Professors spend their days teaching, grading, writing, advising and commuting. Their gift needs are usually modest: something comfortable, practical and not too personal.
For the day
- A good travel mug or insulated tumbler that fits in a cup holder.
- A quality pen and a notebook, in a style they like.
- A sturdy tote or bag for papers and a laptop.
- A desk lamp or a small desk plant for an office with poor light.
- Tea, coffee or snacks for the office.
For the long hours
- A seat cushion or lumbar support for writing and grading.
- Blue-light glasses, if they like them. Skip anything that needs a prescription.
- A footrest or a wrist support.
A real break
A book outside their field, a gift card for a bookstore or a meal, or a comfortable blanket for home can be a nice change from work.
What to skip
- Jokes about absent-minded professors, tweed or tenure.
- Mugs with academic puns. They likely own several.
- Anything with a school or department logo.
- Gifts that look like they came from a student. Check the institution's gift rules if you give from a class.
Browse more
Look through gift ideas for other jobs.