phd supervisor gift

Gifts for PhD Advisor: Top Ideas in 2023

• August 24, 2023

Finding the perfect gift for your PhD advisor can be a daunting task. You want to show your appreciation for their guidance and support throughout your academic journey, but you also want to choose something that is thoughtful and meaningful.

When it comes to gifts for PhD advisors, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to choose something that reflects your advisor’s interests and personality. This could be anything from a book on their favorite subject to a personalized piece of artwork.

Another important factor to consider is the level of formality in your relationship. If you have a more casual relationship with your advisor, a fun and lighthearted gift may be appropriate. However, if your relationship is more formal, you may want to choose a more professional gift.

Ultimately, the best gift for your PhD advisor is one that shows your gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and dedication. In the following sections, we’ll explore some unique and thoughtful gift ideas that are sure to impress your advisor and express your gratitude.

Best Gifts for PhD Advisors

Choosing a gift for your PhD advisor can be a challenging task. You want to show your appreciation for their guidance and support during your academic journey, but also want to ensure that the gift is thoughtful and meaningful. To help you find the perfect gift, we have compiled a list of the best gifts for PhD advisors. These gifts are not only practical but also convey your gratitude towards your advisor.

CAE Design Co Mug

If you are looking for a thoughtful gift for your PhD advisor, the CAE Design Co mug is a great option.

• High-quality ceramic mug with a comfortable handle that makes the perfect novelty gift for anyone on any occasion.
• Sublimation printed on both sides to accommodate left and right-handed use. Unique custom design will never peel or fade; microwave and dishwasher safe.
• Perfect gift for anyone – We make a variety of fun, funny, cute novelty drinkware gifts under $20 with popular sayings for him or her, bosses, employees, mom, dad, teacher, professionals, graduates, husband, wife, coworkers, colleagues, adults, seniors, man, woman, male, female; going away, farewell, leaving, bye, thank you, graduation; Better than a Card!
• The mug may be too small for some people who prefer a larger size.
• The design may not be suitable for everyone’s taste.
• The product may arrive with minor defects or imperfections.

The CAE Design Co mug has a smooth, white ceramic cup with an easy-grip handle that feels great in your hand as you sip your hot or cold beverage. The mug is professionally printed in the USA and makes the best novelty gift for men and women, young and old. It is both dishwasher and microwave safe, making it easy to clean and use.

The mug comes in both an 11 ounce and 15 ounce size option, and the designs are printed on both sides of the mug for both left-handed and right-handed people. The company produces cute, funny, inspirational, and unique designs that are perfect for any occasion.

Overall, the CAE Design Co mug is a great gift for your PhD advisor that they will surely appreciate. It is a high-quality product that is both functional and stylish, making it a great addition to any kitchen or office space.

Kisho Personalized Name Mug

If you’re looking for a unique gift for your PhD advisor, the Kisho Personalized Name Mug might be worth considering.

• The mug is made from high-gloss ceramic, making it durable and long-lasting.
• It features a personalized design, making it a thoughtful and meaningful gift.
• The mug is dishwasher and microwave safe, making it easy to use and care for.
• The mug only comes in one size (11 oz), which might not be suitable for everyone.
• The design might not be to everyone’s taste.
• The mug is relatively expensive compared to other mugs on the market.

This mug is a great gift idea for anyone looking to show their appreciation for their PhD advisor. The high-quality ceramic material ensures that the mug will last for years to come, while the personalized design adds a thoughtful touch.

The mug is also very easy to use and care for, thanks to its dishwasher and microwave safe design. However, the relatively high price might be a turn-off for some buyers, and the design might not be to everyone’s liking.

Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for your PhD advisor, the Kisho Personalized Name Mug is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations before making your purchase.

PhD Advisor Best Ever Literally Cute Funny For PhD Advisor T-Shirt

If you want to give a gift to your PhD advisor that will make them smile, then the PhD Advisor Best Ever Literally Cute Funny For PhD Advisor T-Shirt is a great option.

• The shirt is made of high-quality materials and is very comfortable to wear.
• The design is funny and will definitely make your PhD advisor laugh.
• The shirt is available in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your advisor.
• The shirt may not be suitable for all PhD advisors, especially if they have a more serious personality.
• The design may not be appropriate for all occasions, such as formal events.
• The shirt may shrink in the wash if not washed properly.

If you want to show your appreciation for your PhD advisor in a fun and lighthearted way, then the PhD Advisor Best Ever Literally Cute Funny For PhD Advisor T-Shirt is a great choice. The shirt is made of high-quality materials and is very comfortable to wear, so your advisor can enjoy wearing it all day long. The design is also very funny and will definitely make your advisor smile. Plus, the shirt is available in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your advisor.

However, it’s important to note that the shirt may not be suitable for all PhD advisors, especially if they have a more serious personality. The design may also not be appropriate for all occasions, such as formal events. Additionally, the shirt may shrink in the wash if not washed properly. Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and unique gift for your PhD advisor, then the PhD Advisor Best Ever Literally Cute Funny For PhD Advisor T-Shirt is definitely worth considering.

Personalized Gift Mug Advisor Gift PhD Advisor Travel Mug Personalized Dissertation Advisor Insulated Cup for Men Women Thesis Advisor Gifts Doctoral Advisor Mug Custom Name Gift Mug Accent Mug Multi 5

If you’re looking for a thoughtful and personalized gift for your PhD advisor, the Personalized Gift Mug Advisor Gift PhD Advisor Travel Mug is a great option.

• Crafted from ceramic, making it durable and long-lasting
• Vibrantly printed from edge-to-edge via Sublimation, ensuring the design won’t fade or peel off
• Ships with a festive gold cord for easy hanging, so your advisor can display it as a keepsake
• Hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some users
• Only available in four shapes: Circle, Oval, Heart, & Star
• Best suited for those who enjoy personalized gifts

The Personalized Gift Mug Advisor Gift PhD Advisor Travel Mug is crafted from high-quality ceramic, making it a durable and long-lasting gift that your advisor can enjoy for years to come. The design is vibrantly printed from edge-to-edge via Sublimation, ensuring that it won’t fade or peel off over time. Plus, it ships with a festive gold cord for easy hanging, so your advisor can display it as a keepsake on their office wall.

While the mug is only available in four shapes (Circle, Oval, Heart, & Star), it can be personalized with your advisor’s name, making it a unique and thoughtful gift. However, it’s important to note that the mug is hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, this gift is best suited for those who enjoy personalized gifts.

Overall, if you’re looking for a personalized and thoughtful gift for your PhD advisor, the Personalized Gift Mug Advisor Gift PhD Advisor Travel Mug is a great option that they’re sure to appreciate.

PHD Advisor Husband Dad Legend Notebook

If you’re looking for a thoughtful and personalized gift for your PHD advisor, the PHD Advisor Husband Dad Legend Notebook is a great option.

