Are you frantically trying to close end-of-year deals while your well-intentioned loved ones are asking:

“What do you want for Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanza/Festivus????”

Or maybe they need help and you’re too busy prepping for the January launch to scatter hints all over the house.

O’Daily to the rescue!

How To Use This Gift Guide:

1. Forward to loved ones.

2. Print it, circle fave ideas, leave on kitchen counter.

3. Buy it for yourself. You’ve earned it!

BONUS: many of these suggestions are startups themselves — founders I know, portfolio companies, or innovative tech products. Feel good supporting other founders!

Reminder: customer and employee gifts work great for founders too. 😉

1. Gift of Time

Time is the most valuable resource at a startup. How can you give a founder a few hours back?

• Cookonnect - a real chef comes to your house and preps meals for the week

• Duckbill - virtual personal assistant for $100/mo

• MyPanda - on-demand in-person help (e.g. laundry, organizing, party prep)

• Accomplished App - subscription “house manager” service

• Uber - 1 week of “car service” for that work commute

• Styling service like Fashivly or TheStyleLiz — or fashion subscription like Stitch Fix or Nuuly (get a referral code from a friend for a discount!)

• House cleaning

• Zinnia or other co-pilot tool that you’ve vetted or had recommended! Sometimes finding a good option is the hardest part.

• Give them a “coupon” for a helpful or time-consuming task

(Anyone else gift their parents a LOT of coupons over the years? 😂 IOU a car vacuuming, Mom!)

2. Gift of Health

Feeling good is priceless. Help a founder optimize their performance with tools and strategies for health.

• Whoop - track sleep, activity, recovery, habits. I LOVE mine. It’s helped me get more and better sleep and provides daily accountability.

• Sensate - vagus nerve stimulator. My HRV increased 10-15%. If you don’t know wtf I’m talking about, this is not for you. h/t Andrew McConnell of Alively for the rec!

• Reframe App - quit or cut back on drinking

• Cub App - ADHD support

• AG1 - my go-to health drink. Multivitamin, probiotics, prebiotics, veggie powders in a filling drink with travel packs. It doesn’t replace vegetables and good habits but sure helps me feel good during crazy weeks.

• Package of sessions with a trainer, physical therapist, fave yoga studio, or Peloton app for at-home efficiency

Alively is another great spot for wellness gift ideas. I have discount codes for Whoop, Sensate, AG1 if you need them. (Thank you, referral programs! 😂)

3. Gift of Humor

• Mug, cross-stitch, t-shirt, or sign with a favorite saying or inside joke. Inspo to get you started:

  • Get Shit Done

  • I became the CEO my parents wanted me to marry

• AI image of them on the cover of Forbes or other “making it” moment

• Share any BigTimeAdulting or CorporateNatalie video. They are hilarious and free. Laughter is a great gift.

4. Gift of Connection

• Zest - fun app for couples to stay connected (even when traveling or busy) with daily question + date ideas!

• Set up a regular time for your founder to spend with friends or a partner (e.g. hire a sitter, block it on their calendar, coordinate with the friends)

• Frame an amazing photo (metal print and canvas are great too) for their desk

• Daily calendar of family or company photos

• Membership to Atlanta Tech Village, Switchyards, The Lola, Intown Golf Club, or The Perlant 😉

5. Gift of Learning

• **FREE** The O’Daily in their inbox every week 😉

• A great book (get started here and here)

• Group coaching like Scalebound or Glue Club

• Masterclass or course/session from their favorite thought leader

• Executive coaching

6. Gift of “Founder Survival Kit”

Simple, fun, and thoughtful. Add your own touches!

• Gift card to their favorite coffee shop (like Kula, Spiller Park, Con Leche, or Opo!)

• Healthy, hearty snacks to keep at the office

• Charging brick, extra laptop charger, wired earphones

• Stain removal pen, mints, gum, dry shampoo

• Mini champagne bottle for those impromptu celebrations!

7. Gift of Rest

Last but definitely not least…

Sometimes the best gift is the permission (or forcing function) to take time off.

In one of my fave 80s classics, What About Bob, Dr. Marvin gives Bob a prescription to take a break from his problems.

Follow Dr. Marvin’s lead — give your founder a break from their startup!

• Send THIS TWEET (or this blog) to set the stage

• Plan a day in nature or without a phone

• Brainstorm and implement a new tradition

• Massage, spa day, golf outing, wellness retreat

• Trip with no cell service (e.g. Postcard Cabins, camping)

• Roots App - use your phone more intentionally (or get a timed lock box)

• Ask them what would help them reset, rest, and recharge!

Want more?

Lutely and Wirecutter are my go-to for gift ideas!

What is the best gift you’ve received?? What other startup brands should people know about this holiday season? Other recs for founder gifts?