St. Nicholas and Christmas are approaching once again, which means it’s time to start gathering presents. People often tell me that I’m difficult to shop for, but personally, I don’t think so at all. 😉 I’m not really fond of receiving gifts myself; it somehow makes me uncomfortable. However, I love giving gifts! Since October, I’ve been buying gifts for my family and friends, which will be placed under the Christmas tree. The earlier I start, the better! Even though I might forget some of the things I bought when it’s time to give them, I genuinely enjoy the gift-shopping process.
I sometimes get asked about what someone needs to become a graphic web designer, so I thought it would be fun to share some gift ideas that would be appreciated by both beginners and experienced web designers.
Pantone Color Guide
This is a must-have for any graphic or web designer. It’s essential, especially if you design corporate identities and need to ensure precise color representation for logos on stationery, envelopes, or business cards. Pantone provides standard color references that everyone in the graphic arts industry works with. There are different types of color guides like Coated, Uncoated, Neon, and Metallics. For those who work extensively with colors, having both the Coated and Uncoated color guides in their collection would be valuable. Though a bit pricey, it’s a great gift idea to ask for during St. Nicholas or Christmas.
You already have a starter guide for €49.50.
Intuos Draw Small White
This graphic drawing tablet is a fantastic tool that allows you to draw directly on the computer. It’s ideal for drawing, creating logos, and lettering. Additionally, it gives your hand more rest compared to using a computer mouse, and you can even use the included pen as a mouse for tasks like internet browsing (though it might take some getting used to). Personally, I use this tablet for almost every project, and it’s become indispensable. This version costs €69.99.
Graphic Designer Mug
As a tea enthusiast who easily gets cold when sitting at the computer for extended periods, having a nice mug on your desk is a must. This graphic designer mug would be perfect for that purpose. You can get it starting at $12.50 excluding shipping on CafePress.
Cable clips
To maintain a tidy desk and a focused workspace, cable clips are a great addition. They can help keep all the cables from external hard drives and phones organized, preventing them from getting tangled. You can tape the clips to your desk and pass the cables through them, ensuring everything stays neat. The price for a set of 6 clips is €3.
Moleskine Notebook
While there are many notebooks to choose from, Moleskine stands out not only for its luxurious look but also for the enjoyable writing experience it offers. It’s great for making to-do lists and quick sketches of website designs before diving into Photoshop. Moleskine notebooks come in various types, starting at €11.90.
HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites
This book provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to HTML and CSS, making it a must-have for every web designer, whether they are beginners or already have some knowledge of these markup languages. The Dutch version can be purchased for €39.95, while the English version costs $17.95, plus shipping (around €25) when ordered via Amazon.
Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited
In a previous article titled “Simple Tips for Beautiful and Functional Blog Design,” I emphasized the significance of prioritizing a visitor’s browsing experience and ensuring a logically structured website. The goal is to make the user’s interaction with the website effortless, without requiring them to think or search extensively for information. The book “Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited” delves even deeper into creating an optimal browsing experience for website visitors. It provides valuable insights and knowledge that can guide web designers in crafting websites in the best possible way. The English version is priced at $26.10, excluding shipping, and the Dutch version costs €36.95.
Recently, Adobe conducted a study on frequently-asked web design questions. The study combined web design search trends with surveys from over 400 small business owners who are involved in web design and marketing. Interesting read that supports the insights and knowledge in the book “Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited”, which is why I’m sharing this information. Among the valuable findings from this study are:
- Design Takes the Lead: An impressive 46% of small business owners prioritize design as the most important feature of their websites. This highlights the crucial role of aesthetics in creating a positive user experience.
- Website Revamps in the Pipeline: In preparation for 2023, a significant 50% of small business owners have plans to revamp their websites. This indicates a proactive approach to enhancing their online presence.
- Leveraging Social Media for Growth: A substantial 58% of small business owners intend to utilize their revamped websites to attract new customers through social media promotions. This showcases the increasing importance of social media in driving customer engagement and acquisition.
These findings shed light on the evolving trends and preferences of small business owners in the dynamic domain of web design and marketing, further affirming the relevance and significance of the book “Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited.” So it’s definitely an interesting read for every webdesigner 😉
Lynda and TreeHouse subscription
Both Lynda and TreeHouse offer online courses that benefit web designers at all levels, from beginners to experts. The subscription fees for Lynda start at €19.95, while TreeHouse costs about €24 per month (in Euro conversion).
Creative Market Gift Card
Creative Market is a fantastic website where graphic and web designers can download various resources, such as fonts, graphic elements, photos, WordPress themes, and more. A gift card from Creative Market would be a delightful present, starting from $20.
Other tips
In addition to the mentioned items, notebooks, writing instruments like Micron pens, office supplies, luxury USB hubs, and gift cards from Mediamarkt or Bol.com are also excellent gift options. Coffee or tea-related items, including mugs and special blends, could be well-received by some web designers.
Whether you’re a novice web designer or know someone who is, I hope these gift ideas prove helpful! Enjoy the festive season!
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