Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Gifts for Accountants

As the holiday season fast approaches, you’re starting to hunker down and think hard about the loved ones on your gift list. Finding the perfect present is never easy, so we’re here to help.

If you’re searching for gifts for accountants, you’ve come to the right place. While it may seem as if these number-crunching heroes are hard to buy gifts for, we’ve got you covered. Use this list as inspiration for that special accountant friend—or maybe gain points with your own accountant. There’s nothing better than showing your appreciation this holiday season.

15 Gift ideas for accountants

1. Single cup coffee brewer

Accountants need to be focused and aware in order to productively perform their work. Sometimes a quick cup of coffee is the best way to achieve this. But there’s no need to brew a whole pot every time they need a pick-me-up. That’s why a single serve coffee brewer is a great addition to any accountant’s office.

2. A travel mug

If purchasing a brewer for a gift seems like a bit much, there is no better compromise than gifting an accountant a great thermos. Most professionals don’t have time to relax and enjoy their coffee at home every morning, so this gift will allow them to transport it in style. Check out these top travel mugs to find the perfect style for your accountant.

3. Stationary & pen

Accountants are professionals who work hard for their titles, which means a set of customized stationary or a personalized pen with their name and designated title would be an impressive gift. The next time they go to write a letter or jot down a note they will not only think of you and your thoughtful gift, but the stationary will be sent out with pride!

4. Accountant gag gifts

It wouldn’t be the holidays without the inclusion of some silly gifts. From t-shirts and mugs to keychains and mousepads, these will surely put a smile on any accountant’s face. These can be great gifts for co-workers or as stocking stuffers for the accountant in your family.

5. Chair cushion

Accountants mainly sit in office chairs all day, which can get uncomfortable. An ergonomic back or seat cushion can give your accountant the support they need and the comfort they crave. If your accountant works from home or owns their own office, you can even invest in their own office chair—they’ll love having a luxurious place to work.

6. A stylish calculator

You’re probably thinking, “A calculator for an accountant? Really?” And while the accountant you are shopping for most likely already owns a calculator, what are the chances they have a stylish but useful desk top calculator? Check out these quirky calculators for some fun designs!

7. USB numeric keypad

This next gift can truly be useful to an accountant. Not all keyboards or laptops have a full size numeric keypad, which are essential for quick and accurate data entry. Numeric keypads can be purchased and connected to a computer or laptop. These can come in handy at the office or at home, and has the potential to make an accountant’s job a lot easier.

8. Desk accessories

Accountants spend most of their days at a desk. Help them stay organized with accountant desk accessories! Get creative and choose bright-colored post-its, calendars, folders, and more. Your accountant will thank you for brightening up their routine tasks.

9. Monopoly or money-related board games

Accountants are always thinking in terms of dollars and cents, so board games like Monopoly are always appropriate gifts. Better yet, challenge them to a game and see who is better at managing their money! Browse through a large selection of board games to see which fit the personality of the accountant for which you’re shopping.

10. A new tie

For someone who has to pair a tie with a suit every day, there’s always room to add a new one to the lineup. Find one in their favorite color or, for the eccentric accountant, find one with numbers or dollar signs. Is your accountant female? Choose some accountant-themed jewelry to add some fun to her wardrobe.

11. Tax season survival kit

Your accountant may seem relaxed this holiday season, but come the new year, they will be revving up for tax season. Show your accountant that you care and sympathize with them by gifting a tax season survival kit. Try a pre-made basket or create your own with coffee, food, office supplies, and a gift card to your accountant’s favorite restaurant.

12. A new suitcase

Many accountants are required to travel for their jobs. Going from client to client can seem exciting at first, but all that wear and tear can damage even the best of suitcases. Treat your accountant to a brand new suitcase or carry-on to show your appreciation for the time they spend away from home.

13. Headphones

Crunching numbers in silence can get boring, but with a great pair of headphones, your accountant can liven up their work day. Headphones with noise-canceling abilities are especially useful to block out background noise for times when intense concentration is needed.

14. Wall art

Your accountant most likely stares at a plain cubical or office wall all day. Gifting wall art is a great way of expressing your support and appreciation. Choose from punny accountant posters—we like this Keep Calm and Calculate On print—or select a more sophisticated image—an image of nature can be especially soothing.

15. A wallet

There’s no doubt about it, your accountant loves working with numbers and money. Why not extend that to their personal life by gifting a wallet? For the male accountant, choose a durable, sleek wallet with plenty of space for credit cards. For the female accountant, try a wallet with multiple pockets to separate coins, cards, and other necessities.

'Tis the season

Don’t get caught empty-handed this holiday season! We’ve given you the ideas and inspiration, now it’s up to you to choose what you think your accountant would like. Whatever you end up gifting, your accounting loved one will feel grateful and appreciated.

Are you an accountant? Tell us what you’d like to see in your stocking this season! If you are loving this list, be sure to pass it on to your loved ones to give them some great gift ideas. Happy holidays!

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in November 2015. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2017.