• Personalized notebook with PHD advisor’s name on the cover
• 120 ruled pages for notes, ideas, and thoughts
• Compact size of 6 x 9 inches makes it easy to carry around
• Limited to only 120 pages
• Not suitable for those who prefer blank pages
• Cover design may not appeal to everyone

This notebook is the perfect gift for your PHD advisor, whether it’s for their birthday, graduation, or simply to show your appreciation. The cover features the words “PHD Advisor Husband Dad Legend” followed by their name, making it a truly personalized gift. The compact size of 6 x 9 inches makes it easy to carry around, whether it’s to meetings or conferences.

The notebook contains 120 ruled pages, providing ample space for notes, ideas, and thoughts. The pages are of good quality and the lines are well spaced, making it easy to write legibly. The notebook is also lightweight and easy to carry around.

One downside is that the notebook is limited to only 120 pages, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, some users may prefer blank pages instead of ruled pages. Finally, the cover design may not appeal to everyone.

Overall, the PHD Advisor Husband Dad Legend Notebook is a thoughtful and personalized gift that any PHD advisor would appreciate. It’s compact, well-designed, and contains ample space for notes and ideas.

Buying Guide

Choosing a gift for your PhD advisor can be a challenging task. You want to show your appreciation for their guidance and support, but you also want to make sure that the gift is appropriate and useful. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a gift for your PhD advisor:

Consider their interests and hobbies

One way to ensure that your gift is well-received is to choose something that aligns with your advisor’s interests or hobbies. For example, if your advisor is a coffee lover, you could consider a high-quality coffee maker or a gift card to a specialty coffee shop. If they enjoy reading, you could give them a book by their favorite author or a subscription to a literary magazine.

Look for something practical

Another approach is to choose a gift that your advisor can use in their professional life. This could be a new piece of equipment or software that would help them in their research, or a gift card to a conference or workshop that they have been wanting to attend. Consider their needs and preferences when making your selection.

Personalize the gift

Adding a personal touch to your gift can make it even more meaningful. You could create a custom plaque or trophy that acknowledges their contributions to your academic success, or you could put together a gift basket of their favorite snacks and treats. Consider what would make your advisor feel appreciated and valued.

Consider the budget

Finally, it’s important to consider your budget when selecting a gift for your PhD advisor. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to show your appreciation – a heartfelt thank-you note or a small token of appreciation can go a long way. However, if you do have a larger budget, consider investing in a high-quality gift that your advisor will use and enjoy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good gift ideas for a phd advisor.

A good gift for a PhD advisor is something that shows your appreciation for their guidance and support throughout your academic journey. Some ideas include a personalized thank-you note, a gift card to their favorite restaurant or store, a book related to their field of study, or a small item that reflects their interests.

What are some unique gifts for a dissertation chair?

A unique gift for a dissertation chair could be something related to their hobby or interest outside of academia. For example, if your chair is a wine enthusiast, you could gift them a bottle of their favorite wine. Alternatively, you could gift them a personalized item, such as a custom-made piece of jewelry or a monogrammed notebook.

What are some thoughtful gifts for advisors?

A thoughtful gift for an advisor could be something that shows you have put effort into selecting it. Some ideas include a framed photo of you and your advisor, a personalized mug with their name or favorite quote, or a gift basket filled with their favorite snacks or treats.

What are some appropriate gifts for professors?

Appropriate gifts for professors include items that are professional and respectful. Some ideas include a nice pen, a book related to their field of study, a gift card to a local restaurant or coffee shop, or a small item that reflects their interests.

What are some gift ideas for a PhD candidate?

Gift ideas for a PhD candidate could include items that will help them in their research or studies, such as a book related to their field of study, a gift card to a local coffee shop or bookstore, or a personalized notebook or planner.

What are some ways to show appreciation to a PhD advisor?

Ways to show appreciation to a PhD advisor include sending them a personalized thank-you note, inviting them to a celebratory dinner or event, or writing a letter of recommendation for them. Additionally, you could offer to volunteer your time to assist with their research or projects.

How I do things

As a mother, I understand the struggle of finding the right gift for loved ones and the importance of making meaningful gestures. That’s why I created this website—to share my insights, experiences, and gift ideas with fellow parents and gift seekers.

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The gifts they actually want!

20 Thank You Gifts for PhD Advisor

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All of these thoughtful thank you gifts for PhD advisor will mean so much. Your PhD advisor has helped you through the process, even if sometimes the “help” didn’t feel so helpful! Now is an excellent time to get them a thank you gift to show how much you appreciate their guidance and mentoring! There are so many awesome gifts to choose from!

Awesome Thank You Gifts For PhD Advisor

Any PhD advisor would love these terrific gifts! 

“Thank you for helping me grow” Tree Necklace with Birthstone

Thank you, PhD advisor, for helping you grow into the fantastic PhD you have become with this tree necklace, and you can even personalize it with their birthstone!

“Yoda best mentor” Mug

If they love Star Wars, they will really enjoy this “Yoda best mentor” mug to drink their morning coffee from each day.

“The greatest gift you can give someone is your time” Art Collage

They gave you the greatest gift they could ever give: their time!

“A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could” Notebook

Because of your PhD advisor, you have gotten a lot further than you thought you could on your own!

“This is what an AWESOME mentor looks like” Shirt

They are the epitome of an excellent mentor, and now they can let everyone know, everywhere they go, with this shirt.

“You make a difference” Keychain

Remind them that through all of the complaining you did and the frustration they might have felt, they have continuously made a difference in your PhD journey.

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. -Richard Branson” Print

If this is something your PhD advisor told you all the time, that you need to set dreams that scare you, then they need this print. You can print it up, put it in a frame, and give it to them to hang up on their office wall.

Inspiration Soy Candle

Help them feel more inspired with an “Inspiration” soy candle.

“Soul Model” Mug

They are not just a role model; they are a “Soul” model!

“Good vibes only” Air Plant

A great reminder to them to stay positive, and to have a plant that has minimal requirements in their office.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17.” in Float Frame

If they are a person of faith, this verse really describes what they have done for you and so many others in their PhD journeys.

Personalized Wooden Pen

When nothing feels like the “right” gift, perhaps a personalized wooden pen will!

“Mentoring is kind of my thing” Tumbler

Their thing as an advisor is to mentor, teach, and guide. Perfect gift for Phd advisor! 

“Challenge, inspire, motivate” Christmas Ornament

If you are getting them a thank you gift close to Christmas; this ornament makes for a great gift.

Tree of Life Earrings

This beautiful tree of life earrings will remind them that the work they do is priceless and helps so many people grow.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. -Nelson Mandala” Print

Education is a powerful weapon; the more we are educated and use that education, the better the world will be.

“Beautiful minds inspire others” Necklace

Beautiful minds, especially like the one inside your PhD advisor’s head, inspire others.

Funny Wood Bookmark

For the bookworm PhD advisor, this funny wood bookmark will inspire them to continue reading, even when things get chaotic.

“Don’t make me use my PhD voice” Shirt

You never want them to use their PhD voice, whether they are your advisor or not. It is too intense!

“Consultant, advisor, specialist, mentor, confidant, partner, helper” Mug

They were more than an advisor to you; they were also a consultant, mentor, confidant, and helper!

