graduation gifts phd degree

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

Top 15 Best PhD Graduation Gifts in 2024

I found the very best PhD graduation gifts. Below, I’ll discuss each. This article includes specific PhD graduation gift recommendations. I did my best to include a little bit about why new doctors appreciate each, and I link to where you can find them.

Note that The Grad Cafe is supported by our audience, I regularly use affiliate links throughout. That means I could get a small commission when you order something on this list. Thanks for your support!

Ready to discuss PhD graduation gifts? Read on.

Table of Contents

You Can’t Go Wrong With…

If you’re at a loss thinking about what to buy a Ph.D. graduate as a present, you can’t go wrong with cash, checks, and gift cards.

There’s no denying that PhDs can be incredibly expensive. Just look at the data from EducationData.org , which states that federal graduate student borrowers have $91,148 average loan balances. It doesn’t matter if they earned their degree in person or online — debt is debt. Cutting a check for any amount can help a PhD graduate buy what they need (or want). They can also choose to pay the amount toward their debt.

Of course, giving cash or a check isn’t everyone’s idea of a good present. In that case, you can always give a gift card .

Amazon Gift Cards come in nice packaging, like this graduation gift box.

Amazon allows you to choose your gift card amount,  starting from $25 and going all the way up to $2,000. You can also send your gift card digitally if you’d rather skip the box altogether.

On Amazon, you can also choose gift cards from specific brands. For example, if you’d like to give the gift of tech, you can opt for an Apple gift card between $25-$500. And if you’re looking for PhD graduation gifts for her , try a Sephora gift card  between $25-$250.

Buy a Graduation-Themed Amazon Gift Card

Buy an Apple Gift Card

Buy a Sephora Gift Card

15 Best PhD Graduation Gifts [2024]

Check out these unique, fun gift ideas for a doctoral graduate near and dear to your heart!

1. A Care Package – CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box

Care packages are an excellent yet practical way to show you care. The CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box is a 50-piece collection of gourmet snack samplers.

Why a PhD Graduate Would Like It:

Unless your recipient is a picky eater, they’re bound to like something in this package. After all, who wouldn’t want to try new types of snacks? They might even find their new favorite snack in this box!

Of course, you may want to ask about food sensitivities and preferences before choosing a box like this.

Buy the CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box

2. Presentation Clicker and Pointer – Logitech R500s

The Logitech R500s is a presentation pointer and clicker that works from a 65ft range(20m). It has a red laser and customizable buttons. The R500s connects via a USB dongle/receiver, but it’s also universally compatible, including with Bluetooth.

PhD graduates, especially ones going into an academic or research-based career , will have to give a lot of presentations. A good clicker like this can make their presentations go more smoothly.

Buy the Logitech R500s

3. RocketBook Smart Reusable Notebook Set

The RocketBook has been around for a while, but it’s still a pretty cool product all around. RocketBooks are essentially notebooks with special pages that let you scan and digitally convert notes. They come in various sizes and have reusable pages if you use the Pilot Frixion pen. That’s a win for the planet!

PhD graduates will likely write a lot  of notes in their lifetime. The RocketBook blends old-school handwritten notes with technology, allowing easily scannable and text-convertible notes with the app’s OCR (optical character recognition) feature. Some may find this gift a novelty, but it’s a great way to help the environment!

Buy the RocketBook Smart Reusable Notebook Set

4. Boogie Board Basics Reusable Writing Pad

The Boogie Board is a reusable writing pad for quick notes and reminders at work or home. You can use anything to write on it, as long as it has a dull pointy end. This board is good for 50,000 resets (board clears) — endless use!

This is one of the coolest gift ideas for PhD graduates because it reduces desk clutter and wasted paper.

Buy the Boogie Board Basics Reusable Writing Pad

5 . Mechanical Pencil + Stylus: rOtring 800+

This rOtring mechanical pencil and stylus hybrid lets you switch seamlessly from paper to screen. It’s a well-designed writing instrument that prevents writing fatigue thanks to its hexagonal barrel.

This mechanical pen and stylus combo is one of the best PhD graduation gifts for students . For many, pencils are the writing instrument of choice. rOtring is a known and reliable pencil brand, so there’s no doubt it will provide an enjoyable writing experience — and it’s a breeze to use!

Buy the rOtring 800+ Mechanical Pencil and Stylus

6. Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary

The Hobonichi Techo is a well-known planner/diary loved for its sheer quality and flexibility. The Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary allows the user to plan and organize up to five years of their lives.

The Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary offers PhD graduates an easy way to keep track of their appointments and events — especially if they prefer pen and paper to phone apps.

Buy the Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary

7. HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle

The HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle keeps you hydrated with its reminder glow. You can even track your water intake through its free app and customize the bottle’s glow lights and light patterns. The best part? It keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours!

The HidrateSpark PRO bottle makes a great gift for a PhD graduate, especially if they are so busy that they forget to take care of themselves. Dehydration is no joke!

Buy the HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle

8. Leather Briefcase and Laptop Bag by KomalC

This leather briefcase and laptop bag uses buffalo leather and durable YKK zippers to ensure years and years of use. It fits laptops without being too bulky while still having plenty of room for files, folders, and notebooks.

This KomalC leather briefcase is a high-quality bag a PhD graduate can take with them anywhere. It’s roomy and protects their laptops and important items without being too bulky or uncomfortable.

Buy the Leather Briefcase and Laptop Bag by KomalC

9. Custom Engraved Steel Business Card Case

This beautiful two-tone business card case holds up to 15 business cards. It comes with free personalization, allowing three text lines with up to 25 characters for each line.

PhD graduates often carry business cards. So why not have a nice, engraved case to keep them all in great condition until it’s time to hand them out?

Buy the Custom Engraved Steel Business Card Case

10. Mechanical Retro Style Flip Clock

This retro-style flip clock has a minimalistic design while still displaying the time down to the minute. It has a durable stainless steel frame and ABS plastic cards to ensure longevity. However, it has delicate inner mechanisms, so it’s not the best gift for someone with cats or young children.

This gift is a great conversation starter for your PhD recipient!

Buy the Mechanical Retro Style Flip Clock

11. Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

This alarm clock was made for those who sleep through just about any other alarm. It comes with a shaker that users can put underneath their pillow (or anywhere else where it would make a racket) so the vibrations will wake them up when the alarm rings.

This Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker is one of the best PhD graduation gifts for students who sleep like the dead. This alarm clock might help the recipient avoid tardiness, though their sleeping partner might not appreciate it so much!

Buy the Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

12. FlexiSpot Laptop Desk Riser

This laptop desk riser is 27×19 inches — a relatively large desk surface when raised. It has five adjustment settings from 1.8 to 15.9 inches. This Flexispot product allows the user to turn any surface into a standing desk. Make sure you also check the Best Desks for Students .

Sitting all day while working is detrimental to your health. This laptop desk riser is an excellent choice for PhD graduates who spend way too much time at their workstations. And if they don’t want to stand, even the slight elevation of gaze reduces neck strain and back pain.

Buy the FlexiSpot Laptop Desk Riser .

*You can also add the FlexiSpot Anti-Fatigue Mat .

13. FlexiSpot EN1 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

The En1 electric height adjustable desk has a 55×28 inch table top for a spacious work area. It runs quietly while adjusting height smoothly. Users can set the table’s height between 28-47.6 inches. It supports up to 154 lbs, which accommodates even the heaviest workloads.

The EN1 makes is a great PhD graduation gift for the same reason a laptop riser would — it helps your PhD graduate to stand more often, minimizing stress and back pain. This fully electric desk is also quite convenient, without requiring manual adjustments. What better way to kick off your graduate’s high-paying PhD job  than a fabulous new desk?

Buy the FlexiSpot EN1 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

14. Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are legendary for great audio quality, comfort, and portability (they fold up to a smaller profile when not in use). It offers ANC (active noise cancellation) and even has built-in Alexa voice control.

If you want to give the gift of peace and focus, this pair of headphones is an incredible choice. While this one’s pricey, you can find other ANC headphones that are more affordable. The XM4s also have a newer version, the XM5 (but these don’t fold up into a smaller profile).

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones

15. Microsoft Surface Go 3

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a tablet that can replace a laptop. It runs on Windows, has a touch screen and decent battery life, and works with a stylus. You can also charge it with a power bank if you run out of juice.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an excellent and pragmatic PhD graduation gift for students because of its productivity capabilities, including responding to emails and word processing. And, of course, it also works well for entertainment purposes. Save this for a loved one — it’s pricy!

Buy the Microsoft Surface Go 3

How Much Should You Spend on PhD Graduation Gifts?

The cost of your PhD gift depends on your relationship with the graduate. It can be anywhere from $10-$300, or maybe even more if you wish — but never spend more than you can afford. Here’s a general guide for how much you might want to spend:

• Acquaintances : <$30
• Friends : $25-$50
• Closest friends and relatives: $50-$100
• Significant others, children, and close loved ones: $100-$300+

Avoid superfluously expensive gifts for people you aren’t close with — that’ll just make them uncomfortable!

Finishing a doctorate is no easy feat — even the online PhDs  take endless hours to complete. Bottom line? Graduating with a PhD is a cause for celebration! And what better way to celebrate your new PhD-holder loved one than with a thoughtful present ?

PhD graduation gifts don’t have to be expensive or luxurious. They can be something as simple as a mug or a shirt with a witty PhD-related message. Doctorate graduation gifts can even be sentimental, like an engraved business card case.

If someone you know recently achieved a PhD (or even an MBA ), this list of the best graduation gifts for PhD students might offer some gift inspiration.

It can be challenging to come up with ideas for PhD graduation gifts, but there’s always a fantastic option out there waiting for you. But remember: if you can’t come up with any ideas that feel right, everyone loves cash or gift cards!

Do you have any other PhD graduation gift suggestions? Leave them in a comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you give a phd graduate.

The perfect PhD graduation gifts for doctoral graduates depend on your preference — unless the recipient specifically requests something. Cash, checks, and gift cards are popular options but may seem impersonal. Instead, you might give the graduate something pragmatic, like food, or something heartfelt, like a craft. Of course, the 15 suggestions on this list are also great PhD gifts.

What Are Good PhD Graduation Gifts for a University Graduate?

It truly depends — you can give something generic like a mug or shirt with a witty PhD-related saying or something more aligned with your recipient’s interest if you know them well.

What Is the Going Rate for PhD Graduation Gifts?

It really depends on your relationship with the recipient. Gifts can cost anywhere from $10-$300 and sometimes even more. If you’re more an acquaintance than a loved one, choose something on the lower price end to avoid making the recipient uncomfortable.

Is it OK to Give a Check as a PhD Graduation Gift?

Absolutely! Although some people may find checks or cash impersonal, a PhD graduate could probably use the money. After all, they can put it toward student loans or buy something they really need.

Related Reading:

• Top 12 Best Laptops for Graduate Students
• Top 10 Best Jobs for MBA Graduates

5 Ways To Work While Studying And Get Ahead Of The Competition

• How To Prep Your Resume For Success 
• 5 Tips For An Amazing Video Interview

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 25 Best Gifts for Nursing Students in 2024
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Dissertation vs Thesis: Your 2024 Guide

Top 30 Scholarships for Women for 2022/2024

Related posts.

• 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]

ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?

25 Best Gifts for Law Students for 2024

The 25 Best Gifts for Nursing Students in 2024

7 Best Laptops for Engineering Students in 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

12 Best PhD Gifts for Doctoral Students (in 2024)

by Derek Miller 6 min read

If you just try searching "PhD Graduation Gifts" on Amazon, you'll get a page full of mugs, shirts and keychains. They deserve better. I’ve been through grad school, got my PhD, and have a good idea of what they would truly appreciate as a thank-you gift. Here’s my hand-picked list below. 

