An Interpreter's Christmas Wishlist

Are you struggling to find ideas of what to buy for your interpreter friends? Are you an interpreter and your family members are asking you what you'd really like for Christmas?

This week I've tried to come up with my own "Santa wish list" of the most useful gifts I've received/would like as an interpreter.

- Headphones

- this is perhaps a tricky gift as we all like different things but if you check out the blog "The Tablet Interpreter" then you'll find some great advice on this topic

- B&O are also a popular brand among interpreters so you can even buy a gift voucher for B&O if you're really stuck choosing for your interpreter

- Pens

- Let's face it, we get through pens pretty fast! What about buying a stylish pen that's comfortable to write with for hours on end complete with refills? Definitely avoid fountain pens, nowadays you can get lovely ballpoint pens in all colours and styles - you can even engrave a message! This could be a very stylish gift for the interpreter who seems to already have everything they require

- A stash of their favourite notepads

- See above - we also get through notepads fast so save your interpreter from making a last minute dash to the shops when they discover to their horror that they have nearly finished their last notepad - find out their favourite and stock them up with an emergency stash. Don't know what type of notepad they like? Buy a gift card for their favourite stationary store. For notepad ideas check out my post here.

- A work bag

- Lara suggests this model perfect for 1 or 2 days travelling as it fits toiletries, a change of clothes and your laptop whilst still looking professional. For those who prefer handbags you can also find great professional models for most budgets in department stores no matter where you are based.

- Emergency survival kit

- spare batteries, paracetamol, plasters, spare tights...

- A tailored suit

- Interpreters always have to look the part - so why not help them do so with a tailored suit?

- Comfy professional shoes/heels

- Just like above - sometimes we are on long assignments and want to look the part but business shoes are not always comfortable. Help your interpreter look the part whilst being comfortable by investing in a pair of smart, stylish yet comfy shoes!

- Subscription to The Economist or their favourite newspaper/magazine

- does what it says on the tin - help your interpreter improve their general knowledge through a subscription. Some ideas of magazines, newspapers, books etc can be found here.

- Interpreter at work stickers

- These vinyl stickers are all the rage right now - help your interpreter get noticed with a decal for their laptop

- New business cards

- Help your interpreter stand out with swish new business cards. Some great sites are Vistaprint, Moo and Zazzle but there are plenty more if you search online.

- Meditation classes/subscription - there are lots of great paying Apps for this

- relaxation and stress management techniques are very important for interpreters. Our resident expert on stress relief - Lara has written couple of posts on the matter - see here and here.

- Membership for their favourite sports class e.g. yoga/climbing... you name it

- help them playing hard as well as working hard!

- A stash of booth friendly food

- silent high-energy allergy-friendly snacks are key for interpreters (and their boothmate is sure to appreciate it too). Popular options include dried fruit, dark chocolate and pocket coffee. You can even give them this in a handy tub that makes for silent snacking (no noisy wrappers in the booth please!)

For your interpreters who also translate (or pure translators)....

- Trados 2019 Subscription

- Dragon Naturally Speaking (site)

- This fab new keyboard - ErgoDox EZ

- A standing desk

- An ergonomic mouse

Still need more ideas? Check out this hilarious post on AIIC

If you have any ideas that we missed out let us know and we'll add them to the list!