket
Price: $49.00

The even and gentle pressure of a weighted blanket can help people sleep throughout the night. The top layer of the blanket features a plush fabric and the bottom layer contains cool microfibers, both designed to increase comfort. This is a great gift for people who like feeling the weight of a blanket and need something extra in their sleep routine.

www.target.com/p/12lb-weighted-throw-blanket-tranquility/-/A-53693401

Heated Eye Massager with Bluetooth
Price: $64.59

Put on some of your favorite music, sit back, and let the heated eye massager relax you after a long day. (Yes, you can and should treat yourself to any of the gifts on this list.) The temperature will remain at a constant 107°F while the six smart airbags work together to provide a relaxing eye massage. You can change settings with the included remote control and enjoy a two-hour massage before needing to recharge the device. (This product might not be appropriate for a person who has an eye condition, so make sure to consider this before deciding whether to purchase it.)

https://renpho.com/products/eye-massager

Gifts for Those Closest to You

FLÎKR Fire Bundle
Price: $125.00

When researching gift ideas for this year’s list, I was drawn to the FLÎKR Fire Bundle, which is a portable mini fire pit. The FLÎKR fire bundle produces a fire that will last for approximately 50 minutes (using 5 ounces of 70% or 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol), is safe to use for cooking, and produces no carbon monoxide. This gift can be used to cook s’mores in the living room or as a fantastic statement piece, but use care wherever the fire pit is used and stored and keep it out of reach of children.

https://www.flikrfireplace.com/products/flikr-fire-bundle

Wi-Fi Connected Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Price: $274.99

Although family members and friends might wonder why they’re receiving a cleaning appliance as a gift, the Roomba is a great gift for anyone and any occasion. With the Wi-Fi powered app, this robot vacuum will learn cleaning habits and suggest different cleaning times. Users can also control the vacuum with a Google or Alexa voice assistant. The multi-surface cleaning tools can also navigate different terrains in a house. Instead of spending time pushing a traditional vacuum cleaner, let a robot do the cleaning!

www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba-vacuuming-robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-69-4020/R694020.html

Artifact Personal Podcast
Price: $149.00

If you or someone you know would like to preserve special moments electronically, consider this product. The Artifact Personal Podcast consists of a professional interview, a custom introduction with musical overlay, a web page for listening and adding photos, professional editing, and a variety of privacy settings, which together result in a 20-minute podcast. The interviews typically last around 30 minutes. The website has different samples that can be viewed before purchase.

www.heyartifact.com/

Gourmia 7 Quart Digital Air Fryer with Auto Shut-off
Price: $73.89

An air fryer can be a great gift for your nearest and dearest relatives and friends. I bought an air fryer for myself and soon realized that I could cook faster and more easily when I didn’t have to wait for my full-size oven to preheat. The possibilities are nearly limitless for what can be prepared in an air fryer, and recipes available for free on Gourmia’s website explain the many ways to cook delicious appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Larger air fryers also are available.

www.walmart.com/ip/Gourmia-7-Quart-Digital-Air-Fryer-With-Auto-Shut-off/807114606

Trending Technology

Cameo
Price: Varies

Are your friends, coworkers, or family members fans of popular culture or sports? How cool would it be to provide them with a personalized video message or allow them to engage in a one-on-one video chat with a favorite celebrity, such as Jeopardy! champ Amy Schneider, Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones, or Fiona the World-Famous Hippo? (It would be cool, very cool!) These are only a few of the many actors, athletes, comedians, musicians, reality TV, and zoo residents who can star in a personalized video. After you select the celebrity, you enter the name of the gift recipient and the message you would like the celebrity to relay. Once the message is completed and the fee is paid, the celebrity will typically record the video message within one week. Although this service is gaining in popularity, many people still don’t know it exists, which adds to the surprise when the recipient “opens” the present.

https://www.cameo.com/

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
Price: $129.00

The Apple Pencil is an excellent gift for iPad owners. With the Apple Pencil, iPad users can doodle, take handwritten notes, and use the pencil as a stylus. The 2nd generation pencil works with newer iPads; the Apple Pencil (1st generation) works with most older models and is a great alternative at $99. Other cool features of the pencil include the ability to charge the pencil directly on the iPad and different pencil tips that allow for finer writing or drawing.

www.apple.com/shop/select-apple-pencil

Polaroid Now i-Type Instant Camera
Price: $119.99

The Polaroid film camera that would print a picture instantly after it was taken was first released in the late 1940s. In the 21st century, printed photos, and the cameras designed to take them, have largely been replaced because of smart phones, digital cameras, and electronic image display devices. However, popular trends have a way of resurfacing, and guests and audience members at large gatherings are increasingly likely to bring one of these cameras. (A few Polaroid photos are attached to my refrigerator.) The purchase price includes the camera (which is available in a variety of colors), a rechargeable battery, an accurate flash with timer, built-in double exposure, and an autofocus two-lens system.

www.polaroid.com/en_us/products/polaroid-now

Capsule Max Mini Projector
Price: $469.00

Stream your favorite shows from YouTube, Netflix, and other platforms and streaming services with a mini projector. The projector outputs 720p (common in most mid-range computer monitors) and can produce images up to 100 inches. The manufacturer recommends that the projector be used indoors, and it is best in low-light environments. However, the projector can also be used outside when it is dark, and the built-in battery can power the device for a few hours. This is a great gift for family movie nights or camping trips.

https://us.seenebula.com/products/d2423

Apple Watch Ultra
Price: $799.00

Released at the end of September, the Apple Watch Ultra delivers features befitting its name. The Ultra is twice as bright as any other Apple Watch on the market, and it includes a 49mm display, 100m water-resistance rating, and a titanium case and lasts up to 36 hours on a single charge. The Ultra is noticeably larger than other Apple Watch models, but if the extra display, water resistance rating, or longer battery life are not needed, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a great alternative at $399.00. I never thought I would enjoy a smart watch, but after I bought the original Apple Watch and started tracking my fitness, using the watch to view messages and notifications, and using the remote-control feature for taking photos on my phone, I have never turned back.

www.apple.com/apple-watch-ultra/

www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-8/

Conclusion

I enjoy cultivating a list of gift ideas for you every year. If you enjoy the gift ideas or would like to suggest a gift for next year, please give me feedback. Be safe, enjoy your holidays, and I wish you a happy new year!

» Cite this article: 95 Wis. Law. 35-38 (December 2022).