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20 Gift Ideas for a PhD Defense

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Gift ideas for a PhD defense are meaningful and thoughtful sentiments that the recipient will love. If someone you know is about to go through a PhD defense process, then getting them a gift to celebrate that step in their education is a great way to show you care. There are many ideas for this occasion, and lots of them are listed here. Imagine the look on their face when they see the gift you got them and how much you support them in their achievements.

Gift Ideas For A PhD Defense To Celebrate!

Celebrate such a great time in your loved one’s life! These presents are impressive. 

“I just became a PhD. What have you done lately?” Mug

After they have finished their PhD defense and have become a PhD, this is the mug for them to celebrate with.

Funny PhD Checklist Shirt

Sometimes a little humor goes a long way, and if they are nervous, they will appreciate a laugh.

Personalized Graduation Christmas Ornament

When they are done, this ornament is something that will continuously remind them of how far they have come and all they have accomplished.

“The Dr.” Wine Glass

“The Dr.” wants a glass of wine!

“You are braver than you believe…” Burlap Quote Print

Remind them that they are braver than they believe, stronger than they seem, and smarter than they think, with this burlap quote print. Not only that, but they are loved more than they could possibly know.

“Congrats Doc” Wine Gift Bag

Congratulate them for a job well done with wine in this awesome “Congrats Doc” wine bag.

“Miss. Mrs. Ms. Dr.” Tote Bag

Not a Miss, Mrs., or a Ms., but a Dr.!

“So koalified” Mug

After completing their PhD defense, they are “so koalified” and ready to take on the world.

“Things NOT to ask a PhD student” Shirt

These are the things that everyone should know not to ask a PhD student, or someone who has recently finished their education.

“Remember who you are” Candle

They always need to remember who they are, even as their life evolves.

“Just be you” Aluminum Circle

A PhD defense seems overwhelming, so remind them to just be themselves. They are valuable and wise just as they are.

“Confidence booster” Wine Glass

Wine is a confidence booster, after all.

“Pursue the dream that sets your soul on fire” Mug

Make sure they know that you fully support them in every step they take because you want them to pursue the dreams that set their soul on fire.

“Go-getter” Shirt

They are definitely a go-getter if they are facing their PhD defense.

“Always believe in you” Compact Mirror

They must always believe in themselves, but sometimes they need to know that someone else believes in them too. This compact mirror with the quote, “always believe in you,” will help them see that.

Custom Bracelet Cuff

Have their name, preceded by “Dr.” put on this custom bracelet cuff, or a special quote, whatever you think they will like.

“Determined women get things done” Mug

Determined women power through life’s challenges and get things done.

Peace-N-Harmony Rollerball

The Peace-N-Harmony rollerball will help them ease their nerves and face the PhD defense with a clearer head.

“Dr.” Personalized Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Make sure they stay hydrated with their brand new “Dr.” personalized stainless steel water bottle at hand.

“Living the dream” Shirt

They are surely living the dream. Don’t ever let them forget that!

This terrific list of gift ideas for a PhD defense is sure to be loved! As they face their PhD defense, they may be nervous, worried, stressed, you name it! However, with a gift and a kind word from you, they will have more confidence and be ready to tackle the defense with determination.

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Join Them With Counting Down to Becoming a Doctor by Getting These Gifts for Ph.D. Defense

It’s almost that day, the day your dear Ph.D. student would be mounting that stage to defend what she’s spent that last couple of months busy with. By doing their Ph.D. defense, they are a few meters away from being called “Doctors,” although not medical, they have to be “treated” right, and these gifts for Ph.D. defense are ideal.

All Gifts for Ph.D. Defense

1. desk name plate.

This 3D desk name plate is an ideal gift for someone taking their Ph.D. defense. Now, I get he isn’t already a doctor, but you can get him something to have in his office,

quality and beautiful, to show the world he is now a doctor. This High-quality Premium 3d personalized gift will stand out.

