30 Unique & Thoughtful Gifts for UX Designers

Every year around the holidays, we highlight items that improve the quality of life in our community of product designers. These gift ideas for UX designers will inspire some wishlist additions, from must-have new tech devices to tools specifically for UX/UI design to game-changing office supplies. 

We have what you need whether you're buying for a product team member, a UX designer's close friend, or for yourself. See below for gift guide for UX designers. 

A stylish new laptop, an Amazon Echo Dot, a personalized notebook, and a pair of cute coffee cups are a few of our favorite picks. We can accommodate any budget, no matter what it may be! 

So don't look any further than our list below if you're searching for something special to give to your favorite UX designer this year. 

30 Thoughtful gifts for UX designers and writers available through Empuls 

Here is a list of 20 Empuls-compatible gift ideas for UX designers and writers, based on categories available in the Empuls reward marketplace. These items span digital gift cards, tangible rewards, experiential gifts, custom swag, and more—ensuring they’re not only thoughtful but also accessible through Empuls’ employee gifting and rewards catalog. 

1. Amazon gift card 

Estimated budget: $25–$200 

Let your creative teams pick exactly what they want with an Amazon gift card. Whether it's a new mechanical keyboard, noise-canceling headphones, or design books, Amazon has something for everyone. This gift offers maximum flexibility and convenience. Ideal for both writers and designers who love browsing and choosing their own tools and gear. 

2. Moleskine smart notebook 

Estimated budget: $30–$60 
A perfect blend of tradition and tech, the Moleskine smart notebook allows users to digitize their handwritten notes and sketches. UX designers can easily convert wireframes into editable digital formats, while writers can organize notes effortlessly. Available through Empuls' branded merchandise and Amazon catalog, it's a sleek, creative companion. It promotes productivity while keeping the tactile charm alive. 

3. Adobe Creative Cloud subscription gift card 

Estimated budget: $60–$120 (monthly/quarterly pass) 
Empower your UX team with full access to industry-standard design tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and XD. Writers and designers can collaborate seamlessly using Adobe’s cloud-based suite. Gift cards for subscriptions like these fall under Empuls’ digital rewards and brand gift cards. It’s a practical and exciting option for professionals constantly creating. 

4. Spotify Premium subscription 

Estimated budget: $30–$100 (3–12 months) 
Let creativity flow with uninterrupted music through Spotify Premium. Writers can craft in rhythm, and designers can zone into their workflows. Available through Empuls’ brand gift cards, it's an experience-based gift that adds energy to their everyday. Perfect for boosting focus and inspiration. 

5. Portable lap desk 

Estimated budget: $25–$50 
For those who love to write or design from anywhere, a comfy lap desk is a game-changer. Whether working from a couch or balcony, it adds ergonomic ease. This tangible reward can be sourced via Amazon through Empuls’ marketplace. A practical gift that supports flexible working styles. 

6. Customized company swag kit 

Estimated budget: $50–$100 
Surprise your creative team with a personalized gift box filled with company-branded goodies—t-shirts, notebooks, mugs, and more. It fosters a sense of belonging and pride. Empuls allows full customization and handles shipping and inventory. A great pick for onboarding or milestone celebrations. 

7. MasterClass subscription 

Estimated budget: $120/year 
Writers and designers can learn storytelling, branding, and typography from the world’s best through MasterClass. This experience gift aligns with Empuls’ “Reading & Learning” and “Experiences” categories. It’s perfect for skill enhancement and personal growth. A gift that inspires long-term creativity and curiosity. 

8. Figma Plus or Sketch Pro subscription 

Estimated budget: $60–$120/year 
Support UX designers by gifting subscriptions to their favorite tools. These are essential for design systems, prototyping, and collaboration. Through Empuls, such digital rewards or custom options can be offered as gift cards or reimbursements. A productivity booster for high-performance teams. 

9. Airbnb experience gift card 

Estimated budget: $100–$300 
Let your team unwind with creative travel and experiences—from calligraphy workshops to cultural walks. Available through Empuls’ “Experiences” and “Travel” categories, it’s a gift with memories. UX designers and writers love experiences that refresh their perspectives. This adds emotion and excitement to your recognition strategy. 

10. Bose QuietComfort earbuds 

Estimated budget: $150–$300 
Ideal for deep work and remote meetings, these earbuds offer stellar sound quality and noise cancellation. A premium pick from Empuls’ Amazon catalog or electronics category. Writers can draft in peace, and designers can tune into their design flow. A luxurious yet purposeful gift. 

