30 Best Gift Ideas for Freelancers to Inspire, Motivate, and Support Their Hustle

Freelancers hustle hard — let’s make their lives easier. 
From pitching clients on LinkedIn to pulling late-nighters to meet deadlines, freelancers constantly juggle tasks, often with minimal support. The daily grind can take a toll on their mental health and motivation. 

That’s where thoughtful gifts can step in — not only to recognize their efforts but to uplift their spirits and show appreciation. 

In this article, we’ve curated 30 meaningful and practical gift ideas for freelancers that are sure to make a lasting impression. 

30 Gifts for freelancers to appreciate the freelancer’s efforts 

Here are 30 gifts for freelancers to appreciate their efforts. 

1. Tickets to virtual or in-person events 

Fuel their passions with event gift cards—concerts, conferences, or workshops. Empuls provides access to ticketing platforms where freelancers can choose events that align with their interests or career. This kind of gift combines leisure with learning and helps them connect with like-minded communities. It's an enriching experience wrapped in a digital reward. 

2. Air filter 

Freelancers often work from home, which can be great for many reasons. One downside, however, is that indoor air quality can suffer. Pollutants from cooking, cleaning, and off-gassing grow. 

Pollutants from cleaning, cooking, and even off-gassing from carpets and furniture build up in a small space. 

An air filter helps to improve the air quality in their home office, helping in a healthier workplace. Air filters come in various sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits the freelancer’s needs and your gift budget. If their office space is small, a miniature desktop-sized air filter can make a difference. 

Whether they need something to remove dust and pollen or trap smoke and pet dander, an air filter can help create a cleaner and more comfortable workspace. 

3. High-quality reusable coffee mug 

Freelancers often have to hustle to make ends meet. They often work overtime, meet with clients, scramble to get work done, and try to find new gigs, especially during the first few years in business! 

The perfect freelancer gift is a high-quality reusable travel coffee cup. It will help them stay hydrated and caffeinated to keep up with their hectic schedules. 

Plus, it is a helpful gift they will use, unlike some of the more gimmicky freelancer gift ideas. They’re more likely to stay hydrated if they only have to fill a water bottle 1-2 times daily. 

4. Foot massager 

A foot massager is one of the unique gift ideas for freelancers. This product will help relieve tension and pain in the feet, making the freelancer feel more comfortable and relaxed after a long work day. If you get a foot massager for a freelancer, we recommend avoiding a cheap massager. 

5. Treadmill 

Ensuring your feet are fit and comfortable while working from home is important. Here’s where an under-the-desk treadmill can be handy. Residential spaces are pretty small, so getting enough movement into a workday is tricky, even if we do laps. 

This classy equipment helps freelancers to stay on their toes while working. 

6. Houseplant 

If the freelancer doesn’t have a houseplant, give the same now. Houseplants can be great gifts for freelancers, helping to purify the air, boost moods, and add a touch of greenery to any space. 

There are many houseplants, so you can pick one that is easy to care for or more exotic. Succulents, prayer plants, spider plants, and snake plants are a few of my favorites because they require little care and little light to survive. These are commonly found at garden centers, so check out a local place if you’d rather not order online or need your plant quicker! 

Suppose they don’t have a greenhouse or dedicated space to monitor humidity levels. In that case, we recommend staying away from tropical houseplants, but if they have a setup for those plants, ask them to let you know what houseplant is on their wishlist. 

7. Hotel and travel gift vouchers 

For freelancers who love working from new places or just need a getaway, travel gift cards are golden. With Empuls’ travel rewards, you can give access to flights, hotels, tours, and even airport lounges.

It’s not just a gift, it’s an experience that rejuvenates and inspires. Let them plan their own workcation, and you’ll have gifted them much more than just a trip. 

8. Portable phone charger 

The number of freelancers working from home by phone has increased. Many freelancers, including social media managers and virtual assistants, spend more time on their phones than on a computer, which can reduce their battery life.

For those busy work days on the run, a portable power bank is a terrific way to keep your phone charged. 

9. Phone tripod 

Freelancers today depend heavily on social media to get potential customers and sell their services. 

A phone tripod like this one from UBeesize will turn your smartphone into a photo shoot or video recording station and can even double as a phone dock for Zoom meetings. 

10. Personalized desk nameplate and stationery 

Personalization adds a special touch to any gift. Consider gifting a freelancer a personalized desk nameplate or customized stationery with their name or logo. 

This gift adds a professional touch to their workspace and shows that they value their identity as a freelancer. It's a thoughtful and unique gift they can proudly display and use while working. 

