30 best gifts for accountants: thoughtful and practical ideas to show you care

Accountants are known for their attention to detail and love of organization, all of which can make them tricky people to buy presents for. But fear not — we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll highlight some gift ideas for accountants that are creative, thoughtful, and practical. 

So whether you’re looking for the perfect present for an accountant friend or spouse, or simply want to thank your bookkeeper or tax preparer for all their hard work, you’ll find the perfect gift in this article!

To help you navigate this list, we’ve divided our gift ideas into the following categories:

• Professional development
• Fun gifts
• Subscription services
• Software and apps
• Health and wellness
• Office gadgets
• Office enhancements
• Hobbies and leisure
• Travel and adventure
• Charity and giving

Professional development gifts

1. Accounting books

In a world saturated with digital experiences, sometimes you can’t beat a good book. There are plenty of great books out there that can offer valuable insights and help your accountant friend stay on top of their game — spanning not just accounting but also the ever-changing world of technology, finance, and business. Here are some of our tips

• Financial Intelligence: A Manager’s Guide to Knowing What the Numbers Really Mean — Berman & Knight
• Atomic Habits — James Clear

2. Online courses and certifications

The accounting world never stands still, and there’s always something new to learn. Treating the accountant in your life to an educational course will help enhance their skills and further their careers. 

There are all sorts of options, from straightforward accounting certifications to free online bookkeeping courses. You could even broaden their skill sets with courses covering automation, analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and more. Here are some great places to start:

• Formal accounting courses from regulated bodies such as AICPA, CIMA, ACCA, etc.
• Online courses on Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning
• Software-specific courses for Quickbooks Online, Google Analytics, etc.

There are tons of courses on Udemy that might help your accountant broaden their professional skill set.

3. Conference tickets

Conferences are a great way to network with peers, meet potential new clients, and keep up with the latest trends in the accounting world. And with so many exciting events to choose from, you’ll be sure to please an accountant with a ticket. 

Fun gifts

4. Customized mugs

Accountants often work long hours, meaning copious amounts of coffee and tea are essential. What better way to keep the caffeine flowing than a customized mug? You could design them a mug with a funny accounting joke, or take a more serious and professional approach with their name and CPA title. There are tons of great options on e-shops such as Etsy (see below).

5. Funny accounting t-shirts

Who said accountants don’t have a sense of humor? Add a bit of fun to your favorite number-cruncher’s wardrobe with a personalized t-shirt containing a witty slogan, such as “Count me in” or “ Accountants do it with balance”. You can thank us later.

6. Accounting-themed accessories

If you’re buying a gift for an accountant based in a traditional office, why not spice up their formal wear with an accounting-themed tie, cufflinks, or pair of socks? Look for designs featuring numbers, currency symbols, calculators, or accounting icons. Again, Etsy is your friend:

Subscription services

7. Coffee subscription

The perfect gift to accompany the mug we mentioned previously, a coffee subscription will ensure a steady flow of energy, keeping your accountant friend fuelled during those long workdays. There are tons of great coffee options these days, from big-brand capsules to local artisan roasters. 

8. Magazine subscriptions

A magazine subscription is a thoughtful and practical gift that will help your accountant keep up with the latest changes, news, and advancements in the industry. The accounting and finance world is well served by high-quality publications, most of which offer both digital and print subscriptions. Here are some recommendations:

• Accounting Today
• CPA Practice Advisor
• Journal of Accountancy
• The Wall Street Journal
• The CPA Journal

9. Audiobook services

Audiobooks are a great way to consume information (or a good story) while driving to the office, on a break, or going for a jog. With platforms such as Audible, Spotify Audiobooks, and Google Audiobooks, you can ensure that your accountant or colleague has access to a wealth of knowledge and new ideas.

Software and apps

10. TaxDome subscription

When it comes to the perfect gifts for accountants, no list would be complete without our award-winning practice management platform! 

TaxDome is the most comprehensive practice management software on the market, spanning everything accountants need to manage their clients, tasks, team, and practice. Check out this video explainer to see how TaxDome makes accountants (and their clients) happy:

11. Productivity apps

In accounting, time is money! Help an accountant get organized and serve clients more efficiently with a subscription to a productivity app. There are tons of apps to choose from, each offering something slightly different, but here are a few solid recommendations:

• Asana — an intuitive yet powerful task management platform
• Todoist — a to-do list app that helps users tick off their outstanding jobs
• Reclaim.ai — an AI-powered calendar app that optimizes your schedule to improve productivity
• Freedom — a handy app that helps you focus by blocking websites and other online distractions on a timed basis
• Streaks — a habit-tracker app that monitors how consistently you perform recurring tasks or actions

The Freedom app boosts productivity by blocking online distractions.

12. Mental health apps

Good mental health is incredibly important, especially in high-pressure roles such as accounting. Help your friend or colleague breathe out and get mindful with a mental health app. Here are some top suggestions:

• Headspace — offers mood-boosting meditations, activities, and workouts
• Calm — a mindfulness app that offers guided breathing exercises and relaxation tools
• Happify — helps you overcome negative thoughts and emotions through a range of activities

Headspace is a popular app that improves mental health through a range of activities.

Health and wellness

13. Standing desk converter

Let’s be honest, sitting at a desk eight hours a day is not exactly healthy. Help your friend or colleague stand up to the rigors of tax season and beyond with a standing desk converter. These are handy, height-adjustable screen and laptop stands that sit on top of a regular desk, allowing office professionals to work on their feet. 

