Gifts for Guest Speakers: 30 Gift Ideas
Finding the right gift for a guest speaker can feel like a balancing act you want something meaningful, appropriate, and memorable. After all, a well-chosen gift is more than just a thank-you; it’s a gesture of appreciation for their time, expertise, and energy. And if you’d love to have them back again, a thoughtful gift can leave a lasting impression.
One of the biggest challenges? Deciding what to give. Guest speakers come in many forms conference keynotes, private event speakers, educators, motivational presenters and each may appreciate something a little different. That’s why it’s important to consider the individual’s interests, profession, and personality before choosing a gift.
Presentation matters, too. A respectful and well-packaged gift possibly accompanied by a handwritten note can elevate your gesture from polite to truly heartfelt.
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Gift Ideas for Your Guest Speaker
Thank-you gifts for guest speakers come in all shapes and sizes, and the best choice depends on who your speaker is. You might consider something that aligns with their personal interests like a favorite book, a curated music collection, or a unique item tied to their passion.
For professional or reserved speakers, opt for a more refined approach. Thoughtful gifts related to their occupation, elegant desk accessories, or high-quality notebooks can strike just the right balance between professional and personal.
Swag Box
Buy Now → A popular gift is a goodie bag branded merchandise with event speakers’ common practice not only does it spread the brand name but makes the speaker feel part of the event.
Every swag is different but could include items such as mugs, gift coupons, caps, or t-shirts that feature your company logo or name. A gift like this helps spread brand awareness far and wide.
Gift Cards
A gift certificate is a perfect option for guest speakers, as it can be used to purchase items that the speaker is interested in. Options include gift cards to bookstores, music stores, or online stores.
Tickets or Memberships
Another option is to give tickets or memberships related to the speaker’s area of expertise. This might include tickets to an upcoming conference or lecture, membership to a professional organization, or access to a specialized online resource.
Personalized Gifts
You may also want to consider giving more personalized gifts that reflect the speaker’s interests and personality. This might include things like handmade crafts, artwork created by friends or family members, or other items that have special meaning or significance to the speaker.
Hotel Room Amenities
If the speaker is traveling for the event, you may also want to consider giving them hotel room amenities as a gift. This could include things like snacks and drinks, bath products or toiletries, or other items that will help make their stay more comfortable.
Meeting Planner
Buy Now → As a guest speaker, you are always looking for ways to improve your craft and become more efficient. A high quality black leather planner is a perfect gift to help you set annual goals, increase focus, eliminate overwhelm, and achieve your biggest goals.
This planner is hardcover and features a black leather exterior that is sleek and professional. The inside pages are lined and dated, so you can easily keep track of your progress.
There is also a pocket for storing important documents and business cards. The planner comes with a pen loop and a snap closure to keep everything neat and tidy. There is no better gift that is sure to help any guest speaker become more organized and efficient in their planning.
Handwarmer Mug
Buy Now → If it is an international speaker why not give the gift of a local artist’s work, such as a painting or sculpture? This can be a great choice for speakers who are interested in the arts and may even help you build closer relationships with local artists in your community.
Hard Cover Book
Yellowstone: A Land of Wild and Wonder
Buy Now →A nostalgic coffee table book as a token of appreciation for a great experience is a very thoughtful gift. You will find something at a local book store or you may have access to your very own brand hardcover book.
Book Collection
Buy Now → Give a book that relates to the speaker’s interests or expertise. For example, you could put together a collection of books on the speaker’s favorite subject or from their favorite authors. A good book is a tangible gift for forced relaxation for those who carry out a lot of work while on the road.
Bookstore Gift Card
If you are looking for a more general gift idea for a guest speaker, you may want to consider giving them a gift card to a local bookstore or online retailer.
Bookstores often carry a wide range of products and are likely to have something that the speaker will enjoy using or reading.
This can be an especially good option if you are not sure of the speaker’s specific interests, as it allows them to choose their own gifts.
Gift Basket
Buy Now → A gift basket filled with items that relate to their interests or profession is a great way to help show your appreciation for the speaker’s work, while also helping them feel more comfortable and welcome at your event.
Some possible items to include might be branded merchandise from your organization, specialty snacks from their region, or even personal care items such as lotions, soaps, and shampoos.
Be sure to include a handwritten note or small gift card in the basket, to help express your gratitude for their time and contributions.
Food Vouchers
Buy Now → To show your appreciation for the guest speaker’s time and effort, you might also want to consider giving them food vouchers as a gift.
This can be an especially good option if the speaker is traveling or has a busy schedule outside of their speaking engagement. You could give them vouchers for a local restaurant, coffee shop, food delivery service, or even fast food chain.
It’s a great way to help make their trip or stay more comfortable, while also showing your gratitude for their contributions to the event.
Webcam
Buy Now → An updated high-quality webcam is a great gift. I myself have just upgraded from my trusty yet affordable Logitech webcam to the model pictured above.
