As a business owner, I’m always looking for special items that will enhance my organizational skills and make it easier to do business. The following items make gifts any businesswoman would be happy to receive—at any time of the year.

1. Great looking business bag or tote. I remember hearing a stylist tell a group of businesswomen that “image is everything.” I don’t know if it’s everything, but going to a meeting or networking event looking polished and professional is important if you want to be taken seriously as a success-oriented businesswoman.

2. Books and magazines to support personal and professional growth. I’m an avid reader so I always enjoy receiving books and magazine subscriptions. You can’t go wrong with a subscription to Forbes magazine or the classic book, Think and Grow Rich. If you don’t know which magazine or book to select, give a gift card to Amazon, Barnes and Noble or a favorite local bookstore.

3. Computer software. An organized businesswoman needs up-to-date computer programs. It’s important to have good accounting software, powerful anti-virus software and easy to use software for contact management.

4. E-Reader. This is a modern must for today’s savvy businesswoman. The Kindle, the Nook, the iPad and other e-readers are lightweight enough to carry in a business tote and easy enough to use anywhere. Will an e-reader ever fully replace holding a physical book in your hand? Maybe not, but portability and the ability to store hundreds of digital books and periodicals are big draws for many on-the-go businesswomen.

5. External data storage device. It is essential that business owners back up documents securely and quickly. If you’ve ever lost valuable information during a power outage or computer crash, you know how important backing up to an external hard drive can be. You can find external hard drives or USB flash drives in most office supply stores.

6. Gift basket overflowing with office supplies. Honestly, I don’t know of any business owner who wouldn’t enjoy receiving a gift basket filled with basic office supplies: pens, paper, desk calendar, file folders, motivational mouse pad, stamps and mailing supplies, notepads, printer cartridges, and other useful items.

7. Good quality paper shredder. This isn’t a very high tech or glamorous item but it’s definitely a necessity for protecting against identity theft and keeping confidential information secure and private.

8. Fireproof file cabinet or safe. Here’s another practical item for security and peace of mind. A fireproof safe or cabinet will protect important papers and other valuables against fire and water damage. There are many different models on the market that should serve the needs of most small business owners.

9.  Label maker for better time management. What better way to stay organized and save time than to have files, storage containers and other items labeled so they can be easily identified and retrieved. Label makers come in various sizes and price ranges, from small handheld devices to sophisticated desktop units.

10. Gift cards and gift certificates. Here are a few suggestions:

Gift cards for:

• Bookstores
• Office Supply stores
• Online stores such as Amazon
• Department and clothing stores
• Starbucks or other places where a person can meet with clients
• A favorite airline for that next business trip or vacation

Gift certificates for:

• Business Coach
• CPA
• Attorney
• Financial Planner
• Massage Therapist

Gift certificates to:

• Workshops, seminars or training programs
• Conventions
• A day at a spa

• Local networking groups
• Professional organizations

About the Author

Sharon Michaels is a business coach and the author of How to Give Yourself the Power to Succeed(EmPOWERing Publications, 1996). She produces and hosts the weekly radio show, Women Enjoying Success, interviewing and sharing the strategies of self-made successful women. Learn more at: http://www.SharonMichaels.com/powertosucceed , check out her weekly Ezine, Unlimited Success for Women and visit her website at http://www.sharonmichaels.com

Read more articles by Sharon Michaels.