Whether it’s a family member, friend, or significant other, a loved one graduating from medical school is a major milestone that’s cause for extra special celebration. They have just completed another four years of education and may still have more training to go. To prepare for convocation festivities, you may be wondering what items are the best graduation gifts for medical students.
Should You Give a Gift for Medical School Graduation?
The short answer to this question is YES! Completing medical school is a huge accomplishment, and there is plenty of reason to celebrate. But, if the thought of finding the perfect gift for medical school graduate friends and relatives intimidates you, we’ve got you covered. Finding the best present begins when you start asking, “what does every med student need?” That said, we’ve gone ahead and considered this to provide you with a list of the top ideas for med school graduation gifts.
Best Gifts for Medical School Graduates
1. Stethoscope
One of the most classic gifts for medical school graduates is a customized stainless steel stethoscope, and for good reason. This is a tool they’ll likely use every day in their career, and it can also serve as a piece of treasured memorabilia—their First Stethoscope—for years to come. When it comes to customizing this gift, there are countless options, from color selection to personalized engraving and ID tags to charms. And, better yet, there are cases, covers, and holders to make this gift uniquely theirs.
2. Badge Reels
Although a med school graduate’s uniform is simple, it doesn’t have to be boring. Oftentimes, medical professionals are required to wear ID badges to gain access to hospital wings, computers, gates, and doors. Due to their frequency of use, most professionals choose to attach their badge to their scrubs with what is known as a “badge reel.” This is a retractable high-quality tool that keeps their ID close and easily accessible for swiping and scanning. One of the ways doctors, nurses, and PAs alike add some flair to their uniforms is through decorating badge reels. There are hundreds of relatively inexpensive options online, so you can gift your graduate one to represent each season, holiday, favorite sports teams, and everything in between.
3. Custom Diploma Frame
One of the most meaningful gifts for a medical school graduate is a way to preserve their hard-earned diploma. A handcrafted diploma frame helps your graduate protect and proudly display the degree they worked so hard for. Choose from school-specific diploma frames featuring their alma mater or design a one-of-a-kind frame with the Create-A-Frame tool. Best of all, Church Hill Classics frames are custom-made and built by hand by New England artisans, ensuring your loved one receives the very best the industry has to offer. Diploma frames make great gifts for graduating doctors of every specialty, including veterinarians and educational professionals.
4. Scrubs
Believe it or not, a good pair of scrubs can be expensive. And, when this is what your med school grad has to wear daily, the cost of scrubs can add up. Not to mention the fact that, given the nature of their job, medical professionals have to wash their gear quite frequently. One can never have too many pairs of scrubs, making this a perfect gift for graduating medical doctors. Brands like FIGS and Jaanuu have developed comfortable, stylish, and supportive scrubs that will help your loved one get through those 12-hour shifts. And, if you’re unsure about their size or style, you can always purchase a gift card to their favorite supplier and let them pick out their favorite set.
5. Coffee Tumbler
If there is one thing medical professionals report needing most in their careers, it’s caffeine. From working 12-hour shifts to dealing with unruly patients and everything in between, a good cup of coffee or tea can make a world of difference in your loved one’s day. Whether you give them a new espresso machine or design a personalized tumbler to keep their coffee warm, this pep-in-their-step accessory will be put to good use.
6. Lunch Box
Somehow, in the midst of busy schedules and countless patients, medical professionals find time to eat lunch. That said, gifting your graduate a durable and insulated lunch box can help keep their meal-prepping ventures on track. You can also purchase a thermos, airtight plastic containers, ice packs, or anything else they may need to pack a meal that fuels them throughout the day.
7. Comfy Sneakers
One of the most practical yet often overlooked gifts for medical school graduates is a comfy and supportive pair of sneakers. Medical professionals are on their feet all day walking from patient to patient, so easy-clean, slip-on shoes are a must. Designed specifically with healthcare workers’ comfort in mind, Clove shoes combine all-day cushioned insoles with grippy outsoles.
