35+Gifts for Professors: Reviews and Buying Guide 2018

Professors often go neglected in the gift-giving world for many reasons. One of the most common reasons is that some are a little hesitant to give gifts to them for fear that they might come across as trying to get a better grade.

However, you can find many appropriate professor gifts you can give without coming across as trying to get something in return. If you’d like to get your professor a gift, you’ll want to check out this article. Below you’ll find over 35 different gifts for professors you can give them no matter what the occasion.

Gifts for Professor

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Why Buy a Gift for a Professor?

Buying a gift for a professor will show that you’re thinking about them and appreciate the time they give to teaching. It’s a great way to show them you admire their teaching abilities and for taking the time to help you expand your knowledge in a certain field.

Is It Ok to Give Your Professor a Gift?

At first, some might be a little skeptical as to whether or not it’s appropriate to give a professor a gift. This can come across as you trying to get the better side of them which isn’t always appropriate. However, it can be ok to give your professor a gift to show your thanks for their work or as a holiday token.

Where to Find Gifts For College Professors

There are plenty of places you can find gifts for your professors. You can visit specialty shops that often sell unique gifts or shop around online. You can also just use your imagination and create something that fits perfectly for your own professor’s personality.

Things to Consider When Buying Gifts for Professors

Before buying a gift, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Your Professor’s Tastes

One of the best ways to ensure you buy the perfect gift for your professor is to consider their tastes. Think about the classes they teach or the hobbies and interests they might talk about in class. These can be clear indicators as to what type of gifts they would enjoy. Also, consider whether you’re buying gifts for male professors or gifts for female professors. This can help you to significantly narrow down your search.

The Reason Behind It

Are you planning to give your professor an end of the semester gift? Are you just planning to get them something for a special occasion? It’s important to consider the reason behind the gift you plan to give so you know where to look. This can help you to narrow down your choices so the gift shopping process isn’t overwhelming.

The Size

While a large gift isn’t necessarily bad, it might be a little too much. Some of the best professor gifts are small and meaningful. A large gift can also sometimes make it difficult for your professor to tote around if they need to visit other classes during the day. Because of this, it’s best to find something small yet practical for your professor.

Our Top Picks

Best Professor Gift

Our top pick for the best professor gift is the Student Photo Collage. This is not only a thoughtful gift but can make great retirement gifts for professors. It might take a little bit of time to put together, but it’s well worth it.

Runner-Up Best Professor Gift

Our pick for runner-up best professor gift is the “It’s in the Syllabus Shirt”. It’s a funny gift but one your professor can wear to all their classes to help make a point.

Budget-Friendly Professor Gift

If you’re looking for something a bit budget-friendly, you should check out the Emergency Stash gift. This gift requires you only to buy a small box and fill it with goodies like coffee or tea mixes and candy, things which tend to be very affordable.

Best Practical Professor Gift

If you’re on the search for something practical your professor can use, you can check out the desk organizer gift idea. This will help your professor to keep their files and papers in order so they can keep their office space clean. It’s also a pretty affordable option so you don’t need to worry about investing too much in it.

35+ Gift Ideas for Professors

1. Water Bottle with Pens or Pencils

Water Bottle with Pens or Pencils

Credit to totallythebomb.com

Most professors carry a water bottle around with them and definitely need to have a few pens on hand in the classroom. With this gift, they’ll be able to have both. You can buy them a new water bottle they can use and fill it up with some pens or pencils. It’s a practical gift they will definitely be able to use during their teaching.

2. An Herb Planter

An Herb Planter

Credit to theidearoom.net

A fragrant herb won’t just be a nice thing for your professor to put on their desk, but it can be used in their meals as well. You can buy your professor an herb plant (like basil or oregano) and then attach a short note to it thanking them for their time.

3. Read the Syllabus Cup

Read the Syllabus Cup quote teacher mug

Credit to etsy.com

It’s something almost every professor dreads – having to answer questions that are answered in the syllabus. With this fun cup, they can just use it to answer this common problem. Not only will it be a funny gift, but they can carry around their coffee or tea in it easily.

4. A Pen Holder

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Most professor desks are covered in papers and pens. This only makes it look like a hectic mess, but can make it difficult for them to find things. With a pen holder though, they can organize their desk better. This way, they can quickly grab a writing utensil when necessary.

5. Gift Cards

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Almost everyone loves gift cards, professors included. If you know what your professor enjoys, you can give them a gift card to a store that caters to that. You can also just go the more generic route and get them a gift card to a coffee shop or to an office supply store.

6. Periodic Table Coasters

Periodic Table Coasters

Credit to etsy.com

This gift is perfect for science-loving professors. These coasters depict the periodic table with the wood carved elements in it. These coasters won’t only look nice on their desk but is definitely a conversation piece. Better yet, they are big enough to hold all different types of mugs so they spill or balance awkwardly on it.

7. Emergency Stash

Emergency Stash gift for professors

Credit to eighteen25.com

Professors have a tough job which can lead to them getting stressed out quite a bit. To help with this, you can make them an emergency stash. Simply get a small box and fill with goodies like coffee, tea, chocolate, and candy. When they need to take a break, they can grab something from their emergency stash.