This list is a compilation of my favorites from around the internet. Some are our own Genius Lab Gear inventions and some we’re just jealous we didn’t think of first! Some external links in this page are from affiliates, which means that any purchase of the items after clicking the link will result in a small monetary referral fee paid back to Genius Lab Gear at no cost to you. We appreciate your support which allows us to continue inventing and testing the best tools for scientists on the planet!

1. Academia Word Magnets

Academia is chock full of inside jokes, mannerisms, and cringeworthy habits that grad students and professors love to laugh about. These word magnets are designed specifically to let academics rant about their hardships, relish their big wins, and have a good laugh. These are perfect for the office refrigerator or the magnetic whiteboard, where colleagues can leave passive-aggressive phrases for lab mates to find later.  Get them on our site here  and bundle them with  other field-specific sets  based on the graduate's field of study.

2. The Pocket Scientist pocket ruler and equation reference

Whether they're climbing the academic latter or heading out to the "real world", they can carry this credit card-sized ruler and scientific reference every day. We even laser-engraved the backside full of basic science equations and physical constants.  See the product page  for a full list of features we've packed in!

Available from  our website  or  from Amazon .

The Pocket Scientist at Genius Lab Gear

The Pocket Scientist on Amazon

How to use The Pocket Scientist – Full Feature Guide

P.S. We also have versions specifically for  Chemists ,  Physicists  and  Engineers  if those are a better fit for the person you have in mind!

3. Rocketbook Matrix cloud-connected reusable paper notebook

PhD students do a lot of work both on paper and with software. Rocketbook finally solved the problem of merging your hand-written notes into your favorite digital services. You simply use their app to take a photo of your pages of notes and the QR code and marked symbols on each page trigger the app to send the digitized page to any of the 9 pre-set digital destinations you choose. This includes OneNote, Evernote, Google Drive, Dropbox, and even specific emails. Want a shortcut to send notes via email straight to your colleague or boss? This is what you’re looking for.

The Rocketbook Matrix is my personal favorite because it's designed for more technical scientific work. It's got 30 pages of graphing paper and one regular lined page for taking notes, plus a built-in ruler on the inside cover. Did I mention they are reusable? Use their " Pilot Frixion " pens and then wipe the page with a damp cloth after uploading your notes to use it all over again (and win one for the environment!). 

Usually, the best price is  on Amazon .

4. Wireless Laser Pointer and PowerPoint Presenter

Laser pointers are one thing you never think about until the moment you don’t have one that works. I personally  own this one  because it’s got everything you need, from the pen clip to volume buttons and slide control buttons. DinoFire has several tiers with different features, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. 

5. rOtring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil

Mechanical pencils are an essential daily tool for researchers in STEM on the job and in the classroom. But in the new digital age, they often find themselves using touchscreens as well. 

That’s why my new favorite is the rOtring 800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil, (0.5 mm) . This one turns from a pencil to a stylus on the fly, and also ensures the tip isn’t poking holes in your pocket all day like most other models. This is truly the top-end mechanical pencil and will make a special gift. 

Check price on Amazon

Staedtler is another brand much-loved by scientists and engineers. This model is cheaper and will last a long time, but just isn’t convertible to a stylus. You can’t go wrong with either one.

6. Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss

This might seem like it’s only for kids, but Dr. Seuss’ whimsical wisdom is often applied to the biggest moments of our lives. As a graduation gift, it’s perfect. The timeless message focuses on the success that lies within, as your graduate readies for a new phase in life. Plus, it’s a small book they can keep forever to pass the wisdom on to their kids.

7. Funny Coloring Book for PhD Students and Graduates

These adult coloring books are a hit in many fields, and this one is meant specifically for those who know the struggle of getting a PhD . It’s snarky, fun, and an amazing creative outlet. The satisfaction of just coloring inside the lines versus writing a 300-page thesis is a welcome relief.

8. Scientist Quote Desktop Canvas

We're super proud of our  little series of famous scientist quotes on canvas prints . These are 5"x7" and sit up easily on their own or can be mounted to a wall. This one sits next to me as I write, and helps me keep a sense of humility as I explore the unknown! 

9. Modern Lab Coat Pocket Protector

This is how your PhD grad will know they’ve finally made it. The venerable Pocket Protector became a cultural icon in the 1960's and 1970's, but somewhere along the way the newer generation of STEM researchers forgot about them. Scientists need these back in their labs to stay organized, stay efficient, protect their lab coats, and finish their experiments without being late to lunch. So we researched and tested every type ever made to methodically solve each problem and come up with this refreshed design . Available in spruce green, sapphire blue, and faded pink - the top 3 colors voted on by our fans! You can even get it from our Amazon page if that's easier.

10. PhD Graduation Diploma Frame

They will definitely want to show off their hard work by displaying their newly minted Ph.D. diploma. This frame fits both 8.5”x11” and 11”x14” diplomas, which covers most institutions, and is the highest-rated frame on Amazon with many color choices. If they picked up a Masters degree along the way, you could grab the 2-pack so they can hang them both in their next office. 

11. Amazon.com Gift Card in a Graduation Style Gift Box

If you want them to make their own decision on a graduation gift, the easiest way is to just grab an Amazon gift card in this graduation-themed gift box . Pick any custom amount and they’ll usually get it to you within 2 days.

12. PhD Graduation Gift Bundle

If you can't decide by now, I can still help! Consider this decision made. I put together a  PhD Graduation Gift Bundle  just to make it easy for you. It includes PhD Self-Care and Academia-themed Word Magnets from above, plus a few fun science stickers. You'll save over 20% by bundling them together, so consider this decision made!

• PhD Self-Care Word Magnets
• Academia Word Magnets
• Science Basics Word Magnets
• Starter Word Magnets (144 tiles of connector words)
• Marie Curie sticker
• Science is for Everyone sticker
• Einstein quote sticker

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):

What is the best graduation gift for doctoral students.

Getting a bachelor's degree is one thing, but getting a PhD takes a lot of hard work and dedication. PhD students deserve the best gifts and if you're looking for one, you should check out the following.

• The Pocket Scientist pocket ruler and equation reference
• Rocketbook Matrix Cloud-connected Reusable Paper Notebook
• Wireless Laser Pointer and Powerpoint presenter
• Rotring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil
• Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss
• Funny Coloring Book for PhD Students and Graduates
• Scientist Quote Desktop Canvas
• Modern Pocket Protector for lab coats
• PhD Graduation Diploma Frame
• Amazon.com Gift Card in a graduation style Gift Box
• PhD Graduation Gift Bundle

Gifts Lists by Major

Scientist Gifts

Astrophysics Gifts

Biology Gifts

Biochemistry Gifts

Chemistry Gifts

Ecology Gifts

Geology Gifts

Genetics Gifts

Immunology Gifts

Mathematics Gifts

Marine Biology Gifts

Neuroscience Gifts

Microbiology Gifts

Pharmacy Student Gifts

Physics Teacher Gifts

Physicist Gifts

Chemistry Teacher Gifts

Professor and PhD Advisor Gifts

Graduate and PhD Student Gifts

Women in Science Gifts

Science Teacher Gifts

Biology Teacher Gifts

Stay up to date

Drop your email to receive new product launches, subscriber-only discounts and helpful new STEM resources.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Favorites for life scientists

Related Blog Posts

Plus-sized and Petite Lab Coats: Fit and Buying Guide

7 Differences between Scientist and Doctor's lab coats

Lab Coats with Knit Cuffs vs. Open Cuffs (What’s best for scientists?)

Recently viewed products.

GET UPDATES

Leave your email to get our monthly resources for scientists, plus new discounts and community projects!

• About Unique Gifter
• Help! I need a gift idea!
• Site Tools & Resources
• Web Stories

The gifts they actually want!

30 Gift Ideas for a PhD Graduation

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this post may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Disclosure in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's  16 CFR, Part 255 . This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon .

PhD students – how long have they been at school?  Too long to count.  During those final formative years, PhD students basically live and breathe their dissertation .  It’s a long slog and when they’re finally done – they deserve a celebration! That’s why we put together this list for gift ideas for a phd graduation. Celebrate their hard work in style with a gift that says congrats. 

Gifts Fit For a PhD Grad

Not just anything will do, this person is a doctor now! Going through a PhD program is a huge endeavor, and definitely an occasion that should be celebrated. These gifts for a PhD graduate are perfect pick-me-ups after stressful school days and dissertation writing and perfect accessories to help them get started in their new career, whatever that will be. 

It’s Dr. Actually Personalized Mug

This personalized mug says “It’s Dr. Actually” on one side and the PhD graduate’s name and title (Dr. Name) on the back. Perfect for that first morning coffee after graduation! You can customize the interior color, too, to match their preferences.

PhD Wine Label

A PhD graduation is definitely the right occasion to break out a great bottle of wine or champagne. Make it even more celebratory by adding a custom wine label like this one; because this wine definitely pairs well with a PhD.

Nespresso Coffee Machine

Now I know the PhD graduate will probably be wondering why you didn’t get this during the program to help with the long nights. That’s valid, but at least now that they’ve graduated they can afford to buy the pods, so… Anyway, if you want a big graduation gift for someone moving into a career, anything to make mornings easier is a win.

Dangerously Overeducated T-Shirt

A hilarious t-shirt fit for a dangerously overeducated PhD graduate! What better way to show off all those painful years of higher education?

High Quality Diploma Frame

Not all frames are created equal when protecting important documents like diplomas. Especially if you want to hang them on the wall! This one has a business-style matting and frame style, plus preservation features like UV protection so the degree inside won’t fade over time.

Personalized Acrylic Sign

The PhD graduate you gift this to could display it at home, in their home office, or at work. Customize it with their name, specialization, and best of all, silhouette. This one has masculine figures, but the seller also offers a female version.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

We can help make your gift giving easier!

Join our mailing list to receive curated gift ideas, recipes, and celebration inspiration delivered right to your inbox.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Scratch Off Bucket List

It’s well known that undergoing a PhD program is pretty much all encompassing. Chances are, a new doctor hasn’t had the time or spare cash to go on too many adventures. If your PhD grad loves to travel, help them start this new chapter with something to look forward to like this scratch off bucket list poster that features popular tourist stops.

The Power of a PhD Career Book

Not everyone who graduates with a PhD knows exactly how they’ll be using it in their future career. If you’re shopping for a doctor who’s still unsure about career goals, this book can help them find meaningful work by utilizing their in creative ways.

Spa Supplies or Spa Day

Now that they finally have some time to rest, help the recent grad relax by gifting some spa or relaxation related gifts. You can’t go wrong with a foot bath, or go bigger and purchase a day at the spa gift certificate for some real R&R.

PHinally Done Mug

The huge relief someone feels when they finish their PhD dissertation?  This mug exclaims it.  

Personalised Silver Star Paperweight

For a fun and unique gift, this silver star paperweight can be personalised with a congratulatory message.  

Business Card Holder Gift Set

They’re a doctor now –  they’re going to need a business card holder.  This genuine leather gift set also comes with a fancy pen and a key chain.  

Deluxe Lavender Spa Gift Set

The feminine PhD graduate will love a long session of relaxation or two with this fragrant lavender spa gift set.  They just might never get out of the bath. And even if their not a mom, this list of gifts that promote relaxation has something on it for everyone.   

