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Whether you’re saying “thank you” for their encouragement, a letter of recommendation, or acting as your advisor, gifts for professors are always a lovely idea. This can be challenging, however, especially if you don’t know much about their interests and tastes outside of academia!
I’ve put together this list of gift ideas for professors that will certainly make an impression. Choose one from my recommendations below (or use this budget-friendly list for inspiration)!
Gifts for Professors to Show Your Appreciation
1. Novelty Mugs
Your professor has undoubtedly received a few mugs from former students – but that doesn’t mean you can’t add another one to their growing collection.
Whether they enjoy sipping tea or coffee, these are thoughtful yet practical presents. If you notice that their desk needs a bit more organization, it can also be used as a small planter or a container for pens!
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2. Desk Organizer
Professors’ desks can get cluttered fast, and a durable desk organizer can help wrangle the chaos. This bamboo desk organizer is a great professor gift. When placed on a desk, this stylish organizer can contain papers, small books, pens, staplers, and notepads.
3. Rollerball Pen Gift Box Set
A rollerball pen is a smooth-writing, refillable gift for professors that’ll never get old. This Parker IM in matte blue can be engraved with your professor’s name (or a short phrase, if you wish).
A professional-looking pen is always handy. Since they’re designed to last forever, they make thoughtful presents that can be treasured for a lifetime.
4. Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen
These implements were the primary writing tool for more than a century. While they’re used mainly by hobbyists or professionals (like lawyers and politicians), fountain pens offer a unique writing experience.
If you’re considering a slightly more unique take on a gift-worthy pen, consider the Pilot Metropolitan for its incredibly smooth and reliable writing experience. This one features a fine nib and comes with an ink cartridge. We’d recommend springing for a box of cartridges so refills are handy.
5. Magazine Rack/File Organizer
A simple wire file organizer or magazine rack is a fantastic – yet affordable – gift for your professor. When put on a desk or shelf, your professor can use this item to help organize files and keep them within reach. It would also make a great place to store journals, magazines, and coffee table books to free up desk space.
7. Desk Cup Holder Clamp
No matter how careful your professor may be, drink spills are inevitable. This desk cup holder clamp keeps tea and coffee safely off of desks. Even better, your “prof” can use the attached hook to hang their headphones or handbag!
This product uses a C-clamp to latch onto tabletops. With its sturdy design and construction, it can support up to 11 pounds of weight!
8. Gift Cards
If your professor is tough to shop for, consider giving them an Amazon gift card or a gift certificate to a local coffeehouse or restaurant. This is a thoughtful way to avoid giving items that don’t suit the recipient, letting them choose exactly what they’d like. If you go this route, consider including a handwritten thank you card to personalize this professor gift.
9. Personalized Stationery
Customized stationery is one of the more unique gift ideas for your professor. You can choose a simpler design or something a bit more complex. Either way, your professor will likely enjoy having letterheads or cards with their name, initials, or monogram!
Personalized Professional FLAT Office Stationery (Customizable size and quantity) |
Premium Linen Custom Printed Stationery – 100 Pack (Letter Size) |
10. Lap Desk
Sometimes, your professor might want to work anywhere but their desk. Whether they’re on the couch, their bed, or in the park, this lap desk makes an excellent working surface.
This oversized and padded bamboo lap desk is – in my opinion – one of the best gifts for professors. With its handle, tablet/phone slot, and strap to hold down papers, it’s also designed to support laptops without them sliding off.
11. Hidrate Spark Bottle
Staying hydrated is vital to good health, and we’re a big fan of the Hidrate Spark Tap to accomplish this goal. Fashioned with insulated stainless steel and available in six colors, I love how it keeps beverages hot and cold for 24 hours. Oh, and it’s BPA-free.
One of the most interesting things about this product is that you can sync it to an Android, iOS, or select smartwatches. It starts glowing to remind users to get enough water – and tells them how much they’ve consumed that day. How cool is that?
12. Kokuyo Haco-Biz Pen Bag/Stand
This Japanese supply bag stands upright for the optimal storage of writing utensils, calculators, and notebooks. The front section also doubles as a phone stand! With its portability, your professor will have quick workspace setup and cleanup.
In addition to professors, it makes a great gift for PhD students who might struggle with organization.
