9 Best Gifts for Procrastinators: Backed by Science
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We’ve all experienced that moment of indecision when it comes to finding the perfect gift for a friend, partner, or family member. It is even more challenging when you need to pick a gift that is specifically intended for procrastinator.
Now, imagine if you had a well-researched, science-backed list of gift ideas to make your search a breeze! This is the promise that I’m giving you today.
As an enthusiast for all things unique and scientifically proven, I’ve curated an exclusive list of gifts for people who procrastinate. Not just any list, but a compilation of the most useful, funny, and best gifts for procrastinators that have been shown to address the “art” of delaying tasks.
You’ll discover nine original and amazing gift ideas, each backed by science and research. These gifts are not just amusing but also designed to inspire action and promote productivity. I have hand-picked top products in each gift category, ensuring they accommodate to different tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re seeking productivity tools or gifts with a dash of humor, you’ll find it all here. So, sit tight as we dive the world of unique gifts for procrastinators, tailored to push your loved ones towards proactivity and timely action.
Table of Contents
Gift Idea 1: Productivity Planner
If you’ve got a friend or loved one who’s always racing against deadlines, a productivity planner could be their saving grace. These gifts are perfect for turning “I’ll do it later” into “Let’s get it done now!”
With a productivity planner, they can map out their tasks, set clear goals, and track their progress. It’s not just a gift, but a push towards a more productive, procrastination-free life.
Trust me, your gift will score you some serious brownie points!
The Science Behind Productivity Planners
The science behind productivity planners and goal-setting is compelling.
Research shows that the act of setting goals is associated with increased motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, and autonomy. Furthermore, a 2015 study found a direct connection between goal-setting and success.
These findings are brought to life in productivity planners, where goals are planned, tracked, and achieved. A Harvard Business Study even demonstrated that those who wrote down their goals were three times more likely to succeed than those who merely had a mental plan.
Therefore, gifting a productivity planner is indeed offering a proven tool to enhance productivity and reduce procrastination.
Panda Planner Pro
This planner uses a scientifically designed system to improve productivity and happiness.
It encourages users to focus on what matters and fosters a positive mindset, which can be a great tool for procrastinators.
Clever Fox Planner Pro
Weekly & Monthly Life Planner to Increase Productivity, Time Management and Hit Your Goals.
A well-rounded productivity tool, and an excellent fit for procrastinators as it helps to align daily tasks with long-term goals, making the process less overwhelming.
Law of Attraction Life & Goal Planner
Gratitude Journal, Week Success Planner, Vision Board & Organizer + Planner Stickers.
This planner is designed to help users increase productivity and achieve their goals using principles of positive psychology.
Gift Idea 2: Pomodoro Timer
A Pomodoro timer gift is a game-changer for procrastinators! It promotes productivity by breaking work into manageable 25-minute chunks followed by short breaks – a technique scientifically proven to enhance focus and creative thinking.
It’s not just a timer, it’s a catalyst towards efficient work and achieving goals. Truly a perfect gift for those looking to conquer procrastination.
The Science Behind Pomodoro Timer
The Pomodoro timer, a gift embodying the powerful Pomodoro Technique, is a scientifically supported ally against procrastination. It enhances productivity by segmenting work into focused intervals.
A study conducted by DeskTime found that the top 10% most productive people worked for 52 minutes, followed by a break of 17 minutes.
60 Minute Kitchen Timer (Tomato)
brings a dash of fun with its unique original tomato shape, making time management a playful yet productive task.
Ticktime Pomodoro Timer
A user-friendly, compact solution. Just flip it to start the countdown. It’s silent, magnetic, and rechargeable, ensuring convenience.
Yunbaoit VT08 Pro Digital
Visually engaging colored screen with silent operation. This rechargeable timer is a versatile tool for studying, working, or cooking.
Gift Idea 3: Self-Help Books
Some Self-help books are great tools for procrastinators seeking change, as they provide practical advice and strategies to tackle procrastination head-on.
The strategies offered in these books can help turn seemingly insurmountable tasks into manageable steps, encourage timely action, and promote a more productive lifestyle.
For procrastinators, Self-help books are not just a good read, they’re can be a roadmap to transformation.
The Science Behind Self-Help Books
Some Self-help books can be a game-changer for procrastinators as they provide science-based strategies designed to improve productivity and help overcome procrastination.
For instance, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear employs the concepts of positive reinforcement and behavior automaticity, both supported by research. Studies by Lally & Gardner (2013) confirm the effectiveness of such strategies in fostering habit change and enhancing productivity.
“Eat That Frog!” by Brian Tracy
This insightful book encourages tackling the most daunting tasks first, a concept inspired by a Mark Twain quote.
Tracy offers 21 effective strategies to conquer procrastination and enhance productivity. It’s an ideal gift for those who struggle to start their day’s most challenging tasks.
“Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen
This is one of the first books I’ve read on my journey to time management and productivity. Its impact on my life has been profound, fundamentally reshaping how I approach tasks and my daily routine.
Allen’s unique method of managing workflow, not just time, enables you to be more efficient and stress-free.
“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
This is hands down one of the best books I’ve read on the transformative power of habits. It has profoundly shifted my understanding of how tiny, consistent changes can bring about significant life alterations.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for an actionable approach to personal growth and productivity.
Gift Idea 4: Meditation Tools
Meditation can be a powerful tool against procrastination. It fosters mindfulness, which improves focus, reduces stress, and encourages a healthier perspective on life. Regular practice can help create a more positive mindset, enabling procrastinators to overcome their negative habits and enhance their productivity. Truly, it’s an investment in mental clarity and task efficiency.
The Science Behind Meditation
Scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of meditation in combating procrastination. A 2022 study found that mindfulness meditation reduced procrastination behaviors and decreased negative emotions in students. Through improved focus and self-regulation, meditation fosters an attitude more favorable to task completion and productivity.
Headspace Subscription
A top-notch meditation app that I’ve personally used and can’t recommend enough. Headspace offers a step-by-step guided journey into meditation, featuring personalized programs to tackle issues like procrastination and depression. It’s a perfect tool to help calm the mind and boost productivity.
Mindsight ‘Breathing Buddha’
This is a fantastic visual aid for mindfulness meditation. The ‘Breathing Buddha’ tool helps guide your breath, fostering a focused and relaxed state.
Tibetan Singing Bowl
These traditional tools produce soothing sounds, promoting a peaceful environment ideal for meditation. Using them can help establish a calm and focused mindset.
Gift Idea 5: Productivity App
Productivity apps employs technology’s power to boost efficiency for procrastinators. They help manage tasks, increase focus, and set effective routines, leading to better time management and higher productivity. Moreover, they provide the structure procrastinators often lack, making overcoming inaction a lot easier. These tools use tech to turn smartphones into personal productivity assistants, connecting the gap between intention and action.
The Science Behind Productivity Apps
Scientific research supports the benefits of task planner tools in combating procrastination.
For instance, a study by software company Salesforce.com suggested productivity apps could boost worker productivity by over 34%. Additionally, some apps employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based strategies, a method proven highly effective for people with severe procrastination, according to a 2018 study. These tools can be game-changers for procrastinators.
Todoist Premium (Task Manager)
As a top-rated task manager, with its intuitive user interface, you can easily categorize projects and tasks into different lists, set their priority levels, and attach due dates. The process of creating, managing, and monitoring tasks is made effortlessly simple.
In the premium version, unlock a wide range of advanced features, essentially offering unlimited possibilities for task management.
Virtue Map (3-month Perzonalized-Program)
This app offers a personalized three-month anti-procrastination plan based on scientifically proven methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques.
From my personal experience with this app, I found it loaded with powerful strategies and guidelines to tackle procrastination effectively. Its progressive step-by-step plan makes it an easy to use and comprehensive tool for procrastinators willing to unlock their full potential.
HabitNow Premium (Habit Tracker)
This is hands-down one of the best habit trackers I’ve ever used. The interface is user-friendly, and it lets you create highly customizable habits, to-do lists, and reminders.
Upgrading to the premium plan unlocks the Pomodoro feature and allows tracking of unlimited habits, serving as a lifeline for procrastinators.
Gift Idea 6: Funny Gifts
Funny gifts for procrastinators are not just good for a laugh, they can also help lighten the mood around the topic of procrastination, making it easier to talk about and tackle.
These clever presents might just serve as a fun reminder to get things done, breaking the ice around a potentially stressful issue. After all, laughter is the best medicine and a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!
The Science Behind Funny Gifts for Procrastinators
Humor has been linked to various psychological benefits, such as stress reduction and mood elevation. According to research, Laughter can decrease stress and improve productivity.
While it may not result in a drastic shift in a procrastinator’s behaviors, a fun gift can act as a lighthearted reminder to get things done. By bringing laughter and positivity, funny gifts might inspire conversations about procrastination in a stress-free way.
Not Lazy Enjoy Doing Nothing – T Shirt
A funny t-shirt that embraces procrastination with a playful graphic. It proudly declares “Not Lazy – Enjoy Doing Nothing,” offering a humorous take on relaxation and the art of doing nothing.
A perfect gift to lighten the mood!
ArogGeld Modern Large Wall Clock Whatever
This unique wall clock tosses traditional timekeeping to the wind. Instead of numbers, it simply says ‘Whatever’ at every hour, making it a quirky and funny gift that captures the spirit of procrastination perfectly.
Decodyne Funny Sloth Coffee Mug
This adorable coffee mug features a lazy sloth, the universal symbol of relaxation and taking things slow. A fun reminder with your morning coffee that it’s okay to be a little slow sometimes.