2. Funny Coffee Mug

This coffee mug is a fantastic gift for someone rounding up their Ph.D. It has a funny way of passing the message “Ph.inished,” which is somewhat a way to say “Finished Ph.D.,” your receiver would surely get the joke, and those around her would get it too.

3. Funny Defense Sweatshirt

An excellent sweatshirt is one of many gifts for a Ph.D. defense; this one has a string of words using the iconic Game Of Thrones fonts and reads, “That’s what I do, I write my dissertations, and I know; things.”

Having spent such a truckload of time in school, I believe we can both agree that your dear receiver knows many things.

4. Bath Bombs for Women

Each bath bomb is individually wrapped and beautifully packed to give you endless hours of relaxation, and they are infused with natural essential oils for a relaxing aromatherapy soak experience.

If you think of it, your dear Ph.D. defense receiver has gone through some stress; what better way to crown her successful defense than by getting this set of bath bombs to help her relax.

5. Funny Dabbing Defense T-Shirt

If you have defended your dissertation, this funny Ph.D. shirt is for you. Funny defending dissertation shirt for all postgraduate and

doctoral students who have survived defending their dissertation. Funny Ph.D. shirt with a dabbing student. This t-shirt comes in different colors; pick the best for them.

6. Funny PhD T-shirt

Another funny Ph.D. defense t-shirt. It has a writeup engraved that says “not that kind of doctor” yeah, he’s not that kind of doctor. This shirt is for you for every post-graduate doctor who gets asked what kind of medical doctor you are!

7. Ph.D Defense Throw Pillow

This fun throw pillow is another fantastic gift for your Ph.D. defense friend. It gives her a schedule or itinerary, or should I say some plans she needs to cross out of her list; she’s barely done with her Ph.D. defense; it is time to conquer the world.

8. Graduation Christmas Ornament

If her Ph.D. defense somehow conflates with Christmas, then celebrate her defense with this Christmas ornament.

This Christmas ornament has a ribbon loop for easy hanging on the tree. It features her name and a figurine of someone in a graduation outfit.

9. Funny Ph.D Defense Mug

The inscription on the mug, which reads “Ph(ucking). D(one),” is a play with two words; I’m pretty sure you got it. It perfectly conveys how doctoral students feel while pursuing their degrees.

Who knew that’s what Ph.D. stood for *wink? Get this mug for the all post-grads in your life that still somehow have the willpower to write another boring, in-depth thesis on some obscure subject nobody will read.

10. Malicious Women Candle

Finishing a Ph.D. isn’t an easy task or a child’s play; it took a truckload of hard work, sleepless nights, writing and writing and writing, and guess what,

she’s finally done, so why don’t you get her this candle to show her that “as a fellow badass, you also respect the badass in her.”

11. Funny Wife Desertation Defense T-Shirt

When my mum was doing her Ph.D., the victim of her constant practice was her husband, my dad, and it was funny cause he had to listen to her prepare and speak while in the room.

Well, she defended and defended well; if your receiver is your darling wife and you can relate to what my dad did, quickly grab this t-shirt for your wifey.

12. Ph.D Notebook

This book makes sense for your new Dr. With this book, he can draft his ideas, research results, quotes, grocery lists, thesis, and so much more.

This journal’s front page contains his Ph.D. journey, which he studies, researches, defends and then graduates. This is one way to celebrate his Ph.D. defense.

13. Appreciation Defense Gift

This doctor tumbler with funny sayings is the best gift for a doctor and also can be excellent doctorate graduation present for men or women.

Made only from the highest quality premium food-grade stainless steel, highly resistant to rust and break, and easy to clean by hand. It is one classy gift for his Ph.D. defense.

14. Pun Ph.D Defense Mug

This mug is fantastic like every other mug on this gift guide, and here it has a funny mix of words or should I say punned the wordings, it reads “Ph.D. taking your B.S to a new level” you should get the pun there, your receiver would laugh at this and so would others who come across it.

