Gifts for PhD Students

Last Updated on: 3rd June 2022, 04:16 am

If you have a friend, family member, or loved one who is involved in a PhD program, reaching out and supporting them with small or large gifts along the way can mean a lot to them.

The process of going through a doctoral program is more like a marathon than anything else. It entails lots of time, commitment, and sacrifice, especially for students who have jobs and families. They often give up family time, time at work, or even self care. If you love a PhD student, finding ways to show support is immensely important and satisfying for them.

What Kind of Gift Would a PhD Student Like?

Below, I’ll suggest some of the gifts I’ve seen my students and clients love. It’s good to remember, though, that the act of giving a gift sometimes means more than the gift itself. If you’re at a loss for what to give a PhD student in your life, don’t fret – any expression of your care for them will mean a lot. 

Self Care Gifts

It’s rare to find a PhD student who has maintained a strong self care program. This includes things like working out, massages, or manicures or pedicures. Many students feel guilty taking the time and money to do self care.

Try to figure out the things your loved one would like, such as a massage, haircut, manicure or pedicure, or anything that pampers them. PhD students often feel like they’re at the whims of their school or dissertation committee. They might not feel as though they are in control of much, so pampering them for a while can be a wonderful gift.

Massage

If your loved one likes massages, scheduling one for them might not be the right option. Instead, give them a gift certificate so they can schedule the time to go and just be away from the world for a while and get taken care of. 

A Weekend Away

Take a day or weekend away and invite them to a city they like, the beach, or the mountains. Allowing them to just recharge can be a wonderful gift, but it doesn’t even have to be a big expensive vacation.

Taking Responsibility Off of Their Shoulders

Cleaning the house, taking the dog for a walk, or taking a responsibility off of their shoulders in any way you can is a wonderful gift for a PhD student.

Small, Thoughtful Gifts

Things that aren’t as big can also be very thoughtful gifts, like a special coffee drink or a food they really love but don’t take time to make for themselves.

Acknowledgment

Let them know that you’re very proud of them and you’re there to support them. Just a simple gesture of saying that you love them and honor their journey. Many PhD students don’t realize that it is a lonely journey that most people they know don’t understand. 

Pause and tell them that you are there to support them and try to understand what they’re going through. Let them know that you will be there for them, whether it’s by walking the dog, providing food, giving them a foot massage when they’re stressed, or just helping them compile articles. Any extra support can be an amazing gift to a PhD student.

Practical Support With Their Program

Help Them Do a Literature Search

If you have the time and skills, you could help them do a literature search on key terms. Bring them 15 articles to look at by using your skills in databases or online searching. Just ask them what they need from you first!

Help Edit Their Paper

If writing is a strength of yours, you could help them edit, especially if you’re familiar with academic writing.

Help Them Hone Their Ideas

Even if you don’t have expertise in the above areas, you could still listen to them and see if what they’re saying makes sense to you. Ask them to explain it to you so they can hone their ideas to the point where they’re concise and understandable by anyone who might eventually read their document.

The Gift of Dissertation Coaching and Editing

You may love your PhD student, but you may not be able to provide support for their writing – after all, academic writing is almost like a new language.

However, there are people who are very familiar with academic writing who provide coaching and editing support for doctoral students. Most doctoral students would welcome a gift of editing support and coaching.

Here is what some of our clients have said about our coaching services:

“Steve is an excellent communicator with a passion to help his clients succeed. He provided me with outstanding guidance during a critical time in my doctoral process. Not only was he able to evaluate my work and refer me to outstanding editorial sources, but he was invaluable in helping me to navigate the murky political waters that can exist in the doctoral journey. He gave me great advice and helped me to stay focused with my eye on the prize.”

-J.R. Carlisle 

“There are few people we encounter in our lives that truly make a lasting difference and lifelong impact on who we are as people. Steve Tippins is one of them. His work is so impactful on his students and coachees because of his unique depth of experience coupled with true love for what he does and compassion for the people he works with.  His ability to support and motivate people for who they truly are, with realistic expectations and considering outside influences, makes his coaching and partnership irreplaceable. I would be remiss if I did not attribute my success in great part to him and his support and guidance.”

-LeAnn Nowlin, PhD

Remember, It’s The Thought That Counts

Getting a PhD can be a lonely journey. Whatever you decide to get your loved one, know that the fact you took the time to show your care and support will mean the most to them. Simple gestures can go a long way.