11. Portable external hard drive 

Provide freelancers with extra storage space, ensuring they can back up their work and carry it wherever they go. 

12. Wireless charging pad 

Freelancers need their devices to be powered up all the time. Consider giving them this classy wireless charging pad. 

13. Portable bluetooth speaker 

Re-create the freelancer's workspace ambiance with a classy portable Bluetooth speaker, helping them enjoy music while working. 

14. Desk organizer 

Freelancers occasionally have their desks unorganized. Keep their workspace tidy and clutter-free with a stylish desk organizer with pens, notepads, and other essentials. 

15. Standing desk converter 

Promote the freelancer's work routine by providing a standing desk converter, helping freelancers to switch between sitting and standing positions. 

16. E-learning platform gift cards 

Upskilling is non-negotiable for freelancers. A gift card from top e-learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare helps them stay ahead in their craft. Whether they want to explore new design tools or sharpen business strategy, Empuls offers global access to these learning platforms. This gift speaks directly to their growth mindset. 

17. Digital notepad or tablet 

Provide a digital platform for note-taking and sketching with a digital notepad or tablet that enables freelancers to save and organize their ideas. 

18. Personalized business cards 

Help freelancers make a memorable impression with customized business cards featuring their name, logo, and contact information. These business cards are one of the best gift ideas for freelancers who like to represent their identity. 

19. Inspirational books 

Inspirational books are always precious. The freelancers can fuel their creativity and motivation with your gift. 

20. Branded company swag they can flaunt 

Empuls lets you create customized company swag—think sleek hoodies, premium water bottles, or branded laptop sleeves. This isn’t just a gift, it’s a token of belonging and pride that freelancers can wear or carry while collaborating with your team. Choose from high-quality merchandise curated to fit your brand’s vibe. It’s a perfect mix of practicality and personalization. 

21. Ergonomic chair 

Invest in their comfort and well-being with an ergonomic chair that provides proper lumbar support and encourages good posture. 

22. Gift card for co-working space 

Allow them to work professionally by providing a gift card for a local co-working space. 

23. Online portfolio website subscription 

Enhance their online presence by giving them a subscription to a platform that allows them to create and showcase their portfolio. 

24. Cable management solutions 

Help the freelancers keep their workspace neat and organized with cable management solutions such as cable clips, sleeves, or boxes. 

25. Personalized planner or journal 

Enable them to stay organized and plan their projects effectively with a personalized planner or journal tailored to their preferences. 

26. Dual monitor stand 

Improve the freelancers productivity and multitasking abilities with a dual monitor stand, allowing them to work on multiple screens simultaneously. 

27. Visa or Mastercard prepaid gift cards 

Prepaid gift cards like Visa or Mastercard offer freelancers the ultimate freedom to choose what they need most. Whether it's business tools, home office upgrades, or a much-needed treat, these cards can be used globally across countless retailers.

The flexibility of using them for both personal and professional expenses makes them a freelancer favorite. Plus, with Empuls' secure and hassle-free delivery, it’s a smart and convenient gift choice. 

28. Noise-canceling headphones 

Freelancers are engaged in working around different environments, causing a disbalance in concentration. Noise-canceling headphones can remove unwanted noise, allowing freelancers to become productive. Look for headphones with good sound quality and comfortable cushioning. 

29. Smart notebook 

A smart notebook blends the traditional feel of writing on paper. It allows freelancers to write, draw, and take notes, helping them to quickly digitize and sync with their devices. Look for a smart notebook that is compatible with popular note-taking apps. 

30. Online course or skill development subscription 

Freelancers are on the lookout for opportunities to upskill themselves. Consider gifting them an online course or a subscription, helping them in skill development. This can help them expand their knowledge and improve their professional expertise. 

31. Portable laptop stand 

A portable laptop stand is a unique gift for freelancers who love to work comfortably. It helps improve their posture by raising the laptop to eye level, reducing strain on the neck and back. Look for a lightweight and adjustable stand that can easily fit into a laptop bag. 

32. Adjustable desk lamp 

Ensure they have proper lighting for their workspace with an adjustable desk lamp that offers different brightness levels and color temperatures. 

33. A subscription to a popular streaming platform 

Creative freelancers often find inspiration in music, documentaries, or films. Gifting them a streaming service subscription—like Spotify, Netflix, or Audible—helps fuel their creativity while providing relaxation between client projects. With Empuls, digital gift cards for these platforms can be redeemed in seconds. It’s a meaningful and modern gift that they’ll genuinely use. 

34. Plants 

The freelancers need to have eco-friendly surroundings around them, attracting a more calmer environment. 