Your PhD advisor will appreciate any gift you choose to give them as a thank you, especially one that will make them smile and feel inspired to keep advising others after you.

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23 Gift Ideas for Recent PhD Graduates : Celebrating Scholarly Accomplishment

Earning a PhD is a significant achievement that represents years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. When someone you know has recently been awarded their doctoral degree, it’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate their success and show your appreciation for their accomplishment.

Finding the right gift for a PhD graduate can be challenging, but with a little thought and consideration, you can find something that will truly resonate with the newly minted PhD.

In this article, we’ll explore twenty three thoughtful gift ideas to help you mark this milestone in their academic journey.

1. Personalized Stationery: Best Gift for a PhD Graduate

2. leather-bound journal : an appropriate gift for a phd graduate, 3. gift card to a bookstore : gift for a doctorate degree, 4. professional development opportunities, 5. customized frame : phd gift for him / her, 6. subscriptions to academic journals : gift for a doctoral graduate, 7. wellness and relaxation gifts, 8. technology upgrades:, 9. gift certificate for professional services:, 10. noise-canceling headphones:, 11. portable espresso machine:, 12. smart notebook:, 13. laptop stand:, 14. inspirational wall art:, 15. digital subscription to a research platform:, 16. professional attire:, 17. compact exercise equipment:, 18. kindle e-reader:, 19. online course subscription:, 20. smart watch:, 21. mobile holder with wireless charging:, 22. microphone for recording youtube or podcast:, 23. celebration and recognition:, exclusive phd gifts for her, exclusive phd gifts for him, before we close, unique gifts for phd graduates.

After completing a PhD, one often embarks on a new chapter of their career. Personalized stationery, such as custom-designed business cards or letterheads , can be a practical and sophisticated gift. It allows them to showcase their professional identity and make a lasting impression.

A beautiful, leather-bound journal makes an elegant gift for a newly minted PhD. Encourage them to reflect on their academic journey or use it as a tool to document their post-doctoral research or teaching experiences. The journal can become a cherished keepsake for years to come.

PhD graduates are passionate about knowledge and lifelong learning. Treat them to a gift card from a local bookstore or an online retailer specializing in academic books . This will give them the freedom to select titles that align with their research interests or explore new topics.

Consider gifting a ticket or registration fee for a conference, workshop, or seminar related to their field of study. Such events provide valuable networking opportunities and allow the PhD graduate to stay updated with the latest advancements in their area of expertise.

Displaying the hard-earned doctoral degree is a source of pride for any PhD holder. A customized frame not only protects their valuable document but also adds a touch of elegance to their office or living space. Opt for a frame that can be engraved with their name and the date of their achievement.

Access to academic research is crucial for PhD graduates. Consider gifting a subscription to a prominent academic journal or an online database relevant to their field of study. This will enable them to stay up to date with the latest research findings and gain insights into current scholarly conversations.

Completing a PhD can be mentally and physically demanding. Help the newly graduated PhD relax and rejuvenate with wellness gifts like spa vouchers , a massage chair , or a subscription to a meditation app . Encouraging self-care will be greatly appreciated during this transitional period.

PhD graduates often rely on technology for their research and professional work. Consider gifting them a new laptop , tablet , or other technology upgrades that can enhance their productivity and facilitate their future endeavors. Research their preferences to ensure the gift aligns with their needs.

Post-PhD life often involves job hunting or transitioning to new career opportunities. A gift certificate for professional services like resume writing, career coaching, or interview preparation can provide invaluable support during this phase, helping the PhD graduate stand out in a competitive job market.

Help the PhD graduate stay focused and minimize distractions with a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones. They can enjoy immersive audio experiences or create a quiet environment for studying and research.

For those who rely on caffeine to fuel their intellectual endeavors, a portable espresso machine can be a game-changer. It allows them to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee wherever they go, whether it’s in the office, the library, or during conferences.

Combine the traditional charm of handwriting with the convenience of digital organization with a smart notebook . These reusable notebooks allow users to digitize their notes, sketches, and ideas using a companion app, making it easy to store, search, and share their work.

Promote ergonomics and comfort with a laptop stand . This adjustable stand helps maintain a proper viewing angle, reducing strain on the neck and shoulders during long hours of work. It also improves airflow around the laptop, preventing overheating.

Give the PhD graduate a daily dose of inspiration with motivational wall art . Choose a print or canvas featuring quotes or images that reflect their academic journey, goals, or aspirations. It will serve as a constant reminder of their achievements and the path ahead.

Provide access to a comprehensive digital research platform, such as JSTOR or ScienceDirect , with a subscription gift card. This enables the PhD graduate to explore a vast range of academic journals, articles, and research papers in their field of interest.

Help the newly minted PhD make a polished impression in their professional life with a gift card for professional attire . They can choose from a wide range of formal clothing, suits, or accessories to suit their personal style and the demands of their career.

Encourage a healthy and active lifestyle with compact exercise equipment . Items like resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, or compact elliptical trainers allow the PhD graduate to stay fit and energized even during busy research or work schedules.

For the avid reader and knowledge enthusiast, a Kindle e-reader provides a convenient way to carry a vast library of books in a single device. They can access academic publications, research papers, and leisure reads, all in one compact and portable device.

Support the PhD graduate’s continuous learning journey with a subscription to an online learning platform, such as Udemy or Coursera . They can explore courses in various disciplines, expand their skill set, or delve deeper into their research interests.

A smartwatch can be a useful companion for a PhD graduate, helping them stay organized, track their fitness goals, and receive notifications on the go. It can also serve as a stylish accessory.

Make multitasking easier with a mobile holder that incorporates wireless charging capabilities. This allows the PhD graduate to keep their smartphone at a convenient viewing angle while ensuring it stays charged throughout the day.

If the PhD graduate has aspirations for content creation, a high-quality microphone can be a valuable gift. It improves the audio quality of recordings for YouTube videos, podcasts, or online lectures, enhancing their communication and presentation skills.

Don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt congratulatory message or a celebratory gathering. Organize a small get-together or dinner to honor their achievement and gather friends and family to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. A personalized, heartfelt note expressing your pride and admiration can also be a cherished gift.

Bonus Gifts :

These woman-specific gift ideas are designed to honor and celebrate her accomplishments while recognizing her unique identity as a female academic leader. Choose a gift that resonates with her interests and preferences to show your sincere appreciation.

Customized Jewelry with Academic Symbolism : Commission a piece of custom jewelry featuring academic symbolism such as a DNA helix pendant, a neuron-inspired bracelet, or a constellation ring representing her research interests. It’s a stylish and meaningful accessory that reflects her academic passion.

Yoga or Meditation Retreat : Gift her a weekend getaway to a yoga or meditation retreat where she can rejuvenate her mind, body, and spirit. Choose a serene location with scenic views and expert instructors.

These additional gift ideas offer a range of options to celebrate the achievements of a male PhD graduate and cater to his interests and preferences.

Gourmet Coffee or Whiskey Set : Curate a gourmet coffee or whiskey set featuring premium blends or spirits from around the world. Include unique flavors or rare varieties to elevate his drinking experience.

