Every year around the holidays we like to spotlight products that are making a positive impact on the lives of our product design community. From must-have new tech products, to UX/UI design specific tools, to game-changing office supplies—this comprehensive gift guide is sure to spark some wishlist additions.
Whether you’re shopping for your product team co-worker, your UX designer best friend, or yourself, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our 2022 holiday gift guide.
Just For UX/UI Designers
1. Figma Keyboard Stickers with App Shortcuts
I know I wish I had these when learning Figma in UX Academy Foundations. These keyboard stickers are sure to elevate your design workflow.
2. Doodle Mug
This mug features delightful and very relevant doodles for UX designers. It has helpful quotes like “outcome > output,” “ask why,” and “learn & iterate”.
3. Wireframe Sketch Pad
Sometimes you don’t want to stare at a computer all day. Give your eyes a break by sketching your wireframes on this handy sketch pad.
4. UI Stainless Steel Stencils
There’s no point trying to draw common icons like social logos, and the home icon. Use steel stencils with the above sketch pad to make your wireframes easily understandable.
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5. Designlab Swag
Did you know we have a swag store? Rep your favorite UX design school with a new t-shirt, sweatshirt, or maybe even a bucket hat!
Must-Have Tech
6. Seagate External Hard Drive
This compact external hard drive is a great option for someone that has a lot of videos, photos, and large design files. It comes in four different colors and has four storage capacity options ranging from 1000GB to 5000GB.
7. Anker Portable Battery
This slim portable battery charger is universally compatible with all phones. With this extra battery, you’ll never have to worry about your phone dying again.
8. Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame
The perfect gift for family and friends who live far away. A smart photo frame will help keep you connected through the instant sharing of photos and videos.
9. 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Dock Station
With so many devices in our daily rotation, and too many cords to keep up with, a wireless charging station is in order. Get rid of the many wires in favor of none and elevate the aesthetic of your charging space.
10. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
UX designers are looking at screens all day—might as well make them clean screens. Keep extra cleaning cloths on hand to absorb and remove dust and fingerprints.
For the Office
11. Houseplant from Lively Root
Liven up the office environment with a new houseplant. I’m partial to a snake plant—it’s a great air purifier—or a money tree to manifest financial success in the new year.
12. Moleskine Notebooks
Moleskine notebooks are a staple in every creative person’s bag. Over the years they’ve expanded considerably from their simple beginnings. Now you can find a Moleskin in every size, color, and material imaginable—and you can even customize them!
13. Monthly Letterbox Subscription
Each month Papergang collaborates with an artist to create exclusive stationery for their letterbox subscribers. You’ll get things like notepads, cards, stickers, pens, stamps, prints, and more. As a bonus, every box purchased helps to plant trees.
14. White Board Stick on Wall
No need for a heavy, large whiteboard that needs to be nailed into the wall. This stick-on white board offers a sleeker solution.
15. Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag
Fill this cute glass “bag” with something snackish to keep you fueled throughout the workday.
All Things Hygge
If you don’t already know, “Hygge” is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a mood of coziness and comfort. Think: wool socks, a crackling fireplace, a warm drink in your hand, and a good book.
16. Personalized Word Search Throw Blanket
This unique blanket can be customized with up to 15 words of your choice. Make it UX design specific with words like: test, iterate, and prototype (lol).
17. Gift Box from White Spruce Market
Build your own gift box or choose from ready-to-ship gifts containing carefully curated items like candles, cooking, and ceramics.
18. Fell Asleep Here Magnetic Bookmark
Never lose your page in your UX design books again with this handy magnetic bookmark.
19. Personalized Tea Box
Every tea discovery box includes four premium teas, steeping guidelines and tasting notes. This tea-loving recipient will get access to the world's best tea brands, big and small.
20. Coffee Subscription
Not a tea drinker? Try this ethically sourced coffee subscription.
21. Pantone Coffee Mug
Choose from a wide variety of pantone colored mugs and start each day with your favorite color.
Fun & Games
22. Games of Visual Connection
This set of 210 visually connecting photo cards celebrate the beauty of everyday life. Each box includes a guide full of games that ignite creativity, curiosity, and deliver a delightful "aha!" moment.
23. Hues & Clues
A vibrant game of colorful communication, where players must make connections to 480 colors with word clues. Since everyone understands colors differently, this game gets interesting.
24. Wordle The Party Game
Love Wordle? Play it in real life with the analog version of the cult favorite word guessing game from The New York Times.
25. Kickstart Creativity
This box contains 50 cards to spark your creativity. The creators suggest choosing three cards at a time and using one to drive your action, one for perspective, and one for intention. This innovative game is sure to improve your problem solving skills.
Beyond The Gift Guide
We hope you've found this gift guide helpful—enjoy your holiday season!
If you’re looking to break into the field as a new UX designer, there are a few practical next steps you can take:
- Read our full guide: How to Become a UX Designer to learn more about what UX design looks like, and how it might align with your career goals.
- Start learning! Bookmark our list of the best UX design blogs to follow, for design and career inspiration.
- Take the first step towards a new career by enrolling in UX Academy Foundations, which teaches foundational UI/UX skills and pairs you up 1:1 with an experienced design mentor.
