Best Gifts for Law Students: A Practical Guide

Want to show the hard-working law student in your life how much you appreciate them this holiday season? Finding great gifts for the future lawyer in your life doesn’t have to be complicated. Law students are busy and always on the go, so the key is to look for presents that can help relieve stress or help them succeed in their new careers. 

To make your shopping experience a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite gift ideas for law students this year. From useful gadgets and inspirational reading to ways to relieve stress, the following gifts for law school students are sure to be a hit this season.

Standing desk converter or desk riser

A standing desk converter or riser is one of the best gifts for law students. From long classes to readings and working on papers, law students spend a lot of time sitting—which can be hard on their physical wellness. While you can’t do much to lessen a law student’s workload, you can make it easier for them to stand up more often with the right desk accessory.

While fixed-standing desks were all the rage a few years ago, an adaptable standing desk converter or desk riser is your best bet for today’s law student. By making it easy for them to sit or stand while studying, a standing desk converter allows them to stand more often, but still sit down when needed.

Cost: FLEXISPOT Standing Desk Converter, $149 at Amazon.

Lap desk

On the other hand, while not ergonomically optimal, the reality is that law students don’t always work at a desk. So why not make it simpler for the law student you’re shopping for to study while still staying comfy? 

A lap desk is also one of the best gifts for law students as it provides a solid surface for resting books or a laptop (read our blog on the best laptops for lawyers) while working from a couch or bed. Balancing things on your lap becomes easier and more comfortable with a lap desk. If you’re looking to give a lap desk as a gift, opt for a design with some comfort and convenience-boosting options—like a wrist rest, cushioning, and a built-in mousepad.

Cost: LapGear Home Office Pro Desk, $50 at Best Buy.

Book stand

Losing your page in a textbook may seem like a minor inconvenience, but small time-wasters add up. What’s more, holding a heavy textbook up (or craning your neck to look down) can lead to body aches and pains. The easy solution—and a useful, affordable gift for law students—is a book stand.

This simple gadget holds papers and books up, making it easier to focus on the text. Adjustable book stands allow law students to read from different angles. That way, it’s simple to ensure you’re reading at eye level for any situation. Opt for a lightweight, portable option that can tag along to class, the library, and home.

Cost: Readaeer Portable Book Stand, $16 at Amazon.

Temperature-control mugs

Focus is a good thing when you’re reading through a mountain of cases. But it can often lead to a cold cup of coffee. As with so many parts of a lawyer’s day, technology can help. A high-tech smart mug keeps your coffee at a specific drinking temperature for a perfect sip, every time. 

Another bonus? A smart mug is a useful present for 1Ls and a great graduation gift idea for law students—because a hot cup of coffee just might be even more valuable once they start to practice.

Cost: 10-oz Ember Mug, $125 at Ember.

Spill-proof travel mugs

Having a warm beverage on hand for a long class or study session is an essential for any law student. But carrying hot coffee while on the go can be a spill and stain hazard. 

An insulated and reusable travel mug is good for the environment. It also helps keep drinks warm. To take your gift to the next level, look for travel mugs featuring a leak and spill-proof lid for added convenience.

Cost: Contigo 16-oz Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug, $25 at Amazon.

Air fryer

Of course, there are also times when busy students just want to indulge in something warm, crispy, and fried. That’s why an air fryer is also one of the best gifts for law students. 

An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses convection heat (AKA hot air) to “fry” food in a fraction of the time. Perfect for whipping up healthier versions of comfort-food classics, an air fryer is a great gift idea for law students and can be the hero of study-session snacking for law school and beyond.

Meal kit plans

Another (delicious) way to make home cooking faster and easier for law students is to take care of the food shopping for them with the gift of a meal kit subscription. 

Today, there are many meal kit delivery options like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Dinnerly and more. With so many options, you can easily find one that suits anyone’s food preferences or dietary needs. These types of services deliver pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to the home, so all your gift recipient needs to do is put it all together. 

Cost: Varies by plan and service. Typically costs about $4 to $10 per serving (depending on factors like the number of servings in the meal and the number of meals per week).

Noise-cancelling headphones

Focusing with distractions around can be challenging. Give the gift of concentration by helping to block out some of that background noise.

Noise-canceling headphones are a great gift for law students as they cut down on background noise and distractions, making it easier to focus on the task at hand. You can choose from plenty of styles, so think about how your gift recipient will use them most. Cushy, comfortable, and cordless over-the-ear designs are usually a safe bet for most law students.

Cost: Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones, $200 at Amazon.

Portable charger

Just like lawyers, law students are always on the go—and always using their devices. A portable device charger is a great gift for law students that gives them a little extra power while they’re away from home.

Tip: Look for a model that’s compatible with your gift recipient’s most-used mobile tech. For example, if they use a specific model of iPhone, make sure you choose a portable charger that’s compatible with it.

Cost: mophie Powerstation XXL PD 20,000 mAh Portable Charger, $60 at Best Buy.

The Client-Centered Law Firm by Jack Newton

The best gifts for law students are the ones that don’t stop giving. Books on legal topics are a great example. Whether you’re shopping for a 1L or a soon-to-be graduate, it’s never too early to start learning how to adopt a client-centered mindset in today’s experience-driven world. 