11. Blue Yeti microphone 

Estimated budget: $100–$130 
Writers doing podcasts or designers running design critiques on Zoom will love a professional-grade mic. This tech-savvy gift enhances communication and personal branding. Found in Empuls’ electronics and Amazon store. It’s a productivity and content creation booster in one. 

12. Gift card to Muji or Paper Source 

Estimated budget: $20–$75 
For those who appreciate beautiful stationery, give them access to curated supplies. Great for sketching, journaling, or just desk aesthetics. These can be offered via Empuls’ 8000+ brand gift cards. A charming way to honor their creative process. 

13. Desk plant subscription 

Estimated budget: $30–$80 
Desk plants brighten workspaces and improve well-being. Writers and designers can enjoy the calming effect of greenery. Through Empuls’ Amazon store or partner merchandise, you can include this thoughtful gesture. Adds life and energy to creative corners. 

14. Kindle Paperwhite with eBooks 

Estimated budget: $120–$150 
Perfect for writers and UX pros who love reading UX books, fiction, or design theory. A Kindle offers portability and convenience. Empuls allows gifting digital products via Amazon integration or prepaid cards. Ideal for curious minds who never stop learning. 

15. Custom wall art or quote posters 

Estimated budget: $25–$60 
Motivational posters or art prints that reflect the essence of creativity can transform home workspaces. Writers may love quotes; designers may love abstract visuals. Found through Amazon or personalized swag options on Empuls. It’s decor with a personal touch. 

16. Wacom tablet for digital sketching 

Estimated budget: $100–$250 
A high-quality stylus and drawing tablet is an essential gift for serious designers. From wireframing to illustrating, it opens up new creative possibilities. Easily available through Amazon via Empuls. A high-impact tool to foster design innovation. 

17. Co-working space day pass 

Estimated budget: $20–$40 per day 
Perfect for remote UXers or writers who need a change of scenery. Available under Empuls’ experiential and remote work categories. Offers a fresh environment and networking opportunities. A small investment in big inspiration. 

18. Donations to creative or educational charities 

Estimated budget: $25+ 
Let employees turn their reward points into meaningful donations. Support causes like creative education, literacy, or digital inclusion. Empuls integrates global charitable options into its platform. A value-driven gift that aligns with personal missions. 

19. Ergonomic desk chair 

Estimated budget: $200–$500 
Great posture fuels great creativity. Gift your writers and designers a comfortable, ergonomic chair for their home office. Available via Amazon through Empuls’ catalog. A high-ticket but long-term health and productivity boost. 

20. Subscription to Notion, Grammarly, or Ulysses 

Estimated budget: $30–$100 
These tools are writer favorites for productivity, clarity, and structure. Offered via gift cards or flexible reimbursement through Empuls. Supports daily workflow in a big way. Practical and deeply appreciated. 

21. Adobe Fonts or Envato Elements subscription 

Estimated budget: $30–$120 
Creative professionals thrive when they have access to a rich library of design assets and fonts. With a subscription to Adobe Fonts or Envato Elements, UX designers and writers can explore typography, icons, templates, and more. This gift, offered via Empuls’ prepaid cards or brand gift cards, enhances daily design and content creation tasks. A powerful resource for visual and written storytelling. 

22. Digital drawing course on Skillshare or Coursera 

Estimated budget: $30–$100 
Gift access to premium online learning for digital sketching, UX design principles, or storytelling. Available under Empuls’ “Reading & Learning” and “Experiences” categories, this supports upskilling in a meaningful way. Writers and designers alike can expand their creative horizons at their own pace. It’s a forward-thinking gift with long-term value. 

23. High-resolution webcam 

Estimated budget: $50–$120 
As remote collaboration becomes the norm, a quality webcam is essential for virtual meetings, client calls, and online presentations. UX teams conducting remote design critiques or writers hosting webinars will appreciate the professional upgrade. Easily available through Empuls’ Amazon integration. It's a practical gift for today’s hybrid workforce. 

24. Digital whiteboard tool subscription (like Miro or Lucidspark) 

Estimated budget: $30–$100 
Encourage creative collaboration with a digital whiteboard tool subscription. Great for brainstorming, mind mapping, and real-time teamwork across content and design functions. Through Empuls’ digital or custom rewards catalog, this can be gifted flexibly. It supports innovation and collaboration in remote-first teams. 

