PhD Graduation Gifts

Family and friends are asking about graduation gifts. I always have such a hard time telling people what to get me, but this is rather a momentous moment, so I had a few ideas and thought I’d share them in this guide to Phd graduation gifts.

These gifts are meant to last a very long time, to remind your grad of this outstanding accomplishment, and/or to help them enter the next phase of life with a little more ease and little more class.

**links have been updated as of Fall 2017 for your convenience**

PhD Graduation Gifts | What to Get PhD Graduate?

Make it Personal

Personalized stationery is always a great gift idea. Whether you put his or her new title or not, this individualized gift is always appreciated.

Men always need quality accessories. This silver pair of cufflinks pair is suitable for every occasion (not pictured).

When choosing jewelry, opt for something that will never be dated. These silver cuff links is just right – chic and modest.

Jewelry doesn’t have to be hugely expensive to last a long time. Something simple like this gold bar pendant necklace is gorgeous and will never go out of style.

Leather Lasts Forever

A good leather bag will last forever. This saffiano tote will always be a classic and chic statement piece. For something a little more budget-friendly, this Tory Burch tote is wonderful!

As we leave the world of being a student and enter the workforce, it’s time to step up our wallet. Leather wallets are a lasting gift. For monetary good luck, put a penny inside this Lodis leather wallet or this Ted Baker bifold. Leather messengers bags are great because they never seem to go out of style and, made well, they withstand the test of time. This one, available in other colors, fits the bill perfectly.

Keeping Track of the Time

If your grad likes to stay organized with a planner (like me), then update their paper organization with a nice case such as this monogrammable desk agenda.

The best accessory? A watch of course. Whether it’s eccentric with a fun clock face or more conservative such as this delicate silver one one for her or this classic sport timepiece for him, they’ll forever remember your gift and their accomplishment.

PhD Graduation Gifts On the Go

Everybody needs a chic travel bag to hold their personal items, technology, and whatever else they need. This Cuyana Overnight Bag does all of that and has a strap to securely fit over a luggage handle. Available in other colors.

Whether your grad is traveling for business or for fun, add a special touch to their luggage with leather monogrammed tags.

For our new lives on the go, an iphone case with extended battery will make each day a little easier – not having to frantically search for an outlet and carrying around chargers.

Now that your graduate is leaving student life behind, there will be more photo opportunities, perfect time for a new camera. This point-and-shoot Panasonic camera is the perfect gift. It’s small compact and takes beautiful photos. Read my full review here.

Technology doesn’t last forever, but something to make these next few years of work easier will be a very memorable gift. Give your grad a tablet to check email, organize calendars, and play games to regain sanity.

PhD Graduation Gifts For the Home

We’ve all spent more hours than we can even remember sitting in chairs in front of our computers and staring at our research. Reward all that hard work with a nice office chair.

A complete set of eight or twelve of plates or any type of glasses, such as these wine glasses, is a true sign of moving on.

And along those same lines, a new set of luxury bedding is always a nice personal touch – make every night of sleep that much better.

For the grad students who made it through with lots of cooking and baking and for those who now have time to focus on making good food, a lifetime piece of kitchen cookware (like Le Creuset) or an appliance is a wonderful addition to his or her new life. A nice set of knives is also a good idea.

To look professional, having a steamer on hand to limit wrinkles can be a real lifesaver.