Blogger Gifts List

My kids are all old enough to make their own lists, and have taken to adopting catalogs when they come in the mall and painstakingly writing down exactly what they want from each one. Editing, and changing happens frequently which I love.

I still remember getting the Sears catalog as a child and circling-oh just everything. 😉 I wasn’t spoiled…much.

While the kids are making their lists I started to think about what was on my own list. While I don’t really need anything, I have some wants, and I realized there may be some other readers out there who are shopping for a blogger this holiday season, and by sharing what is top on my list you may be able to find a great holiday gift for the blogger on your list. These may apply to anyone in your life that is a blogger, social media lover, or tech geek as well. (I use the term geek lovingly, after all I am one.) Note that it’s a little Mac heavy, what can I say I’m a fangirl!

Blogger Gift List-The Centsible Life’s top gifts for bloggers

1. iPad: Why do we need such an expensive piece of equipment? So we can play Angry Birds on a bigger screen take it to conferences, and events, blog on the go, and stay connected wherever and whenever. Cost: $499 for WiFi, up to $829 for highest GB 3G enabled iPad. Cheaper alternative: A netbook which retails for between $100-300.
   
2. Personal WiFi: Give them the gift of WiFi wherever they go. Some phones (see #14) offer this as a benefit. You can purchase various products but most have a monthly fee attached-check with your service provider to see what options they offer. Cost: $10-$40/monthly.
3. Domain name(s): If the blogger on your list doesn’t have a domain name buy it for them! For the social media obsessed parent scoop up gmail accounts, about.me pages, Facebook usernames, twitter handles and domain names for their progeny. In a decade they will thank you for not having to be labeled Kelly37540Whalen on Facebook. Cost: Free for gmail accounts, usernames on Facebook, and $5-$10 for a domain name.
4. A premium theme for their blog(s): Thesis Theme for WordPress is what I use for my blog, and I highly recommend it both for SEO purposes and ease of use and customization. Cost one time fee of $87 (for one blog) or $164 (for multiple websites).
5. Magic Mouse or a Wireless Keyboard: Freedom to blog without cords! Cost: $60-$100
6. New Computers or an External Monitor: Of course this is on the list. Not in everyone’s budget but they definitely make a big impact on the way we work. Cost: $200-500 for a monitor. Computers starting at $500, going up to $2,000 or more.
7. Computer software: There are some tools that make blogging easier and ranging in cost from $50-$400.   This could include:
   • A copy of accounting software to keep track of their expenses and income, and make tax time a breeze.
   • Photoshop if they use a ton of photos or like to edit.
8. Membership:
   • Picnik Premium membership: for photo editing ($24.95/year)
   • Flickr Pro Account: for uploading photos ($24.95/year)
   • Membership in Third Tribe Forums with great bloggers, and seminars that answer all their questions about marketing, affiliates, and how to build a better blog from experts. ($97 up front, and $47/month after)
   • $100 Business Forum Starting a business with $100 from one of my favorite author/bloggers Chris Guillebeau ($100)
   • ProBlogger’s 31 days to Build a Better Blog Enough said right? ProBlogger shares a workbook that helps you build a better blog step by step.($19.95)
9. Professional help: This could include some of the following services with costs ranging from $40-$100s :
   • One sheet design by Cecily Kellogg: Often called a “media kit” this is actually a sheet that talks about how awesome you are, and why brands should work with you. The example one sheets are gorgeous! I am definitely adding this to my list.
   • SEO services
   • Logo design, website design, or even a twitter background from the talented Jo Lynne of DCR Designs or the amazing Melissa of Eliza Grace design.
   • Consulting or coaching with a pro like Pam Slim
10. Books on blogging: Whether it’s Pioneer Woman’s Cookbook, ProBlogger’s handbook on blogging, or Social Media 101 by Chris Brogan you can find something inspirational at the bookstore for the blogger on your list. Cost: $10-30
11. Conference tickets: Want to support your blogger in a big way? Give them the gift of a conference ticket where they can learn more about their field, and bond with other bloggers. For a full list of blogging conferences and recommendations check out Listing of 2011 blogging conferences on Blog Conference Newbie. Cost: $100-400 for ticket, travel expenses, and hotel could add up to a total of up to $2,000.
12. Giftcards: Bloggers typically get wrapped up in what they are doing, so gift cards for coffee (so they can power through deadlines), gift cards for food (we sometimes forget to eat), or even coupons for time off to go blog in peace and quiet at the bookstore are welcome gifts especially for mom and dad bloggers. Cost: $5-$100
13. Camera: While that point and shoot is ok, a DSLR would be a welcome addition for any blogger that uses photos in their blogging. No need to go crazy with a $1,500 camera and lenses, and a bag, and so many additions. Start with a good beginner camera like the Canon EOS. Cost: starting at $400 on up.
14. Smart Phone: Blogger love being connected, why not get them the ultimate connection gift? Smartphones are great for checking email on the go, tweeting, and Facebooking (is that even a word?) while you’re out and about. A must for the social media lover. Cost: between $100-600 depending on your phone plan.
15. Video Camera: There are raves for the ease of use of Flip cameras, and the Kodak video camera. Cost: about $200.
16. Pajamas: Since we love to blog, tweet and facebook in our pjs pick up some super comfy pajamas, a luxe robe, or a warm pair of slippers to encourage your blogger to stay home and blog.
17. Sleep: I think this applies to mom bloggers especially. 😉 Sometimes we stay up late working on an exciting post, or meeting a deadline. (or because we had too much caffeine) Offering to let a blogger sleep in is just another subtle way you can support them. FREE!

Do you have a blogger on your gift list? What are you planning on purchasing for them? If you are a blogger what do you want to get for the holidays?

Kelly

Disclosure: Post contains some affiliate links.

About Kelly

Kelly Whalen is the founder and editor of the Centsible Life. She started the blog in 2008 as her family faced a mountain of debt and the fixer upper they purchased became a FIXER UPPER. The website was born out of her desire to share what was working (and what was not) on her family's journey to financial security. Kelly lives in Minneapolis with her family.

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