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You will agree that finding the best gifts for translators and interpreters is challenging, especially with Christmas fast approaching!
While we shouldn’t gift others on Christmas only (seeing as there are many other holidays, events, and occasions around the year) it’s the season of giving and you might have some pressing questions, such as:
- What sort of gifts do translators even like?
- Will the linguist in your life love the gift?
- Is the gift thoughtful and practical at the same time?
- How much will the perfect translator gift cost you?
- Where do you get the best gifts for a translator quickly?
- And more.
Whether it is your spouse, relative, language learner, or the one employee who outdid themselves this year, translators and interpreters do an important job and are worth appreciation once in a while.
That’s right. Translators are crucial in breaking complex language and cultural barriers, enabling effective communication in an increasingly interconnected world.
In other words, a translator’s job is challenging and requires skill, dedication, and attention to detail.
They spend a lot of time at the computer or on the go, whether they are translating entire websites, documents, or conversations in high-pressure settings.
If you want to appreciate and impress a translator or interpreter, make the gift fun and practical. You know something thoughtful they can use in their daily lives. For best results, tailor the gift to their unique needs and interests.
In this article, we will share tips and a selection of the best gifts any translator is bound to love.
Without further fanfare, let us dive right in!
How to Choose the Best Gifts for Translators
Don’t have gift ideas for translators yet? Before you panic and rush out or whip out your credit card to buy a gift, it’s crucial to think about it.
Otherwise, your well-intended gift might find its way to the trash or cause ill feelings. We all don’t want that. A thoughtful gift might not even involve spending money.
Below, we’ve curated some quick tips to help pick the perfect gift for a translator or interpreter. These tips will improve the chances of choosing a gift that hits the mark.
Let’s go.
Their Unique Interests, Needs, and Work Environment
No two translators are the same. Different people have unique interests and needs. They also work differently.
Take a moment to understand the interests and needs of your translator friend. Think how the gift might make them smile or impact their lives positively,
For instance, freelance translators mainly work from home or in co-shared spaces and spend plenty of time seated.
As such, noise-canceling headphones, office upgrades, and ergonomic tools would make for thoughtful yet practical gifts.
Need another example?
If the translator travels frequently for work, consider gifts such as compact organizational tools, sturdy bags, travel accessories, and portable tech.
At the same time, translators in legal or medical fields might appreciate gifts such as stress relief items, high-quality headphones, and resources to enhance their specialized knowledge.
Do you see where I am going with this?
The point is you’re better placed to choose the best gift for a translator if you take a minute to understand their unique needs and interests.
This includes their cultural interests and specific language pairs such as French and English. A cookbook, artwork, or unique crafts from these cultures or regions will speak volumes. The translator will see you took the time to prepare the perfect gift.
This brings us to our next, and closely related, point.
Fuse Practicability with Personalization
Any gift – no matter how much money you spend on it, will miss the mark if it is not thoughtful or at least personal.
It’s the giving season and the urge to splurge on gifts is almost intoxicating. But will your present make the translator in your life go, “Wow! It’s like you knew exactly what I wanted!”?
While buying practical gifts for translators is important, personalization is where the money is.
Here is an example.
You can buy them a translation course such as How to Become a Translator without a Degree on sites like Udemy and Coursera.
Or an annual subscription license for a translation tool.
While we can all agree that both gifts are practical (since they can improve their skills and productivity), they may lack the emotional connection to make them truly personal.
What to do?
You can easily add a personal touch to your gift.
For instance, you can pair the translation course or tool with a personalized notebook engraved with their name or favorite quote.
Need another idea?
Throw in a gift card with a custom and thoughtful message about how much you value them and their work.
In fact, instead of buying them a course they might never take, give them an extra gift card that lets them get what they truly love.
Don’t buy a gift because you think it’s practical or they might love it. Strive to combine practicability with personalization. This way, your bundled gift will mean much more than just a translation course or tool.
