Quick answer: the best gifts for law students are things that make long study days easier, such as good headphones, a comfortable desk setup, quality pens and highlighters, and food or coffee they do not have to think about. Skip the jokes about lawyers unless you know they will laugh. Below are ideas for each stage, from someone studying for the LSAT to a new law school graduate.
Gifts for Law Students by Stage
| Stage | What helps most | Good gift ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Studying for the LSAT | Quiet, structure and calm | Study planner, earplugs or headphones, coffee, a care package |
| Starting law school | A setup for long reading days | Backpack, desk lamp, laptop stand, pens and highlighters |
| In the middle of law school | A break and less daily work | Meal delivery, coffee cards, a massage, a weekend away |
| Graduating | Something to keep | Nice pen, leather folder, framed photo, a work bag |
| Studying for the bar | Food, rest and support | Meals, snacks, cleaning help, a trip to plan for after the exam |
Practical Gifts for Long Study Days
Law students read for hours. Anything that makes that easier gets used every day.
- Noise cancelling headphones. Libraries and coffee shops are rarely quiet.
- Pens and highlighters. Many students mark up cases by color, so a big set will get used.
- A desk lamp. Good light helps during late nights.
- A laptop stand. It raises the screen and can ease neck strain.
- An insulated mug or water bottle. It is simple, useful and easy to personalize.
- A strong backpack or tote. Law school books are heavy, so look for good straps.
Gifts That Give Them a Break
Time is often the thing a law student has least of. A gift that saves time can mean more than one that sits on a shelf.
- Meal delivery or a grocery gift card
- Coffee shop gift cards near campus
- A massage or a spa day
- A house cleaning visit
- Tickets or a small trip after finals
Books for Law Students
Check first, since many students already have too much to read. These are well known choices:
- Getting to Maybe by Richard Michael Fischl and Jeremy Paul, about how to think through law school exams
- One L by Scott Turow, a memoir about the first year at Harvard Law School
- Point Made by Ross Guberman, about legal writing
- Black’s Law Dictionary, a classic gift for a shelf at home or at work
Christmas Gifts for Law Students
Winter break usually comes right after fall exams, so most students just want to rest. A cozy gift works well here, such as a soft blanket, slippers, a good candle or a nice box of snacks. A care package is also a good choice if they are far from home. Add their favorite coffee, tea, snacks, a handwritten note and some new pens.
Gifts for Someone Studying for the LSAT
Someone studying for the LSAT is not in law school yet, and the months before the test can be stressful. Choose something that helps them stay on track.
- A study planner. Our LSAT Score Planner Bundle is a $27 download with an Excel planner, score tracker, mistake log, 40 practice questions and cheat sheets. It goes to the email used at checkout, so you would pass it along to them.
- A care package for test week. Add snacks they like and a note. Keep it calm, and do not add pressure about their score.
- A dinner after the test. Plan something fun for that night, so they have something to look forward to.
Do not buy items for use in the test room without checking the rules first, since most things go in a locker. See what to bring to the LSAT. If they feel nervous, these test anxiety tips may help.
Law School Graduation Gifts
Graduation is a good time for a gift they can keep for years. A nice pen, a leather folder or a work bag will be useful in a first job. A framed photo from law school or a framed copy of their acceptance letter adds a personal touch. Keep in mind that many graduates are about to study for the bar exam, so meals and help at home are welcome too.
Gifts to Skip
- Lots of joke gifts about lawyers, which many students have already received
- Textbooks or study aids they did not ask for, since each class has its own list
- Large items, if they live in a small apartment or may move after graduation
- Anything that adds pressure, such as a gift that assumes a certain score or school
Gifts for Law Students FAQ
What do you get a law student who has everything?
Give time or a break. Meal delivery, a massage or a trip after exams are all good choices.
What is a good small gift for a law student?
Good pens, highlighters, coffee cards and snacks are all small gifts that will get used.
What should I give a friend who just finished the LSAT?
Plan a dinner or a fun day out. Scores take a few weeks to come out, so a break is a kind way to mark the end of the test. See when LSAT scores are released.