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Do you know a researcher, PhD student, academic or scientist and wish to give them a unique gift to celebrate a milestone, e.g., the start of a new course or project, thesis/dissertation completion, a graduation ceremony, celebration of a colleague or a promotion? If so, check out this list of gift ideas:
This list has been generally sorted from the cheapest to the most expensive (exceptions apply) and described further below.
1. Personalised pen
2. Tea and coffee mug
3. Blue light blocking glasses
4. Unique wall clock
5. Stationery desk storage organiser
6. Funny PhD shirts
7. Fitness tracker and exercise watch
8. Periodic table chopping board
9. Lighting set for meetings and video calls
10. University backpack bag
11. Noise-cancelling wireless headphones
12. Home office desk and ergonomic chair
13. Wi-Fi printer
14. 3D Printer
15. Laptop
16. HD Monitor Screen
Let’s dive in.
1. Personalised pen
I received a personalised pen as a graduation gift (shown above) from one of my colleagues, which I’ve always cherished. As such, this comes as the first item on this list. A personalised and stylish pen is a simple and affordable gift for occasions such as a PhD graduation (don’t forget to include “Dr”).
Personalised pen
2. Tea and coffee mug
A funny or personalised tea or coffee mug is a great and affordable gift idea for PhD students, which is always useful for those long hours spent working on their thesis. Here’s a list of mug options:
World’s Best Doctor Personalised Mug Gift
Ph.inisheD – Mug and Coaster
Miss Mrs Ms Dr Novelty Gift Printed Tea Coffee Ceramic Mug
3. Blue light blocking glasses
Based on the number of hours spent staring at a screen, blue light blocking glasses have lenses designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches the eye. These lenses filter blue light rays to prevent them from entering the eyes and causing potential damage.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Anti Headache and Eyes Strain
4. Unique wall clock
This clock displays a different math equation at each hour in comparison to traditional numbers or Roman numerals. It’s a fantastic gift idea for a researcher, student or academic interested in maths, engineering or anyone who loves numbers.
Decodyne Math Clock
5. Stationery desk storage organiser
This stationary organiser can be used to store books, phones, scissors, keys, and other small items on a work desk.
Tonsmile Office Wooden Stationery Desk Tidy Storage Organiser Holder Sorter
6. Funny PhD shirts
A funny or personalised PhD shirt is a valuable and functional gift idea for PhD students. Here’s a list of options:
PhD Survivor Funny PhD graduation Tshirt
Women’s Dr. Tshirt for MD, PhD, EdD Graduates
HotScamp PH inishe D – PHD Degree Graduate – Mens Unisex T-Shirt
7. Fitness tracker and exercise watch
It is essential to keep a good physical and mental health check at every stage of research, study, and work. This fitness tracker and exercise watch keeps an accurate record of your activities (steps, heart rate, distance covered, calories burned, miles walked, active minutes, sleep status). Hence, this product/gift provides practical functionalities and vital for daily use.
TEMINICE High-End Fitness Tracker
You can also check out Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Black Health and Fitness Tracker and TEMINICE High-End Fitness Trackers shown below.
TEMINICE High-End Fitness Trackers,Health Sports Smart Watch with Heart Rate & Sleep Monitor
8. Periodic table chopping board
Cooking is a blend of art and science, therefore, this unique periodic table chopping board is an excellent idea for those who love chemistry and science, and also enjoy cooking.
‘Periodic Table Chopping Board
9. Lighting set for meetings and video calls
In light of the COVID19 era, there’s been an increase in video calls during remote working sessions. As such, a great lighting set is an excellent gift and would be helpful in meetings and video calls with the team and colleagues.
Neewer Table Top 10-inch USB LED Ring Light
10. University backpack bag
This backpack comprises three major compartments alongside other small pockets for storing items. The bag can store a 15.6-inch laptop and suitable for books, clothes, large archer file, folder files, A4 diary and other daily necessities. The main compartment has a lockable zipper and a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back of the laptop backpack to protect your items. In addition, it comes with a built-in charging cable for a more convenient and easier way to charge your phone, tablet, and other electronic devices. In summary, it’s great for daily university use, business trips, industrial visits, and conference travels.
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack
You might also be interested in this Laptop Messenger Bag, shown below.
17.3 inch Laptop Messenger Bag
11. Noise-cancelling wireless headphones
PhD students and researchers typically share offices and workspaces with other researchers, so a set of noise-cancelling wireless headphones is great for full attentiveness, minimises distractions by blocking out external sounds. It’s also useful for travel journeys and home offices.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones
12. Home office desk and ergonomic chair
Many academics, students and researchers are working from home right now; therefore, having a sturdy home office desk and ergonomic chair is desirable to create the perfect workspace.
Folding Computer Desk
Office Desk Chair with Armrest Office Computer Chairs Ergonomic Conference Executive Manager Work Chair (Black)
13. Wi-Fi printer
Students and academics often print out their reports, manuscripts, and other documents for either proofreading or final submission. Therefore, a simple and easy-to-use Wi-Fi printer enables printing, scanning, and copying documents wirelessly and conveniently at a reasonably low cost.
HP Envy 6032 All in One Colour Printer
14. 3D printer
In today’s world, a 3D printer is a unique, useful, and trendy technological gift. This is particularly valuable for designers, engineers, and scientists to make educational or research products that demonstrate abstract concepts. As a tech enthusiast interested in 3D printing (also called Additive Manufacturing), getting a 3D printer can open up a new realm of creativity and problem-solving. 3D printers can print reasonably large objects from a wide variety of materials. The exciting thing is that, with a 3D printer, you can probably make some of the items/gifts on this list.
Creality Official Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer
15. Laptop
A laptop is an excellent gift, which will directly impact the lives of students, researchers, and academics. There are several factors to consider when buying a laptop for researchers, which include size, storage, cost, speed, and RAM. Considering these factors, I have selected two laptops (Dell Inspiron 3000 for Windows users and 2020 Apple MacBook Air for MAC lovers), which I believe will be useful for work, study, and research work without breaking the bank.
Dell Inspiron 3000 for Windows users
2020 Apple MacBook Air for MAC lovers
16. HD Monitor Screen
There is a desire to have a second monitor screen to increase work efficiency. A second screen facilitates communication and fosters productivity. For example, you may wish to watch a tutorial or learn new software on YouTube and practise on the other screen. It also makes multi-tasking more convenient by copying and pasting two documents or collating data from spreadsheets more efficient.
Dell SE2416H 24 Inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor
I hope this list of unique, fun and practical gift ideas has inspired you to celebrate your friends, relatives or colleagues involved in research, education, and academia.
Good luck!
