18 Holiday Gift Ideas for Job Seekers

Run date: December 3, 2010

By Lisa Johnson Mandell
AOL Jobs

If there’s a job seeker on your gift list this year — and with about one in 10 Americans unemployed, chances are there is one — a helpful, carefully selected present could make a huge difference and maybe even change a life. Two million Americans are on the brink of losing their unemployment benefits this month, and your presents could well bring them some much-needed holiday cheer.

But finding the right gift can be tricky. Although the thought should count, gifts like a month’s supply of diapers for the baby might make the recipients feel that the whole world believes they are unable to provide for their kids. A new interview outfit is a little personal, and might not suit their particular taste. And a gift certificate to the neighborhood grocery store might give someone the impression that they’re seen as a charity case.

After doing extensive research, we’ve assembled a list of gifts that would be welcome under any job seeker’s tree, no matter what their status or position.

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7. Office supply store gift certificate

Printer cartridges, pens, paper, portfolios are all necessities in any job search, but they can add up. A FedEx Kinkos gift certificate could come in handy for resume copying. Shelley Hunter of GiftCardGirlfriend.com suggests going the extra mile and attaching a “lucky comb” (ala ‘Glee’) or your five favorite motivational quotes, put on sticky notes so he/she can hang them around the house to stay motivated.

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