Welcome to the only (and very niche) gift guide of this blog: gifts for the academic in your life, whether they’re a grad student or a professor or working in higher ed! Professor gift ideas can be tough. Frankly, I also love posting gift ideas because I never know what to ask for for Christmas as a 30-something woman. Here are some ideas!
Diploma frames: You know what’s actually the best professor gift idea, whether for Christmas or grad school graduation? Kidnapping the sad diploma we have rolled up in a file cabinet and getting it framed. I love this simple gold one.
Cashmere cardigan: If there is one thing every female professor agrees on, it’s that the office is freezing. A soft cardigan is always a good idea!
A mug that never gets cold: This is possibly the best thing I’ve ever bought myself. It’s perfect for moms or anyone else who wanders around the house misplacing their coffee all morning. This one also works with any mug! Would be cute to pair with any artsy ceramic mug!
Slippers: See above. I love a desk slipper, and in black, no one notices if I’m walking to the copier with these on!
Funny office art: For the new professor with empty walls and a constant rewatch of Parks & Rec (or maybe they need their old stomping grounds??).
Book of the month: For those attempting more work-life balance in higher ed, this is the gift that keeps on giving!
Cozy sweats: A sweatsuit feels adult but is still cozy when working from home or writing final papers. This Leze the Label sweatsuit is my absolute fave (I have a Leze coupon code: PHDINCLOTHES15). I’ve also gifted it to someone recovering from surgery and she loved it!
A Target gift card: OK HEAR ME OUT. Why did we stop giving gift cards. There is nothing more fun as a grad student than having “free money” to spend. A Target gift card was basically heaven to me on my meager stipend. Bring! Back! Gift cards!
What else is on your list this year? I absolutely love hearing what other people are asking for!!! You can also see grad school graduation gifts here.
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Love these ideas! I would add Blackwing pencils (https://blackwing602.com/), blue-light blocking glasses (I suppose these are only good gift for yourself, because who knows someone else’s frame style?), and my absolute go-to for little gift for all my friends (and me): chocolate, tea, coffee, fuzzy socks. I am ALWAYS delighted with any of these tiny things.
These are such lovely gift ideas!! Fuzzy socks are indeed on my list this year!