37 Gift ideas for a professor (from a professor)
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Can you give your professor a gift?
Yes, students can absolutely give a gift to their professor, however, it is recommended to wait until the end of the semester to give them a gift so it won’t seem like a bribe. As a professor, I have my BEST gift recommendations.
When I was a professor, I got gifts from dozens of students over the years. It wasn’t often that I got a gift, but when I did, I loved it because I knew that I made an impact on that student.
I got things like flowers, Christmas ornaments, baked goods, and a simple thank you card. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift either. I still hang the Christmas ornament that I got from a student, ten years ago, and I think of them every Christmas when I decorate my tree.
It is really special to get a gift from a college student because it is rare that college students give gifts to their professors but it is memorable.
It is definitely okay to give a gift to your college professor, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed giving them a gift. I would hold off until after final exams and final grades are submitted so that they won’t feel like they have to treat you differently because you got them a gift.
And I would keep it less than $50.00 so it doesn’t seem too extravagant.
If it is not in your budget or appropriate to give your professor a gift, just write them a really nice thank you card or email. I promise that will also work too. They’ll will be excited either way.
Are professors allowed to accept gifts?
Yes, professors are allowed to accept gifts from their college students UNLESS the college specifically forbids it. As a college professor, I’ve never heard of universities prohibiting professors from receiving gifts from their students.
I suppose that there is a college somewhere that may have a policy against gifts, but I would assume that is very uncommon.
If you aren’t sure, you could always politely ask them if they would be able to accept a gift from you. This will make it less awkward if they can’t accept it.
Some people might wonder if it seems unethical to accept a gift from a college student, however, In my professional opinion, I think it is perfectly ethical for professors to accept a gift from a college student as long as there aren’t any bribes taking place or the student isn’t buying expensive gifts for the professor, it should be completely find.
Keep the price to a minimum and only give your professor one or two gifts. For example, you could gift them something on their birthday or holiday and give them a thank you gift at the end of the semester. But any more gifts than that, it is going to start looking suspicious.
What can you gift your professor?
As a former professor of 15 years, I think the best gifts for professors are things that are associated with the professor’s subject like a good book or movie. Another great gift idea for professors are things for their office space.
You have to check out my complete gift giving guide for professors below. Trust me, I have handpicked every single one. Some were things that I have actually been gifted.
Here are 37 gift ideas to say thank you to your professor.
As a former professor with fifteen years of experience, I’ve got lots of gifts over the years. While I have appreciated every single one of them, some got tossed, some broke, or some were duplicates of things I already owned and they may have been re-gifted, but you’d have to prove it because I’m not telling!
If you want to really show your appreciation for your professor, check out these gifts that are my personal favorites. And I would be ecstatic to get any of them from students.
I find that students don’t often give gifts to their professors so make them feel really special and surprise them with a special thank you gift, they won’t forget it.
While some of these gifts are directed towards professors and their profession, some aren’t, and I really like that because they are practical gifts. After getting so many gift over the years, some of these are my favorites, and then I hand selected others.
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1.) Personalized monogrammed tote bag - I love the idea of a monogrammed bag that is personalized and functional. Professors are always carrying books, laptops, notes, markers, etc. and this will sure help ease the load. I would use their last initial to keep it more professional.
2.) Thank you card - You don’t have to spend a lot of money. You can simply buy a card to show your appreciation. But make sure you put a heartfelt message inside. I have about a dozen cards given to me over the years and they are all hung in my office on the walls. I re-read them often. They still make me smile.
3.) Funny socks - This gift depends on the professor, but these socks are hilarious and sure to make them smile. They likely have other varieties for different disciplines so definitely check these out and find the ones that work best for your professor.
4.) Bamboo tumbler - You may not know if your professor enjoys tea, but they can put any beverage in here and use it regardless. It definitely looks sophisticated.
5.) Gravity defying pen - Every professor is going to need a pen, and this one is so unique. What a showstopper, am I right?