Outdoor Adventure Gear : If he enjoys outdoor activities, consider gifting him premium outdoor adventure gear such as a high-performance hiking backpack, a rugged camping tent, or a top-of-the-line fishing rod.

I have written several articles in my blog related to academic research. Please include it as a bonus gift. My website www.researchvoyage.com contains articles on Research Conference, Research Journal, Patent, Research Grants, PhD, Research Tools , Research Internships and Research Careers.

Please convey my best wishes and suggest it ( www.researchvoyage.com ) as bonus gift with free of cost for the PhD graduate.

Celebrating the achievement of earning a PhD is a special occasion, and finding the perfect gift can add to the joy and recognition. In this article, we explored a variety of thoughtful gift ideas for someone who has recently been awarded their doctoral degree. Whether you choose personalized stationery, a leather-bound journal, or a gift card to a bookstore, each gift option demonstrates your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

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7 Best Gifts for PhD Students (By a PhD Student!)

My Top Pick: Care Package

Hi! I’m Chris. I’ve got a PhD, so I know allll about what it feels like to be going through the PhD process. I’ve listed some gift ideas I think would be great for a male or female PhD student. Here’s my list.

The best gift ideas for PhD students are:

• Care Package
• Messenger Bag
• PowerPoint Presentation Clicker & Laser Pointer
• Academic Career Guide Book
• Leather Bound Notebook

Looking for a Graduation Gift?

Best Gifts for PhD Students

1. care package.

Quick Review: A care package is best for a PhD student living away from home for college. Let them know you’re thinking about them and give them a bunch of study snacks!

Why a PhD Student would Like it:

A care package lets someone know you are thinking about them. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion for you to gift a care package – it’s great for a mid-winter pick-me-up. But, of course it’d also be a fitting gift for a birthday or Christmas, too. Care packages that have a range of snacks are great for students because we all like to snack while we study. I particularly like this CraveBox package as it’s much healthier than competitor. They have carefully picked out a diverse range of snacks that won’t show on the hips!

See my Full List of College Care Packages Here

2. Book Ends

Quick Review: PhD students read a lot of books. Brighten up their bookshelf with these classy bookends.

PhD students read books . A lot of books. When I was a PhD student I was going through about 3 books a week – philosophy, social sciences, methodologies, theories … books, books and more books. So bookends is a relevant and classy gift. They will also brighten up a doctoral student’s office or bookshelf. Do they seem like they need a little more decoration in their office? If so, here is the gift you’ll want to get!

3. Messenger Bag

Quick Review: PhD students are always carrying documents and textbooks around. Get them a classy messenger bag to brighten up their wardrobe.

A messenger bag is a popular style of bag for college students and professors (vis-a-vis Ted Moseby of  How I met your Mother ). Perhaps this is because college students and teachers are always carrying documents and textbooks around. If they’re also a teaching assistant, chances are they’ll be carrying around stacks of undergrad papers, too. If you like the idea of a messenger bag but want to shop different styles, check my full list of my favorite messenger bags for college students .

Related Post: Best Headphones for Studying at College

4. PowerPoint Presentation Clicker & Lader Pointer

Quick Review: PhD students give a lot of presentations. They present their research – but also give many lectures to undergrads. Get them a practical presentation clicker with laser pointer.

PhD students need to give presentations – and a lot of them. We have to give presentations about the progress of our research. Plus, we’re constantly asked to give guest lectures on our work to undergraduate students. Then, we go to conferences – where we do even more presentations.

A clicker helps you give your presentation as you can switch slides while walking around the stage. With this one, you can also use the lazer pointer to point out aspects of your presentation or slides that you want to highlight. It’s a great gadget for any PhD student (or professor, for that matter!).

5. Academic Career Guide Book

Quick Review: Getting an academic job after completing your PhD is incredibly difficult. There is 1 job for every 7 graduates. Give them a leg up with an advice book.

In the final year of my PhD, I spent a lot of time stressing about how I would get a job. This book helped me out hugely with tips on how to network and get a job. This book will help a PhD student fund out how to get a tenure-track position or a postdoc that will pay their way. It’s a book that can sit on the bookshelf and be browsed when needed.

6. Leather Bound Notebook

Quick Review: We’re always taking notes at meetings and conferences So get that PhD student a lovely leather bound notebook!

To be honest, I am always carrying around scruffy-looking $1.50 notebooks. I’d love a nice looking notebook like this instead. The great thing about this specific notebook is that it’s refillable – so I can fit those ugly $1.50 notebooks inside the leather binding and keep burning through them – while still having a classy looking notebook instead of my usual dog-eared notepads.

7. Funny Mug

Quick Review: There are tons of mugs out there with PhD themed quotes and images you can browse for, especially on Amazon. One example is below.

Let’s face it, most of us get through our PhD on a very healthy dose of coffee. Grab the PhD student a themed mug for them to place by their desk or in the office. And while you’re at it, why not head to your local coffee roaster and pair this mug gift with a bag of high-quality grinds.

Final Thoughts

I hope this list of the best gifts for PhD students has given you some inspiration! If you feel you’ve still not found quite the right gift, consider checking out my list of gift ideas for undergraduates . You could also consider a college board game .

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Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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• June 17, 2023

23 Best Gift Ideas for Professors

Some academic occasions are to be celebrated, such as the end of a semester, graduation, or when your favorite professor retires. To honor the occasion, you may want to purchase a gift to thank your professor for all the hours and work they’ve put into your education. Trust us, professors work hard – when they aren’t teaching you, they’re likely in meetings, working on administrative tasks or doing research. 

But what should you buy? 

To help you find the perfect gift for your professor, we have prepared a list of 23 of the best gifts for professors you can buy online.

Best Gifts for Professors

In a hurry? Check out these top 3 staff picks:

Sea Urchin Air Plant Kit

Bringing nature indoors, this exotic kit comes with 3 tillandsia air plants and 3 sea urchin shells to display them in. These unique plants can live without soil, absorbing their nutrients from the air. An attractive addition to any space, these versatile plants can be arranged in any style and will filter and cleanse the air around you. With low maintenance, and minimal watering, they will thrive anywhere.

What we like:

• Comes with a convenient instruction sheet
• An exotic and unusual gift 

What we don’t like:

• The shells are on the smaller side, with some plants being too large to fit in them – a different pot may be needed if this is the case.

This is best for anyone looking for a gift idea for green thumbed professors, but are after something more unique than your typical indoor plant. These will certainly brighten up any professor’s face and office!

VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer

Professors usually spend their days being interrupted, often leading to the bitter disappointment of a cup of coffee gone cold. The solution – a coffee mug warmer. Suitable to sit on an office desk, this compact design has three temperature settings to either keep or warm up the temperature of the beverage, meaning no more wasted trips to the staff room to reheat a drink.