This also means you should…
Think About Their Passions Outside Work
Are they a beekeeper? I can already see how a t-shirt with catchy phrases like “Bee-a-translator” or “I translate Bee, Too!” will make them smile, if not chuckle. These are just random examples, get creative.
Maybe the translator in your life isn’t into bees. However, they sure do have hobbies and passions beyond work. You can use this to customize your gift and make it truly personal.
Are they into art? How about getting them art supplies, personalized calligraphy sets, and custom DIY kits?
Are they travel enthusiasts with a thing for coffee? Again, you cannot go wrong with a portable espresso machine, foldable backpacks, and multi-functional travel gear.
And if they are into tech like yours truly, you will almost always hit the home run with smart devices such as the Kindle and smartwatches that support translation apps. Among other things, of course.
As we mentioned earlier, you need to be creative and you will have amazing gift ideas for translators to cover not just Christmas but the rest of the year.
While at it, it is best to prioritize quality over quantity.
What does that mean?
Gifting your translator or interpreter friend one high-quality and durable item makes a greater impact than multiple less significant items.
For instance, a well-thought-out ergonomic chair or premium travel laptop will be more appreciated and last longer.
They will thank you when they don’t have to deal with back pains at the desk or toting a chunky laptop while traveling.
Let us move on.
Get the Best Gifts for Translator by Considering Their Current Setup
Giving gifts is about focusing on what the other person will truly appreciate. True, it does make the giver warmer on the inside too. 🙂
Speaking of inside, does the translator have a home office? Does it look a bit out of shape? Remodeling the whole thing would be an awesome gift (albeit impossible now that Xmas is approaching).
Perhaps you should leave remodeling the home office for another event of the year when you’ve had time to put everything together.
But since you still want to surprise them, consider what you can add to their current setting.
If they have an ergonomic seat for the home office, consider adding comfortable neck or lumber pillows. This will complement their setup and improve their well-being.
Don’t stop there. If they love drinking coffee while working, buy them a coffee maker for the home office. Now, they can enjoy stimulating coffee whenever they want without leaving the office. For the extra kick, throw in a special mug with their favorite quote or saying.
Has he or she been using the same computer since Gandalf was a child? A shiny new setup for the home office will surely make for a great gift and boost their morale and productivity at work.
Their current setup can help you devise fun and practical gifts for translators. Make sure whatever you’re getting (especially if it’s tech-related), is compatible with their existing setup.
Is their desk always messy? How about a swanky organizer with their name or favorite quote on it? You will never run out of ideas here.
But if you are still running out of ideas…
Pay Attention to Subtle Hints
I wager that the translator or interpreter you’re gifting is close to you. Perhaps they are family or you work in the same office. It would be weird to shout in the street that you have random gifts for translators 🙂
That said, if this person is close to you, it is easy to hear specific complaints, needs, or desires during conversations.
You might hear subtle things such as:
“My back hurts every time I work for long hours.”
or…
“I have been meaning to get a better planner.”
or…
“I need better headsets.”
These are random examples but I think you get my drift.
My point is these are all clear indicators of the gifts the translator might appreciate. Why get them a sweater and a better planner is all they needed?
But what if you’re unsure, or you two haven’t conversed in a long time? I’m talking about a relative who is a translator but lives in a different city or country.
Or the co-worker you’d like to gift but don’t know much about.
What gifts then do you get them?
Well, that’s easy. When you get the chance, casually ask about their favorite tools, subscriptions, hobbies, or dream gadgets.
Naturally, since people love talking about themselves, you will have all you need to choose the best gifts for translators.
If you are still unsure…
Spring for Versatility When in Doubt
Normally, it is hard to determine the best gifts for translators. Even if you know them or converse daily, you are still unsure what to get. But you want your gift to stand out from the crowd.
Still, you’re unsure.
What to do?
In this case, opt for versatile gifts that might impress the translator without pulling out your hair. Also, you don’t have to worry about saving face later.