PhD Definition Picture Frame  

Here’s something for their mantle.  A definition of PhD that will resonate with someone defending their dissertation.  

Funny Badge Button

There’s nothing like a pun to make people laugh – this funny ‘She wants the PhD’ button will do just that.  

‘Not That Kind of Doctor’ Shirt

Yes, once you get your PhD you become a doctor, but let’s be clear on what kind.   Funny t-shirts are cute gift ideas for a PhD graduation to lighten the mood. 

PhD Cufflinks  

For something a bit more subtle and elegant, these stainless steel cufflinks are a perfect little reminder of all the hard work they’ve gone through.  

Folded Book Art Sculpture  

This unique art sculpture will be a neat addition to their bookshelf.  We guarantee that they’ll have nothing quite like this.  

‘Achieve Your Dreams’ Engraved Gift Pen with Light and Stylus Tip

This stylish pen comes in a keepsake presentation case and makes a great graduation gift.  It is engraved with the words ‘Achieve Your Dreams’ as a gentle reminder of never giving up.  

Going Places Compass Necklace

This delicate necklace makes a nice gift for a girly PhD graduate – a reminder that there are so many places and so many possibilities to go from here. If you’re shopping for someone close to you high end jewellery that they can wear to a new job or enjoy as a keepsake also make great gift ideas for a PhD graduation.

One Line a Day: Five-Year Memory Book  

Yes we remember the big events, but it’s the little things that make a life.  This five-year memory book is a great gift to encourage record keeping and revisiting previous thoughts and memories.  

Wine Gift Set

After a few long years (or sometimes more) of a PhD, the graduate deserves a good hard drink after their graduation.  This wine gift set coupled with a bottle of their favourite will definitely be appreciated.  

Chocolate Fondue and Treat Maker

Fondues are something that people love, but that they rarely purchase for themselves.  Satisfy their sweet tooth with this chocolate fondue and treat maker set.  

Funny Doctor Graduation Candle

Sometimes you just have to commensurate a big moment with a funny gift. Becoming a doctor is no easy feat; remind them with this funny candle gift set.

Indoor Water Lily Fountain

Indoor water fountains are a great gift for any occasion, but especially for a graduate.  It is something special that they will treasure in their home for years to come.  

Tabletop Zen Garden  

PhD’s are stressful but once done it’s time for some in-home relaxation with this tabletop zen garden.  

Celebratory Gourmet Gift Basket  

No one in their right mind would scoff at a gift basket, and since this graduation is a big deal – gift them a big one!  

PhD Ceramic Tile  

For someone who likes to decorate their home with memories of their life, this ceramic tile is ideal and clearly states that a PhD was accomplished.  

PhD Funny Graduation Card  

Know someone who graduated in English Literature? Get them this card, but only if you are familiar with their sense of humour!  

Graduation Cap ‘Big Shot’ Glass  

As previously mentioned, a PhD graduate needs a stiff drink at the end of their dissertation.  Help them out with this nifty ‘Big Shot’ glass!

Hopefully you found the perfect gift ideas for the next PhD graduation you go to! Whether you’re shopping for a friend or family member there are so many fun ways to celebrate this amazing achievement in someone’s life. Don’t forget to address all cards to “Dr. Name” to acknowledge this new chapter (and title) in their life.

About The Author

More Gift Giving Inspiration

20 Master’s Degree Graduation Gift Ideas

20 Gift Ideas for Graduating Veterinarians

20 Gifts for Union Inauguration

Best Gifts to Celebrate Citizenship Day

Best Lamp Lighting Ceremony Gifts

20 Gift Ideas for a Pharmacy Technician

Making Local Gift Baskets

20 Gift Ideas for Culinary Students and Future Chefs

Start typing and press enter to search, privacy overview, pin it on pinterest.

Fast Shipping + 1 Tree Planted

Best Sellers

Custom Maps

Last Minute Gifts

Valentines Day

Always Free Personalization

Fast Turnaround 1-2 Days

Swift Delivery

No waiting games. Enjoy fast turnaround and shipping!

Eco-friendly Shopping

Every order plants a tree. Shop green, shop today!

Exceptional Quality

Premium materials for lasting memories. Experience superior quality today!

Your cart is empty

Cart updated ( )

The 21 Best Graduation Gifts for Doctoral Students

Surprise your graduating loved one with a star map blanket. This graduation gift is perfect for the Ph.D. graduate in your life, as it features a custom star map that marks the night sky on their graduation day. With this graduation gift, they can remember this special milestone for years. Not only will the blanket provide comfort and warmth, but it will also be a reminder of their success.

Why I like it 

Customize to their style

Write a special message

A memorable keepsake

Create a personalized PhD graduation gift for the new or soon-to-be doctor in your life! Compile their favorite photos, unique quotes, and other special memories into a graduation photo book. Pictures from their other graduation ceremonies , images of them teaching and fulfilling their other PhD requirements, and messages of congratulations . Play with various designs. Choose a paper type and unique cover image!

Professionally designed templates

Five different dimensions

Ships in 1-2 days

The graduation milestone is a big one, and it deserves to be celebrated with the perfect gift. The Boogie Board Basics Reusable Writing Pad is an ideal present for any student embarking on the next chapter of their life. With its lightweight design, digital pen and paper technology, and ability to erase content with a button, this graduation gift allows the recipient to easily jot down notes, take sketches, and capture ideas on the go. It’s a great graduation present for anyone who needs to stay organized but also wants to keep their creative ideas in one place — perfect for research projects or any other undertaking. And with its compact size, it can easily.

If you’re looking for gifts for women in their 20s , then look no further than Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebooks. This amazing product combines a traditional writing experience with modern technology to create an innovative and efficient way to take notes and stay organized. With its unique design, it can be reused over and over again, making it a great long-term gift. The Rocketbook Smart Notebook utilizes a unique cloud storage system, allowing you to store your work and access it anywhere easily.

Are you looking for the perfect PhD graduation present for your favorite graduate student? The Rotring 1900181 800+ Mechanical Pencil Stylus is an excellent choice. This multi-functional tool is designed to help budding professionals reach their full potential in school and out. With a combination of traditional mechanical pencil functions and modern stylus technology, this gift is sure to help the newest PhD reach their dreams and earn actual money. Crafted with an ergonomic design, it's both comfortable and stylish, providing a great gift lasting for years.

Graduation is an exciting time for the grad and their loved ones, and it’s only fitting to celebrate this special milestone with a Phd gift. The KomalC 16 Inch Leather Briefcase offers a timeless, classic look that makes it the perfect graduation present for any student looking to make a professional impression in their new career. This briefcase features an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, two main zip compartments, and several pockets for extra storage. It's made of full-grain buffalo hide leather, which is strong and durable while maintaining a stylish look.

Graduation is an important milestone that deserves to be celebrated! Show your support for the special graduate in your life with a great gift that will stand out from the rest. The FITUEYES Height Adjustable Standing Desk is the perfect gift for anyone looking to improve their work-from-home setup. This innovative desk adjusts height and angle to provide users with a comfortable, ergonomic working posture. The desk also has a USB port and cup holder for added convenience.

Treat the special graduate in your life to the ultimate gift with FLEXISPOT Ergonomic Office Standing Desk Mat. This ergonomic desk mat is designed to provide a comfortable, anti-fatigue workspace that helps encourage healthy posture and proper body alignment while standing. Its non-skid surface ensures the mat stays securely in place, while its durable construction holds up to everyday use. The gift includes an adjustable footrest that can be adjusted to fit any desk height and a separate storage pocket for holding small items like pens, paperclips, and journals.

Graduating with a PhD is an incredible milestone, and what better way to celebrate than with the perfect gift? The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless ANC Headphones are an excellent choice for any graduate looking to take their music listening experience to the next level. These headphones offer superior sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and advanced features, making them the ideal gift. With long-lasting battery life and superior comfort, these headphones will surely be your grad's go-to music companion in the coming years. So purchase the special graduate in your life the gift of quality sound: get them Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless ANC Headphones today!

This funny present celebrates the struggles and hard work of phd students and those who have graduated. The uplifting illustrations bring a lighthearted spin to the journey of earning a PhD, with whimsical drawings that make for an enjoyable coloring experience. There’s also plenty of humor throughout, providing some much-needed comic relief during this stressful time. Get your graduate a copy of this graduation gift and help them relax and de-stress after their long journey to graduation. It’s sure to bring a smile to any recent grad's face!

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your favorite PhD graduate? Show them you appreciate their hard work and dedication to academia with this witty shirt—the “Not That Kind Of Doctor” Shirt. Featuring a clever play on words, these fashionable t-shirts will bring smiles all around. Made of high-quality materials, these t-shirts are great celebration gifts. Show your support for their graduation success with this fun and stylish gift!

Are you looking for a grad gift for your friend or family member who has just achieved their PhD? Look no further than the MaxGear Business Card Holder! This sleek, stylish card holder is perfect for carrying essential business cards and identifying documents. The holder is made of premium quality stainless steel, providing a luxurious feel while protecting important items.

The PhD graduation season is upon us, so it's time to think of the perfect gift. If you're looking for something truly special, then the Nordgreen Native Scandinavian Silver Watch makes an ideal choice! This stylish watch's sophisticated design will remind you of your graduate's hard work and accomplishments. With premium materials and a beautiful finish, this watch is the perfect graduation gift that will last for years. Whether you're looking for an impressive gift or a timeless addition to your graduate wardrobe, the Nordgreen Native Scandinavian Silver Watch will make any special occasion even more memorable.

Gunnar - Gaming and Computer Glasses are an ideal gift for the gamers and tech-savvy individuals you love. These glasses provide distinctive style, comfort, and protection from eye strain while gaming or working on digital devices. With its adjustable frame design, advanced lens technology, and ergonomic fit, Gunnar makes a great present for the tech-savvy PhD graduate. The glasses come in various styles and colors to suit the recipient’s look. Not only will your present keep their eyes safe, but it will also make them feel stylish simultaneously!

The Onebttl Cap Mug is the perfect gift for those with a discerning taste and an appreciation for quality. This stainless steel mug features a unique lid design that helps keep your beverage hot or cold, while providing additional insulation to reduce condensation. Its sleek and stylish look makes it great for any occasion, making it the ideal gift idea for the discerning PhD graduate. The mug is available in multiple colors and can be personalized to match graduation or school colors. It's also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, making it a great choice for a gift that will last.

Book Darts Line Markers are a perfect gift for the PhD graduate in you love. Whether they’re on their way to PhD graduation or freshly graduated, these line markers are the perfect way to show that you appreciate all the hard work they have put into completing their degree. With Book Darts Line Markers, graduates can quickly mark and review their texts, papers, and other materials. Their unique triangular shape allows for easy navigation through text and the thin lines they create won't obscure important information. They are also perfect for bookmarking multiple pages or bookmarks at once, helping to keep all of the graduation recipient’s notes organized.

Looking for Japanese gifts for a PhD graduate? Look no further than this Japanese Tabletop Meditation Zen Garden Gift. This beautiful and unique gift is perfect for anyone who loves to relax and meditate. The garden includes stones, sand, plants, and a candle, providing a peaceful ambiance to create an atmosphere of meditation and relaxation. It also comes with a brush and rake so the recipient can arrange and rearrange the pieces as they please. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for the grad's hard work, and it will be something that they can use in their new life after graduation. Show your support with this thoughtful gift!

