The Ultimate Gift Guide for PKM Enthusiasts: What Every Note-Taking Nerd Needs
If you’re on the hunt for a gift that will truly impress someone obsessed with productivity, organization, and optimizing their workflows, you’ve come to the right place. This guide highlights some of the best gifts for PKM (Personal Knowledge Management) enthusiasts, with options tailored for accountants and tech consultants who want to up their knowledge management game. Drawing from my own experiences, I’ve included personalized examples of how I use these products to make life easier and more efficient.
ChatGPT Plus Subscription
Price: $20/month
Why It’s Perfect: A subscription to ChatGPT Plus is an ideal gift for anyone who relies on generating ideas, problem-solving, or automating repetitive tasks. For accountants like me, ChatGPT is a powerhouse for daily tasks—whether that’s drafting emails to clients, summarizing complex tax regulations, or rambling through my thoughts to get myself organized.
How I Use It: The free version of ChatGPT already does a lot, but ChatGPT Plus unlocks custom GPTs, which is something I use quite frequently at work, especially if it requires some sort of repetitive input and output. For example, update emails: I like those to have a consistent format throughout a project so with a custom GPT, I'm able to provide the update in my own words and have ChatGPT format the content. It also gives me access to new functionality early, which keeps things interesting.
Password Manager Subscription
Why It Makes Sense: A solid PKM system isn’t complete without robust security measures. Also, a password manager removes the mental load of having to memorize passwords. I've been using 1Password for years now and there's a sense of comfort and security knowing that I don't know some of my passwords, yet have access to them all when I need them.
1Password.com Digital Gift Cards
Alternative: Apple Passwords in iOS 18 is giving services like 1Password a run for their money. I haven't migrated over just yet, though.
Fantastical Calendar App Subscription
Why It’s Perfect: The Fantastical app shines with its natural language input. It understands what I need and makes entering events into my calendar a breeze. Type “Diego Playdate Tuesday 3-5 pm,” and it’s instantly added to my shared family calendar.
How I Use It: My PKM system relies heavily on time-blocking and managing multiple work and personal calendars so having Fantastical automatically integrate with my other productivity apps means I can see my week at a glance. This is especially helpful when I’m coordinating work travel with family events and playdates during the week. If it's not in the calendar, it's not happening and Fantastical makes it as easy as possible to get things in my calendar.
Stream Deck for Quick Commands
Model Options: Stream Deck MK.2 | Stream Deck + with Dial
Why It’s Perfect: The Stream Deck isn’t just for streamers—it’s a secret weapon for anyone looking to boost productivity. I use mine as a control center for quick actions: launching apps, triggering complex automations, and managing my PKM workflow at the touch of a button. For accountants managing multiple applications, emails, and client meetings, it’s a game changer.
How I Use It: My Stream Deck is programmed to open my Obsidian notes with one click, create new daily notes, and switch between my PKM apps seamlessly. It also handles shortcuts for entering data into my calendar and to-do apps with the touch of a button. I also have a button that opens my son's daycare app so I can catch up on photos throughout the day.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Why It's Perfect: Whether working in an office or at home, accountants need focused time for detailed work. Noise-canceling headphones can help create that bubble of concentration.
I have two go-tos for this one:
If you’re looking for a way to tune out distractions while diving deep into your PKM system, the AirPods Pro 2 are a fantastic addition to any workflow. With the upgraded Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes, they help you maintain focus whether you’re at your desk or working in a noisy environment. I’ve found them to be incredibly useful for everything from deep work to casual listening, especially when I need to block out the world and concentrate. Their seamless integration with Apple devices also makes them perfect for quick transitions between tasks. Whether you’re listening to a podcast or fine-tuning your notes, these headphones are a great tool to help you stay in the zone.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are designed for professionals who need absolute focus in even the noisiest environments. These headphones ensure that distractions won’t interrupt your workflow—whether you’re organizing your notes, drafting new ideas, or just need a quiet space to think. The long battery life is ideal for those who spend long hours building out their PKM system, and the lightweight, comfortable design means you can wear them all day without discomfort. For me, they’ve been perfect for getting into that deep work flow, especially when I need to focus on organizing or reflecting on my thoughts. If you know someone who needs to maintain concentration amidst constant distractions, these headphones make an excellent gift.
Premium Notebooks & Pens
Why It’s Perfect: For PKM enthusiasts who enjoy the tactile experience of jotting down thoughts, premium notebooks and pens are a must. Not everything can be digital—sometimes, there’s unmatched clarity when putting pen to paper.
How I Use It: I typically carry a Leuchtturm1917 Dot Grid Notebook or Moleskine PRO Notebook with me everywhere to capture ideas for my blog or notes during my workday and client meetings. The dots on the Leuchtturm give me flexibility to write as I please and the Moleskine PRO gives me just enough structure to not have to worry about designing the perfect notebook setup. Pair either with a 0.5mm Muji pen for crisp, detailed writing that doesn’t smudge.
Books That Inspire PKM Practices
Books are excellent gifts for those looking to level up their knowledge management strategies. Here are my top recommendations:
“Building a Second Brain” by Tiago Forte: This book revolutionized how I approached my PKM workflow. It offers practical advice for turning notes into actionable insights, something every accountant and tech consultant can appreciate.
“How to Take Smart Notes” by Sönke Ahrens: I found this especially helpful when learning to make meaningful connections between different ideas. I used its principles to develop my system for taking and organizing notes in Obsidian.
“Getting Things Done” by David Allen: An oldie but a goodie. When I first read this, it reshaped my entire approach to task management and formed the backbone of my daily and weekly review routines.
An Assortment of Keyboards
A great keyboard is essential for PKM enthusiasts and accountants alike who spend countless hours typing. I'll admit, I have a bit of an obsession with keyboards but for me, being able to swap out a keyboard whenever I'm feeling bored gives me that little pick me up and hit of dopamine to get through my tasks.
A few keyboards I own and would recommend:
Keychron Mechanical Keyboards: This is my go-to for at-home writing marathons, offering customizable key switches and backlighting for evening sessions.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID: Reliable and light-weight, perfect for Mac users who want the benefit of touch ID when your laptop closed or out of reach.
Logitech MX Keys: My top pick for a versatile, multi-device keyboard that syncs seamlessly with my desktop and iPad. It’s a staple in every desk setup on YouTube.
How I Use It: I have an obsession with keyboards and while I switch between them often, the MX Keys is generally the one that's always on my desk. I have the 10-key version to check the accountant box but there's also one without it for all y'all that have a dedicated mechanical 10-key.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect gift for a fellow PKM enthusiast might seem tricky, but when you focus on tools that truly enhance productivity and organization, you can’t go wrong. Whether it’s a digital tool like a ChatGPT Plus subscription to help streamline workflows, or a high-quality notebook for capturing ideas, each of these items has the potential to make a real impact on someone’s PKM system. These gifts aren’t just practical—they show that you understand the value of organization, efficiency, and creativity.
So, if you’re shopping for a PKM nerd in your life, these recommendations will surely bring a smile to their face and add value to their personal knowledge management routine. Ready to surprise your PKM-loving friend or colleague? Click through the links to explore these items and make their PKM journey even better. Trust me—they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness of a gift that supports their workflow!
Happy gifting!
Got a favorite PKM gift idea not on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on Threads/BlueSky!