A Hill Holiday Gift Guide
Winter in Washington means twinkling lights on Capitol Hill, a blur of holiday receptions, and a growing list of staffers you suddenly need the perfect gift for.
But what do you get someone who already owns more Capitol-themed bookends than actual books? Do they want something practical? Cozy? Or maybe just a brief escape from the wonderfully chaotic life they chose?
While we’d all vote “yes” on that last one, CNCT has you covered. We’ve curated a holiday gift guide for every staffer archetype on the Hill, so you can spend less time overthinking and more time celebrating.
Happy gifting!
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out the CNCT Store for the comfiest sweatshirts, stylish caps, and other essentials every Hill staffer secretly wants.
Type A Scheduler
This staffer lives by their routine, always has a plan (and a backup plan), and color-codes everything… including their sleep. Organization isn’t a preference; it’s a lifestyle.
With the New Year around the corner, gift them a high-quality planner durable enough to survive the 10+ opens it’ll get before lunch. Add in color-coordinated pens and sticky notes to round out their system—trust us, they’ll notice (and appreciate) the matching palette.
For wind-down time, a puzzle or LEGO set is perfect. It lets them feel productive while relaxing, which is truly their love language.
And, of course, you can never go wrong with a coffee mug sporting a slogan that matches their organizational energy. Color-coded and caffeinated: just how they like it.
Inbox-buried LC
This staffer is tired of staring at screens and triaging Outlook fires all day. Save their eyes (and sanity) with a pair of stylish blue-light glasses to cut the glare from yet another late-night markup.
Pair it with a diffuser and calming essential oils to keep them grounded as they tackle their 20th constituent complaint of the day. And if you haven’t heard, the Nodpod is having a moment—it’s the perfect way to help them fall asleep without dreaming about unread emails.
They may have forgotten what the outdoors look like, so bring them back to life with a set of pickleball paddles. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for staffers who have zero time to “pick up a new hobby.” Toss in a CNCT hat and they’re officially ready for their next visit to the court.
“Never-off” Comms Staffer
This staffer needs a break, and with these gifts, you can finally give them one.
Start with a massage gun to tackle the stress knots earned from clenching both phones too tightly. Pair it with a cozy CNCT sweatshirt and you’ll instantly become their favorite human—maybe even above their press clips.
Since actual days off are a rare luxury, an Amazon Alexa can help streamline notifications and take at least one thing off their overflowing plate.
And because every good comms pro is always leveling up, add a little professional fuel like Smart Brevity to keep them sharp, witty, and ready for the next crisis… which will probably arrive tomorrow.
Overworked Staff Assistant
This staffer needs all the love you can give because they’re overworked and… well, you know how that sentence ends.
Start with the essentials: a soft blanket, noise-cancelling headphones, a Kindle, and a holiday-scented candle to make their apartment feel less like “I haven’t been home in three days” and more like an actual retreat. Curate a full cozy-night-in bundle or just pick your favorites—they’ll be grateful either way.
Face masks and relaxing skincare are always a win, too. This staffer deserves a break, and you can help them finally take one.
Chief Who’s Trying
They’re juggling budgets, putting out fires, and keeping the office afloat on caffeine and pure determination. Help them push through the holiday crunch with gifts that bring a little joy back into the job:
Start with UGG slippers for instant comfort and a bottle of wine for their well-earned end-of-day unwind. Add a good book and a Positive Potato for the perfect mix of relaxation and tiny desk-sized encouragement.
Round it out with a CNCT tote for hauling half their office around, a CNCT cap for off-duty errands, and a funny coffee mug to make their caffeine habit a little more fun.
For the COS who’s genuinely trying—here’s a boost.