Well, we’re not there yet but we soon will be…. Christmas is coming.
Prior to the pandemic, the focus was on what present to buy and how much turkey you can eat.
In 2020, it was all about bubbles. In 2021, it’s all about shortages.
So, with that in mind, here’s some Christmas present ideas selected for tired, exhausted comms and PR people almost two years into COVID-19 with thousand yard stares and the collective trigger phrase: ‘if you’ve got a minute.’
Thanks to everyone on the Public Sector Comms Headspace Facebook group for the crowdsourced ideas.
‘Meetings That Could Have Been Emails’ – notebook
For those meetings / Zoom / Teams calls that didn’t have to happen this note taking media node is essential.
WTF Notebooks £9.59 plus postage
Channel 4’s social media policy – t-shirt.
The words ‘don’t be a d**k’ were famously one broadcaster’s entire social media policy. It’s great advice.
‘I work in social media everyday I wake up and choose chaos’ – mug
For the social media manager or page admin in your life. Thousand yard stare while drinking your coffee.
Social Media Tea £10.22 + postage
‘Whatever, I’m Still Fabulous’ – notebook
For the meeting when you need to take a book that reminds you it’s not YOU, it’s definitely THEM.
Flamingo Candles £10 + postage
‘Yet Despite the Look On My Face You’re Still Talking’ – mug
Deliver that passive aggressive rejoinder while simultaneously a sip of coffee. Marvellous.
‘Please Wait Here Until You Are Useful’ – poster
A poster to brighten your office workspace summer house loft conversion telephone table.
‘The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human, and How to Tell Them Better’ – book by Will Storr
A really good book to improve a key element of your comms skill.
‘Sort This Nonsense Out’ sticky notes
Perfect devices for leaving a message to yourself or others.
‘Greetings from Effing Birds’ – 100 tear-out postcards
“What could be better than than 100 line drawn postcards of birds saying what we’re all thinking at work, but are too polite to say out loud. I heartily recommend.”
‘Panic as Man Burns Crumpets: The Vanishing World of the Local Journalist’ – book by Roger Lytollis
This book is an essential read for anyone who remembers newspapers as they were (i.e. with staff and readers).
‘The Gift of Not Giving a Single f***’ – pin badge
Deliver your attitude through a lapel badge. Limited edition.
Veronica Dearly – £7.95 + postage
Personalised Facemask
I wonder if you could ask someone to stand in for you with one of these? Just a thought.
‘In The Loop’ – film DVD
Because I will never not include this on a Christmas round-up for PR people.
Retro sweet selection
Say: ‘keep going, team’ more than this collection of e-numbers and sugar.
‘Do the F*cking Work: Lowbrow Advice for High-Level Creativity’ – book
I have this on my desk right now. Have you?
Video Conferencing Blunder Can – set of six
In effect a swear jar for ‘Sorry, I was on mute moments.’
Set of six inspiring message pencils
Fab comms tips like ‘Know Your its from your it’s’ as graphite message takers.
Personalised message ink stamp kit plus ink stamp
Imagine the fun you can have as you make up the text to go on your hand stamp kit. ‘Great work!’, maybe. Or ‘Another set of fine notes to keep’.
‘Thanks for putting up with my shit’ – chocolate
What better way a clear ‘thanks mate / colleague / boss’ than with this chocolate with a message?
Grammar Police – guessing game
Just because it’s the holidays their’s no reason that your grammar pedantry need’s to stop.
Letraset typographic transfers
Back in the days before desk top ink jet printers you were left with two choices. Handwriting or letraset. Relive the 1970s with these transfer letters.
Ideas Meeting tea towel
“Don’t just think about it, say it!”
“F**k off.”
Shop Modern Toss £12 + postage
‘There’s Literally Nobody I Don’t Hate Right Now’ – t-shirt
Wear it with pride.
‘F**k This S**t’ enamel badge
For extra direction in life.
Chiswick Gift Company £7 + postage
Thank you
Thank you to contributors who came up with ideas including Debbie Goodland, Eve Hart, Sara Aida Ospino Martinez, Joanne Atkinson Terry, Susan Haigh, Leanne Hughes, Keziah Leary, Jo Walters, Heather Marriott, Anna Hinde, Amy Flo Rutland, Rosalie Fairbairn, Katie Christie, Sasha Watson, Jane Slavin and Hannah Collins.