What do I mean?
Instead of shooting out of the blue, how about a gift card? Gift them a card to their favorite bookstore (translators read a lot, BTW), tech store, or software platform.
While it is somewhat impersonal, this way, the translator can choose something they truly need. To win, don’t forget to personalize the gift card as we mentioned earlier.
In addition, you can purchase a subscription to professional organizations such as the American Translators Association to help them get important certifications and networking opportunities.
Moreover, paid subscriptions to language resources, audio platforms, and more provide ongoing value. They can always enjoy the gift!
The best part is this kind of gift is useful in their work.
Still can’t think of the best gifts for translators? Read on to learn more.
What else? Best Gifts for Translators: Extra Tips
You don’t have to give someone a Tesla (although it’s an awesome idea) for Christmas to make your gift feel special.
You only need to be a tad creative.
What I mean is you must avoid common pitfalls that most gifters make.
For instance, avoid generic gifts such as drab journals. Even if you’re gifting them a journal, personalize it with language-related themes. See the difference? One is generic, the other is personal.
In addition, avoid complex gifts that are hard to use. Overly technical gadgets that are hard to use and maintain will only disappoint them.
On the same note, put a little thought into your presentation. That’s right my friend – how you present your gift can enhance its impact tenfold.
For instance, pairing the gift with a handwritten note saying you appreciate their work and why you chose that present will go a long way.
Go out of your way and use creative wrapping, such as paper printed with language themes. You want them to smile long before they open the gift right? Get creative, they deserve it!
By being thoughtful and practical, you can easily choose the best gifts for translators while keeping things fun for the holidays.
We hope the above tips gave you some gift ideas for translators. No? Carry on to discover more below.
With the tips out of the way, we chose some thoughtful and practical gifts to make your work easier. Remember, while they are great gifts for translators, these are merely subtle suggestions to point you in the right direction.
The Best Gifts for Translators
Disclaimer: We do not promote any particular products in this section. Do your due diligence and always buy what meets your needs and budget.
By now, a gift idea for your favorite translator should have popped up in your head. If not, we have your back as always with a couple of nifty suggestions.
Remember, keep their interests and needs in mind, and everything will be okay.
So, what are our favorite gifts for translators this year?
Personalized Mugs
Yeah, I know, what a cliche. But mugs are a classic gift for anyone not just translators and interpreters. Plus they are easy to obtain and customize unless you’re reeling backwards from grandma’s eggnog.
The secret here is personalization. Pick a nice mug and add a custom message, quote, or something quirky to make them smile whenever they sip coffee or tea.
We guarantee they will always remember the gesture even when the mug is empty on their desk. If you don’t have the time for all the extra work, look at what we found on Etsy:
Brighten a translator’s day with this mug from Alvstudio, a star seller on Etsy for only twenty bucks.
According to the seller, these mugs are the perfect tribute to the tireless professionals in the translation field.
They are made hardy to withstand the microwave heat and the dishwasher rigor with ease.
They ship from Portland via USPS First Class. Domestic shipping takes 3 to 5 days and 8 – 10 days for international orders.
T-shirts
But what if you got your favorite linguist a mug last year and want to try something different? How about a cool t-shirt they can show off to friends and co-workers?
You can never go wrong with clothing as presents since time immemorial. Besides, a T-shirt is a practical gift. They can wear it or hang it on the wall – it doesn’t matter.
Remember we said that personalization is what matters. A blank T-shirt won’t mean much. Do they have a favorite band? Get them that T-shirt.
But if you’re running out of time and need something quick, here’s an example of what online e-commerce platforms such as Etsy offer:
It makes one so happy to receive new clothes as a gift, translators included. I know I do. And for $25 bucks, you can paint a smile on someone’s face this festive season.
The unisex t-shirt by FridayArtStore comes in four color options and ships from Wilmington, Delaware. Shipping takes about two days.