Check out this Techradar guide to find the best standing desk converter.

14. Desk exercise equipment

Thanks to the miracles of technological advancement, it’s now possible to exercise while you work! With under-desk elliptical machines, pedal exercisers, and ergonomic exercise balls that double as office seats, accountants can stay in peak condition while balancing those books. 

We recommend choosing devices that are neat, quiet, and easily portable — especially for accountants who work in the office. Check out these examples on Amazon: 

15. Massage devices

Accounting can be stressful at the best of times! To relieve all that tension, get your accounting buddy a portable massage device. These can range from basic molded massage tools to high-tech, electronic massage guns that provide high-frequency vibrations to soothe tense muscles.

For more information, here’s a handy guide to massage devices from the New York Magazine.

16. A day at a health spa

Another great way to boost an accountant’s mind and body is a day at a luxurious health spa. Whether they want to go for a swim, hit the gym, or take it easy with a sauna and massage, there’s something for everyone. 

17. Yoga equipment

Yoga has been an effective way to align body, mind, and spirit for thousands of years. It’s also a great way to stay fit, strong, and flexible. What’s more, yoga is something accountants can easily do on their way to the office or while working from home. All they need is a decent mat and the right clothes.

Office gadgets

18. Wireless keyboard and mouse

Accountants spend a lot of time in front of computers. Make this time a little bit more comfortable and organized with a wireless keyboard and mouse. We recommend choosing one from an established brand such as Logitech, opting for a mouse that is ergonomic and reliable, and checking out online reviews, like this one:

19. Noise-canceling headphones

The last thing an accountant wants is to listen to office small talk while he’s reconciling the accounts. To help him focus and block out distractions, why not give him some noise-canceling headphones? There are plenty to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with brands such as Bose, Sony, and Beats.

20. Portable speaker

Noise-canceling headphones are great, but sometimes you need music blasting out to get stuff done. That’s why a portable speaker is an essential piece of kit for any office or home office. We recommend choosing a bluetooth speaker that has great reviews and matches your budget, but you can check out this Techradar article for more inspiration.

Office enhancements

21. Desk organizer

Nobody likes a messy desk — especially not your detail-oriented accountant! Help keep their workspace neat and tidy with a handy desk organizer. This cheap and simple gift could make a real difference. Here are some examples:

22. Ergonomic chair

OK, this one’s a bit extravagant, but if you feel like pushing the boat out, an ergonomic chair is a fantastic present that will improve an accountant’s day-to-day experience of work. It’s honestly surprising how many office chairs are painfully uncomfortable, so you may have to pay a bit more to get one that’s actually nice to sit on for long periods. Herman Miller and Steelcase make excellent (if expensive) chairs.

23. Decorative plants

A decorative plant is the perfect way to brighten up an accounting office. And they don’t just look great — they actually have tangible benefits that will improve accountants’ mood and performance. Did you know that by adding a few plants here and there, you can:

• Lower anxiety by 37%
• Increase productivity by 15%
• Reduce the risk of ill health by 25%

Pretty amazing, right? When picking a plant, make sure you choose one designed for indoor life and reduced sunlight.

Hobby and leisure

24. Cooking classes

If you know an accountant who fancies themself as a bit of a foodie, cooking classes are a great way to enhance their skills in the kitchen. There are so many different types of cooking classes — from mastering Asian cuisine to baking the perfect sourdough bread. Check your local listings and see what takes your fancy!

25. Art supplies

Accounting is a wonderful career, but it’s not known for getting the creative juices flowing. To satisfy an accountant’s creative needs and bring out their inner Picasso, art supplies are a fantastic gift. Again, there are plenty of options out there — from an easel and oil paint set to sketch pads, pastels, and pencils.

Travel and adventure

26. Travel accessories

If you know an accountant who’s a frequent flier, there are all sorts of presents you could get to help them travel in style. Whether it’s a neck pillow to aid peaceful in-flight sleep or a travel organizer to stay on top of their busy schedule, travel accessories are a thoughtful and handy way to make business trips more enjoyable.27. 

27. Weekend getaway package

Depending on where the accountant is located, you could provide them with a change of scenery by buying them a weekend getaway package. From city breaks to your nearest alpine or beach resort, this is a super generous way to say “thank you for all the hard work”.

28. Personalized luggage tags

Any present that provides a personalized touch will be well received, and personalized luggage tags are no different. You could customize tags with the accountant’s name, initials, or business logo, giving their luggage a professional and customized look. Check out these examples on Etsy:

Charity and giving

29. Donation to their favorite charity

While the gifts on this list are all great ideas, they aren’t necessarily going to change your accountant’s life. By donating to their favorite charity, on the other hand, you could make a real difference to someone in need, while simultaneously thanking your accountant for their efforts. 

30. Volunteering experience

While we’re in the spirit of giving, why not give an accountant the opportunity to volunteer for a local organization or charity? From helping out at a community center to planting trees and maintaining the local environment, there are plenty of ways to broaden their horizons with a fulfilling and meaningful experience.

Conclusion

So there you have it — 30 gift ideas to let the accountant in your life know that you care. We hope this list has provided you with some inspiration and motivation to surprise the accountant in your life with a thoughtful gift. After all, they deserve it!

And remember, if you really want to make an accountant’s life easier, there’s only one gift that will transform their accounting workflows and turn their practice into a well-oiled machine: TaxDome! 

So, encourage them to sign up for a free TaxDome trial. They’ll thank you!