Help me find a gift for PhD graduation

[Naira]

I need your help!

I am looking for a gift for my boyfriend who is getting his PhD. I am not looking into getting him any gift, in the sense that he is not expecting any. Thus, I want to get him something he will enjoy. Pens, picture frames, watches, ties etc. are out of question.

I understand you don't know him, so you don't know what he enjoys. What I'd like from you, however, is to share what kind of gifts you would enjoy, hoping that something will inspire me.

Up to now, my winning candidate is a bottle of good whisky, because it is a drink he really likes and he enjoys such little "luxury"-moments more than he wants to admit.

My budget is up to 100€ (~140 USD).

 

[Tora Ziyal]

How about something connected to the field he's getting his degree in? I know you've ruled out ties, but one I gave to a friend starting his new career in academia is an example of what I mean: the silk fabric was rows and rows of antique-looking little books on shelves. Basically stripes, until you looked closely. He's not interested in clothes, but he loves wearing that tie because of its significance.

 

[Shazam!]

Get him some LEGO

 

[iguana_tonante]

A soft bed and a full night of sleep. They were the only things I wanted after my PhD.

 

[Naira]

How about something connected to the field he's getting his degree in? [...]

I thought about getting him a tablet, but I think after *I* was done with my Computer Science PhD (his field as well), I didn't want anything related to computers for a while.

Get him some LEGO

That actually sounds interesting! He is into model building as well, but he is already in the process of putting together a truck so I ruled that out. But I hadn't thought about Legos, thanks!

A soft bed and a full night of sleep. They were the only things I wanted after my PhD.

So true! All I wanted was a massage. Unfortunately, all "spa" facilities in his area are too female-targeted, being all pink and girly. I don't think he would enjoy a day there.

 

[Kitty]

I think you're original idea about a bottle of something he enjoys drinking and wouldn't normally splurge on is right on the mark.

 

[Kirby]

^^ Agreed. If he likes whiskey, then a really fine bottle will be appreciated.

 

[Amaris]

What about an old book? Something that is related to his interests? I can only speak for myself, of course, but old books are unique, and special. They're often reasonably priced, so finding one related to his field may be possible.

Good luck!

 

[RoJoHen]

Pay off his loans.

 

[Pondwater]

Whiskey in a nice decanter.

 

[Melakon]

If he smokes, a fancy smoking pipe that will make him feel professorial. It doesn't matter if it's for tobacco or something else.

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

If he smokes, a fancy smoking pipe that will make him feel professorial. It doesn't matter if it's for tobacco or something else.

 

[Melakon]

Pipes are actually a good prop. You can spend 5 minutes tapping out the old tobacco, refilling it, tapping it down, then lighting it (old style kitchen matches add to the flair of the effect), and taking a few puffs while thinking of an answer to the question, "Honey, do I look fat in this dress?"

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

...then lighting it (old style kitchen matches add to the flair of the effect)...

The 'strike anywhere' matches? Yeah, those are great!

Much more of a 'theatrical' effect than those cardboard matches, especially during the summer, when a single drop of humidity in the air can turn them to mush.

 

[Gaith]

A nicely sized (8x10 inches or thereabouts), framed, high quality/well lit picture of you in a Trek uniform/geeky outfit of his liking. Or just regular clothes if he's not into that, but one can hardly have enough pre-framed, really good pictures of one's SO.

 

[Melakon]

...then lighting it (old style kitchen matches add to the flair of the effect)...

The 'strike anywhere' matches? Yeah, those are great!

Much more of a 'theatrical' effect than those cardboard matches, especially during the summer, when a single drop of humidity in the air can turn them to mush.

I first used them when I played Walter Mitty in college. The scene was one of Walter's fantasy sequences as a spy being executed by firing squad. I played it as Bogart, with trenchcoat, hat, and unfiltered cigarettes. I started smoking 43 years ago because of that scene and I didn't want to cough on the draw. I gave up pipes eventually, because I didn't look intellectual enough to pull off the illusion.