• Safe and durable with an automatic shut off after 4 hours
• Suitable for a range of mugs and materials
• Lightweight and portable
• Don’t expect drinks to become super hot – if your drink is cold when you use it, it will become warm but not piping hot. 
• Can be a little bit noisy

This is the best gift for nearly every professor! If you’re looking for the best gift ideas for professors, this could be the leading choice. What better way to say thank you than to make sure your professor never has to sip a cold coffee again!

Related: Shop These 5 Best Planners for Law School

Tea Forte Single Steeps Organic Loose Leaf Tea Sampler

Designed to relax the mind, body, and spirit, this organic tea leaf sampler offers a selection of gourmet teas for every mood. The pack comes with five varieties of tea, 3 of each blend – Darjeeling Quince, Mountain Oolong, Lemon Lavender, Orange Jasmine, and Vanilla Pear. Coming in pre-portioned single servings, these tea leaves can either be emptied into a teapot or infusing basket, for the perfect cup of tea. 

• A great way to sample new and different flavors of tea
• Convenient pre-portioned servings 
• Well presented box
• Some of the flavors are a bit hit and miss – down to personal preference

This is the best gift for professors who prefer tea to coffee or who enjoy cozying up with a good book and cup of tea.

Coffee Table Book

When deciding on a gift for a professor, you can’t go wrong with a coffee table book that showcases your teacher’s interest. Not only is it a personalized and thoughtful gift, but you have the freedom to make it as funny, serious or practical as you want. 

• It’s unlikely that someone else has bought the same gift
• Can play around with genre and price
• Sometimes when there is too much choice, it’s hard to make a decision! 

This is the best gift for those looking for gifts for a college professor that they can perfectly tailor to the individual. 

Thank You Card

While a gift says thank you, it’s always nice to receive a personalized note to go alongside it. Or, sometimes, just a well designed and thoughtful thank you note is enough. With gold foil letterpress combined with a solid color background, these cards offer a simple yet elegant design, perfect for both men and women for any occasion. Made with premium paper, both the card and envelope look smart and professional.

• Suitable to give to anyone
• Elegant and quality design 
• Envelopes are self-sealing
• Limited choice of background-color

This set of thank you cards can be used for all your personalized thank you notes to your professors. In a pack of 10, you will have plenty of cards to hand out to the professors who have imparted you with their wisdom.

Pop Quiz Clock

A unique and creative way to keep track of time, this analog display wall clock has a different math problem for each hour. A large design made from matte black powder-coated metal with white letters and numbers means this clock will stand out in any classroom, lecture hall or office. 

• A fun way to tell the time
• Discussion starter
• Unique gift
• Makes quite a loud ticking noise
• May be a distraction to students in the class who become focused on solving the math problems rather than the lesson at hand!

This is the best gift for a professor who loves math, or any teacher that would enjoy a novel addition to their classroom or office. 

Inspirational Quote Pen

This stylish gift is an ideal choice for any professor, as they always need a pen to hand. Coming in a range of engraved designs, from Aristotle quotes to Einstein quotes and even Hemmingway, there will no doubt be an inspiring saying that your professor will love. Made from metal, with a lacquered wood-colored finish, this elegant ballpoint pen is refillable and reusable. 

• Not too heavy or too light
• Uses the standard Parker ballpoint refill
• On the bulkier side

Need a gift idea for a PhD advisor, college professor or university professor? This luxury pen is both a practical and stylish gift. 

MOKOQI Magnetic Levitation Floating Globe

The perfect desk companion, this floating globe is a high tech gadget that everyone would enjoy, even your PhD advisor! Simple to install and set up, it’s easy to make the globe levitate. You can even make it spin in the air and watch it rotate! Your professor’s office will have never looked cooler!

• LED light feature makes it look cool in the dark
• Great conversation piece
• The magnets are powerful and can’t be close to computer devices or other electronic devices.
• Smaller than expected

This is a fun, novelty Christmas gift for a professor - it will certainly add the wow factor to any office. 

G-WACK Stress Relief Desk Toy

Being a professor is a stressful and demanding job, so why not gift them with something to relieve the pressure? Therapeutic and entertaining, this desk toy releases stress as well as aids creativity. It is the ideal distraction and a productive brain break. 

• Great desk addition
• A good way to release stress
• Novelty gift
• Balls can fly everywhere!
• A mix of magnetic and metallic balls, with less magnetic ones

This is perfect for those wanting to buy a gift for their professor that provides some humorous entertainment and a distraction from marking papers!

50 States, 500 Ideas

The travel experts at National Geographic have created this book to showcase the best travel experiences in every state. Mixing in the well-known with the unexpected, from off the wall museums to the best place to spot a sea otter, each entry gives useful information and fascinating facts about each state to fuel an adventurous spirit. There’s also a section on the Canadian provinces and territories. 

• Fun and informative
• Awesome pictures
• The ideal reference to have while travelling
• Small font 

Seeking to buy the perfect retirement gift for a professor? This book will encourage them to start planning the vacation of a lifetime!

The Legend Has Retired Whiskey Highball

What better way to see someone off into retirement than with something they can sip their favorite whiskey, bourbon or scotch from. This 11 oz personalized rocks whiskey glass is a fun way to celebrate retirement, while still being a thoughtful gift. 

• Thoughtful and personalized for the occasion
• Fun, and can double as christmas gifts for professors
• A tad gimmicky 

Want to see your professor off in style? Here's a great retirement gift for a professor that they will love.

Happy Retirement Plant Pot

Another great retirement gift idea for a professor, this gorgeous pot for a plant can be personalized to fit the recipient. There are two sizes to choose from and you can also tell the seller exactly what you’d like printed on the pot.

• A cute gift for any PhD advisor
• Personalized for retirement 
• This doesn’t come with the plant. You’ll need to add this before gifting (if you wish).

This is an amazing idea for anyone after a sweet and thoughtful retirement gift for their professor that ties in nicely with the occasion. 

Holiday Nut and Dried Fruit Gift Box

You can’t go wrong with a well-stocked healthy gift box! Containing a selection of 12 healthy little treats, from protein-rich salted and roasted nuts to juicy dried fruit, there’s plenty to get those taste buds watering. Both a quality and healthy gift, Oh! Nuts use the best and freshest ingredients to build up their delicious holiday gift baskets. 

• Suitable for vegans/vegetarians and those who have a dairy intolerance, and the box is certified Kosher
• Well packaged
• A good variety of fruit and nuts
• Mixed reviews on the quality of taste – this is more of a personal preference though

1.8 pounds of a fresh assortment of nuts - makes a great gift basket for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

You’ll be hard pushed to find a professor who doesn’t like coffee! This stainless steel french press makes it simple to brew a delicious cup of coffee in just 4 minutes. The mesh filter helps to extract the coffee’s aromatic oils, ensuring maximum flavor in every cup. With a durable design, the coffee press comes with a Bodum Patented safety lid to stop spillages, and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. 

• Comes in a variety of sizes
• Easy to use and clean
• No coffee grounds in the cup
• Plunging mechanism not overly smooth
• Glass is quite fragile

Moocoo Portable Espresso Machine

While we’re on the subject of coffee, if you feel like splashing out, this simple, light and sturdy portable coffee machine makes a great coffee. Due to advanced pumping technology, this espresso machine is able to provide the perfect crema in every single brew. Simple to use, this hand-powered machine requires no battery or electricity. It’s easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.