When it comes to graduation gifts, there’s nothing like an inspirational book that will help guide a soon-to-be-PhD through the next big step in their life. The Big Leap is a book about overcoming fear and self-doubt so you can achieve success and live a fulfilling life. It’s filled with stories and insights from thought leaders like Oprah Winfrey, Arianna Huffington, and Tony Robbins that will help motivate your grad to take on life’s biggest challenges. It’s the perfect gift for any new PhD looking to make their mark in the world!

This grad season, PhD graduation gifts have never been more thoughtful and meaningful than this Handmade Graduation Cap Pop Up Card. This unique card is the perfect way to send your best wishes to the PhD graduate in your life and give them a keepsake they can cherish for years to come. The intricate design of this pop-up card features an adorable graduation cap with delicate tassels and a graduation gown, along with a congratulatory message inside. The recipient of this card can add their grad photos, notes, or messages to make it even more special. The bright colors and intricate details make this the perfect card for any PhD graduation celebration.

Are you looking for the perfect present for the recent PhD graduate? Look no further than the SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer! This desk organizer is a great gift that will help your PhD graduate stay organized and focused as they embark on their next journey. It provides multiple compartments of varying sizes to store all of their essential items, such as pencils, pens, markers, paperclips, and whatever else they need. The desk organizer is made from durable mesh metal construction that will last years.

This graduation season, give your PhD student a unique gift that shows you know their hardcore gaming interests! The PhD Level Gamer T-Shirt is perfect for the grad celebration. This comfortable shirt features an elegant grad cap logo and a witty quote from Plato: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Show your grad that you recognize the hard work they’ve done and reward them with this stylish graduation gift! Available in sizes S-XL, this graduation shirt is sure to please. Get your grad the graduation gift they deserve with this PhD Level Gamer T-Shirt! Shop for more from our gift ideas for gamers guide!

The product experts at Printed Memories have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Printed Memories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

Product prices were accurate at the time of publishing. However, they may change over time.

30 Ring Bearer Gifts To Show Him How Much You Appreciate Him

Best gifts for parents christmas.

A Japanese Gift Guide Guaranteed Offer Something for Anime and History Lovers

30+ Top Gifts to Ask for When You Don't Know What You Want for Christmas

23 Unique Gift Ideas for the Woman Who Wants Nothing

Perfect Gift Ideas for Physics fans and Young Physicists

The 18 Best Science Gifts for STEM lovers

21 Perfect Geology Gift Ideas for Rock Lovers

52 Best PhD Graduation Gifts: Celebrate Their Academic Triumph!

• By Matt Malmlund
• Updated Sep 1, 2023 at 1:08pm

Earning a Ph.D. requires thousands of hours of research and sacrificing almost all social activity and sleep. But now that the work is complete, it’s time to celebrate and there’s no better way to acknowledge this type of achievement than with a thoughtful Ph.D. graduation gift. We’ve highlighted some of the best options below, which range from humorous memorabilia to luxurious gifts that truly feel like a reward for their hard work.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Bose QuietComfort 35 II Bluetooth Headphones

Sure, your favorite PHD graduate probably could have used a solid pair of noise-canceling headphones while they were working on their thesis, but that’s not to say that they will be useless now. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are ideal for tuning out all of life’s stresses and distractions, which is what one should do after living and breathing stress for eight years. It has a comfortable fit, a long-lasting battery, and balanced audio that sound great playing any genre.

Leather Journal Cover for Field Notes

It’s no surprise that this gorgeous Leather Journal Cover for Field Notes has so many outstanding reviews. It’s a gift anyone could use, especially a recent PhD graduate. This journal cover is designed specifically to fit Field Notes brand notebooks (3.5 x 5.5 inches) or Moleskine notebooks (3.5 x 5.5 inches). It also comes with a pen holder and a slot to hold credit or business cards.

Folded Book Art PhD

While the last thing a PhD graduate might want to see is another book, this isn’t an ordinary book. This folded book art is a unique piece of decor, great for displaying in any home or office. But there is one catch: you have to make it yourself. What’s for sale is merely the template to fold the pages of any book to look like this when you open it up. It requires no tools and since it is D.I.Y. you can make a personalized book choice that will add extra meaning for the recipient.

Brim 8-Cup Pour Over Coffee Maker

If grad school teaches you anything, it is that coffee is a daily necessity. This Brim 8-Cup Pour Over Coffee Maker is sure to stand out and something they’ll use all the time. It doesn’t use a filter and delivers the perfect cup every time using a pulsing shower head to evenly distribute water across the beans. Plus, it has a massive capacity so you can keep filling mug after mug.

Muse S (Gen 2) Brain Sensing Headband

It’s only natural to have some residual stress after completing a Ph.D. candidacy. And if you know a recent graduate who could use some help relieving that stress, the Muse S (Gen 2) Brain Sensing Headband is a great gift option for them. This innovative wearable band uses built-in biometric tools like an EEG, PPG, pulse oximeter, accelerometer, and gyroscope to give real-time feedback as you go through guided meditations.

There are a number of meditations included free in the Muse app including mindset-modifying talks and dynamic soundscapes that respond to your biofeedback. There is also a premium subscription structure which I got to try along with my sample unit. Exclusive to the Muse S Headband (and most relevant for Ph.D. graduates) are the sleep programs. Yes, the band is comfy enough to wear through sleep and offers a whole suite of programs to offer sleep relief. My personal favorite program series is the digital sleeping pills.

Ph.D. Definition Picture Frame

This funny frame kind of hits the nail on the head with its definition of PhD and will give any new graduate a bit of a chuckle. It’s the perfect place to frame a photo from graduation day and display it proudly at home or in their office. You can also choose to have it personalized with a name or message of your choice. The frame measures 8 x 10 inches, with space for a 4 × 6 photo.

Seiko Men’s Japanese Watch with Stainless-Steel Strap

This highly rated Seiko watch is an extra-special gift for someone who just graduated from their PhD program. It is an attractive and refined watch that can be worn daily. It dresses up any outfit and is a beautiful timepiece that will last a lifetime. It may be a bit on the expensive side but I’ll bet that its cost is a meager percentage of the graduate’s student loan debts.

Banuce Leather Messenger Bag

This Banuce laptop bag is a really special accessory that will help a new PhD graduate feel fit for their new title of doctor. Not only will this be extremely useful for a recent graduate who needs to tote around their electronics, but the smooth buttery leather and sleek design is absolutely gorgeous. The structured silhouette is clean and simple, made with smooth leather.

Kaweco Al Sport Fountain Pen

Nothing makes you feel distinguished like drafting up a memo or grading papers with a Kaweco Al Sport Fountain Pen. These fine nib pens may be a little more involved to use than your standard ballpoint, but they really provide a different writing experience altogether. The Al Sport is a great entry-level fountain pen to introduce them to this time-honored writing tradition without breaking your gift budget.

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

When you’ve just completed a program that trains you to laser focus on your work for hours at a time, a lukewarm cup of coffee or tea is a common issue for new PhD graduates. That is what makes the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 such a ridiculously cool PhD graduation gift. This “smart mug” keeps your hot beverages at your favorite drinking temperature, which you set using an intuitive smartphone app. You can even save presets to keep different drinks at different temperatures.

Laser Cut Handmade City Map

This awesome map is the perfect way to commemorate the city where the Ph.D. graduate completed their doctorate. After all, they likely spent years getting to know it. It is made from laser engraved wood so it is more special than a standard map print. It also comes framed, which gives it a completed look. You can choose any city and several sizes for the artwork. Note that it is handmade and takes about three to four days to create, so plan ahead if you plan to gift this on a specific date.

Linoto 100% Linen Sheets Set – Queen

It’s a running joke that sleep does not really exist for PhD students. It’s an intense, grueling process. It involves long hours, and commitment to late nights, early mornings, and tons of work. A great gift for a recent grad is some new sheets, making a good night’s rest even more enjoyable. This set is 100 percent linen, providing a hypoallergenic, cooling, sleeping experience.

FlexiSpot Comhar Electric Standing Desk

As your favorite grad student transitions out of cramped library rooms and into a professional setting, they’re going to need a professional-level desk. The FlexiSpot Comhar Electric Standing Desk brings both a refined look and a convenient adjustable-height motor for maximized ergonomics.

This desk can be electrically raised from a sitting height of 28.3 inches to a standing height of 47.6 inches. It changes at the push of a button and even has four buttons to bind to preset heights (in case this desk will have multiple users). Add to this a few USB charge ports and you can see why the FlexiSpot Comhar is a  useful gift for professionals in any field.

Modern Digital Mechanical Retro Flip Clock

If you know that the PhD graduate you’re shopping for will soon be setting up shop in an office, unique items for their desk are an awesome graduation gift. This stylish and sleek clock has a retro-inspired design with flip-down minute and hour display. It measures 8 × 4 × 6.5 inches so it won’t take up too much space on a desk or shelf, but is still easy to read from a distance. Note that batteries are not included.

PH.inisheD Gift Mug

This quirky PH.inisheD Mug makes for a fun and inexpensive gift to honor your favorite PhD graduate and all of the work they did to get their degree. This mug has a large 15 oz. volume and, unlike their diploma, is dishwasher-safe.

S-Zone Oversized Canvas Travel Tote

When you spend a handful of years glued to your desk, a vacation afterwards isn’t just a treat but a necessity. Finishing your PhD candidacy is a liberating event and the best way to celebrate is to pack up this S-Zone Oversized Canvas Travel Tote and take a vacation. This tote makes a great carry-on bag for big trips but it can also be a standalone bag for short business trips where you don’t need a ton of luggage. This 21.7L tote will carry your shoes, shirts, pants and other gear that you need to get through airport security quickly.

Custom Wax Seal Stamp Kit With Sealing Wax

It is not uncommon for new PhD graduates to suffer from impostor syndrome , a psychological effect one feels unqualified for the work they do even though they are well-qualified. But it is so much easier to feel confident in yourself when you have your own monogrammed wax seal. That’s where this kit from Nostalgic Impressions comes into play. It can be custom designed to match the recipient’s initials and it ships with sealing wax so they can put it to use right away.

GnO Cooling Weighted Blanket

Returning to a normal sleep schedule after regularly burning the midnight oil can be hard for a new PhD graduate. That’s why I recommend a GnO Cooling Weighted Blanket to help bring deep, restorative sleep to restless minds. You can order it in tons of sizes, even large enough for a king-size bed. The set includes a silky soft bamboo cover, which is machine washable, as well as the weighted insert. If you’re not sure which weight to go with, we recommend going with the lighter of the two options since it does take a little bit of an adjustment to get used to sleeping with the weight.

Albert Hern Blue Sapphire Necklace with Diamonds

A really nice piece of jewelry is an appropriate gift for just about any occasion, especially one as momentous as this. You’ll need something that really wows, which is why we love this personalized necklace which has both blue sapphires and diamonds in its design. You can order the initial of your choosing for a beautiful and memorable gift.

Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock

Grad school is over, which means it is time to return to a normal sleep schedule like the rest of the world. The Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock is a great tool for doing so, as it provides light cues that mimic a natural sunrise instead of (or in addition to) an audio alarm. It also helps you fall asleep with a simulated sunset mode and a library of calming nature sounds to help you find your peaceful place.

The Pocket Scientist

With all of the field-specific information that you have to bring with you into your career, it can help to have the fundamentals on reference. This card-sized Pocket Scientist wallet tool offers a quick cheat sheet of useful information like pressure conversions, physics constants, physics equations, and more. It also has a metric ruler, a protractor, and a hex wrench built in among other features. The company makes specific versions for different STEM fields too, so you can make this gift feel even more personal.