13. Ticktime Pomodoro Timer
The Pomodoro Technique has become a beloved productivity tool for people who get distracted easily. From apps to browser extensions, there is an endless array of options to improve a person’s time management skills.
The Ticktime Pomodoro Timer is an excellent product that’s designed for easy use. With its preset timing module function, select any number and the timer will count down from 3, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 30 minutes.
14. Healthy Snack Care Package
Snacks are always a great gift to give – especially when you choose healthier options! With this 20-piece care package, your professor will receive a range of sweet and savory products like almonds, granola bars, and popped chips. This snack pack is so great that you might want to buy one for yourself!
15. Bee’s Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps – Assorted Size
If you notice that your professor brings their lunches to campus, these Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps are an environmentally friendly way to keep food fresh (without the plastic and silicone). When properly used, they’re usable for a year! While these don’t make the most obvious gift, they’re certainly a thoughtful one!
16. Gift Tea Set
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If you’re looking for a professor gift, you really can’t go wrong with a tea set. Since they already arrive in gift boxes, there’s no need for gift wrap. These 45 bags of various flavors are thoughtful, neutral, and at a great price!
17. Mindfulness Cards
Everyone needs a moment to recenter themselves, and these mindfulness cards offer 52 professionally created exercises to do just that. Whether they help reduce anxiety, relieve stress, boost relaxation, or start a meditation habit, they’re great for a “mind vacation.”
18. Post-It 4-Piece Gift Box
It’s a fact: You can never have enough Post-Its! If your professor is always putting notes on your papers or checklists around their office, consider this handy gift set. This Noted by Post-it Gift Box includes three types of sticky notes and five pens.
More Thank You Gifts for Professors
Maybe your professor prefers more personal gifts. Maybe you’re on a budget. Whatever the case, there are plenty of ideas for presents for your professor. Consider some of the suggestions below.
Baked Goods
It’s hard to go wrong with food items, especially if you made them yourself! Consider making something simple like cookies or brownies. If you’re from a different culture, something unique is an incredibly thoughtful way to express gratitude. Don’t forget to package your goods in a presentable container!
A Thank-You Card or Letter
If you don’t have the resources to purchase a gift or cook something, a heartfelt card or letter is one of the best gifts for professors. These make for heartfelt keepsakes that your instructor will treasure.
Something Handmade
Do you have a hobby like crocheting, knitting, woodworking, sewing, painting, or drawing? A personalized item makes an incredible gift for a professor. Knowing that you spent the time and effort makes this present even more special. Plus, it’s a great excuse to indulge yourself in your hobby!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Students Give a Professor a Gift?
Absolutely! In the US, it’s quite common for students to give holiday presents and thank-you gifts to professors (especially for their guidance, mentorship, and positive influence). It’s also a great idea to give professors a small token of appreciation for letters of recommendation.
Should I Give My Professor a Thank You Card?
Absolutely. A thank you card is a fantastic way to show gratitude without spending much money, especially when there’s a personal message inside. A quick note of gratitude should detail the positive impact they’ve made on your education (and your life).
Which Gift Is Best for a Professor?
There are plenty of great gifts for college professors, and it can take work to find the best one. There are many factors to consider, such as a gift’s cost, suitability, usefulness, and practicality. If you aren’t sure what to give, you can always opt for universally liked options such as gift cards, gift baskets, baked goods, and thank you cards.
Should I Give a Gift for a Letter of Recommendation?
Professors take time out of their busy schedules to write letters of recommendation. Although it isn’t required to give them a gift, you should – at the very least – provide a thank-you card.
Is $50 Too Much for a Professor Gift?
When choosing professor gifts, it’s recommended to spend between $20 to $40. However, if you have a bigger budget, we don’t recommend going over $50. Anything in excess may be deemed ‘inappropriate’ unless you have a closer mentorship-type relationship.
Conclusion
Choosing gifts for professors can feel daunting, but there are plenty of unique ideas to consider (such as the ones listed above). When in doubt, you can always choose a universal gift like a bouquet of flowers, baked goods, or a gift card.
We hope this list of recommendations has helped you find the right item. If you think we missed anything that should be on this list, let us know in the comments below!
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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.
