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It’s been a unique year. AI hype threatened to replace us all, every company rolled out an “AI assistant” and growth promises were somehow just as elusive as your Q4 forecast. Despite the chaos, the holidays are here — and we shouldn’t let budget cuts or burnout dictate how we celebrate, how we spend and how we give.

This year’s list (the 2nd edition) covers everything your favorite tech seller secretly wants but won’t buy for themselves. Practical, ridiculous, and everything in between.

Inspired by the 2020 Goldman Sachs Guide — here’s your 2025 Tech Sales Guy Holiday Gift List.

If you work in tech and aren’t WFH or hybrid, you are doing it wrong. For the office, start with some pictures or memorabilia from your favorite city, team, athlete or artist ($250). Throw it in the background to engage conversations and small talk during video calls. Sitting is the new smoking so get a standing desk ($400). When you’re seated, get a chair that’s comfy and sturdy ($400) and fix your camera angle with a laptop stand ($45). If you’re still using the default mouse and keyboard that came with your Mac, please stop. You don’t want to be wearing a wrist splint at 60 because of computer work. This mouse ($75) and ergonomic keyboards ($150) are game changers. If you work late nights, get some red light glasses ($100) - easy on the eyes.

There’s something nostalgic about listening to a full album start to finish. I got this record player ($200) last year and have enjoyed collecting classics - Talking Heads, Traffic, Outkast, Fleetwood Mac, Dead & Co ($25-$50)… to newer ones like Tyler the Creator, Dominik Fike, Khruganbin and Zach Bryan. For commuting from your bed to the home office, throw on a paid of these UGG slippers ($125). The Hyperice Venom ($249) is a must for that special someone with back pain. It’s the closest thing to having a personal massage therapist living in your house without the monthly retainer. For coffee enthusiasts - the Breville Bambino ($300) earns its keep. It handles the 8 a.m. latte that gets you moving and the 3 p.m. pick-me-up that keeps you civil. Last but not least, TRX bands ($180) are the cheapest way to reverse eight hours of sitting. Ten minutes on these and you can pretend you still have a gym membership.

Business travel is back, which means so is business golf. If you’re new to the game and looking to buy clubs, look for a good used set ($500). If you’re looking to take the next step in your game, look here ($1000). If you are a golf nerd, check out The Golfers Journal ($150). For traveling, TSA precheck ($85) is a no brainer - it has saved me 10s of hours each year. Lastly, treat yourself and your significant other to some live music. Find an artist you like in a city near you and plan a future date night ($500). For an epic experience, check out go see an artist at the Sphere - a staple on this list forever.

Im not a heavy reader. I read just enough to feel smarter than I actually am and will mix in the occasional fiction book. Steal Like an Artist ($20) is a good read for anyone who wants to become a better writer. The 5AM Club ($20) will help you build a bulletproof morning routine. Essentialism ($20) will you understand what to prioritize to increase effectiveness and The Poor Charlie’s Almanac ($20) will make you smarter. And for something lighter, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck ($18) is the perfect palette cleanser. Quick read, good reminders, and zero pressure to pretend you took notes.

At some point, we all hit the phase where a “reset” feels necessary. A Lexus GX 460 ($84k) scratches the itch if you want something practical that still feels like a treat. The Porsche Panamera ($124k) is the opposite - zero practicality, all dopamine. For a cleaner escape, an Ireland golf trip ($8,500) is hard to beat: fresh air, long walks, and just enough solitude to convince yourself you’ve achieved perspective. You could also lean into the reinvention arc with a cold plunge ($4,800) or a home sauna ($6,500). Whatever route you take, the goal is simple: feel something again.

There’s a point in life when you stop buying gadgets and start buying things that last. A good watch is the gateway drug. I love this Omega Seamaster ($7,400). Hard to go wrong with a Rolex if you’re looking for something classy or sporty ($15,500). Now, I’m not going to sit here and pretend to be an expert on women’s jewelry but I do love this Cartier Panthere ($9,750). Finally, if you’re not into material things and have an appetite for risk — invest in Bitcoin and hold it to pay for your kids college or leave them with a nice nest egg for when they enter the real world (not financial advice).

A few extras to help you survive the holidays: a bottle of Blanton’s ($145) to take the edge off, Youtube TVs Redzone ($400) channel so you can escape to watch football when conversations get weird and this alarm clock ($130) to keep your phone out of the bedroom. Kiva gummies ($40) for when you’re looking for some extra fun or a good nights sleep. The suede bomber jacket ($700) and Vuori Coronado pants ($118) are the perfect “I’m relaxing but still judging everyone” fit. For that special sales person in your life, give the gift of ZoomInfo to make their job easier ($100/month). And for the dog people in your life, this harness ($90) remains undefeated for walks and training.

That’s it! Over 50 items so you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone.

While it’s important to enjoy the fruits of all our success this year.

There’s nothing better some time off work with people you love.

Happy Holidays!

Until next Thursday,

TSG

P.S. I reply to all emails.