15. Cookies Gift Basket

These festive sandwich cookie nibbles will wow your receiver with their distinct flavors. These visually gorgeous petit fours are alternately dipped in

dark and white chocolate and topped with contrasting toppings that accentuate the creamy chocolate’s excellent flavor. It is one of the nicest and simplest gifts to give your Ph.D. defender!

Wrapping up on Gifts for Ph.D. Defense

Some perfect gifts for Ph.D. defense for anybody could be any mugs here, the relaxation bath bombs, a funny sweatshirt, a box of chocolate, and many others listed here. These gifts are a way to congratulate your receiver for a well-done job and cross a significant milestone.

Say hello to Aunty Vivian, the seasoned soul behind MakeItSpecialGift! With over two decades of gift shop wisdom, this Southern belle from Texas adds a dash of charm to every suggestion. A wife, a mom of three, and a cat lover, Aunty Vivian brings warmth and experience to your gift-giving journey. From Texas to the digital realm, she’s your guide to heartfelt presents and cherished moments. Join the gift adventure with #AuntyVivesGiftWisdom and let her stories unfold in every recommendation! #GiftMaven #SouthernCharm #HeartfeltGiving

12 Best PhD Gifts for Doctoral Students (in 2024)

If you just try searching "PhD Graduation Gifts" on Amazon, you'll get a page full of mugs, shirts and keychains. They deserve better. I’ve been through grad school, got my PhD, and have a good idea of what they would truly appreciate as a thank-you gift. Here’s my hand-picked list below. 

This list is a compilation of my favorites from around the internet. Some are our own Genius Lab Gear inventions and some we’re just jealous we didn’t think of first! Some external links in this page are from affiliates, which means that any purchase of the items after clicking the link will result in a small monetary referral fee paid back to Genius Lab Gear at no cost to you. We appreciate your support which allows us to continue inventing and testing the best tools for scientists on the planet!

1. Academia Word Magnets

Academia is chock full of inside jokes, mannerisms, and cringeworthy habits that grad students and professors love to laugh about. These word magnets are designed specifically to let academics rant about their hardships, relish their big wins, and have a good laugh. These are perfect for the office refrigerator or the magnetic whiteboard, where colleagues can leave passive-aggressive phrases for lab mates to find later.  Get them on our site here  and bundle them with  other field-specific sets  based on the graduate's field of study. Check it out on Amazon .

2. The Pocket Scientist pocket ruler and equation reference

Whether they're climbing the academic latter or heading out to the "real world", they can carry this credit card-sized ruler and scientific reference every day. We even laser-engraved the backside full of basic science equations and physical constants.  See the product page  for a full list of features we've packed in!

Available from  our website  or  from Amazon .

The Pocket Scientist at Genius Lab Gear

The Pocket Scientist on Amazon

How to use The Pocket Scientist – Full Feature Guide

P.S. We also have versions specifically for  Chemists ,  Physicists  and  Engineers  if those are a better fit for the person you have in mind!

3. Rocketbook Matrix cloud-connected reusable paper notebook

PhD students do a lot of work both on paper and with software. Rocketbook finally solved the problem of merging your hand-written notes into your favorite digital services. You simply use their app to take a photo of your pages of notes and the QR code and marked symbols on each page trigger the app to send the digitized page to any of the 9 pre-set digital destinations you choose. This includes OneNote, Evernote, Google Drive, Dropbox, and even specific emails. Want a shortcut to send notes via email straight to your colleague or boss? This is what you’re looking for.

The Rocketbook Matrix is my personal favorite because it's designed for more technical scientific work. It's got 30 pages of graphing paper and one regular lined page for taking notes, plus a built-in ruler on the inside cover. Did I mention they are reusable? Use their " Pilot Frixion " pens and then wipe the page with a damp cloth after uploading your notes to use it all over again (and win one for the environment!). 

Usually, the best price is  on Amazon .

4. Wireless Laser Pointer and PowerPoint Presenter

Laser pointers are one thing you never think about until the moment you don’t have one that works. I personally  own this one  because it’s got everything you need, from the pen clip to volume buttons and slide control buttons. DinoFire has several tiers with different features, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. 