Not That Kind Of Doctor T-Shirt

PhD graduates move up in rank from a simple Mr. or Ms. to Doctor, which is a pretty fun title change to recognize. If you’re shopping for a graduation gift for a PhD student, something that acknowledges their new title is a great choice. This t-shirt is an inexpensive and humorous option, which nods to their new title of Doctor . Pair it with one of the more serious gifts on this list for an all-around awesome gift.

HoMedics Shiatsu Air Pro Foot Massager

A PhD program might not seem physically intensive, but all of that time focusing on research can do some damage to your body. This HoMedics Shiatsu Air Pro Foot Massager is a great way to give back to your body with a little TLC. It has several different massage functions to choose from along with an optional heat mode. Now if only they made one for your brain.

Vitruvi Stone Diffuser

When you have several years of pent up grad school stress built up, you sometimes need to bring out the big guns to alleviate some of that stress. This Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is the Cadillac of essential oil diffusers, as it is built from high-quality ceramic material and has the ability to diffuse scents in areas upwards of 500 square feet. Pair this with a pack of calming essential oils and you will help your recent graduate find relaxation, ward off germs, and bring fresh smells into their home.

First White Coat Hanger

This First White Coat Hanger only really makes sense if they just completed a doctorate of medicine program, but if they are about to start a career in medicine, then this gives them a place to store their first official white coat. The lettering is printed on the wooden part of the hanger and it comes with a white bow attached.

MaxGear Metal Business Card Holder

While completing your graduate thesis can foster personal growth and discovery, it’s also all about the amazing job opportunities that open up afterward. Help them prepare for their professional career by getting them this MaxGear Metal Business Card Holder, which can hold ten to twenty business cards depending on the thickness. It is very pocket friendly at  3.7 x 2.3 x 0.3 inches and is sturdy enough to last through their entire career (whatever it may be).

Joseche Sleep Mask and Headphones

Now that they’re officially done with long nights at the library, it’s time for them to get some quality sleep. That’s why we recommend the Joseche Sleep Mask and Headphones for any PhD graduate trying to return to a normal sleep schedule. It blocks out both lights and sound for a quality night’s sleep. This gift is also found on our list of the best cheap tech gifts .

Custom Sugarwish Box

Has your favorite Ph.D. graduate been so busy completing their degree that you haven’t been able to keep up with their food preferences? Well, you can still send them a thoughtful gift box from Sugarwish. Sugarwish is a great option because you all you need to do is choose your box size and your recipient will be prompted to pick their favorite product category and flavors. Options include cookies, popcorn, snacks, coffee, tea, and more and each box comes with a gift card so you can tell them yourself how happy for them you are.

Nordgreen Native Watch

The Nordgreen Native Watch sports an elegant unisex design that will go with any professional attire from a three-piece suit to a thrifted tweed jacket with elbow patches. This timepiece has interchangeable leather straps but we find that the brown leather pairs best with its low-bezel stainless steel watchface.

Italian Replica Old World Globe Bar

This ornate Italian Replica Old World Globe Bar might seem out of place for a new PhD graduate, but they’ll be occupying an academic office or constructing a private study in no time. And when they do finally get there, this piece of ornate vintage furniture will become a centerpiece for their space. This globe opens at the equator to reveal hidden bar supplies, making it easy to unwind with a drink after a mentally taxing activity.

Look at You Graduating and Sh*t Soy Candle

This comical Look at You Graduating and Sh*t Soy Candle might not be appropriate to open up in front of Grandma, but after eight (or more) years of education, they’ve earned the right to chuckle at a swear word. They’ve also earned the right to sit back, relax, and breathe in the calming vanilla and caramel aroma of this scented candle.

Precious Moments The Future Belongs To You Figure

Okay, this Precious Moments Figurine is a bit of a gag gift since no one under 60 collects these vintage statuettes. But if you need a gift for someone who took a little longer than average to finish their PhD, then this can actually come off as a pretty funny slant at their age. But just know that whether you gift this ironically or not, it will very likely just end up in a Goodwill.

Graduation Cap Mug

With this graduation-capped coffee mug, they can commemorate their big moment every morning with their first cup of coffee. This 11 oz. mug is made with quality ceramics and its removable lid has a real cloth tassel just like a real mortarboard.

Jillmo Whiskey Decanter Set

Since your grad has most likely been living on meager means for the last few years, help them live it up with this premium Jillmo Whiskey Decanter . This ornate decanter holds 1250ml of whiskey can comes with two matching glasses so you can share a pour with them in celebration.

Gunnar Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Though this is a gift they’ll wish they had before completing grad school, there are still plenty more reasons in the professional world to rock a pair of Gunnar Blue Light Blocking Glasses . According to a study by Upwork, 22 percent of the U.S. workforce will be remote by 2025, which means plenty more screentime incoming for many graduates. These glasses reduce eye strain and headaches while using screens and make you look sharp while doing so.

15.6-Inch Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop

It wouldn’t be at all surprising for someone to come out of graduate school with a 6-year-old laptop that’s already on its last legs. Well now that they’ve completed their ultimate goal, you should reward them with a capable new laptop like the Lenovo Ideapad 3 . It has a 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, making it a solid midrange machine for taking care of business.

Ray-Ban Metal Round Sunglasses

These Ray-Ban Metal Round Sunglasses are just the kind of luxury purchase that a P.hD. student would never consider because of their student debt. Well, you might not be able to pay their debt but you can treat them to some premium sunwear. Maybe it will encourage them to finally take a vacation too.

Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

It’s basically impossible to keep up with the latest gaming crazes while still succeeding in graduate school. That’s why now is the perfect time for your favorite P.hD. graduate to unwind with some VR gaming courtesy of the Meta Quest 2 . This standalone device has everything it needs built right in, so you don’t need a high-end PC with an expensive GPU.

Hotter by One Degree Candle

For the doctoral candidate who earned their degree with style, there is no more relevant gift than this Hotter by One Degree Candle. This soy candle comes in a 10 oz. jar and ships carefully packaged in a gift box. It has notes of citrus, spice, and sandalwood, which will surely bring a more calming atmosphere to their new workspace.

Groove Life Silicone Ring

If your favorite doctorate candidate is headed towards a career in medicine where they will be working with their hands, then I suggest getting them a Groove Life Silicone Ring . This lightweight yet stylish ring is designed to stay out of the way when working with your hands, which a surprisingly large number of Ph.D. grads end up doing.

Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner

It is only once you complete such an epic undertaking that you deserve a chair so plush as the Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner . This gift will go highly appreciated as long as the recipient has room for it. After all, everyone needs a comfy overstuffed chair to melt into after a long, hard day.

Hot Sox Conversation Starter Crew Socks

For those first few months, your grad will happily take any opportunity they can to brag about their big new accomplishment. And these Hot Sox Conversation Starter Crew Socks should make it an easy topic to breach. After all, nothing says “I just dominated grad school” like a spiffy new pair of grad-themed socks.

Hush Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket

Quality sleep is never at a higher premium than right after getting out of grad school, which is why new P.hD. graduates should use every trick in the book to return to a normal sleep schedule. The Hush Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket is one such sleeping trick, as it provides therapeutic pressure across the body as you sleep while also regulating your temperature. It’s great for sleepers such as myself who get restless when they are too warm.

FlexiSpot M3B Standing Desk

If the graduate expects to be sitting at a desk a lot in their future role, then you might want to consider gifting them this awesome standing desk converter from FlexiSpot. By stacking it on their existing desk, it will raise their monitors to eye height, thereby reducing the strain on their neck and back while they work. And the best part is that it lifts up pneumatically to bring the monitors to standing height so they can work fully standing up. We recommend pairing this with a compression mat on the floor so their feet don’t get tired either.

Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker

Even though they have completed their degree program, they still have a lot to learn about life. And nutrition is likely one such topic. That’s why you can get them started the right way with an Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker . This practical cooking device equips them to make easy and nutritious meals using a variety of techniques and it is space-friendly as well.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Okay, so gifting a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss may be a little contrived but I still have to include it on this list on the off chance that they have never received a copy. And even if they did read this book when they graduated college or high school, it is still a timeless tale that is soothing to return to now and again.

Amazon Gift Card

While you can almost always do better than an Amazon Gift Card , they are worth mentioning sheerly for the fact that you can have one shipped in a spiffy gift box that looks like a graduation cap. Plus, you know they will find a use for it.

Book Darts Line Markers

Once someone gets into the habit of endless research, they’ll never stop reading new books and making new connections. That’s why we recommend you stock them up with some Book Darts Line Markers . Take it from someone with a literature degree: book darts are the best tool for tracking the most insightful passages you read.

Cosori Air Fryer Max XL

Fast food becomes a dangerous crutch when you have to spend every waking hour with your nose down in the books. Well, if fried food has become a staple, then you can do better for your body with the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL. This countertop convection cooker uses 85 percent less oil than a normal deep fryer, making it a healthier way to enjoy tater tots, chicken strips, and other comfort foods.

Fire TV Cube

Now that they’re done with school, it’s time for them to catch up on the world of streaming content. If they’ve been out of the game for a while, then you can get them caught up with the Fire TV Cube . This hands-free streaming device supports 4K UHD playback and Dolby Atmos audio, so you’ll be able to enjoy content from Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, and more at the highest possible quality.

Japanese Tabletop Zen Garden

After you’ve dedicated every inch of your living space to research, it can be hard to carve out a zen space for you to collect your thoughts. And now that campus is no longer an option, we recommend this Japanese Tabletop Zen Garden instead. This set comes with a large decorative tray, 6 rocks, a bottle of sand, a six-tooth wide rake, a meditation Buddha, a bridge statue, a ceramic crane birds, an artificial bonsai tree and two koi carp figures.

Bearington Smarty Graduation Plush

This Bearington Smarty Graduation Plush is a simple way to show your excitement and respect for your most accomplished graduate. This plush doll is 10 inches and fully posable. It comes with a diploma, mortarboard, and sash too.

Steel Time Capsule

Though burying a time capsule might seem silly now, it always ends up being a worthwhile effort down the road. Starting a new one to celebrate their P.hD. graduation would be a great way to show someone that they are never done growing and that their life will only become more rich and fulfilling as they step into this new chapter of their life.

Research Voyage

Research Tips and Infromation

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.

Upcoming Events

• Visit the Upcoming International Conferences at Exotic Travel Destinations with Travel Plan
• Visit for  Research Internships Worldwide

Recent Posts

• Understanding UGC CARE Journals: A Comprehensive Guide
• Top 10 AI-Based Research Paper Abstract Generators
• EditPad Research Title Generator: Is It Helpful to Create a Title for Your Research?
• Are Postdoctoral Fellowships Taxable? A Guide to Understanding Tax Implications
• How to Get Off-Cycle Research/Academic Internships
• All Blog Posts
• Research Career
• Research Conference
• Research Internship
• Research Journal
• Research Tools
• Uncategorized
• Research Conferences
• Research Journals
• Research Grants
• Internships
• Research Internships
• Email Templates
• Conferences
• Blog Partners
• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2024 Research Voyage

Design by ThemesDNA.com

The Best Gifts for PhD Students [PhD Graduation Gifts 2023]

A Ph.D. is the highest academic degree a person can achieve Completing it takes a lot of hard work, persistence, and hustle. The thing is that people who graduate with a Ph.D. often feel a sense of incompleteness when they graduate. 

I know I did! I felt like finishing my PhD was a bit of an anticlimactic experience. 

So, spending a bit of time celebrating with a recent PhD graduate will help them feel a sense of completion and mark the end of something really worthwhile. 

If you are shopping for a great gift for a Ph.D. graduate yet unsure what to get, read on. What are the best gifts for Ph.D. students’ graduation? Is it something reusable?