25. Minimalist desk organizer set 

Estimated budget: $25–$60 
Keep creative spaces clutter-free with a sleek, functional desk organizer set. Writers and designers often juggle notebooks, pens, gadgets, and cables—this helps maintain a calm, inspiring environment. Available through Empuls’ Amazon and merchandise categories. It’s a subtle yet impactful addition to their workday. 

26. Touchscreen gloves for cold weather work 

Estimated budget: $20–$40 
Perfect for designers and writers who like working outdoors or in chilly environments. These gloves allow touchscreen use while keeping hands warm. A unique and useful gift under Empuls’ Amazon and retail categories. It shows thoughtful attention to comfort and flexibility. 

27. Personalized leather tech organizer 

Estimated budget: $40–$90 
Keep chargers, cables, and gadgets in one stylish pouch. Writers and UX professionals on the move will appreciate this elegant, organized solution. Offered via Empuls’ custom swag or merchandise options. It’s a mix of functionality and fashion. 

28. Coffee subscription box 

Estimated budget: $50–$100 
Fuel creative mornings with a curated coffee subscription featuring artisanal blends. Writers and designers alike can explore new flavors while kickstarting their routines. This falls under Empuls’ “Food & Dining” and Amazon marketplace categories. A tasteful gift that energizes body and mind. 

29. Smart lamp with customizable lighting 

Estimated budget: $60–$120 
Lighting can make or break a workspace. A smart desk lamp that adjusts brightness and color temperature boosts productivity and eye comfort. Available through Amazon via Empuls, it’s a smart gift for those working long hours. Enhances workspace ambiance for better focus and mood. 

30. Voice-to-text transcription software 

Estimated budget: $50–$150 
For writers who love speaking their thoughts or designers who document insights on the fly, voice-to-text tools like Otter.ai or Dragon NaturallySpeaking are invaluable. Offered through Empuls as software gift cards or subscriptions. It streamlines workflow and boosts efficiency for content creation and documentation. 

Why Empuls is the best gifting platform for UX designers and writers 

Creative professionals like UX designers and content writers thrive on personalized recognition. Empuls makes it easy to celebrate their contributions with thoughtful, automated gifting and a robust reward marketplace—perfectly designed for their unique needs. 

1. Celebrate milestones that matter 

Empuls helps you automate gifting for key moments: 

• Creative milestones like launching a product, publishing thought leadership, or redesigning a UX flow. 
• Personal achievements such as completing a 10K run, speaking at events, or winning awards. 
• Lifecycle events including onboarding, birthdays, work anniversaries, and farewells. 

Each gift comes with a personalized message, an e-card, and redeemable reward points—delivered digitally or physically. 

2. Give the gift of choice 

Empuls' reward marketplace lets designers and writers pick what truly inspires them: 

• Experiences: 1000+ options across 50+ countries—art tours, writing retreats, and more. 
• Custom rewards: Paid time off, creative tools, lunch with leaders. 
• Gift cards: 8000+ global brands in fashion, food, gadgets, and writing tools. 
• Amazon integration: Let them choose from curated Amazon products. 
• Swag and merch: Company-branded notebooks, bags, and desk accessories. 
• Prepaid cards: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal for total flexibility. 
• Travel and wellness: Flights, stays, lounges, spa vouchers. 
• Charity: Convert reward points into donations. 

3. Built for global, hybrid, and remote teams 

Empuls supports localized gifting with: 

• Multi-currency and multi-language options 
• PCI-DSS compliant payment security 
• 24/7 global support 
• Flexible reward denominations and catalogs 

Empuls helps you recognize and reward UX designers and writers in a way that feels truly personal, empowering, and easy to scale—making it the best choice for creative employee gifting. 

With Empuls’ global reward marketplace, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re offering an experience, a tool, or a thoughtful gesture that fuels creativity and purpose. From Amazon tech and gift cards to custom swag and learning experiences, you have thousands of options to tailor recognition for UX designers and writers. 

Conclusion 

When researching the best gifts for UX designers , it's important to consider their creative process. The gift ideas shared above cater to the specific needs and interests of UX designers. With these thoughtful gifts, the UX designer can support their passion for creating intuitive and user-centered digital experiences.