• Takes both ground coffee or espresso capsules
• The pump can froth milk
• Convenient and easy to use
• Handy to take anywhere
• On the small side – don’t expect a big cup of coffee
• Higher-end of the price scale

Looking to buy an innovative and useful gift? Although more expensive than the other professor gifts, this could be given for a special occasion - perhaps as a retirement gift for your professor. 

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

Both the number one national and international bestseller, renowned psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson answers one of life’s most difficult questions – what does everyone in the modern world need to know? Humorous and informative, this book covers all sorts of truths of ancient tradition alongside revelations from cutting-edge scientific research, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure, and responsibility. 

• A mix of philosophy, psychology, and self-help
• Witty and educational 
• Covers a broad range of topics
• Can ramble on in places – you may have to dig around for the point Peterson is making

Want to buy a book as a gift for a professor but are unsure what genre to go for? This bestseller provides a mix of both humor and education, making it a pretty safe yet interesting choice.  

Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief

Another book by Dr. Jordan Peterson, Maps of Meaning is a provocative hypothesis that explores the mind, morality, and structure of the world by honing in on the connection between neuropsychology, cognitive science, rituals, myths, and religious stories. It also looks at the Freudian and Jungian approaches to mythology and narrative. 

• An interesting look at the world and our cultures
• Technical and scientific mixed with fun and curiosity
• Can be a challenging read

This is great for those looking to buy a gift for a PhD advisor who specializes in psychology, philosophy, religion, or any professor who enjoys having their world view challenged.

Stress Sign Wall Plaque Decoration

A novelty sign that can be used inside and outside. Covering a range of subjects such as BIOLOGY BLVD, SCIENCE ST, ENGLISH ST, HISTORY ST, these signs make for a humorous and personalized gift for your college professor or university professor. There’s even one that says RETIRED RD! Made from high-quality plastic and easy to install. 

• Personalized to a specific subject
• A limited number of subjects available

This is best for anyone looking for a fun gift to buy a professor, perhaps a little something for Christmas!

Solar System Color Changing Heat Sensitive Mug

A thermochromic mug that, when activated by a hot liquid, will make the sun and planets and night sky appear, as if by magic. Like any heat sensitive color changing mug, this must be hand-washed. Also, it cannot be put in the microwave. With its cool design, this mug will certainly bring some cheer to any professor’s day!

• Good quality
• Fun and novel way to enjoy a hot beverage
• Great images of the planets
• Not suitable for a dishwasher or a microwave
• Liquids must be very hot for the mug to work

This is for all the science professors out there, or any professor that would enjoy a cool gift! 

Jane Austen Books Coaster Set

A set of 6 individual coasters featuring titles from Jane Austen’s famous novels, perfect for any English lover or anglophile! Practically designed, with a fabric top to help absorb condensation and a non-slip recycled rubber back to protect furniture. 

• Easy and safe to spot clean
• Fun to look at
• Functional – good protection for furniture
• Colors come out quite dull
• Strong rubber smell

This is an awesome gift for any English professor! These would make a good Christmas gift.

Mceal Wax Seal Stamp Regal Letter

With a choice of any letter in the alphabet, this wax seal stamp could be used on anything, like envelopes, wine bottles or gift packages to add a level of sophistication! With a 30mm silver-plated brass seal head and a wooden handle, this stamp not only looks good but has a great design. 

• High quality and well made
• Beautiful design
• Easy to use
• Doesn’t come with wax

This is a fun and unique personalized gift for a professor.

Newton’s Cradle Balance Ball

Art-in-motion is a classic gift and the perfect accessory to any desk. Another stress-relieving gadget for that overworked professor, the simplicity of lifting one steel ball and letting it swing back into the other steel balls never grows old. 

• Fun and entertaining gift
• Will make any desk look cool
• Simple and classic design
• Pretty pricey

This is an awesome gift for a physics professor or for those looking to buy a stylish yet simple gift for any professor.

Professor Gifts Buying Tips

There are a couple of things you should consider before purchasing a gift for a professor:

Gift Etiquette for Professors

While there is no set etiquette when buying a gift for a professor, you may want to think about the type of gift you want to give – something funny or novel, something serious or educational, or something practical and useful. How well you know your professor or what subject they teach will influence the gift choice, as it’s always nice to be given something personal and thoughtful. If in doubt, there are plenty of excellent generic gifts out there where you can’t go too wrong, especially coffee-related paraphernalia like the French Coffee Press or the coffee mug warmer!

How Much Should I Spend on a Gift for a Professor?

Ideally, the gift should be under $35, as most professors aren’t able to accept high-cost items from students due to institutional regulations and ethical standards. Rather than focusing too much on the price, think about a gift that will mean something to the professor or something that you know they will use often. It could be an inexpensive book in their field or a thoughtful little addition to their desk, you don’t have to splash out too much. 

Gifts for Professors FAQ

What are appropriate gifts for professors.

Appropriate gifts for professors should ideally be budget-friendly (under $30) and considered thoughtful rather than luxurious.

What’s the best thank you gift for a professor?

The best thank you gift shows that you considered what he/she is interested in and show that you care. These can be small desk toys related to their field of work or even a simple thank you card including a favorite memory or takeaway from class.

Is it ok to give a professor a gift card?

A gift card in a small amount may be ok if it is personal or related to his/her interests. But keep this gift card in small amounts below $20 so they do not feel uncomfortable accepting it.

Professor Gifts Bottomline

When you put a little thought into thank you gifts for professors, we’re certain they’ll appreciate the gesture. Just remember, your gift isn’t a way to sway a decision about your grades! It’s there to say thank you!

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Looking for thoughtful gifts for a graduate students, post-docs or a PhD graduation? Surprise and delight them with our unique collection of STEM gift boxes, STEM Pocket tools, science art, science stickers, grad student coffee mugs, stickers and shirts designed by independent scientists and artists from around the world. 

These also make the best gifts for professors, invited speakers or new faculty hires as a thank you for everything they do. 

Let customers speak for us

Comparing this lab coat to other lab coats is like comparing wine to grape juice—the Curie lab coat exists on a totally different, much higher plane than other lab coats. This coat embodies the ideal toward which all other lab coats strive. I feel confident and ready to try new things in this coat, while in my old lab coat I felt just…standard.

The Curie provides actual protective coverage to my chest, neck and wrists. I can move freely in this coat. Frankly, I could take a Zumba class in this coat and be just fine! The pockets and sub-pockets let me organize my stuff so that everything is accessible, rather than rattling around in big pockets designed for a linebacker’s hands. As a petite woman, I appreciate that the coat fits both my bust and hips, and that I don’t have to hitch the coat up every time I bend over to make room for my hips. However, when the collar is popped, I look like I work for the Empire in Star Wars. Personally, I love the ability to pop the collar and button all the way up to my clavicle. It’s great for working with corrosives. But it’s nice that it’s an option and not an all-the-time kind of look.

