The great thing about buying gifts for graduate students is that you are bound to win with any gift that reduces stress, saves money or makes studying less painful. Here are a few ideas that are guaranteed to do at least one of those!
1.Coffee Subscription
Of course, coffee has to be number one. It is a rare grad student indeed who manages to complete a thesis without the assistance of caffeine. But let’s face it. Cafeteria coffee can be pretty bad. Coffee subscriptions are available from BocaJava.com. Each month they can deliver a custom-selected variety of gourmet coffee beans to your favorite grad student.
2.Bed Lounger
Grad students spend many a late night reading research materials and journals. It can be tempting to read in bed rather than sitting primly at a desk, until you end up with a stiff neck. A bed lounger combines the supportive structure of an armchair with the comfort of bed, making late-night reading a pleasure. Perhaps it will even inspire more studying… well, okay, that may be a little too much to ask!
3.Handheld Voice-Activated Recorder
Voice-activated recorders are a great way for students to record lectures, seminars and research-related interviews. Some models even come with archiving software that will transfer the sound files onto a computer.
4.”How To Complete and Survive a Doctoral Dissertation” by Dr. David Sternberg This book gets the big thumbs up from grad students everywhere. Student reviewers on Amazon.com describe it as a bible, a mentor and a lifesaver.
5.Portable Laptop Desk
For the busy grad student on the go, few things are more useful than a portable laptop desk. The insulated mini-desk is designed to sit on the lap, providing a stable typing surface for a laptop computer. It can be used virtually anywhere there is space to sit down. Plus, it protects the user’s rather “delicate” areas from electromagnetic radiation and heat emitted by the laptop.
6.Massage
Long days and late nights of bending over books can result in a seriously stiff neck. However, few grad students have the money to spend on a massage. Give a one-time massage appointment at a local day spa. You might even consider giving a spa gift certificate that can be redeemed for a variety of pleasurable pamperings.
7.Grocery Delivery
Students are notoriously bad when it comes to nutrition. Part of the problem is time, and part is money. This gift saves them both. Netgrocer is an online grocery store with extensive selection, and can deliver a customized grocery order straight to their door. Pick the items yourself on the Netgrocer website, or give a Netgrocer gift card and let the recipients choose.
8.Still Point Inducer
Looking vaguely like a big dog bone, Gaiam’s Still Point Inducer is a specially shaped foam headrest. It was designed by osteopath John E. Upledge to induce a still point: a suspension of the normal rhythm of the craniosacral system. The body and mind then slip into a state of incredibly deep relaxation. What a perfect way to end a long day in class.
9.Student Gift Basket
Gift baskets have come a long way. Now there are many more choices than fruit or cookies! Several online retailers offer gift baskets designed especially for the busy student. HerbalRemedies.com provides health-oriented baskets, ranging from a stress-busting bounty of relaxing herbal products to a collection of immune-boosting vitamins, supplements and specialty teas. Build your own basketful of tasty treats at sites like From-Mom.com, and customize to your hearts content. Themed care packages are also available from SendASmile.com, such as the “Movie Night Care Package” and the “Up All Night Exam Care Package.
10.Weighted Bookmark
Just lay it crosswise over the pages, and presto! A weighted bookmark not only marks the page; it holds a book open for the reader who has her or his hands occupied. This is a great gift for the giver who is as strapped for cash as the receiving student. A good quality weighted leather bookmark can be found for around $10. In fact, at PresentPicker.com, $10 gets you a personalized bookmark and a selection choice of four colors.
Go to your favorite search engine and plug in the item from above that you are interested in; you should find a range of businesses to choose from. Scout around to find the best prices! Additional suggested sites are given below, with links.
Reference:
- Coffee subscription: www.bocajava.com Bed lounger: www.bedlounge.com www.comfortchannel.com Voice-activated recorder: www.bestbuy.com Portable laptop desk: www.satinbox.com www.lapinator.com Grocery delivery: www.netgrocer.com Still point inducer: www.gaiam.com Gift baskets: www.herbalremedies.com www.from-mom.com www.sendasmile.com www.delightfuldeliveries.com Bookmarks: www.presentpicker.com
