Wondering what to get for your good friend or family member who’s in the middle of a long and stressful job search? Here are a few gift ideas that will also help them with their job search, for any budget.

1. Free gift ideas.

If you are unable to spend money this year, don’t worry; your job-hunting friend is probably low on cash also, and would be relieved if the two of you don’t exchange gifts of monetary value. Instead, give the gift of your time, energy, and attention to assist them with their job search. You could even provide them with “coupons” to be redeemed for your time and assistance.

For example, if your friend does not have reliable transportation, you could agree to drive them to interviews or job fairs. If your friend has a tendency to oversleep, you could provide wake-up calls to make certain they don’t miss an important interview or networking event. You could also help your friend practice their interview technique, by pretending to be a hiring manager while your friend works on their answers to typical interview questions.

If you have a computer, you could let your friend use your computer to create and print their resume. Better yet, if you have word processing skills or proofreading skills, you could assist your friend in developing a stellar resume and making certain it is completely free of errors.

The job search can be tedious, particularly the hours that it can take to go through job boards every day to find appropriate jobs to apply to. If you are clear on what sort of job your friend is looking for, you could help relieve some pressure by taking on some of this responsibility.

Finally, consider who you know very carefully. Do you have influential friends who might be able to get the job-seeker’s resume in front of the right person? If you helped your friend get the right job for the holiday, that would be the best gift of all!

2. Inexpensive gift ideas.

There are a number of reasonably priced books on the subject of job searches, including compilations of resume samples, cover letter samples, and interview techniques. In addition to helpful books, you may wish to also consider inspirational books that will help your job-searching friend maintain a positive attitude during their job hunt.

Another inexpensive idea is a gift card for a moderate amount to an office supply store, hair salon, or dry cleaner, to help assuage the expense of the job search.

Finally, you may consider an inspirational gift, such as a box of chocolates or a bottle of champagne, to be opened when they receive their job offer. Putting a hopeful gift like this in plain view may help your job seeker to stay focused.

3. Gift ideas for moderate budgets.

If your friend doesn’t have a fancy pen or portfolio, these could make a good gift for a job seeker. While they are not necessary for a successful interview, they can help your friend seem more put-together, and can help them feel more confident in an interview.

A gas card is also a great gift idea. After all, your friend will need to get back and forth to interviews, and gas prices can be particularly difficult to bear if your friend is in between jobs.

You might also consider an inexpensive piece of “lucky” jewelry such as a necklace that can be worn out of sight, so that your job-seeking friend can take a reminder of your emotional support with them to interviews.

4. Luxury gift ideas.

If you’ve got a little extra to spend and your job-hunting friend needs a special pick-me-up, there are a number of great gifts that can help them stand out during their job search—or just relax and unwind after a stressful interview.

Consider whether your job-seeking friend has a classy briefcase, a well-tailored interview suit, a nice piece of jewelry or a very good watch. All of these are things job seekers ought to have, but often can’t afford at first, especially when looking for their first job. You can make sure you choose something that suits your friend by taking them shopping with you. Alternatively, consider giving your stressed-out friend a gift card to a spa for a day of pampering.

For any budget, there are many appropriate gifts for someone looking for a new job. Remember, though, that a job search can be tedious and stressful, and your moral support will be appreciated more than any gift.


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