In The Client-Centered Law Firm, Clio’s CEO and Co-founder, Jack Newton, explores how today’s lawyers can take a client-centered approach. This approach can lead to happier clients and a more profitable and efficient law firm. It’s an ideal gift to inspire any lawyer-to-be.

Cost: The Client-Centered Law Firm, $12 to $20 at Amazon (depending on format).

You can also find it at an independently-owned bookstore near you or wherever you buy books. 

Gym membership

Law school can be incredibly time-consuming and stressful. But that’s actually even more reason for students to maintain regular physical activity—exercise is one of the best ways to help manage lawyer stress.

If you’re shopping for someone who loves to work out, but has told you they’re prioritizing their budget elsewhere while in law school, a gym membership can be a thoughtful option. 

Cost: Varies, depending on local gym fees.

Virtual exercise class

Another way to give the gift of movement—without requiring the recipient to leave their home—is a virtual exercise class. You have many options online options for at-home movement, from yoga to dance to fitness classes.

For law students who want to try this out, you can look at giving an online subscription (such as to an on-demand service like obé). Or, you can gift equipment (such as a yoga mat) to make it easier for them to try out free online classes at home.

Cost: Varies, with plans starting $19 billed monthly at obé.

Massage or salt therapy

Self-care and stress relief are key for students’ physical and mental well-being. But fitting relaxation practices into their schedules can be hard for law students.

With this in mind, look for gifts for law students that help them relax and recharge. Booking a massage at a local spa can be a thoughtful gift, or you can look for a device that can bring a little relaxation into their daily routine. Devices include a shoulder massager (to work out tense shoulder muscles at the end of a day) or a salt lamp (to cast a relaxing glow in a room).

Cost: Amazon Basics Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager, $48 at Amazon or Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp, $24 at Amazon.

Coffee subscription or gift cards

Caffeine is like fuel for many law students, so it’s a safe bet that they’ll appreciate a coffee-related gift. Case in point? A subscription to a coffee club (such as the Atlas Coffee Club) gives someone a regular shipment of new types of coffee to try—for the perfect blend of convenience and caffeine.

Alternatively, you can keep things simple with a gift card for your favorite law student’s local cafe or coffee shop.

Cost: Coffee gift subscriptions, starting at $60 for a three-month subscription at Atlas Coffee Club.

Donation to a meaningful cause

When you’re shopping for gifts for law students, you may not usually think about charitable donations. But many law students study law because they want to make a real difference in the world. Donations are a unique but incredibly meaningful gift, especially when you donate to a cause that’s important to the law student in your life. 

Cost: As much as you want to. An example of a great organization to donate to is the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), which is committed to improving access to justice and protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society, and much more.

What to look for when shopping for the best gifts for law students

Still trying to figure out what to give the law student in your life? Your best bet is to look for gifts for law students that answer “yes” to at least one of the following questions:

Is it helpful?

Gag gifts can be funny, but something that’s going to end up in the garbage is a waste of your money and resources. Gag gifts that end up in the landfill are also  harmful to the environment. Instead of going for a joke gift, look for practical items that will be useful to the recipient. For example, a law student planning a career in litigation will be able to use a great lawyer briefcase for years to come. 

Is it stress-relieving?

Law students are under a lot of pressure, which is why we included a lot of wellness gifts on our list to help your future lawyer avoid burnout. From physical gifts that can help with self-care to services that can save time, stress-relieving gifts are especially thoughtful for law students.

Personal or sentimental

Everyone wants to feel cared for and appreciated. When it comes to gifts for law students—or anyone, really—a gift that has deep meaning or shows special thought is always a winner.

Conclusion

Gift-giving is a wonderful way to show someone you care, especially during busy and high-pressure seasons in their life—like the law school years. While we hope that the above ideas regarding gifts for law students help inspire your shopping, try not to let the task stress you out. After all, it really is the thought that counts the most.

What are good gifts for law students?

Law students will likely appreciate study aids such as legal reference books, textbooks, flashcards, or a subscription to legal magazines. Alternatively, consider gifting them a comfortable office chair, noise-canceling headphones, a gift card to a local coffee shop, a briefcase, or professional clothing.

What does every new law student need?

New law students need resources that will boost their ability to learn, participate, and achieve the best possible grades. These include a laptop, access to legal resources, textbooks, a notebook, and pens. Additionally, professional clothing helps law students convey the right image during presentations.

What do you get a law school student for Christmas?

Consider getting law school students gifts to assist with their studies: a laptop, office chair, textbooks, desk/desk accessories, branded law school merchandise (like a cozy sweatshirt), and noise-canceling headphones. Alternatively, treat them with a gift card to a local restaurant for a night off cooking.

What does a first-year law student need?

First-year law students need textbooks, notebooks, pens, a computer, a planner/calendar, and access to a reliable internet connection. Law dictionaries and a subscription to a legal database will also aid their studies, while they might require smart attire for presentations and moot court. 

We published this blog post in December 2021. Last updated: April 4, 2024.

Categorized in: Business