8. Hands-Down Best Professor Mug

You can get your favorite professor this mug which is sure to make their day! This Hands-Down Best Professor mug will show that you appreciate all the work they do. It might also hint that they’re your favorite teacher. The mug will be a nice touch to their desk and surely be the envy of the other professors. Read more…

l c9. A Desk Organizer

A Desk Organizer gift for professors

Credit to etsy.com

Many professor desks are cluttered and messy. This can make it difficult for them to find writing utensils, folders, and anything else they might need. With a desk organizer, they can make sure they keep their things in order so their desk can stay clear. You’ll find many different types of desk organizers so you can find a style that fits your professor perfectly.

10. Haven’t Graded the Paper Yet Mug

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Another common question many students have is if whether or not the professor has graded the paper yet. This redundant questions can be quite an annoyance to a professor. However, with this mug, they can have some fun with it. Stating “Haven’t Graded the Paper Yet” on the front, this mug is the perfect gift for a professor.

11. Future Bright Bulb

Future Bright Bulb gift for professors

Credit to giddyupcycled.com

You can thank your professor for helping to make your future bright with this gift. You can fill up a light bulb with yellow candy (like M&Ms). You can then attach a note to it thanking them for their time and making your “future bright.” It’s a fun and creative DIY gift to give.

12. Student Photo Collage

Student Photo Collage Gift for professors

Credit to Laura Rea

This thoughtful gift will show your professor everyone in the class appreciated their time. You can take photos of your classmates holding up a piece of paper saying what they like best about the professor. You can then create a collage of the photos, print it out, and frame it.

13. A Day Without Chemistry Mug

A Day Without Chemistry Mug for professors

Credit to etsy.com

If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for math professors or chemistry professors, this mug is a great idea. The mug has “A Day Without Chemistry is Like…Just Kidding, I Have No Idea” written on the front. It’s a fun gift to show their love chemistry and your appreciation for them teaching it.

14. You Should be Taking Notes Shirt

You Should be Taking Notes Shirt Gift for professors

Credit to etsy.com

It’s a pet peeve of many professors – students talking when they are trying to teach. With this shirt, they can play with this common problem. The shirt has the saying, “If I’m Talking, You Should Be Taking Notes” written across the front. Your professor can wear it to their classes to give students the hint.

15. Personalized Stamp

Personalized Stamp Gift for professor

Credit to etsy.com

This unique gift can make it more fun for your professor to grade papers and add notes of encouragement to their students. You can create a personalized stamp for your professor for them to use on papers. This can include their name and something nice they can stamp on papers like “Great Job!”

16. A Briefcase

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Some professors enjoy carrying around briefcases. If you find that your professor does, a new briefcase might be a generous gift to give. This way, they can carry their papers and other important things around without problems and in style. While this might be a bit expensive, it’s a thoughtful gift that’s sure to surprise them.

17. It’s in the Syllabus Shirt

It’s in the Syllabus Shirt For your professors

Credit to etsy.com

A funny take on a common problem most professors face- students who don’t read the syllabus. With this shirt, your professor can wear it during their classes to help remind those that the answer might actually be in the syllabus they handed out. These shirts come in various sizes and colors so you can find the right one for your needs.

18. A Candle

A Candle Gift for professors

Credit to etsy.com

A candle is a nice way to show your professor you’re thinking of them. You’ll find plenty of different candles styles and scents so you have a variety of options. Better yet, a candle will add a nice ambiance to their office and help it to be a relaxing oasis for your professor when they’re in it.

19. Composition Notebook Tote Bag

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If you find your professors tends to carry their papers and other necessary items around by hand, this tote bag might be nice to give them. Covered in a composition notebook design, it can help them to move around more easily on campus and prevent them from having to carry heavy loads of things themselves.

20. Thank you for Your Commit “mint” Chocolate

Thank you for Your Commit “mint” Chocolate Gifts ideas for professor

Credit to Pinterest

If you’re looking for thank you gifts for professors, you’ll want to check this one out. Most professors enjoy chocolate and this gift will make sure they get plenty of it. You can buy a mint-flavored chocolate bar and then create a note for it thanking your professor for their “commit-mint.” You can buy a few of these bars and put them in a small basket. It’s a creative, affordable, cute gift that your professor is sure to enjoy.

21. Amazon Gift Card

If you want to get your professor something, but aren’t quite sure what, an Amazon gift card is a good thing to consider. You can get them a card with any price range so it doesn’t have to come at a high price range. With it, your professor will be able to splurge on some things for themselves or the classroom. Check it out here

22. Hot Chocolate Mix

Hot Chocolate Mix Gift for professor

Credit to lovegrowswild.com

If you’re looking for a nice DIY for your professor, you can make this hot chocolate mix. To do so, fill a mason jar in layers with the necessary ingredients for a cup of chocolate. You can start with the first layer of cocoa, then mini-marshmallows, and then crushed up pieces up peppermint. You can add as many layers as necessary so your professor makes the perfect cup of hot chocolate.