8. White Coat Hanger
Most med school students earn their first white coat early on in their education. After graduating, they often will receive a new lab coat depending where they go next—but their first coat will always hold a special place in their heart. One way to help them cherish this piece of memorabilia is by giving them a customized coat hanger. With different colors, engraving, wiring options, and more, there are countless ways to make this special gift uniquely theirs.
9. Celebratory Charm or Necklace
One of our favorite medical school graduation gifts for her is a piece of jewelry she can keep forever. Small trinkets, like this stethoscope charm, can be added to a bracelet or dainty chain for a gift that is both unique and purposeful. And, for both girls and guys, gifting watches or class rings with engraved messages helps graduates symbolize their achievements and reflect on their experience.
10. Hippocratic Oath Certificate Frame
When medical students graduate, they take an oath to practice ethical medical care. Help honor their commitment to medicine and their patients with a Hippocratic Oath Certificate Frame! A custom Hippocratic Oath frame is a way to remind them of their meaningful vow and is a symbol of their dedication to the medical field. Handcrafted with quality materials, it pairs perfectly with medical degree frames displayed in an office or waiting room.
11. Spa Gift Card
When we first think of rest and relaxation, we have to admit that the spa is the first thing to come to mind. After long hours on their feet, a pedicure or massage might be the perfect way to help your graduate unwind. And, the best part about this gift is that they can select their choice of service and (in most cases) gift cards don’t expire. So, find a spa near their place of work or home and let them experience some relief after all their hard work.
12. Meal Delivery Service
After a long day at work, cooking dinner is often the last thing your graduate will want to do. Instead, you can help them get straight to dinner and their favorite TV show by gifting them a month or two of meal deliveries. With services such as Factor and Hello Fresh, your graduate can log in, choose from a variety of meals, and have them delivered to their doorstep. Some services provide everything needed to cook a meal, eliminating grocery shopping. Others go one step further to deliver pre-assembled meals, making it the perfect option for someone who just wants to reheat and relax.
13. Streaming Subscription
Our last gift is the gift that keeps giving. From Netflix and Hulu to Peacock and Apple TV and everything in between, there are countless streaming services to keep your loved one entertained. So, whether they’re looking for some medical drama or comedic relief, a subscription or gift card to a streaming service is an excellent idea for the recent grad.
Med School Gifting FAQs
Q: How do med schools celebrate graduation?
A: Medical school commencement ceremonies are very similar to those of undergrad, only smaller. There are typically a couple of speeches, followed by the handing out of diplomas. Just like other graduation ceremonies, the real celebration usually takes place after the fact with friends and family, from nice dinners to parties and gifts. A medical school graduate can expect all the same love and celebration for the last four years of school (med school) as they received after their first four (undergrad).
Q: How much money do you give a medical school graduate?
A: There is no black-and-white answer to this question, as it varies from person to person. If you don’t feel comfortable giving money, don’t! Instead, opt for a meaningful and more personal gift, like one of the suggestions we listed above. Every gift, no matter how big or small, will be appreciated. It is the thought that matters!
Q: Is my recent med school graduate a doctor?
A: Yes! As soon as a med school student graduates and earns their MBBS or MD degree, they are officially a doctor. This means on your customized gifts and cards, you can call them Dr. Jane or Dr. John—how exciting!
Q: What do you get someone graduating from medical residency?
A: This question can be a bit tricky and, honestly, there is no right answer. A medical student will go through several phases in their education from med school to residency to fellowship and beyond. Determining if you’ll get a gift (and what) for each stage is totally up to you!
Though they may already have their diploma, your graduate may receive different certifications and awards during the remainder of their education. Fortunately, Church Hill Classics offers frames of all sizes and styles; protecting their newest certification may be the perfect gift for someone who has just finished their medical residency.
A Final Word on Gifting
Whatever gift you choose for your graduate, you can’t go wrong with helping them celebrate their amazing achievement. And, if you’re still stuck, remember that the simplest, most thoughtful gifts go the longest way. If you’re still in need of a gift for a graduate, check out customizable diploma frames for a gift they will cherish forever. From their undergraduate diploma to their latest certification, Church Hill Classics frames make it easy to protect and preserve these special documents for life.
RELATED BLOGS YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
SHOP FEATURED PRODUCTS
