11 Holiday Gifts for the Social Media Person in Your Life

The holidays are upon us and you’re looking for that perfect gift for the social media person in your life. Or, perhaps you are the social media person and you need to know what to put on your list. Here are a few suggestions…some of which I have, and some of which I’d really like…(hope my family is reading this). Most of these are books, but I’ve thrown in a few other items for good measure.

1. Trust Agents – by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. By far the best book I’ve read dealing with social media, with applications that go beyond social networks to the real world. I’ll be cliche and say, “If you buy only one book this year….”

2. Inbound Marketing – by Brian Halligan, Dharmesh Shah, & David Meerman Scott. The folks at Hubspot do a great job of educating the masses on issues related to social media and inbound marketing. This is a rather quick read, but full of practical advice, both for the social media practitioner, and those businesses trying to do a better job of online marketing on their own.

3. The Social Media Bible – by Lon Safko & David Brake. This book has it all. It is packed with information about just about everything you can imagine related to social media. Easy to use, this is a book you’ll refer back to regularly.

4. The New Community Rules – by Tamar Weinberg. There’s that word: Community. It’s become my Mantra, and Weinberg does a great job relating the concept of community to how we should be doing business in the digital age.

5. Six Pixels of Separation – by Mitch Joel. The subtitle of the book says it all: Everyone is Connected, Connect Your Business to Everyone. Social media and viral marketing work because of how people are connected online. Get this book and get connected.

6. The Digital Handshake – by Paul Chaney – If you are relying solely on traditional media as your marketing tools of choice, you are missing out, and Chaney explains why.A handy blueprint of how business is being done, whether you’re on board or not.

7. Flip Mino/Flip Mino HD Camcorder – Wish I had one of these (hint, hint), but this is a great, inexpensive camcorder for recording video and vlogs. Videos posted on social media platforms and blogs, as well as YouTube can be great to draw people in, and are therefore an important SEO tool. Easy to use, this is a great investment. If I don’t get one for Christmas this year (hint, hint) I’ll just have to put it in the business budget for 2010. But I’d really rather get it as a gift…

8. Anything you found out about via your social media networks – Preferably something local. We’ve already purchased quite a few things from local artisans and shops, most of whom we know through social media connections. It’s one way to support the local economy and creativity, while also giving voice to the power of social media. Put your money where your mouth is.

9. A U-Twickit sticker – This is  from a local friend at U-Stickit Graphics and I think it’s a great idea, especially for your business. Trying to build your Twitter following for your business? Slap one of these babies on the back of your vehicle and tell the world you’re on Twitter.

10. Coffee – Seems to me that many of the conversations that take place via social media, particularly Twitter, surround the topic of coffee. We’re a rather caffeinated bunch, and we sure like to drink the stuff. So how about some Fair Trade Organic coffee from my favorite hang out, Square One Coffee. I suggest the Holiday Gift Pack featuring their Holiday coffee blend and a Square One Mug. Mmmmm. And don’t worry. If you’re not in the Lancaster area, you can order it online.

11. Anything but a snuggie -  Seriously. They’re ugly and make you look silly. And why buy into the latest thing that EVERYONE else is doing. Oh, sure, everyone says they are warm and comfortable, but do you really want to look like a neon monk while working on your laptop?

What’s on your Holiday list?