Great for both men and women who appreciate sloth speed!
Gift Idea 7: Smartwatches
Smartwatches make excellent gifts for procrastinators. They not only track time but also provide helpful reminders for tasks. By integrating with phone apps, they give alerts right on your wrist, minimizing distractions. Their health tracking features also promote a balanced lifestyle, which can help boost focus and productivity.
The Science Behind Smartwatches
Smartwatches can boost productivity by keeping tasks in check with reminders. They also monitor your health, helping you maintain some balance in life.
There’s some evidence that smartwatches boost productivity and combat procrastination. A study by Rackspace, Human Cloud at Work, showed an 8.5% rise in productivity among employees using smartwatches.
Apple Watch Series 7 (Best for iPhone)
Perfect for iPhone users, this watch is a great tool for managing time and tasks efficiently. Its seamless integration with iOS, calendar and reminder notifications, and robust health tracking help keep procrastinators focused and motivated.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (Best for Android)
A top choice for Android users, this watch offers excellent productivity features, including reminders, calendar syncing, and app notifications. Its fitness and sleep tracking can help maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle.
Fitbit Charge 5 (Best Fitbit)
More than just a fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 5 includes personalized reminders and goal settings. With its advanced health insights and stress management score, it’s an ideal companion for procrastinators wanting to maintain balance while boosting productivity.
Gift Idea 8: Fidget Toys
By providing a physical activity to engage in while thinking or working, fidget toys can help improve focus and decrease stress. These toys, with their fun, tactile nature, can make daunting tasks seem more approachable.
The Science Behind Fidget Toys
Preliminary research suggests that fidget toys may enhance attention and improve memory. A 2022 study revealed that students with ADHD demonstrated improved classroom behavior when using fidget spinners, indicating these toys could enhance productivity and engagement.
Pop Fidget Toys
Pop Fidget Toys offer a satisfying sensory experience, perfect for idle hands. They can be endlessly popped in and out, creating a fun rhythm that helps focus the mind and reduce anxiety.
ONO Roller Black
An original, handheld fidget toy that provides a soothing, rolling motion that can help reduce stress and improve focus. Its sleek, black design is both functional and stylish.
PILPOC the Fube Fidget Cube
Offering six sides of different tactile activities, the Fube Fidget Cube keeps the hands and mind engaged. It can help with focus and activity-related stress. Plus, it’s small enough to take anywhere.
By the way, I’m using one right now while writing this blog.
Gift Idea 9: Home Office Essentials
Having a well-equipped home office can boost productivity and help with procrastination. Tools like an adjustable desk promote an active lifestyle, sound machines help create a peaceful environment, and an oil diffuser can improve focus with calming scents. Together, these essentials create a conducive workspace to tackle tasks efficiently.
The Science Behind some Home Office Essentials
Scientific studies support the productivity benefits of a well-designed home office. Adjustable standing desks, like the FLEXISPOT, have been shown by a 12-month studies to promote productivity, better concentration and improved overall health.
Research suggests that listening to white noise, like those in sound Machines, may improve some aspects of cognitive performance in individuals with lower attention.
Similarly, studies have shown that aromatherapy from oil diffusers of lavender and rosemary have positive effects on cognitive functions, anxiety and sleep problems.
FLEXISPOT EW8 Comhar Electric Standing Desk
A sleek, adjustable desk that transitions smoothly between sitting and standing positions. Ideal for breaking up long periods of sitting and promoting productivity in your workspace.
Hatch Restore Sound Machine
This machine provides soothing sounds that can mask disruptive noise. Its smart light feature also helps regulate sleep, improving rest and enhancing focus during the day.
InnoGear Oil Diffuser
This diffuser disperses calming essential oil aromas, creating a serene workspace. With its color-changing lights, it also serves as a relaxing visual feature in your home office.
Takeaways
In conclusion, finding the right gift for procrastinators isn’t tricky if you know where to look. Whether it’s a productivity app, meditation tool, a humorous gift, or a smartwatch, there’s something for everyone.
Remember, each tool can inspire change, but success will ultimately depend on the individual. So, explore these options and see what works best for you or your loved ones.
We’re interested in hearing about your experiences! Which of these gifts would you find most useful, or do you have any other suggestions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Let’s all help each other tackle procrastination and boost productivity.
By Sam David
Published June 19, 2023
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My name is Sam David. I am the founder of "Proactivity Lab," a website that provides comprehensive strategies and resources for understanding and overcoming procrastination.
The website's resources are the culmination of more than 20 years of research and experience, during which I embarked on a long and gruelling journey of study and self-discovery.
Being a former procrastinator myself, it took me years of investigation and numerous trials and errors to gain a clear understanding of the underlying causes of procrastination and the most effective and scientifically supported strategies to permanently conquer the vicious cycle of procrastination.
I would like to share my knowledge with you, for free.
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