Holiday Gift Guide for Working Remotely and Learning from Home
It goes without saying that the 2020 Holiday Season will be anything but normal. The effects of COVID-19 are continuing to impact families across the country and may be felt even more severely as businesses and school districts try to manage an uncertain winter season.
According to a recent study, some employees won’t be returning to their offices until we are well into 2021, while others may never see their office again. After careful evaluation, 68% of large company CEOs now have plans to downsize their offices permanently, according to a recent report.
At the same time, currently more than half of American children under 18 (64%) have two parents working from home while they simultaneously take part in remote learning.
As families across the country adapt to this “new normal”, their holiday shopping lists have evolved, with an increase need for products and services that can help to ease this transition. The essentials parents and children need for both working and learning from home will undoubtedly top the list of holiday gifts, as Americans continue to adjust to their new realities.
For Students: Learning-at-home key items include:
- Desks
- Laptops and tablets
- Noise canceling headphones
- Online learning tools
- Blue light blocking glasses
- Writing essentials
For Parents: Remote working key items include:
- Upgraded tech essentials like printers and monitors
- Webcams and ring lights
- Office furniture such as lamps, ergonomic chairs and standing desks
- Organization & storage products
Retailers, like Staples, are offering shoppers smart office setup and inspiration, the latest remote technology and more to support this life transition consumers are facing; and they’re encouraging customers to think differently about their homework and learning set-ups by inspiring them through helpful content.
With 42% of consumers hoping to reduce their time spent in-store this holiday season[1] and 85% of shoppers reporting that they’ve increased curbside pickup orders since COVID-19 began, it’s expected consumers will also continue to take advantage of the services like BOPIS aka buy online, pick-up in-store”, curbside pickup and same day delivery.
Amy Lang, SVP, Strategy & Insights at Staples Stores joined me to discuss the holiday shopping trends for 2020 and how retailers will be adjusting to support consumers’ wants and needs during this unprecedented time.
1.Facebook for Business: “5 eCommerce Trends to Act on This Holiday Season.” Sept.2, 2020..
