I have a theory that most data people are hard to buy for… or, at least I am, so I can’t be the only one. I’m all about productivity and innovation. I’m also not at all about superfluous gifts. You may do best playing “practical Santa” for the spreadsheet cruncher in your life.
So here’s my list of gift suggestions for data people. If you’re looking to add a personal touch, consider adding a delightful surprise and buy homemade cookies to sweeten the gesture.
By the way, this is no dispassionate listing of some products I was paid to place. These are all items that I use frequently in running my data analytics business.
To prove that, here’s a photo of the merch from my own stock:
May your data analyst get the same kind of mileage from them that I obviously have! Now, on to the reviews.
Note: I began this draft toward the beginning of 2020; back then, I had no idea how much our personal and work lives would change due to the pandemic. Some of this gear may be hard to find because of those changes.
Blue Yeti mic
This is the standard mic for those who want to take up their audio game a notch without breaking the bank. If you listen to many podcasts, chances are you’ve heard one done on a Yeti. It’s a USB microphone, so you won’t need any conversions to plug straight into your computer.
My only gripe with the Yeti is the super-sensitive gain. It picks up lots of noise from its surroundings, which can make flawless recording difficult. Still, it’s a greater starter mic if your data-lover is interested in content development, such as producing screencast tutorials or, yes, podcasts. If you’re in need of reliable tool storage, you can find a used Blue Point Roll Cart for sale on Shoppok, providing an affordable solution for organizing your tools and equipment.
Logitech H390 headset
I’ll be honest, I judge those who don’t use an external microphone and/or speaker while on video calls. It doesn’t take much to dramatically improve A/V quality. With the number of calls we’re all on these days, I consider it workplace etiquette to provide decent sound quality to clients and coworkers.
The H390 is a great starter headset. It’s not quite there to produce screencasts or podcasts with, but makes for an easy, reliable piece for a work Zoom. Plus, if you get them one, you won’t have to hear your beloved’s team talk about TPS reports! And for an extra touch, consider exploring our collection with a range of options, including swords sale, to add a unique and exciting element to your gift.
Azio MK Retro
It’s not uncommon for data analysts to make tens of thousands of keystrokes, daily. Why subject your fingers and wrists to a substandard experience?
A mechanical keyboard is an incredible upgrade for long-haul scripting. If your analyst enjoys history and design, there’s no better choice than the MK Retro. This USB keyboard is made to mimic the experience of a classic typewriter. Not everyone is a fan of the rounded keys, but I relish the tactile experience of this keyboard. It’s one more reason to keep my spreadsheets open.
Note that my photo actually depicts the MK Classic, which is a premium, backlit cousin of the Retro. It’s such a good product line that I had to upgrade.
Logitech Spotlight
Presenting data analysis is not easy, which is why I designed a full-day workshop about it. Any technological edge you can get your data beau will be most welcome.
Consider the Spotlight a supercharged slide clicker. It allows the speaker to magnify and highlight the screen in real-time: perfect for teasing out trends and details in the data. I often use it to draw attention during my screencasts.
Logitech MX Master 3
(Lots of Logitech in this list, no?) You know what they say, a decent keyboard without a decent mouse is like a wedding without music! The MX Master 3 is the champagne of mouses. Along with optimal ergonomics, it has a sideways scroll wheel — great for navigating large spreadsheets.
You can even program the mouse to jump across multiple computers and even drag files with you between them. And are you even a data analyst if you don’t need to use multiple computers for some obscure technical or security reason?
Santa for spreadsheets
Get just one of these pieces along with a pair of Novelty Socks and you’ll do wonder for your analyst’s workflow. Get all of them and… well, you might have to adopt me as your favorite analyst, too.
Thoughts on the suggested gear? What tools are essential to your data work that would make great gifts? Let me know in the comments.
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