You know that drawer.
The one tucked in the corner of your office, filled with tangled cords, half-dead power banks, and promo gadgets from past conferences. The drawer where good intentions go to gather dust.
If you lead a non-profit here in Chicagoland, I know your heart. You want to show real appreciation to your staff and volunteers—without wasting precious dollars on gifts that end up forgotten.
So, let’s make this simple.
Below are tech gifts that are practical, mission-aligned, and won’t end up in that drawer. Whether you’re thanking a dedicated remote program coordinator in Rogers Park or equipping a board member who dashes between meetings in the Loop, these tools serve real needs—and help your team carry the weight of your mission with a little less strain..
For Remote Heros: Gifts That Upgrade The Home Office
High-Quality Webcam ($100–$150)
Let’s face it—those built-in laptop cameras make even the most enthusiastic program update look like a ghost story.
A proper webcam like the: Logitech Brio 4K – offers crystal-clear video and better lighting, so your team shows up professionally on Zoom with no extra effort..
Why they’ll love it:
- They’ll feel more confident leading virtual donor meetings or presenting at webinars.
- Board members and funders will see their eyes, their expressions, and their passion—clearly.
Bonus Idea: Add a $40 desktop ring light for a thoughtful touch that makes a big difference.
Desktop Monitor Light Bar ($50–$90)
Working late on grant proposals? Trying to read handwritten notes in dim lighting? A BenQ ScreenBar clips right on top of the monitor, giving clean, focused desk light—without adding desk clutter or glare.
Why they’ll love it:
- Less eye strain, less squinting, and fewer headaches after long days.
- It turns a dark corner desk into a calm, focused workspace—helpful on those long Chicago winter evenings.
Wireless Keyboard ($120–$180)
For those who write all day—be it donor emails, board reports, or volunteer newsletters—a quality keyboard turns typing from a chore into a pleasure. The Logitech MX Mechanical is quiet, responsive, and supports multiple devices.
Why they’ll love it:
- It’s one of those “I didn’t know I needed this” upgrades that gets used every single day.
- Hands and wrists feel better, and writing long donor updates doesn’t feel quite so tiring.
For the Always-On-the-Go Team Member
You probably have at least one person who’s never at their desk. They’re at site visits in Little Village, community events in Bronzeville, and board meetings downtown—sometimes all in one week.
These gifts help them stay powered and present wherever the mission takes them.
Compact Power Bank With Built-In Cables ($90–$120)
Anyone who’s worked a fundraising gala or traveled for a community event knows the dread of a dying phone. A compact power bank with built-in Lightning, USB-C, and Micro-USB cables—like Anker Laptop Power Bank—means no more hunting for a charger mid-crisis.
Why they’ll love it:
- It’s reliable, travel-friendly, and easy to toss into a backpack or tote.
- No more “charger scavenger hunts” in airports, on Metra, or between sites.
Noise-Canceling Earbuds ($200–$350)
When you’re trying to draft a grant report from a busy airport or a noisy coffee shop, silence is golden. Apple AirPods Pro 3 or Sony WF-1000XM5 offer top-tier noise cancellation and long battery life.
Why they’ll love it:
- They can give donors and partners their full attention, even in noisy spaces.
- Travel days feel calmer and less draining, and important conversations don’t get lost in the background noise.
Portable Laptop Stand ($40–$90)
A thoughtful, lightweight gift like the Roost Laptop Stand keeps posture healthy during travel or remote work—no more hunching over hotel desks or awkward kitchen counters.
Why they’ll love it:
- It slips easily into a bag and weighs very little.
- Long days of note-taking, board prep, or report writing feel more comfortable—whether they’re in the office, at home, or at a neighborhood café.
For The “I Have Everything” Board Member or Major Donor
These are the people who seem to own every gadget already—and who are generous with their time and networks. Small, thoughtful tech gifts can say “we see you and we appreciate you” in a way that feels professional and personal.
High-End Tech Organizer ($50–$100)
You’ve probably seen their bag—cables in a ziplock, chargers tossed in with snacks. A sleek tech organizer like the Bellroy Tech Kitmakes every travel moment calmer and more efficient.
Why they’ll love it:
- Travel feels calmer and more efficient.
- They’ll think of your organization every time they arrive at a meeting organized and on time, instead of fumbling for a cord.
Smart Notebook System ($35–$40)
If your team member still prefers pen and paper, the Rocketbook Fusion bridges analog comfort and digital efficiency. Notes written by hand are scanned and stored to the cloud, then the pages are wiped clean and reused.
Why they’ll love it:
- It feels familiar and low-tech, but nothing gets lost in piles of paper.
- Meeting notes, board tasks, and ideas for your next campaign are easy to share with staff.
For the Whole Team (Budget-Friendly but Thoughtful)
If you want to do something small but meaningful for many staff and volunteers, here’s an option that fits almost everyone.
Portable Phone Sanitizer ($60–$90 Each)
Phones are germ magnets. A UV-C sanitizing box like the PhoneSoap 3 kills 99.9% of bacteria—while also charging the phone. It’s subtle, health-conscious, and super practical.
Why they’ll love it:
- It’s not flashy, but it’s genuinely useful—especially in shared spaces or health-related programs.
- It shows that you care about their wellbeing, not just their productivity..
Gifts To Avoid (Save Yourself The Regret)
Let’s be honest. Some tech gifts sound nice… and then end up in that drawer.
Consider skipping:
- Thumb drives? Most teams now rely on secure cloud storage.
- Cheap Bluetooth speakers? Forgettable and often poor quality.
- Fitness trackers? Can feel a little too personal or judgy.
- Smart home gadgets? Too tied to someone’s private life and preferences.
- Generic charging pads? Not all devices are compatible, which leads to frustration.
If it doesn’t clearly solve a real problem your team faces, it’s okay to let it go.
The Rule of Thumb
The best tech gifts don’t feel like “tech.”
They feel like relief.
They take away little daily frustrations. They support wellbeing. They help your team do more with less stress and a bit more comfort.
And that’s exactly what your mission needs most—especially during busy seasons like Giving Tuesday, year-end campaigns, and spring gala prep here in Chicago.
Looking Beyond the Holidays?
Thoughtful tech gifts are a beautiful way to say “thank you.” But they’re also a small picture of something larger: the right tools, the right support, and the right systems in place all year long.
If you’re a Chicago-area non-profit and you’re ready to think beyond one-time gifts and into technology that truly supports your staff, we’re here to help.
Let’s make this simpler:
- We’ll talk through how your team actually works—remote, hybrid, in the field, and on-site.
- We’ll look at what’s slowing them down: old devices, clunky systems, security worries, or tools that don’t talk to each other.
- Then we’ll recommend practical, budget-smart IT solutions that fit your mission, not the other way around.
Book your free discovery call here
We’ll help you find everyday tech and long-term IT support that make your mission a little easier to carry—without overwhelming your budget or your team.
Because your people deserve more than drawer-filler.
They deserve support that sticks.
