The best gifts for your friend who just landed a new job
By gum, they did it! They got the job!
Your ol' pal's gone and landed themselves a brand new employment situation, and you're the kind of friend who'll celebrate their successes with a little something.
But what do you get someone who's just landed their dream job, or any job, for that matter. Whether your friend's just started in an office, workshop, classroom or other space, these little gifts will help them start the new gig on the right foot.
New socks
There's nothing like walking into your first day of a new job in a sensational jaw-dropper of an outfit. It might be nice to pick out a crisp new shirt for your giftee, but it's probably better to let them choose their own new signature look. Gift cards can often feel a bit tacky, but if you keep the fee modest, say $30, it's a nice little leg-up.
But the best bet? A new pair of socks. Everyone needs socks, for any job, unless you're a yoga teacher, lifeguard, or swimming instructor. Even then, you need socks. Try Happy Socks, Sock It to Me, or Stance — heck, here's a few more suggestions.
Price: From $10
A laptop case
Has your friend just landed a job that requires a laptop? Why not snap up a new laptop case for them? Socially responsible label YEVU, which creates jobs and sustainable income for women in Ghana, does some really bright and bold designs, that aren't your standard black or grey neoprene go-to.
Price: $40
A desk plant
Having more plants in your life can absorb airborne pollutants and improve your air quality, which can in turn affect your general wellbeing. NASA knows it, we all know it. So what better way to set your friend up in their new workspace than with a little desk plant? You can pick out your own plant at your local nursery or garden store, or if you're lucky enough to live in a city with a plant delivery startup, like New York City's The Sill, or Sydney's Little Succers (who also deliver succulents or Little Pricks), it's as easy as a few clicks.
Price: From $29.50
A damn good water bottle
We all know someone (or are someone) who refuses to reach their daily H2O quota, and workplaces can be distracting, so keeping on top of this is hard. So, whether it's a slick new water bottle, carafe, or smart device, this gift can help your friend get hydrated. Here's a longer list of hydration devices to pick from — we went deep.
If it’s Dutch ingenuity you’re after, Dopper’s a solid bet. Each 500 ml Dopper bottle is double-wall insulated, so can keep your drink hot for nine hours (that's a work day) and cold for 24 hours, and has three parts to it, including a cup — a cup! Perfect for both workplaces that involve desks and those that don't.
Price: $15–$40
A strong backpack
Regardless of your industry, a strong backpack is a must-have for modern workers. You're probably looking at a few necessities: laptop pouch, waterproof fabric, multiple compartments. So, the classic backpack by RAINS is a pretty solid bet. It's got that slick matte finish, minimalist design, spacious compartment with little hidden pockets, including one for your phone. It's not a cheap present, but one that will last.
Price: $92
Get your newly employed friend one of these and those first few days of job jitters may feel a little less awkward.
Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror.