23. A Cookie Basket

A Cookie Basket Gifts for professors

Credit to buildingourstory.com

A cookie basket is sure to surprise your professor! You can make your own cookies and arrange them in a basket or on a nice platter. You can alternatively get a basket and fill it with things for cookie making, like a spatula, bowl, and cookie mix. Your professor will be able to make and enjoy these tasty treats thanks to you.

24. Terrarium

Terrarium Gift for professors

Credit to crestfox.com

A nice gift you can give your professor is a terrarium. Not only is this a unique gift, but will add a nice touch to their desk. You can spend some time making your own terrarium for their desk or buy one at your local garden center. This inexpensive gift will surely help to brighten up their busy day.

25. Stationery Kit

Stationery Kit For professors

Credit to crestfox.com

A stationery kit is a thoughtful gift to give. You can buy some pens, pencils, and nice paper to give your professor. You can even buy some monogrammed items to give in their kit so their gift is even more personalized. This kit will be a fun way for them to jot down notes.

26. Thanks a Latte

Thanks a Latte Gift for professor

Credit to crestfox

If your professor is a coffee lover, this gift is the perfect one to consider. You can buy a coffee mug and put a gift card in it that they can use to buy coffee. You can then attach a note to the side saying “Thanks a Latte” for their hard work.

27. Laptop Carrying Bag

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A laptop carrying bag might be just the gift you need If you don’t mind spending a bit of money on your professor. Most professors need to carry around their laptops, but doing so can get to be tedious. With a laptop carrying bag, they can safely and easily transport their device around. Better yet, these bags come in numerous styles so you can find one that matches your professor’s taste perfectly.

28. A Pair of Cozy Slippers

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A long day of walking around can take its toll on the feet. You can help your professor wind down after classes, or when they’re at home, with a pair of slippers. You’ll find many unique styles you can buy so you can choose the one that will work best for your professor.

29. A Pen

Gift your professor a pen

Credit to turnerwarehouse.com

Many professors enjoy writing, and with a pen, such as a calligraphy one, they can jot down notes or cards easily. While this might be a little pricey, you can be sure it will go to good use. You’ll find many different styles and colors you can buy your professor.

30. A Donation in Honor of Your Professor

A Donation in Honor of Your Professor Gifts

Credit to lenledu.com

If you’re looking for a unique and creative gift to give your professor, you can try this one. Instead of actually giving them a gift, you can instead give an organization that your professor feels strongly about or the college they work at a donation in honor of your professor.

31. Tears of My Students Cup

Tears of My Students Cup for professors

Credit to mugbros.com

This funny cup is sure to make any professor laugh. Claiming to hold the “Tears of My Students,” the cup will be a fun addition to your professor’s desk. It’s also a great conversation starter thanks to its hilarious saying. Better yet, it’s an affordable gift that you know will go to good use.

32. Sweet Teacher Gift

Sweet Teacher Gift For professor

Credit to eighteen25.com

If you know your professor enjoys baking or eating sweets, this gift is ideal. You can create a small basket and fill it with candy, cookies, and baking supplies. You can then attach a small note thanking them for being such a “sweet teacher.” They’ll be able to munch on some sweet treats or spend some time making their own.

33. Chill Pills

Chill Pills For professors

Credit to cookcraftlove.com

Most professors have tedious and stressful days. Because of this, these chill pills are a great gift to give them. You can make this DIY gift by filling up a mason jar with jelly beans or M&Ms. You can label it chill pills and come up with some creative instructions for when they should take them.

34. Constitution and Declaration of Independence Glasses

Constitution and Declaration of Independence Glasses

Credit to uncommongoods.com

If you have a government professor you’re looking for gifts for, these glasses will surely surprise them. Featuring an etching of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, it’s definitely a great gift to give any professor with an interest in this topic. These stylish glasses are also pretty affordable.
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/constitution-and-declaration-glasses

35. Literary Insults Chart

 Literary Insults Chart Gift for professors

Credit to uncommongoods.com

For those looking for a gift for an English professor, this literary insults chart is great. It contains many of the best insults from literary insults from Shakespeare to Jonathan Swift. It’s also designed with a creative look so it will nice hanging on their office wall or wherever they choose to use it.

36. Bookends

Bookends Gifts for professors

Credit to michelevarian.com

There are piles of books cluttered around the office of professors. This not only makes a mess, but can make it difficult for them to find things they need. You can give your professor some bookends to help with this. You’ll find a variety of unique designs so you can find a pair that your professor will love.

37. A Paperweight

A Paperweight Gift for professors

Credit to etsy.com

If you’ve visited your professor’s office, you’ve probably seen tall piles of paper everywhere. If a wind comes through or they accidentally bump into a pile of paper, it can end up sending everything flying everywhere. With a paperweight, they can help to keep things in order but in a stylish way.

Final words

Buying a gift for your professor is an excellent way to show them your appreciation. While some might be a little hesitant at first to do so, there’s nothing wrong with giving them a small and meaningful gift. If you’re on the search for gifts to give your professor, definitely keep the ones mentioned above in mind. They are unique, practical, and will show your respect for them.

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