This article discusses the best gifts you can get for a Ph.D. graduate. We also discuss some common questions about gifts for Ph.D. graduates, such as budget and more gift ideas.

10 Best Graduation Gifts for a PhD student

Here are some of the best PhD student gifts you can buy someone who is currently studying for their PhD or has graduated. We look beyond the typical headphones, mugs, and other gifts you may get recommended on other blogs. 

These recommendations come from my experience with graduating with my PhD myself and what I would have loved to receive.

A new experience – the best PhD graduation gifts EVER!

When someone graduates with a PhD the best gift you can give someone is the opportunity to experience something new. 

It is a great way to refresh your life, do something fun and create memories with loved ones.

Personally, it is my go-to option for any life milestone. I once read that, often, people prefer experiences rather than “things” once they get older. 

There are a number of great vouchers for new experiences and some of my favorites include:

• Virgin Experience Gifts : Offers a range of handpicked experiences with flexible policies and no expiration dates. They offer 30-day returns or free exchanges for any other experience in their marketplace​​.
• Experience Gifts : Offers a wide variety of experiences, including airborne activities such as hot air balloon rides, flying lessons, and paragliding, as well as driving experiences​.
• Gifting Owl : Provides over 12,000 global experiences with a 3-year validity. Gift vouchers are exchangeable, and they offer instant gift delivery. Some of their top experiences include a private photoshoot at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, a Hollywood Sign Hike with panoramic views, and a Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood​​.

Consider a new experience first before a gift like those listed below! Memories last a lifetime and are often more meaningful than anything else you can give someone. 

Academic Gifts for a PhD graduate – business card holders and more

These gifts are perfect for people who are entering another research-related work environment after their PhD. 

It could be in industry or in another academic position like a PostDoc or Research Fellow role. Here are some things that make academia for academics and scientists much better:

Logitech Spotlight Presentation Clicker

The Logitech Spotlight is not your usual presentation clicker; it does more than switch slides and laser-pointing. 

With the Logitech Spotlight, you can highlight and magnify your screen, drawing better attention to your slides. It also comes with a cursor control system, allowing you to control your cursor just like a mouse.

Why A Ph.D. Graduate Will Like This: A Ph.D. graduate will often enter academia or work in the industry after graduation. This means they may be presenting a lot of presentations or lectures. A great clicker like this would make their work easier. 

The New Parker 51 Fountain Pen

When it comes to pens, many will immediately think of Parker. The New Parker 51 is a modern redesign of the original 1941 model, dubbed the ‘World’s Most Wanted Pen.’

The pen has a streamlined silhouette, and the cap is stainless steel with palladium finish trims. The pen clip is in the signature Parker arrow shape.

Why A Ph.D. Graduate Will Like This: A Ph.D. graduate will likely be in a position where they have to sign off on many things, such as documents, reports, and more. Being able to do it with a beautiful pen like a Parker 51 makes it perfect.

Vivo Sit-Stand Desk Riser 

The Vivo Sit-Stand Desk Riser allows you to change between sitting and standing desks throughout the day. 

The desk riser can handle up to 33 pounds (about 15kg), which means it can handle a laptop, mouse, coffee, and several books and work fine. It also has a large surface, covering 31.5 x 15.8 inches.

Why A Ph.D. Graduate Will Like This: A Ph.D. graduate will likely be on a desk job, where they may need to spend long hours reading and processing data and findings. They may find the option to change between sitting and standing while working a good idea.

Jack & Chris Leather Briefcase

This Jack & Chris leather briefcase fits a 15.6-inch laptop. It is 100% cowhide grain leather with an adjustable shoulder strap.

The briefcase also has many pockets to hold daily essentials, such as pens, wallets, phones, notebooks, etc. It also comes with a backside belt, so you can easily attach the briefcase to your suitcase.

Why A Ph.D. Graduate Will Like This: A Ph.D. graduate will likely start a new position in the university or the industry. What’s a better way to start a new job than to have a new briefcase to take to work?

Silly PhD completion gifts

Sometimes you just have to get something that says: “I’ve finished a PhD….” it big loud letters.

‘Phinished’ Ph.D. Graduation T-Shirt

This is a simple, regular T-shirt. The printing, however, is not. You get a wordplay, the words ‘finished’ and ‘Ph.D.’ put together to form the word ‘Finished.’ Perfect for a Ph.D. graduate.

The shirt comes in a wide selection of colors, including shades of blue, black, gray, and pink. 

Why A Ph.D. Graduate Will Like This: Who doesn’t like a new T-shirt. Sure they may not wear it every day but getting it signed by the people who make their PhD possible will make it a great keepsake for years to come. The shirt is also a way to flex about having a Ph.D. without being too braggy. 

12.5 Oz Ph.D. Mug

This is a 12.5-ounce white ceramic mug. It can hold up to 400 ml of liquid, which is large enough for a canned drink. It should also take a tall-sized Starbucks beverage, which is about 354ml in volume.

The large mug has a large C-shaped handle, making it easy to grip. It is also safe for microwaves and dishwashers.

Why Will A Ph.D. Graduate Like This: Which Ph.D. graduate does not like to flex their academic achievement occasionally? Plus, this mug is a cool way to tell people you are a Ph.D. without telling them. 

If in doubt, a gift card always works

If you are not sure about what to buy someone – I’ve found that it is always a great option to let them buy something for themselves. Sometimes the best graduation gifts for doctoral students is the ability to choose their own gift!

I’m not always a fan of buying stuff on Amazon but, as a gift card, it certainly provides one of the widest selections of products for anyone and any interest or desire!

Amazon Graduation Gift Card

Not sure what to give your Ph.D. graduate? Let them decide for themselves. Go ahead and pick up an Amazon graduation card. The card comes in a specialty gift box, perfect for a graduate. 

Load the gift card with any amount you desire, starting from $25. The maximum amount is $2,000. 

Why A Ph.D. Graduate Will Like This: Who does not like receiving the money to buy what they want? Plus, the Ph.D. graduate can use the funds to buy what they need.

Other appropriate gifts for Ph.D. graduation outside of graduation? Gift boxes and more.

When shopping for a gift for a Ph.D. grad outside of graduation, you can think of things related to their life after their Ph.D. You can also look for gifts that help them keep the Ph.D. memory. 

Some ideas include

• Artwork or Decor from Mint e d.com : This site offers unique, artist-created gifts ranging from pillows to stationary, ideal for personalizing a new office or home.
• Quality Water Bottle : A hydro flask can be a practical gift, ensuring the graduate stays hydrated during long research hours.
• Airbnb Gift Card : Offers the chance for a well-deserved break or travel opportunity post-Ph.D.
• Books : Works by Malcolm Gladwell or other thought-provoking authors can provide intellectual stimulation outside of their field of study.
• Quality Headphones : These can help with concentration in noisy environments, or provide a means of relaxation.
• Planner/Organizer : To help manage their post-Ph.D. life or new job responsibilities.
• My Coffee and Book: This is a subscription for coffee and book lovers. Each month, the subscriber will receive two new hardcover books in their favorite categories and 12 oz of whole or ground coffee​
• Read, Relax and Recharge by Introverts Retreat: This subscription box includes a novel, sweet snack and beverage, an introvert-themed candle, bath salts, and soap.
• Sketchbox: This box provides supplies, instructions, and inspiration for creating craft projects that produce outstanding works of art. Perfect for the artsy and crafty individuals.
• ​Escape the Crate: An interactive game subscription where each box offers a new escape room challenge.

Please remember, personalization based on the recipient’s tastes can make any gift more special. It’s the perfect way to say well done. 

How Much Should You Spend on Gifts for PhD Students and Graduates?

How much you should spend on a Ph.D. gift can depend largely on your relationship with the graduate and your personal budget. As a guideline:

• Close family members and partners : You may consider spending between $100 – $200 on a gift. This could cover the cost of higher-end gifts like quality headphones, an Airbnb gift card, or a pricier piece from Minted.com.
• Friends or extended relatives : A budget of $50 – $100 would be appropriate. This could include items like quality water bottles, books, or a lower-cost subscription box.
• Colleagues or acquaintances : Around $20 – $50 might be suitable. This could afford a well-chosen book, a smaller decor item, or contribute towards a group gift.

Remember, it’s not about the price tag – thoughtful, personalized gifts often mean the most, regardless of cost.

Wrapping up – PhD Graduation Gifts

Celebrating a Ph.D. graduate’s achievement with a thoughtful gift is a great way to show your support.

This article shared a variety of unique gift ideas for Ph.D. students, with suggestions for every budget.

From providing new experiences through gift vouchers like those from Virgin Experience Gifts, Gifting Owl, or Experience Gifts, to practical academic gifts like a Logitech Spotlight Presentation Clicker or a Vivo Sit-Stand Desk Riser, these options make perfect gifts for doctoral graduates.

Silly and fun gifts like a ‘Phinished’ T-shirt or a Ph.D. mug can add a light-hearted touch. And, when in doubt, an Amazon gift card always works.

The recommended spending varies depending on your relationship with the graduate and personal budget, with the focus being on the thoughtfulness of the gift rather than the price. Remember, personalization can make any gift more special.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

graduation gifts

We have unique graduation gifts they'll actually keep forever. Cool grad gifts mark milestones with clever gadgets, personalized gifts, and special jewelry.

high school graduation

college graduation

alumni gifts

inspirational jewelry

Usually ships within 24 hrs

customers also bought

Better Hurry. Sold 22 times in the last 48 hrs

Customer favorite

Better Hurry. Sold 15 times in the last 48 hrs

Better Hurry. Sold 26 times in the last 48 hrs

Better Hurry. Sold 5 times in the last 48 hrs

Better Hurry. Sold 19 times in the last 48 hrs

Usually ships within 6 business days

Better Hurry. Sold 8 times in the last 48 hrs

Better Hurry. Sold 31 times in the last 48 hrs

Better Hurry. Sold 32 times in the last 48 hrs

Better Hurry. Sold 6 times in the last 48 hrs

Better Hurry. Sold 21 times in the last 48 hrs

Usually ships within 8 business days

Better Hurry. Sold 16 times in the last 48 hrs

Better Hurry. Sold 9 times in the last 48 hrs

Usually ships within 3 business days

Usually ships within 4 business days

Usually ships within 5 business days

Usually ships within 7 business days

1 - 106 (of 106 items)

Find the perfect gift

Graduation gifts.

Earn an honorary degree in Gift Giving with these unique graduation gift ideas. Wondering what to give a graduating teenager headed for college, or a seasoned grad school scholar off to the real world? Give them a sentimental keepsake, something useful, or just plain silly. Shop here to find the most creative ways to say “congratulations on your achievement.”

What are the best graduation gift ideas? The best graduation gifts come from the heart. Graduation gifting can be tough depending on who you’re shopping for, maybe they are mysterious teenagers or seasoned scholars set to embark upon their first foray into the “real world,” your daughter, son, niece or nephew deserve an exciting gift. Track down the perfect inspirational, funny or personalized item just for them! What to get for a high school graduate? Fleeing the nest doesn’t come without its hiccups. In honor of your graduating high school senior’s inaugural going away, give the gift of practicality.Whether they’re college bound or heading off to their first job, they’ll soon realize what it means to live without Mom and Dad—and they’ll be glad you gave them something they can really use. Remember: “Useful” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” It could mean a “personal popcorn popper,” or “shower caddy shaped like a squid.” Who wouldn’t want that? 