One thing that surprised me about this coat is the extremely high quality of construction! The material feels strong and sturdy. It is about the same stiffness as a pair of broken-in blue jeans, while somehow also being softer than a poly-cotton blended coat. (Polyester fibers are stiff and almost sharp, while this fabric doesn’t have the same abrasiveness as other coats. Even though it’s stiff, it’s soft.) All the pieces of fabric have finished edges, so they won’t unravel. (Nothing worse than sticking your hand into a pile of spaghetti strings as the inside of your standard lab coat pocket disintegrates. I can tell that won’t happen with the Curie.) I do find myself feeling warmer than I do in a poly-cotton blended coat, but that may be due to the denser weave.

The biggest difference between this coat and my old lab coat is how much safer I feel in it! It covers the skin at my wrists and chest far better than any other coat I’ve ever used. The fabric feels like it will actually stop liquids from reaching me/my skin, and the fitted shape with box pleats means I can move freely without getting caught on doorknobs or hitching the coat around as I reach for items on very low/high shelves. I didn’t even realize I was flinching in my old coat until I put on the Curie and…was able to grab bottles off the shelf without mentally preparing myself for the coat to shift. I feel like I have a properly fitted suit of armor now, as opposed to swimming around in something designed for a person far larger than me.

The knitted cuffs are my favorite feature. It’s so nice to be able to reach for items and not expose my wrists and forearms to whatever’s going on around me. The smaller profile of the knit cuffs means that I’m less likely to knock glassware over as I work, whereas with a standard lab coat I’m constantly expending (mental) energy making sure I don’t knock over my work or lose a sample inside the rolled-up open cuff.

This coat works amazingly in a synthetic chemistry lab as well as an analytical chemistry lab. (I teach in both environments.) The fabric choice is excellent for situations where you might handle medium quantities of flammable materials, as is common in an undergrad organic chem lab. It’s probably not the best choice for highly acidic environments, since it’s 100% cotton. (From personal experience, I have learned to wear nylon when spending lots of time in acidic atmospheres, such as in a lab with an ICP-MS, or when doing acid digests. 100% cotton gets holes in those environments.) But if you’re only handling moderate amounts of acids, or only using them occasionally, this coat material seems like it will hold up just fine.

Buy this coat!

I just received my new “Louis” lab coat, but I can already tell that the range of motion is much better than my old lab coat. The cuffs also stay in place well and give my wrists better protection when working.

These tools are really well made and were a huge hit with engineering students and professionals alike. Would definitely purchase from Genius Lab Gear again!

We have been very impressed on how helpful the guys are Genius Lab Gear were when we placed an order with them. Good service and a great product.

An excellent pocket ruler with scale bars for studying and photographing small critters (e.g. spiders) in situ.

She thought it was funny and unique, great easy gift

Awesome reliable little Gadget, Love it!

Stay Curie-ous Marie Curie Silhouette Sticker

I bought several sets of these for my office. I put a white board on the door of my office and put these out. It's been a lot of fun and a huge morale booster. I bought the math set for my daughter (a math teacher) who put them in her classroom. Again, a major hit with the high school students. I highly recommend them!

The Pocket Engineer - Wallet Ruler and Conversion Reference

Bought for my nephew who is at uni studying aerospace engineering. He’s very pleased with it. Thank you.

17year old son was really happy with this gift,.

It was too late arriving make sure about delivery times before ordering

I got your magnets and “engineering is for everybody” sticker for a friend of mine. The service was great, got hear in time for Christmas, no complaints!

My son is studying to become a mechanical engineer and I was looking for that unique gift to assist in his studies and internship. He was surprised and elated with the gift and is still learning the pocket engineer’s capabilities.

The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

Gifts for a PhD Student

Wondering what could be the perfect present for a friend, family member or colleague who are working towards a PhD? Choosing gifts for a PhD student can be tricky, we’re often living in shared houses with limited personal space and there are only so many novelty mugs a person can store!

Whether it’s to celebrate passing their viva, a special occasion or simply to show that you care, here are a few of my favourite suggestions.

Experience Gifts

I’m a big fan of gifting experiences rather than ‘things’ and I believe they are particularly well suited to those early on in their PhD, as a lot of students may be fairly new to the place they’re now studying. PhD stipends only stretch so far, so gifting experiences can be a great way to build memories for those with limited disposable income.

When I lived in London during my PhD I always asked my family for gift vouchers for experiences. This allowed me to visit escape rooms, walk over the O2, go for afternoon tea and see some fantastic West End shows (courtesy of Love Theatre vouchers).

Experiences can be varied to fit every personality type and some may also allow you to support great causes at the same time, such as Migrateful cooking classes for those in London, Bristol or Brighton.

Tripadvisor is a great place for finding ideas for activities. Groupon can also be handy place to check for deals, just make sure that any restrictions on dates/times won’t be an issue.

Subscription Gifts

Lots of us sign up for subscriptions these days, whether for the obligatory Netflix or for various apps. If you’re stuck for a gift for a PhD student why not offer to pay for a few months of a subscription to their favourite apps?

Some ideas for app subscriptions:

• Super Duolingo for language learners
• Headspace or other mindfulness and meditation apps which could come in handy with managing stress during a PhD

Relaxing Gifts

It’s always nice to have a break from work and a voucher for a massage or spa day could provide much needed relaxation. I’d again suggest using Tripadvisor to find recommendations and try to find a deal through Groupon.

Check with the giftee whether they’d be able to attend mid-week. If so you may be able to get more for your money with an off-peak rate and they’ll find it easier to relax with fewer people around.

A PhD student can never have too much food, particularly if it’s quick to prepare or readily available for snacking. Food gifts are brilliant for every budget and here are a few of my favourite suggestions.

Brownies by Post

My partner recently went on the hunt for the best vegan brownies and came across the Best Ever Brownie Company. I can attest that their brownies are absolutely delicious and everyone I’ve sent them to has loved them.

If you know your PhD student well then a gift hamper can be a lovely way to show that you care.

Hampers put together by someone you know can be a fun way to try out things you wouldn’t normally have seen. For Christmas/birthdays by Dad has started giving a selection of new vegan foods he finds and they’re always appreciated. If in doubt pick a theme and roll with it. For my sister’s birthday I recently made up a shoe-box sized hamper with American treats all themed around rainbow sprinkles!

If you don’t live nearby you can also find some lovely hampers online from companies such as:

• Social Supermarket
• Fortnum & Mason

Whether homemade or shop bought I think hampers make great gifts for a PhD student.

Healthy Ready Meals

If you’re keen to gift more substantial meals then COOK and Mindful Chef are two options. Both allow you to buy gift vouchers which your recipient can use to buy whatever they fancy.

I’ve gifted COOK vouchers to several friends and family members and the meals feel home cooked and are very tasty. Do check whether your giftee lives near a store, as if not they’ll probably want to order several items in one go and as such will need a fair bit of freezer space. Therefore COOK vouchers may not as suitable for those living in house shares.

