What do you buy the person who has everything? Sure, your local accountant might seem the happiest, jolliest figure in the office. But behind that cheery exterior is someone begging for a gift that relates directly to their career.
So, this year, if you’re shopping for that special accountant in your life – maybe you’ve drawn the short straw in the secret santa, or you’ve found yourself in the midst of a firm – we’ve got you covered. Here are some gift ideas that are likely to delight and amaze finance professions everywhere.
🧥1. The Christmas jumper
It’s bold. It’s garish. It says something like "Sleigh the Audit” or "Yule Be Debited.” And yes, it will trigger at least six people to ask, "so, what exactly do you do as an accountant?” while its wearer quietly plans their escape to wherever the mulled wine is being dispensed.
It’s one of those things you might give to someone you hate, as a sort of power thing, I guess. It’s a reminder that you can always give someone the gift of a terrible time. If you’re feeling particularly villainous, you can ensure it includes an acronym that the receiver will have to explain to the 22 year old marketing graduate.
🍷 2. Alcohol
It’s probably been a tough year. And, even if it’s been the best year of their life, the accountant you know is still likely to appreciate this gift.
What about an aged oak whisky that you brought back with you from the old country? Maybe a fancy French liquor for mixing. Or maybe just a classic bottle of Glen’s. You’ll receive a beaming face in return, regardless of what it is.
📚 3. A CPD course
You might assume accountants are responsible, organised professionals who diligently spread their mandatory training throughout the year. And some are, and like all rare treats, we applaud this behaviour.
However, we are in the business of CPD, and the busiest day of the year at AccountingCPD is the deadline for most professional bodies, 31st December. We’ve had to structure a lot of the company around it.
So yes, you can probably still get away with gifting them a CPD course. We suggest Stress Management, or perhaps Time Management. We don’t have a CPD course on doing your CPD early, yet.
🎧 4. Noise-cancelling headphones
What a wonderful way to block out the world. A gift like this can do all sorts! It can:
- Drown out "All I Want for Christmas Is You” for the 14th time before 10am.
- Allow you to ignore "quick questions” from the intern while you’re mid-reconciliation.
- Listen to the meditation man after the spreadsheet crashes.
For a person who’s often wielding a machete through obscure regulation, having the power to block out background chaos can be the difference between life and death.
☕ 5. A hilarious mug
Imagine if every time you looked at your mug, you laughed. Wow, what a world that would be. Now, imagine opening up that world to a dear friend?
A mug that reads "You can’t depreciate this asset” and it has MC Hammer in his crazy trousers? Imagine if the accountant you know owned that! Their reaction might well change the quality of life score for the entire country.
No need to gild the lily, but you could also fill the cup with all the Bounties from the Celebrations box that you don’t want. You know, as a treat.
+ × ÷ - 6. A calculator
Imagine a calculator that’s fun. Maybe it’s in an interesting colour? Or it’s got a picture of a dog on it? You might notice we’re nearing the end of the list here, and it’s becoming hard to keep the standard up. Oh! How about a scientific calculator? One that does visualisations. There we go. They actually might like that.
🧠 Final thoughts
See? Accountants are easy to buy for. All they need is a gift that reminds them exactly of what they do day in, day out. Something like that will give them a warm feeling – the kind you get when you realise someone really understands you.
From all of us at AccountingCPD, happy holidays, may your debits always equal your credits, and may the job you do not come up for the entire period.
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