What to get for a college graduate? There are only two tried-and-true ways to win the heart of a recent college graduate: either with taste or with humor. Where funny gifts inject a bit of levity into a bittersweet moment—saying goodbye to your best friends of four years is tough! Grown-up gifts, like wall art or photo displays, will help them let go of their dorm room posters and set up their first apartment in style. If you’re feeling especially sappy, you can always elicit a tear with a personalized memento. Just make sure to keep the crying on the down low—you wouldn’t want the future boss to see.  What are the best graduation gifts for a friend? Besties graduate, too, you know, and unique gifts are perfect for the occasion. After all, who knows you better than your closest friends? If you’re shopping for a grad gift for a friend, think of all you’ve shared throughout the course of your friendship. Maybe you’ve taken a trip together, or toured a brewery, or baked a cake. Maybe you both throw amazing parties. Either way, keep these experiences in mind and you’re sure to find something that has you both written all over it. 

What are the best graduation gifts for girls? She’s resilient. She’s accomplished. She’s a new grad—and she deserves a heartfelt gift to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime achievement. While a grown-up piece of jewelry with an inspirational bent is always a good bet for those on the threshold of adulthood, gifts that toast her continued journey—like a map to log her travels, or a camera to celebrate special moments—are also sure to earn that elusive “thanks” you’ve been waiting for since she turned 15.  What are the best graduation gifts for boys? Now that he’s a bachelor in the official sense of the word (har har), give your grad his due with a thoughtful gift that says, “You’ve done us proud.” Whether he’s an athlete, a tinkerer, or a future CEO, a gift with a bit of personal flair—like a pair of custom cufflinks, or a pen commemorating the passage of time—is sure to tug at his heartstrings, whether he wants to admit it or not.

Advertisement

• Graduation gifts

The 34 Best Gifts for College Graduates

By Samantha Schoech and Mari Uyehara

Off comes the cap and gown and on comes the daunting task of being an adult. For the college graduate, that usually entails starting a job and moving into their own place. But it can also mean traveling or moving home to figure out next steps. Whatever their path, help them celebrate this next stage and set them up for success with gifts that are both fun and useful.

An illustrated campus

GArtgraphy Custom University Campus Illustration

Printed on museum-grade paper with archival ink, this nostalgic illustration is available for more than 300 colleges and universities.

Buying Options

Saying goodbye to college can be tough, but you can memorialize your grad’s time there with a GArtgraphy Custom University Campus Illustration , available on Etsy. The vendor offers designs, created by artist Joshua Grey, for more than 300 colleges and universities of a smattering of iconic campus buildings with the name of the school at the bottom. Just ping the seller to find out if the school you want illustrated is available. The two-tone artwork is printed with archival ink on museum-grade, semigloss paper in your choice of four sizes and either framed or loose.

Travel inspo

Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When

This visual travel guide suggests events and destinations for every month of the year. It’s as much an inspiration as it is a planner.

If the grad in your life is chomping at the bit to see the world, help them out with Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When . While the internet is teeming with all kinds of travel advice, it’s often unwieldy and overwhelming. This book is tidily organized by month, so your grad can just flip to their intended travel month to figure out what destinations might be best—such as wandering through Iran’s ancient ruins in June or trekking through Montenegro in July. Each month also categorizes potential trips by budget (vital for many young travelers), lists major cultural events around the world, and includes fun travel flow charts of possible itineraries.

Party plates

Poketo Bamboo Salad Plate Set

Available in beautiful abstract shapes and rotating patterns, these nonplastic, durable dishes do scratch easily.

Sure, the grad may do a boring stock-up trip to IKEA for their first apartment, but that doesn’t mean they have to be bound to all-white plates. One of our favorite outdoor dinner sets , the Poketo Bamboo Plates (Set of Four) come in five cheery and colorful designs, with fun graphic shapes and lovely, modern colors. They’re made from certified organic bamboo fiber and cornstarch and printed with food-grade ink. Best of all: Unlike some other bamboo plates, these are dishwasher-safe.

A bracelet with meaning

GracePersonalized Hammered Handwriting Cuff Bracelet

A high-res scan of a handwritten message is engraved on the inside of a dainty cuff, available in a range of affordable metals.

It can be tough to find the right moment to communicate sentimental thoughts with young adults. The GracePersonalized Hammered Handwriting Cuff Bracelet will do the job for you in your own handwriting. Choose from sterling silver, 18-karat rose or yellow gold vermeil and send along a photo of your handwritten message (up to seven words). The company will engrave your message as you’ve written it onto the inner or outer side of the bracelet.

A tough luggage tag

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

Cash or travel gift cards (those from Delta and Hilton don’t expire) might be the most helpful gesture for a young adult. But you can gift yours with a small token, too, namely our pick for best luggage tag for a grad with wanderlust. The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag has a sturdy silicone body outfitted with a metal grommet and cable to prevent any ripping. And its narrow window only makes the name visible, so your young adult won’t be flashing their contact information to any strangers on the go.

A TikTok-famous tote

Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag

This roomy, lightweight bag packs up small when not in use, and the tough nylon is easy to clean and protects its contents from most scuffs.

This preppy cult classic is undergoing a youth revival on TikTok . And why not? The Longchamp Le Pliage Original Tote Bag is lightweight, roomy, and supremely versatile—useful for a new job, weekend errands, or the beach. It’s also one of our top picks for personal-item carry-ons . Created in 1993 by the luxury French brand, its origami-like design can be packed into a neat square (pliage translates to “fold”), barely taking up any space in the cramped closet of a new studio apartment. Made of recycled polyamide canvas coated on the inside for extra protection, its sturdy nylon body easily wipes clean, and its rolled leather straps sit comfortably, without cutting, on shoulders. Though the Le Pliage tote has only one small interior pocket for keys and lip balm, it has a zippered top with a foldover leather snap enclosure, which keeps wallets safe while bopping around cities, near and far.

Portable drinks

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can

This simple lunch-box-style cooler, made from a durable coated nylon, is insulated with thick closed-cell foam.

For a future of newfound freedom and responsibility (hopefully), the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can — our favorite soft cooler —has grads covered for beach days, road trips, park hangs, and tailgates. With thick walls and a lid constructed with more than 2 inches of closed-cell foam (an efficient but more-expensive insulator), this cooler can keep drinks and other items cold for up to 24 hours. From an earthy brown to a dusty pink, it has 11 colors to suit a variety of styles, and the cooler’s tough, thickly coated nylon is waterproof.

A glittery coin purse

Rose and Rose Boutique Metallic Leather Coin Pouch

About the size of a deck of cards, this affordable, soft leather pouch has three compartments, and it’s handmade in Italy in more than 20 sparkly colors.

Entry into adulthood doesn’t mean living in shades of gray. Handmade in Italy, the Rose and Rose Boutique Metallic Leather Coin Pouch comes in more than 20 glittery hues: hot pink, denim blue, and emerald green, among them. The 4-by-3-inch coin purse has three compartments, and its leather is supremely soft. It’s also available in a larger size measuring 6 by 4 inches, which can hold unfolded bills. Staff writer Samantha Schoech has one for herself and uses it every day; her high school teenage twins approve.

Expanding horizons

Penny Bee Art World Push Pin Map

Printed on unbleached cotton canvas with a foam-board backing, this handsome, hand-drawn, personalized world map comes with your choice of pins (gold, wood, or multicolor).

Before they’re (likely) yoked with pets, house upkeep, or kids of their own, young adults have more flexibility to see the world. Encourage them to look beyond their borders with this World Push Pin Map , available on Etsy, a hand-drawn black sketch of the world printed on unbleached cotton canvas. You can select the size, MDF wood frame, and one of eight pin options (gold, wooden, multicolored). There’s also a personalization box in the upper right corner, in which you can send text via Etsy and the maker will respond with a proof for approval before printing.

Easier packing

State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit

This bag opens flat and offers organizational options (including a detachable pouch, handy for quick trips) that should work for light and heavy packers alike.

The proud owner of a college diploma should also be the proud owner of an actual toiletries bag—not a grimy ziplock bag. This hangable canvas State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit is one of our picks for a host of functional reasons, and it looks great, particularly in the metallic pink . The two roomy mesh pouches (big enough for a regular bottle of shampoo or a canister of shaving cream) make it easy to see what they have inside, and the small snap-off pouch allows them to take necessities on the go.

A forever tool

Leatherman Skeletool CX

Even the repair-impaired need a good basic tool. Smaller and lighter than the original Leatherman multi-tool, our favorite version has a sharp knife, a few other necessities, and a 25-year warranty.

Set them up for a life of self-sufficiency with our pick for best multi-tool . The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a classic, worn on the belts of many a handy person. This lighter model is a fantastic starter tool, with a sharp knife, needle-nose pliers, a wire cutter, a bottle opener, two Phillips screwdrivers, two flat screwdrivers, and a carabiner clip—and it fits comfortably in your pocket. It’s backed by a 25-year warranty, and our testers have been using theirs for a decade with no sign of breakdown.

Vegan messenger bag

Matt & Nat Martel Vegan Messenger Bag

This sleek and simple vegan messenger bag is roomy and professional without being stodgy.

It’s time to chuck the worn-out college backpack for something a little sleeker. This canvas Matt & Nat Martel Vegan Messenger Bag is low profile and professional but not briefcase-level stuffy. It’s one of our favorite messenger bags , and our testers noted a roomy interior with space for a laptop plus the collection of other daily essentials like water bottles and lunch bags. Note that taller or broader grads might not find the 50-inch strap long enough to wear crossbody comfortably; it is removable, though, and the bag has a handle.

A lifetime of learning

MasterClass

With more than 180 classes to choose from, topics ranging from business to screenwriting, and instructors such as Amy Poehler and Tony Hawk, this is the best online platform for a lifetime of continuing ed.

Your recent college grad most likely needs a break from macroeconomics and the 18th-century novel, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to learn songwriting from Alicia Keys or study photography with Annie Leibovitz. A year’s subscription to the online learning platform MasterClass is about $120 and will enable your grad to explore new subjects and learn from the best. It offers filmmaking with Martin Scorsese, beat making with Timbaland, philosophy with Cornel West, and 180 other classes to choose from.

The gift of good advice

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar

A collection of smart, funny, and deeply compassionate advice columns from best-selling author Cheryl Strayed.

Before Cheryl Strayed became famous for her memoir, Wild , she wrote an advice column on the website The Rumpus using the pseudonym Dear Sugar that quickly became a full-blown phenomenon. Tiny Beautiful Things , a collection of the best Dear Sugar columns, was first published 10 years ago and recently reissued as a special edition with additional columns. What makes this book so beloved is Strayed’s heartfelt, honest, and compassionate advice on everything from art and self-discovery to sex and relationships. A TV show based on the book is on Hulu, too.

Endless dumplings

MìLà VIP Soup Dumpling Club

This subscription delivers two bags of delectable frozen Chinese soup dumplings and a jar of sauce every two months and comes out to about $5 per meal.

As graduates wean themselves off the dining-hall meal plan and late night takeout, a subscription to MìLà’s VIP Soup Dumpling Club would be welcome. The Seattle-based company ships two bags of frozen soup dumplings plus sauce in dry ice every two months. The resulting 100 dumplings are juicy, pillowy, and flavorful, and nothing like grocery store options. You have the choice to add a bamboo steamer included in the first shipment; it makes steaming them up easier, but each bag also contains paper liners that will prevent the dumplings from sticking to metal steamer baskets, too.