Contact the shop owner to arrange custom printing. You can use catchy quotes such as “Lost in Translation” and “Linguist at Work,” among others. Let your creative juices flow.
See the translator t-shirt gift here.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
This one is a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t love a nice pair of noise-canceling headphones? You don’t have to be an audiophile.
Freelance translators and interpreters work at home or in noisy shared environments, which can be distracting if not annoying.
A good pair of high-quality headphones is not only fun but also practical when it’s crucial to focus on work.
There are many options available, but here’s what I found on Amazon:
This highly-rated pair of Bose wireless headphones is a perfect gift for translators.
It has a 4.5/5.0 rating from over 6k users who have owned other pairs of headphones such as AirPod Max, Sonos Ace, Bose QC 45, and the Sony XM5.
So you know it is up there in terms of quality. The price begins at $199 but expect to pay up to $349.99 for the headphones. Also, beware of extra fees and shipping costs beforehand to avoid disappointments.
Remember these are just suggestions. You can buy any other brand or type of headphones you desire.
Ergonomic Equipment
As we mentioned severally, translators and interpreters spend a lot of time at their desks researching, typing, and being awesome.
It might sound fun when we put it that way, but it is quite exhaustive and can do a number on your back and other joints.
To help the translator in your life stay healthy while working, consider buying them ergonomic equipment such as a standing desk.
Many modern models allow for switching between standing and sitting, improving posture and reducing fatigue.
Don’t know where to look? You can begin your journey at Flexispot.com or VariDesk. Both companies offer a wide variety of standing desks.
The price varies depending on what you choose but be ready to pay $549 for a premium electronic standing table.
But don’t stop there. The linguist in your life could surely use more ergonomic equipment. You worry about their well-being right?
For that, pair the standing table with ergonomic keyboards and mice that improve comfort and ease wrist pain.
Two favorite examples here are the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Qwerty Keyboard and Microsoft Sculpt.
Are they in dire need of a new ergonomic seat? Get them that too as a bonus and thank me later.
Speaking of health and wellness, another fantastic gift for translators would be…
Blue Light Glasses
As we’ve already established, our unhung translator heroes (and heroines) spend long hours in front of computer screens working.
Well, and other screens too, such as tablets and smartphones.
This can’t be good for their eyes right? You’re right.
Extended screen exposure leads to what is normally known as digital eye strain. It is as bad as it sounds since it leads to discomfort, dryness, fatigue, and poor sleeping patterns.
To help a translator beat these issues and add a touch of style to their daily routine, consider getting them blue glasses as a gift.
There are many popular brands out there, but you cannot go wrong with Felix Gray or Warby Parker.
Both companies are trusted players in the space, and prices hang around $95 for a pair. Not bad for a thoughtful and practical gift that has so many benefits.
Typical features to look for include high-quality lenses, anti-reflective coating, comfortable fit, and prescription compatibility.
Portable Tech
Still can’t find the best gifts for translators? Worry not, you will not run short of options in the portable tech category.
If the translator travels a lot, portable tech will allow them the flexibility to work from a variety of locations such as airports, cafes, hotels, client offices, etc.
Other than flexibility, other advantages of portable tech include enhanced efficiency, boosted connectivity, and a polished professional image in client-facing scenarios.
There are many gifts for translators in portable tech you will be spoilt for choice.
First, you have tablets and 2-in-1 hybrid devices that combine the portability of a tablet and the power of a laptop.
Excellent gifts for translators here would be the Apple iPad Pro (a good one costs about $1,000), Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (from $1,199.99), and Lenovo Yoga Book ($1,999).
Lightweight laptop options that make superb gifts for translators include Dell XPS 13 ($1,199.99) and MacBook Air M2 ($999).
If the above prices are out of your budget currently, perhaps you can consider other gifts for translators such as portable power and chargers.