I haven’t personally tried Mindful Chef ready meals, although I have tried several of the recipe boxes, but they look like a fantastic choice for anyone looking for quick and healthy meals.

Takeaway Voucher

If you’re keen to get a food gift but not sure what’s best then a takeaway gift voucher could be the perfect solution. Just Eat do gift vouchers and they’re sure to go down well.

Educational Gifts

PhD students are by nature very curious and plenty will be keen to expand their knowledge beyond their particular field. I’m personally always keen to learn more about the world so anything which helps me expand my horizons goes down favourably.

Subscription to a Learning Platform

Brilliant – Provides interactive courses to help people expand their knowledge of concepts within Maths, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Programming, Science and Engineering. Subscriptions start from a three month period.

Nebula – Nebula has advert-free educational videos and podcasts from over 150 Youtube content creators. Some of the videos on the platform are also available to watch on Youtube with ads, but there are around 60 original shows on the platform as well.

Subscription to Kiwi Crate

If you’re keen to gift a physical present then a subscription to Kiwi Crate could be a lovely idea.

For those who like working with their hands the Eureka Crate is a great way to build skills and explore engineering in a fun and immersive way. Who wouldn’t want to build their own desk lamp? They also do Maker crates for those with an artistic side.

Practical Gifts

So far nearly everything on our list has involved either experiences or consumables, but there are a few practical gifts which could be of great benefit to a PhD student and not take up too much space.

Whether it’s for keeping water cool or keeping coffee hot, a drink container will always come in handy. It could also help with minimising costs if drinks are prepared at home and then taken into uni.

Macbook Air Laptop

A recommendation of a £1000 laptop probably isn’t going to be applicable for most readers. However, if you’re a family member looking to spend money on a computer for someone starting a PhD I can highly recommend MacBook Airs. These days almost all software can run on both PC and Mac and even the M1 MacBook Air which is now several years old is more than powerful enough for most people.

Be sure to make use of Apple’s educational discount for up to 10% off.

Moleskine Notebook & Fisher Space Pen

Notebooks always come in handy, so why not gift your PhD student one at the top of the range. Combine a moleskine notebook with a fisher space pen and you’ve got the perfect way to keep experiment notes orderly and neat.

Moleskine notebooks are vegan, come in a range of colours and you can even pay extra for personalisation. Fisher space pens were originally designed for use in zero gravity and can be used upside down, underwater and at extreme temperatures. Perfect for all kinds of science-ing!

For those who don’t own one already an e-reader is a great way to get back into reading. I personally found reading to be a great way to take a break from my PhD . E-readers such as a Kindle are light and easy to pop in a bag!

Through Project Gutenberg you can access loads of classic books for free and if you opt for a Kindle there are often Amazon offers available for 99p books.

Novelty Gifts

If you are keen to get your PhD student a novelty gift I’d recommend buying a handmade item from a small business on Etsy. I’m a big fan of getting something practical such as a notebook, mug, keyring, chopping board etc.

Just make sure to check where it ships from – I typically filter so that only businesses in the UK are shown.

Here are a few of the potential gifts for a PhD student that I found in just a few minutes of browsing:

• Atoms to Astronauts – STEM mugs and notebooks
• Science Scribbles – Enamel pins and stickers
• My Mini Laboratory – Microscope keyrings and virus planters
• Chemistree Crafts – Wide selection of scientific jewellery, including conical flask earrings
• Bakerology – Science themed cookie cutters – who wouldn’t want to eat a neuron shaped cookie?!

Charitable Donations

Q: What do you get for the person who has everything?

A: A gift for someone else!

It can be hard to know what to get someone when they say there’s nothing that they want, but if your giftee would truly prefer to not receive a gift then make a charitable donation on their behalf.

Choose a charity or cause which is close to their heart and you’ll have a meaningful gift which provides benefit to others as well.

Top Tips on Buying Gifts for a PhD Student

• If your PhD student is short on space stick to gifting an experience or a consumable item
• Everyone needs to eat, so food gifts can be a great safe choice for PhD students
• Feeling stuck for what to buy? Ask! Some people enjoy surprises and others will prefer to set strict guidelines for present buying. I’m very frank and honest with my own family now around receiving gifts as I’m fairly minimalist and don’t like receiving anything I won’t use.
• Short on money? Why not make something homemade. Cupcakes in particular can be a quick and easy gift and are always sure to go down well.

Do you have any other suggestions for gifts for a PhD student or graduate? Are there any gifts you received during your own PhD which you really valued? Let me know in the comments!

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Some results uranium dioxide powder structure investigation

• Processes of Obtaining and Properties of Powders
• Published: 28 June 2009
• Volume 50 , pages 281–285, ( 2009 )

Cite this article

• E. I. Andreev 1 ,
• K. V. Glavin 2 ,
• A. V. Ivanov 3 ,
• V. V. Malovik 3 ,
• V. V. Martynov 3 &
• V. S. Panov 2  

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Features of the macrostructure and microstructure of uranium dioxide powders are considered. Assumptions are made on the mechanisms of the behavior of powders of various natures during pelletizing. Experimental data that reflect the effect of these powders on the quality of fuel pellets, which is evaluated by modern procedures, are presented. To investigate the structure of the powders, modern methods of electron microscopy, helium pycnometry, etc., are used. The presented results indicate the disadvantages of wet methods for obtaining the starting UO 2 powders by the ammonium diuranate (ADU) flow sheet because strong agglomerates and conglomerates, which complicate the process of pelletizing, are formed. The main directions of investigation that can lead to understanding the regularities of formation of the structure of starting UO 2 powders, which will allow one to control the process of their fabrication and stabilize the properties of powders and pellets, are emphasized.

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Elektrostal’ Polytechnical Institute (Branch), Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys, ul. Pervomaiskaya 7, Elektrostal’, Moscow oblast, 144000, Russia

E. I. Andreev

Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys (State Technical University), Leninskii pr. 4, Moscow, 119049, Russia

K. V. Glavin & V. S. Panov

JSC “Mashinostroitelny Zavod”, ul. K. Marksa 12, Elektrostal’, Moscow oblast, 144001, Russia

A. V. Ivanov, V. V. Malovik & V. V. Martynov

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Correspondence to K. V. Glavin .

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Original Russian Text © E.I. Andreev, K.V. Glavin, A.V. Ivanov, V.V. Malovik, V.V. Martynov, V.S. Panov, 2009, published in Izvestiya VUZ. Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya i Funktsional’nye Pokrytiya, 2008, No. 4, pp. 19–24.

About this article

Andreev, E.I., Glavin, K.V., Ivanov, A.V. et al. Some results uranium dioxide powder structure investigation. Russ. J. Non-ferrous Metals 50 , 281–285 (2009). https://doi.org/10.3103/S1067821209030183

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Published : 28 June 2009

Issue Date : June 2009

DOI : https://doi.org/10.3103/S1067821209030183

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• nuclear fuel
• uranium dioxide
• uranium protoxide-oxide
• crystallite
• agglomerate
• conglomerate
• surface morphology
• ADU-ammonium diuranate
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