What’s more valuable than a collection of plants? 

These plants are great gifts for freelancers who rejoice in a peaceful space. 

35. Eco-friendly reusable kits 

Support a freelancer’s sustainable lifestyle with eco-friendly gift kits available via Empuls' reward catalog. These kits typically include reusable cutlery, tote bags, bamboo coffee cups, and more. It's a thoughtful way to show that you care about both the planet and the person. Plus, gifting green is a strong message that resonates with socially conscious individuals. 

36. Digital magazine or journal subscriptions 

Freelancers love to stay updated, especially in their niche—be it design, marketing, tech, or writing. Gifting a digital magazine subscription allows them to get fresh industry insights delivered right to their inbox. Empuls makes it easy to offer such subscriptions as part of a personalized rewards program. It’s educational, lightweight, and always relevant. 

37. Books 

Books are fine gifts for freelancers. They can be your freelancer’s best friend, always needing the hands for upskilling. You can gift psychological books or fiction ones which create a flavor. 

38. Custom-curated wellness hampers 

Self-care is often overlooked by busy freelancers. A wellness hamper packed with aromatherapy oils, stress balls, herbal teas, and face masks makes an ideal gift. Through Empuls, you can customize these hampers to suit preferences and occasions. It's a warm gesture that tells them to pause, breathe, and recharge. 

39. Gift card for a grocery or food delivery service 

Nothing says “I care” like helping freelancers stock their pantry or order in during crunch times. Gift cards from brands like Instacart, DoorDash, or Amazon Fresh allow them to manage meals without stepping away from important deadlines. Through Empuls, these options are available globally and instantly redeemable. It's convenient and deeply appreciated. 

40. Foam office chair cushion 

Presenting foam office chair cushions as gifts for freelancers is a wonderful option.. It will make them more comfortable over extended periods spent at their desk and give their back and neck the support they so much need. 

You need to have a supportive and comfy chair when working from home. They may not have considered it, but we can speak from personal experience to say that it significantly impacts how comfortable it is when working from home. 

Empuls & freelancer gifting: Perfect synergy 

Freelancers, much like remote employees, thrive when they feel recognized, valued, and cared for. While they may not be part of a traditional corporate structure, companies collaborating with freelancers can benefit tremendously by extending thoughtful gestures—much like those described in the blog. 

Empuls offers mechanisms to simplify, automate, and personalize these gestures. 

1. Curated gift catalogs & global reach 

Empuls supports gifting across 100+ countries, with access to: 

• 1M+ gift card choices (Amazon, wellness, subscriptions, etc.) 
• 300K+ merchandise items including ergonomic chairs, foot massagers, and reusable mugs 
• 100K+ experiences & activities (e.g., digital wellness retreats, cooking classes)

2. Automated gifting workflows 

Set up custom gifting campaigns for freelancers at key moments: 

• Project completion 
• Annual freelancer appreciation day 
• Birthday or work anniversary (if known) 

3. Personalized wishboards & recognition 

Using Empuls' Wishboard and Social Intranet, you can: 

• Create digital greeting boards (e.g., birthday, achievement celebrations) 
• Invite internal team members to drop GIFs, messages, or short videos 
• Extend community warmth even to external collaborators​ 

This ties beautifully with ideas in the blog like "personal messages," "books for inspiration," or "custom desk nameplates". 

4. Perks, discounts & fringe benefits 

For ongoing freelancer relationships, Empuls also offers: 

• Discounted gift cards and cashback across 6000+ brands 
• Perks portal access for things like gadgets, software tools, or health services 
• Fringe benefits like upskilling budgets or remote work support (if extended to contractors) 

These options stretch value much like the blog’s “salary-boost-like” suggestions​. 

Why use Empuls for gifting freelancers? 

Following are the reasons why Empuls is good for gifting freelancers.  

The Empuls gifting platform goes beyond just picking a nice item—it delivers a thoughtful, brand-aligned experience at scale, even for your extended freelance teams. If you’re curating gifts like those in the article, Empuls can help automate, personalize, and globalize that effort. So, schedule a call with their expert, now! 

Conclusion 

Freelancers are the ultimate multitaskers — juggling clients, projects, and deadlines with minimal backup. But that doesn’t mean they should go unrecognized. 

Whether it's something practical, cozy, or inspiring, the right gift for a freelancer can make a world of difference. If you’re unsure, a quick look at their social media or a chat with their manager can help you choose the perfect present. 

At the end of the day, the best gift might just be a heartfelt message of appreciation. Gratitude, after all, never goes out of style.