High-quality options in this area include the Anker PowerCore 20,000 mAh power bank and HyperJuice GaN charger. With these two gadgets, your favorite translator or interpreter will never run out of juice even on the go.
There are many gifts for translators in this category we would be here all day if we went over each individually.
So, to keep things short…
Other gift ideas for translators in this category include:
- Portable monitors – perfect for translators who prefer dual screens, even on the go. Prime examples include ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC and ViewSonic VG1655;
- Noise-canceling Bluetooth earbuds – perfect for translators working in noisy environments or attending virtual meetings. Excellent choices would be Sony WF-1000XM5 ($299.99) and AirPods Pro 2 ($249.00). With the AirPods, you get free engraving at checkout to truly personalize the gift;
- Digital smart pens – best gift for a translator or interpreter who loves taking notes during sessions. Popular options include Livescribe Symphony and Neo Smartpen M1;
- External storage – we can all agree every translator needs more storage space. Fascinating examples include the Samsung T7 Portable SSD ($89.99) and SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe ($84.99);
- Portable Wi-Fi hotspots – reliable internet connectivity is important for translators and interpreters. You won’t go wrong with Skyroam Solis Lite ($119.99) or the TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Router;
- And accessories such as cable organizers, styluses, and protective cases.
As you can see above, there are many gift ideas for translators from this section. Note that some prices are holiday offers and are subject to change at any time.
Books!
How could we forget about books? This should have come first on the list but here we are. A book is the perfect long-lasting gift that nobody ever forgets about.
I know this firsthand because a friend once gifted me Adultery by Paulo Coelho for Christmas years ago, and the memory still lingers. Better than a T-shirt I dare to say.
If the translator is a bibliophile passionate about learning, books about language, culture, and linguistics make wonderful gifts.
If you run “books for translators,” in Google, you will find thousands of choices (as well as courses) from which to choose.
To narrow it down for you, The Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth is a good place to start. The paperback version costs just $9.97 on Amazon. The Kindle version goes for $8.99.
Another excellent choice would be Found in Translation by Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche.
You can never run out of gift ideas when it comes to books. The book doesn’t have to do with translation at all. It could be something they have been talking about or a thriller you know will knock their socks off.
A good book and a personalized mug of coffee to go with it? Splendid! They will never stop praising you and showing off to friends every chance they get.
Other Gifts for Translators
There are many other gift ideas for translators it would be impossible to cover everything in a single blog post.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Stress relief accessories – Due to the intensity of their work, translators will appreciate gifts such as fidget cubes or spinners, bonsai trees, and Zen gardens for decoration and relaxation;
- Aromatherapy diffusers – preferably with relaxing scents such as Eucalyptus and Lavender;
- Self-care kits – Loaded with gourmet snacks, teas, and luxury bath products;
- Wall art – Create one with their favorite quote;
- Engraved pens and business card holders;
- Board games and puzzles – translators who love a challenge will appreciate games such as Scrabble and Bananagrams, among others;
- And much more!
You see, finding a good gift for the translator in your life needn’t be challenging. You don’t even have to spend a lot of time or money.
Are you a good sculptor? Carve them something. Are you great with clay? How about some personalized pots? Can you knit? Anybody will appreciate a wonderful scarf any day.
It is the thought that counts, not necessarily the money you spend on it.
And if your favorite translator works with WordPress websites, you can gift them the powerful translation plugin TranslatePress. Right now, you can take advantage of the Black Friday promo. That’s the biggest and only sale of the year, and it’s live until the 3rd of December.
If you are working with a translator for your own website, this could be a great gift to yourself.
TranslatePress Multilingual
Final Words
Choosing the perfect gift for the translator in your life shouldn’t be a boring or challenging task now that you have these tips.
Keep their needs and interests in mind and if you can make the gift practical, go for it. Also, don’t forget to have fun with it.
Did we miss something? Do you know someone who is struggling to pick the right gift for a translator? Please share the post with them and leave your thoughts in the comment section.
Happy hunting!