Compact for traveling or when you work remotely, or are an international speaker, as it allows them to easily connect with their colleagues and stay in touch with their team.
Some features to look for when choosing a good quality webcam might include HD video quality, multiple camera angles, a great mic built in, and the ability to easily integrate with other online communication tools.
Portable Charger
Buy Now → A portable charging pad or charger is a useful gift if the speaker has to travel frequently, as it allows them to keep their devices charged and ready without having to worry about finding an available outlet.
Features to consider should include different charging speeds and multiple USB ports, which can help ensure that all of the speaker’s devices stay charged up and ready.
Portable charging pads are designed with sleek, compact designs that make them easy to carry, so they can be a great choice for any speaker on the go.
Wireless Headphones
Buy Now → Wireless headphones are a must-have when traveling frequently or working remotely. To listen to music, podcasts, or other audio media with ease.
Features to look for when choosing wireless headphones might include noise-canceling capabilities, ergonomic designs, and long battery life.
Modern wireless headphones are sleek and stylish designs that make them ideal for any occasion.
Bluetooth Speaker
Buy Now → Easy listening to music, podcasts, or other audio media without having to rely on their phone, headphones, or computer speakers.
Features to look for when choosing a Bluetooth speaker might include waterproof or shockproof designs, multiple playback options, and loud audio output.
Bluetooth speakers have sleek and portable designs that make them easy to carry with you.
Inexpensive Gifts for Guest Speakers Under $25
If you are looking for an inexpensive gift to show your appreciation to a guest speaker, there are many great options available for under $25. A handy universal gift suggestion is cards or vouchers for online retailers also one of the following;
- Personalized gift cards printed with the speaker’s name or photo
- Personalized water bottle
- Food vouchers for redemption at local restaurants or coffee shops
- Gift baskets filled with popular snacks and other goodies
Gifts for Virtual Speakers
If your guest speaker is working virtually and lives somewhere far away, there are a number of great gifts that can help make their experience more enjoyable and convenient.
- Webcam
- Portable Charging Pad
- Headphones
- Gifts Cards (Amazon or iTunes)
Gifts for Keynote Speakers
Keynote speakers are headliners or the next level so the gift should be too! Depending on the budget, gifting luxury items such as fine wines, high-end chocolates or a gourmet meal at a local restaurant is sure to make any keynote speaker feel special.
A creative way of expressing gratitude could also involve tickets to an upcoming show, sports game, or concert. These kinds of experiences can be treasured for a lifetime!
What to Consider When Choosing a Gift for a Guest Speaker
When selecting a gift for a guest speaker, it is important to consider their interests, occupation, and personality. The gift should be something that shows your appreciation for their time and effort. It is also important to give the gift in a respectful way.
Interests
Some possible gift options for a guest speaker might include books, music, or other items related to their particular interests.
Occupation
If the guest speaker is a professional in a specific field, you may want to consider getting them something that relates to their area of expertise. For example, if they are an author or academic, you might give them a gift card for a book retailer, or tickets to an upcoming lecture or conference.
Personality
In addition to considering the speaker’s interests and occupation, it can be helpful to think about their personality. If they are known for being humorous or lighthearted, you may want to give them something that reflects this. On the other hand, if they are more serious or reserved, you may want to choose something more thoughtful or sophisticated.
Presenting a Gift to a Guest Speaker: The Best Way
It is also important to consider how you will present the gift. This may depend on the nature of your relationship with the speaker, as well as what type of gift you are giving.
If you are close friends or family members, it may be appropriate to give them a more personal or heartfelt gift in person.
If they are a professional colleague or business contact, you may want to give them something more formal, such as in the form of a gift card or small present.
Some tips on how to present a gift to a guest speaker include:
- Giving the gift in person
- Presenting the gift with a personal note
- Make sure the gift is wrapped nicely
- Putting the gift in a card or presentation box
Lastly, do not force the recipient to open the gift if they do not wish to do so, just because they are a public speaker does not mean they are not shy or humble.
Sharing Your Event
Event organizers should liaise with the speaker and work out the best practices for promoting the event on social media. We all agree that a good experience can benefit everyone. JUST make a plan in advance…
Want to learn how to RSVP? I have a tutorial to help with the RSVP etiquette for all types of invitations.
Wrapping Up
A great thank-you gift for a guest speaker, motivational speaker, panelist, or presenter can be tricky. You want to show your appreciation without going overboard or giving something that could be construed as inappropriate.
A nice option is to give a gift card to a local restaurant or store. This shows that you took the time to think about what the person might like and appreciate, without going over the top.
If you’re on a tight budget, a handwritten note expressing your appreciation is always a thoughtful gesture. Whatever you choose, remember that it’s the thought that counts!
Recommended for you luxury leather gifts for men there are some awesome gift ideas here if your speaker is male!
