6 CEOs name their best Christmas gift for under $50

Don't know what to buy for your loved ones this holiday season? Here are six suggestions from some of the most prominent CEOs and business leaders. (Source: Getty)

It’s that time of year again when Aussies hit the shops to pick out the perfect gift for their loved ones.

But, if you’re struggling to come up with the perfect idea don’t be alarmed. Yahoo Finance asked leading CEOs what their go-to gift is to create our first ever holiday gift guide.

From books to Bitcoin - here are some business leaders perfect pressies for under $50.

Ross McEwan - NAB CEO

Ross McEwan, CEO of NAB. (Source: Getty) (Andrew Milligan - PA Images via Getty Images)

“It’s time to start exploring again”

Books are always great presents – to give and receive. Now that borders are opening up again, I’m looking forward to getting back out there and exploring more of Australia.

On my book list is; ‘Ultimate Weekends, Australia’ by travel blogger Emma Shaw, and ‘Welcome to Country’ by First Nations scholar and author Marcia Langton.

Alex Christou - Managing Director, Thrive Global APAC

Alex Christou, managing director, Thrive Global APAC. (Source: Provided)

“The gift of giving this Christmas”

This is how my Christmas cards to those closest to me will read in 2021:

I've made a donation of $50 in your name to (insert charity's name) to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. I know how much you care about (insert charity's main mission) and wanted to support your passion for (insert recipient's passion).

Donating to charity is replacing traditional gift giving as I look to spread festive cheer to those less fortunate. The most important aspect of giving this type of gift is to find a charity that is meaningful for the recipient.

With regard to how much the donation should be - the words of Frank Lowy of Westfield Shopping center fame ring in my ears. He once said to me, "Alex, when you make a little money you give a little. When you make a lot you must give a lot”.

Sam White - CEO Stella Insurance

Sam White, CEO Stella Insurance. (Source: Stella Insurance)

“Hands down the best gift I’ve ever gotten”

The best present for me has to be the journal, ‘Dear Dad, from You to Me’.

The company also does ‘Dear Mum’, ‘Dear Sister’ etc. How it works is you give them the book, and they have to fill it out and return it to you. I gave it to my Dad a few years back and he returned it the year after.

It’s hands down the best gift I’ve ever gotten as it asked so many deep and intimate questions from how he knew he was in love with my mum, to his favourite teacher at school. It’s only $23 so you also have spare money to buy the bottle of wine to console you whilst reading it back, as I cried like a baby the first time I read it!

Fred Schebesta, Founder of Finder

Fred Schebesta, co-founder of Finder. (Source: Provided)

The gift of learning about cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin is a great gift idea because I believe it's the future of money. Bitcoin is a store of wealth, it's the leading cryptocurrency and you can buy a small fraction of one coin. You can buy $25 worth or $50 worth. And if they have never owned bitcoin, buying for someone will also give them the gift of learning about cryptocurrencies and blockchain.

Cath Whitaker, CEO Selfwealth

Cath Whitaker, CEO of Selfwealth. (Source: Provided)

People should be spending time at the beach

My go to idea is a pair of thongs/ flip flops / Havaianas (I am multilingual). From age two and up, most people start wearing them, most need to be replaced on an annual basis, and hey it’s Christmas and most people should be spending time at the beach – or maybe that is just the Queenslander in me.

For those with more sophisticated tastes, you can go Reef or Birkenstock, but at $50 and under there are some great choices.

Maggie O’Carroll, CEO The Women’s Organisation UK

Maggie O’Carroll, CEO The Women’s Organisation UK. (Source: Provided)

It’ll be the best $3 you’ve spent all Christmas

I’m hoping 2022 will be the year when we can all travel again. And for that reason, one of my favourite gifts is the AeroPress Go. It’s a great little portable brewing machine and easy to use wherever you are. Decent coffee on the go when you are traveling and out in the wilds.

And if you have $3 leftover, the best game for a Christmas gathering has to be Heads Up!. It’s the charades app you can download for free on your phone, and for an extra $3 you get premium access to multiple categories. Great fun and it will be the best $3 you’ve spent all Christmas!

Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to the free Fully Briefed daily newsletter.