The best travel backpack

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Men’s)

Our favorite travel backpack is roomy, comfortable, and rugged. With its removable daypack, it’s the only luggage your new grad will need for wandering the world.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (Women’s)

Our runner-up travel backpack is perfect for the graduate planning a grand tour after matriculating. The REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack has a spacious interior, a tough exterior, a removable daypack, comfortable, adjustable straps and a hip belt, and even a laptop sleeve (which could alternately be used as a hydration reservoir). It’s too big for carrying-on, especially with strict European airlines, but with the zip-off daypack it’s pretty much all you need for a longer journey. Note that the men’s and women’s versions have the same capacity but are built for different torso lengths.

Tools for adulting

Anvil Homeowner’s Tool Set

This set has all the essentials in a small package at a reasonable price, making it the best choice for common home repairs and upgrades.

You’re not really a grown-up until you have the tools (and bare-minimum skills) to put together your own furniture and hang your own art. Buy your grad a toolkit and save them the stress: The basic Anvil Homeowner’s Tool Set has all the essentials in a small package and at a great price, which is why it’s been our favorite for years. Not only is the set particularly compact—excellent for small new digs—but it has a wide range of bits and handy clamps, and each tool has a steady, solid handfeel.

Give them a charge

TravelCard Plus

This 2.7-ounce power bank has a powerful USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C, and Lightning cables; it charges a little more slowly than bulkier power banks, but it’s portable and light.

Since we rely on our phones for nearly everything these days, being caught with a dead battery is a real bummer. Make sure the grad in your life has a little extra power in their pocket. We picked this charger , the TravelCard Plus , because it’s compact and lightweight, so it’s easier to actually carry around every day. Plus it comes in a variety of colors.

Alma mater medallion

Kyle Cavan College Sunburst Necklace

These school-specific sunburst medallion charms are available in three metals, but not every college is represented.

If your grad loved college, the Kyle Cavan College Sunburst Necklace would be a welcome and sentimental gift. At the time of publication, the jeweler offers over 120 school seals—the list skews a little East Coast—engraved in three finishes including sterling silver, Cavan gold (gold-plated sterling silver), and 14k gold. The charms look expensive and hold up well, even with daily wear.

Our favorite mental health app offers guided meditations aimed at relieving stress, insomnia, and even trauma.

Moving on from their comfortable campus, established friends, and familiar routine, some grads may find themselves a little more stressed than usual. Help them find a little calm with a year-long membership to our top-pick meditation app , Headspace . It has a wonderful selection of courses that aim to combat stress and insomnia, as well as several meditations with goals especially useful for grads, like managing work stress and improving creativity.

Chic luggage

Away The Carry-On

This chic-looking and resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line components, including shockingly smooth-rolling wheels.

For academic conferences, business trips, or leisure travel, your graduate will need proper luggage. We have many great picks for carry-on backpacks , carry-on suitcases , and duffles . But our travel team deems this sleek Away The Carry-On well worth the hype . The durable polycarbonate hardshell case weighs only 7.6 pounds and has the best 360-degree rollers of any suitcase we tested. The 40-liter carry-on (enough room for three to five days away) comes with an ejectable, TSA-approved USB charger that can charge your phone up to four times, a laundry bag, a built-in combination lock (also TSA approved), and, best of all, a lifetime warranty. Away suitcases are available in four sizes for those taking longer trips.

A gentle alarm clock

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520

A kinder, gentler alarm clock that starts with a sunrise-like glow before emitting one of five non-jarring sound options.

Everyone knows it’s hard to get up early and head to work. Ease your grad’s morning struggle with a sunrise alarm clock . In contrast to the soul-crushing buzz of a regular alarm clock, this Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 wakes your grad up with an ersatz sunrise designed to resemble a bright day. When the Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light reaches the zenith of its brightness, it emits one of five nonaggressive alarm options, such as chirping birds or gentle piano music. And in the evening, it creates a faux sunset to help your graduate wind down.

Espresso at home

Nespresso Essenza Mini

The Essenza Mini makes the same espresso as more-expensive Nespresso machines but has a smaller footprint and no unnecessary features.

Our coffee-obsessed testers concluded that the Nespresso Essenza Mini  is the simplest and most affordable way to make ristrettos, espressos, and lungos at home. The lack of bells and whistles is a big part of its charm and makes the learning curve next to nothing. We also love its small footprint. It uses Nespresso coffee pods, but if your grad wants to branch out and explore the world of coffee, it’s also compatible with pods from brands like Lavazza and Starbucks.

Grown-up sheets

Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set

Crisp and cool, these percale sheets feel lovely against the skin. The sharp prints change every few months and suit a range of styles.

Use promo code WIRECUTTERMEMORIALDAY (queen)

It’s time to graduate out of those dorm-room twin XLs and into a proper adult bed with proper adult sheets. If they prefer soft, cool, crisp sheets, the Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set , one of our top printed-sheet picks , are a great bet. The set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. You can also upgrade to the Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle , which adds a duvet cover and two extra pillowcases to the mix. Another bonus: Brooklinen sheets are Oeko-Tex certified to be free of harmful substances.

Roommate-proof drinking glasses

Duralex Multicolor Picardie Tumblers

We love the refined look and feel of these classic French bistro-style glasses. They occasionally stick together when stacked, but the colors are a joy.

Yes, your graduate can continue drinking from the assorted mugs and Mason jars they’ve spent years accumulating. However, the more adult option is to use a proper set of glasses. A bistro classic, the stackable Duralex Multicolor Picardie Tumblers (our upgrade pick in our drinking glass guide ) now come in six fun colors. Made by the French manufacturing company that actually invented the glass tempering process, they’re dishwasher safe, can hold warm and cold drinks, and they’re durable enough to hold up against careless roommates.

Smoothie maker

NutriBullet Pro 900

Powerful, easy to use, and convenient, this personal blender encourages nutrition and saves time.

For a quick, delicious breakfast that can be consumed on the go, it’s hard to beat making your own smoothie. The NutriBullet Pro 900 can turn fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables into a smooth, blended treat, and its travel lid lets you easily take your breakfast with you. Even after testing the many NutriBullet models available, we determined that the Pro 900 should remain our top pick as the best personal blender for its powerful motor, convenient design, and low price. And compared with a full-size blender , it is much easier to clean and doesn’t take up nearly as much space in a shared kitchen.

A grown-up wallet

Leatherology Thin Bifold Wallet

A good wallet is a grown-up essential, and this one is classic, well made, and constructed from nice, pliable leather. You can even get it engraved.

It’s not a cashless society yet. With a slim wallet , your grad won’t have to sacrifice precious space in their bag or pocket. We suggest many excellent picks in our guide, but for a classic look that matches most styles, the Leatherology Thin Bifold Wallet is easy to slide cards in and out of, it features pliable leather, and you can even get it monogrammed.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The Bose 700 over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

Plucked from the idyllic woods of their sprawling campus and thrust into the chaos of city life, your graduate will be grateful to receive a pair of top-of-the-line headphones. Our top pick , the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 , is a wireless pair that gets 20 hours of use on a single charge and lets your giftee enjoy music and movies without disturbing a roommate.

A bento lunch box

Takenaka Bento Bite Dual

This adaptable, multi-compartment bento box makes packing a lunch easy (and, weirdly, more fun). They are microwave- and dishwasher-safe and come in many adorable colors, but they are not for liquids.

Without their dining-hall meal plan, your college grad is in for a rude awakening if they try to eat lunch out every day. Save them the struggle by encouraging packed lunches in an adorable bento box . The Takenaka Bento Bite Dual ’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe compartments offer infinite snack storage options. And its geometric shape and poppy colors are so cute that your grad might even look forward to using it. But be warned: Staff writer Dorie Chevlen has used hers for about three years and learned the hard way that it’s no good for transporting liquids. Think sandwiches, not saucy dishes.

A backpack upgrade

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

A sleek and secure laptop backpack that’s high on style. For its relatively low price, we were impressed by its quality build.

Price includes shipping

A laptop backpack is the best bet for a grad who needs to look professional but prefers toting their stuff hands free. Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack has sleek lines and a low-profile shape, so it won’t be bulky on a rush-hour train. We also love that it’s water resistant, has all-metal hardware, and keeps their computer in a pocket right up against their back for extra security. This option is perhaps less durable than some of our other heavy-duty laptop backpack picks, but for price and style, it’s a clear winner.

More than a timekeeper

Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 has a large, bright screen, it’s plenty fast for apps, and it includes some health-related features that the less expensive models don’t.

Giving someone a watch for graduation is a classic idea for a reason: It’s a sophisticated accessory they can wear to work, and the relentless passage of time is now vital for them to track. The smartwatch has gone from futuristic to omnipresent, and one that syncs to their phone is an even more useful gift for this brave new world. It can show the wearer who’s calling or texting, track their fitness, and control their other smart-home devices. For iPhone owners, we recommend the Apple Watch Series 9 ; for Android owners, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 .

All the news that’s fit to print

The New York Times Gift Subscription

The best way to stay informed is with a paper of record. We like the New York Times, but a subscription to any reputable paper is a great gift.

Part of being a real adult is being informed on what’s going on in the world: Your graduate needs a subscription to a reputable daily paper (a paper of record, if you will). You can’t go wrong with a New York Times Gift Subscription ; The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post would also be great bets.

Weighted comfort

Baloo Weighted Blanket

At a comfortable 12 pounds, this weighted blanket feels calming and soothing and is supremely soft. Plus the cushy cover is machine washable.

(queen, 15 pounds)

As your graduate leaps from the comforts of their campus into the cold reality of the working world, they need all the coziness and comfort they can get. We love the 12-pound Baloo Weighted Blanket , one of our favorites out of the 19 we tested . Soft and sturdy, it feels like a combination of a quilt and a comforter. It’s one of the only machine-washable blankets we recommend, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend .

This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guides

Samantha Schoech

Except for the time she gave a boyfriend her mother’s old toaster for Christmas, staff writer Samantha Schoech has a reputation as an excellent gift giver. She lives in San Francisco with two teens, two cats, a geriatric betta fish, and a bookseller husband. Her first book of short stories, My Mother’s Boyfriends, is coming out in 2024.

Mari Uyehara

Mari Uyehara is a staff writer for Wirecutter’s gifts team. She was previously an editor at GQ, Saveur, and Vice, and she won a 2019 James Beard Award for her column on American cooking in Taste. The daughter of a potter, she has long been a believer in the power of a well-made thing.

Mentioned above

• From festive melamine and bamboo plates to classic enamelware, our favorite outdoor tableware pieces are perfect for outdoor dining. The Best Outdoor Dinnerware  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• After years of research and gallons upon gallons of melted ice, we have picks for hard and soft coolers, plus backpack and high-end roto-molded options. The Best Coolers  
• After stuffing, shaking, and dunking 23 toiletry bags, we chose six that can serve as your bathroom-in-a-bag in many travel scenarios. Here's what we recommend. The Best Toiletry Bags  
• Here’s our advice on multi-tools, the all-in-one problem-solvers. The Best Multi-Tool  

Further reading

The 27 Best High School Graduation Gifts

by Samantha Schoech

And just like that, the kid you love is all grown up! Honor your beloved high school graduate with our favorite practical, special, and, yes, cool gifts.

The 59 Best Gifts Under $50

The very best of our favorite finds under $50, all in one place.

The 34 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers

by Dorie Chevlen and Samantha Schoech

We recommend kettles, grinders, carafes, and cups for your favorite caffeine fiend.

The 20 Best Gifts for Bridesmaids

by Hannah Morrill and Mari Uyehara

They’ve given you a lifetime of companionship, love, and support. Thank your ladies with these thoughtful and useful gifts.