6.) Mug - Even if they don’t drink coffee, they can use it for hot chocolate or tea. And even if they don’t drink any of those beverages, they can sit it out on their kitchen counter for a conversation starter. They’re sure to remember you.
7.) Wooden bookmarks - Okay, professors read books. Professors use textbooks. And professors need to bookmark many pages. They need this.
8.) Candies - You can never go wrong with a sweet treat. They’ll love having some sweets to make it through a long day.
9.) Cutting and cheese board - I am sure professors host parties occasionally and would appreciate a beautiful display. It’s so functional too.
10.) Globe pen holder - This is definitely appropriate for worldly professors and serves a purpose. They can put their dry erase markers in here, and other supplies. It organizes and is decor.
11.) Gift card - There are way too many drink and food options for anyone to deny Starbucks so don’t hesitate to give this gift to your professors.
12.) Bag - This looks so fancy but is affordable.
13.) Journal - A journal that is elegant, and I am sure your professor will jot down some memories in this soon.
14.) Milk frother - Affordable. Functional. And popular. This is something you didn’t know you needed until you bought one.
15.) Nut assortment - This is a great alternative to sweets. Or you could pair it with something sweet. Give them the best of both worlds.
16.) Magazine subscription - You can choose any magazine that fits your professor best. And you can mail it to their campus. Check with them first to make sure you know the correct mailing address for them at work.
17.) Mouse pad - I know that I was not given a mouse pad for my work computer by my college. Technically I don’t really need one, but it is still decor and fun to look at.
18.) Keychain - Keychains can be placed on backpacks, purses, or bags so this is sure to remind your professor of the impact they are making on the lives of their students.
19.) Self-care items - This works well when you just don’t know what to get. It’s already packaged, and ready to be gifted.
20.) Echo dot with alarm clock - I love this option for professors because there are so many functions of this device. And it’s an alarm clock too.
21.) Stanley tumbler - Everyone drinks. I know they’ll enjoy this.
22.) Picture holder - It’s a great display for their office and has dual purposes. They can toss their pens and pencils into the holder and remind themselves of their favorite memories with the picture holders.
23.) Diffuser - Sometimes campuses aren’t the most pleasant smelling. Give them this diffuser to let them relax and enjoy some sweet scents.
24.) Amazon gift card - For those times you just don’t know what to get. Let them decide instead.
25.) Stationary set - There’s a big chance your professor will need to mail someone a letter, and this is convenient to have lying around. It’s cheap yet purposeful.
26.) Flash drive - Any professor, including myself, is going to need this. To unlock it, you must know the code. This protects their information if they ever were to lose it. I know I’ve left my flash drive in classrooms before.
27.) Desktop whiteboard - This is so practical. They can write quick reminders for themselves, and even go over a few things with students with this on their office desk. You are sure to impress them.
28.) Comfort foot rest - If you’ve ever sat at a desk for any period of time, having something to prop your feet on is necessary. They’re likely at their office desk hours every day, so help make them more comfortable.
29.) Desk calendar - What is not to love here. Great design, unique, and helpful.
30.) Tabletop fountain - During their long days, they’ll enjoy having something relaxing in their office.
31.) Planner - Help your professor can stay organized. They have lots of meetings, appointments and research reminders they’ll need to jot down.
32.) Expo market set - While the college provides these supplies, I know they’d love to have extra. Often they don’t have their own personal erasers and cleaner, so this is sure to be convenient.
33.) Zen Garden - This helps provide a relaxing and calming office environment.
34.) Grammar pencils - Your professor has likely seen these mistakes made, and has probably them too. Who hasn’t? It is sure to get some laughs.
35.) Wireless clicker remote - As a presenter, they’ll likely benefit from this at some point. Even if they don’t use the clicker, it has a red light to help point from a distance.
36.) Tea Sampler - With 10 teas in this sampler, they are sure to find their favorite.
37.) Message board - I have sticky notes throughout my office and this organizer helps keep them in one spot and remind me of those important tasks. You can’t go wrong with this gift.
