Your holiday gift list, by Ideas Economy
Tools to ignite a bold imagination.
Gifting season is here, and I suspect you have at least one friend — curious, creative, intellectually-inclined — who might prove difficult to gift for. Or, perhaps you are that friend. Say no more, because I’ve put together a very Ideas Economygift list that you might encourage them to exercise their uniquely vibrant mind.
No affiliate links to existing products (that is, no financial incentives from me). Rather, here are seven gift ideas that will prompt your giftee to lean into their creativity, curiosity, and wonder.
A Journal Worth Keeping — a beautifully bound, quality paper journal to jot ideas in.
A Strategist’s Game — a puzzle, card game, or blocks to leave around the office, studio, or in any shared, collaborative space. Games train pattern recognition, negotiation, and long-term thinking orientation.
A Potluck of Books — varieties of books elicit inspiration to manifest in many ways. Having around you an eclectic collection from diverse fields (think architecture, finance, design, people, history, literary classics, etc.) can help you find fresh perspectives to infuse into your everyday.
A Kid-Worthy Creative Weapon — your inherent, childlike sense of play is deeply connected with your capacity for creativity and innovation. Consider LEGO kits, magnetic tiles, art or science experiment kits. Curiosity is ageless.
An Idea-Capturer — a curated combination of pocket sketchbooks, sticky notes, fridge whiteboards, and markers. Basically, any tool that can be left around to help you catch the lightning of a fleeting idea before it disappears. Scatter these around your environment so you are ready whenever inspiration arrives. (Always a good idea to keep at least one near food sources, like a coffee machine or the fridge. There is a reason why genius is often scribbled onto napkins.)
A Pair of Socks with Subtext — the essential gifting staples, socks and undies, are here to stay. But let’s infuse a bit of fun into them. Think of a playful colour or print that can give character to an otherwise buttoned-up suit.
A Wild Card — something quaint but truly unexpected, such as a tarot deck or small musical instrument. A reminder to be open to new things, no matter of strangeness.