5. rOtring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil

Mechanical pencils are an essential daily tool for researchers in STEM on the job and in the classroom. But in the new digital age, they often find themselves using touchscreens as well. 

That’s why my new favorite is the rOtring 800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil, (0.5 mm) . This one turns from a pencil to a stylus on the fly, and also ensures the tip isn’t poking holes in your pocket all day like most other models. This is truly the top-end mechanical pencil and will make a special gift. 

Check price on Amazon

Staedtler is another brand much-loved by scientists and engineers. This model is cheaper and will last a long time, but just isn’t convertible to a stylus. You can’t go wrong with either one.

6. Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss

This might seem like it’s only for kids, but Dr. Seuss’ whimsical wisdom is often applied to the biggest moments of our lives. As a graduation gift, it’s perfect. The timeless message focuses on the success that lies within, as your graduate readies for a new phase in life. Plus, it’s a small book they can keep forever to pass the wisdom on to their kids.

7. Funny Coloring Book for PhD Students and Graduates

These adult coloring books are a hit in many fields, and this one is meant specifically for those who know the struggle of getting a PhD . It’s snarky, fun, and an amazing creative outlet. The satisfaction of just coloring inside the lines versus writing a 300-page thesis is a welcome relief.

8. Scientist Quote Desktop Canvas

We're super proud of our  little series of famous scientist quotes on canvas prints . These are 5"x7" and sit up easily on their own or can be mounted to a wall. This one sits next to me as I write, and helps me keep a sense of humility as I explore the unknown! 

9. Modern Lab Coat Pocket Protector

This is how your PhD grad will know they’ve finally made it. The venerable Pocket Protector became a cultural icon in the 1960's and 1970's, but somewhere along the way the newer generation of STEM researchers forgot about them. Scientists need these back in their labs to stay organized, stay efficient, protect their lab coats, and finish their experiments without being late to lunch. So we researched and tested every type ever made to methodically solve each problem and come up with this refreshed design . Available in spruce green, sapphire blue, and faded pink - the top 3 colors voted on by our fans! You can even get it from our Amazon page if that's easier.

10. PhD Graduation Diploma Frame

They will definitely want to show off their hard work by displaying their newly minted Ph.D. diploma. This frame fits both 8.5”x11” and 11”x14” diplomas, which covers most institutions, and is the highest-rated frame on Amazon with many color choices. If they picked up a Masters degree along the way, you could grab the 2-pack so they can hang them both in their next office. 

11. Amazon.com Gift Card in a Graduation Style Gift Box

If you want them to make their own decision on a graduation gift, the easiest way is to just grab an Amazon gift card in this graduation-themed gift box . Pick any custom amount and they’ll usually get it to you within 2 days.

12. PhD Graduation Gift Bundle

If you can't decide by now, I can still help! Consider this decision made. I put together a  PhD Graduation Gift Bundle  just to make it easy for you. It includes PhD Self-Care and Academia-themed Word Magnets from above, plus a few fun science stickers. You'll save over 20% by bundling them together, so consider this decision made!

• PhD Self-Care Word Magnets
• Academia Word Magnets
• Science Basics Word Magnets
• Starter Word Magnets (144 tiles of connector words)
• Marie Curie sticker
• Science is for Everyone sticker
• Einstein quote sticker

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):

What is the best graduation gift for doctoral students.

Getting a bachelor's degree is one thing, but getting a PhD takes a lot of hard work and dedication. PhD students deserve the best gifts and if you're looking for one, you should check out the following.

• The Pocket Scientist pocket ruler and equation reference
• Rocketbook Matrix Cloud-connected Reusable Paper Notebook
• Wireless Laser Pointer and Powerpoint presenter
• Rotring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil
• Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss
• Funny Coloring Book for PhD Students and Graduates
• Scientist Quote Desktop Canvas
• Modern Pocket Protector for lab coats
• PhD Graduation Diploma Frame
• Amazon.com Gift Card in a graduation style Gift Box
• PhD Graduation Gift Bundle

Derek Miller

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