Lawyers have a reputation for being exceedingly practical, which can make gift-giving quite tricky. That difficulty, of course, is far from impossible. You just have to know what to look for.
Do you have a legal professional in your life that has a special occasion coming up? If so, you’re probably looking for gift ideas specifically designed for lawyers. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
Use this guide as an inspiration, but don’t be afraid to do your own browsing as well. Attorneys, like anyone, appreciate personalized gifts that match their interests. With that said, here are the most common and best gifts for lawyers, recommended by the professionals who should know the best.
1. High-End Coffee or Espresso Machine
Beyond meals, lawyers are also notorious for enjoying coffee. That’s probably not a surprise, considering the importance of staying awake and alert that can be aided by a good (and delicious) dose of caffeine at the right time.
Of course, not any coffee will do. Why not spoil them with a machine that makes great coffee or espresso? We like the Keurig Rivo for its ability to brew delicious single-brew cappuccinos and lattes, but a high-end Nespresso machine might just do the trick as well.
2. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The final gift idea for lawyers is a simple option to drown out the noise. Whether the lawyer in question works from home with family life or in the office of a larger firm, they might look for ways to eliminate distracting background noise. In that case, noise-canceling headphones can be the perfect solution.
These types of headphones are great for attorneys to listen to calming music while they work. But even if they don’t want to listen to anything at all, the headphones’ ability to block out external noise means peace in quiet during the times when it’s most desperately needed.
3. Professional Water Bottle
Anyone whose professional life depends on talking can especially appreciate the importance of having water close by at all times. And, of course, no lawyer wants to walk into a courtroom or important client meeting with a plastic water bottle.
So why not help your favorite attorney upscale that process? You can find high-end water bottles that are both clean and elegant, like this bamboo lid option or this hammered copper alternative. Find one that suits the recipient’s personal taste, and they’ll never have to worry about getting thirsty again.
4. Gavel Stress Reliever
Let’s face it: practicing law can be stressful. What better to relieve that stress than a gavel that cannot break, no matter how hard you hit it on the table?
You can find foam stress-relieving gavels for as little as $5 on online stores like Amazon. We’re especially partial to this five-inch marvel, made well enough to sustain even the highest stress levels. As an added bonus, It’s a great gift for lawyers with young children to keep the little ones occupied as well.
5. Smart Reusable Notebook
On a more productive note, attorneys tend to do plenty of note-taking in client meetings and during their research. But do you really want them wasting all that paper in the process?
With a smart reusable notebook like the Rocketbook, you won’t have to. Simply use the included pen to jot down notes on its 36 pages, then scan them automatically to services like Google Docs, Evernote, or OneNote. Then, simply use a damp cloth to wipe clean the notebook and start over.
6. Leather Attaché
Every great lawyer needs a good briefcase. We like attaché cases thanks to their sturdy outside and storage options on the inside, allowing the attorney in your life to safely carry documents, pens, and other equipment to meetings and court appointments.
You can find briefcases for as little as $100, but we recommend spending a little more on a high-quality attaché case from a reputable brand. Find the right one, and it will become the lawyer’s best career companion for the foreseeable future.
7. Personalized Pocket Watch
Lawyers in all fields need to be acutely aware of the time, whether it’s because that time is billable or because it’s limited in courtroom proceedings. Fortunately, checking that time doesn’t need to be a chore.
That’s why we love the idea of a personalized pocket watch for the lawyer in your life. Engrave the attorney’s name or the name of their law firm, and watch them get excited about checking the time each time they take it out of their pocket.
8. Micro-Cut Paper Shredder
Especially when working from home, attorneys need a safe way to easily dispose of confidential documents when they are no longer needed. What better way to do that than with a shredder that doesn’t just cut strips but little pieces of confetti that will be impossible to reassemble?
Expect to spend at least $50 for a high-quality shredder that double-cuts the paper. This review by the New York Times can help you find the right product, especially if you’re looking for micro-cut shredders that ensure the safest disposal possible.
9. Desk Organizer
Especially for attorneys working on complex cases, a clean and organized desk is vital. Buying a desk organizer can help them accomplish that goal without having to clear the entire desk of important contents.
Desk organizers can range from simple to complex. If you want to go all out, find one that you can personalize with the recipient’s official name and title to impress clients.
10. Engraved Fountain Pen
Speaking of personalization: the best way to turn writing from a chore into an art form is through the right pen. You don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve exchanged those box store pens for custom fountain pen alternatives.
An engraved pen is especially attractive to a lawyer who will often have others see them write. It helps them feel confident while subtly branding themselves in the eyes of clients and other stakeholders.
11. Office Art
Beyond the actual work, many professionals don’t realize just how important a comfortable, personalized space is until they actually have it. Lawyers, who can spend long days and evenings in their office, can benefit greatly from office art that matches their personal taste.
For some, that means canvas art of the U.S. Constitution. Others may prefer a high-quality poster of a favorite vacation spot. Yet others may prefer the calming effects that the right, tasteful plant can have in an office.
12. Constitution Swag
Speaking of the U.S. Constitution: what better way to flex your legal expertise than with promotional items that remind everyone of their fundamental rights?
The options here are almost endless. A tie printed with the document could be just as well-received as a throw blanket to stay warm during long, cold working nights. Even casual wear like a t-shirt might make sense depending on the gift recipient’s taste and preferences.
13. Meal Service Subscription
Long days, of course, also have the unfortunate side effect of an inability to cook nutritious, healthy, and delicious meals on a regular basis. That’s what makes subscription meal services like Hello Fresh a great option for your lawyer friend or family member.
The great thing about this gift, compared to restaurant gift cards or takeout food, is that meal prep isn’t completely taken out of the equation. Instead, it simply becomes more streamlined by taking grocery shopping or long preparation times out of the equation, combining the joy of cooking with the necessity of a quick meal.
14. Scented Candle or Essential Oils
With all the stress in a lawyer’s daily life, relaxation has to be a core part of the daily routine. One great way to go about that is through scented candles and essential oils that provide natural calmness in the office during a stressful day or research and work.
The great part: depending on the piece you find, it can actually function as office decor as well. Check out this succulent oil diffuser as a great example of both style and function.
15. Digital Meditation or Relaxation Classes
Sometimes, the calming scents of oils and candles aren’t enough. When the need for more drastic measures arises, and the lawyer in your life seems visibly stressed out, consider giving them the gift of relaxation or meditation class they can take at their leisure.
This list of courses can help you get started, with thousands of user reviews vouching for the quality of each class. The best part: any participant can take part in the class from the comfort of their own home or office, making it more likely that they’ll actually participate and benefit from it.
Finding the Right Gift for Lawyers
Of course, and as always, none of the above gifts are guaranteed to hit home. Ultimately, the best gift for your lawyer friend or family member depends entirely on their personal needs and preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative in your gift-giving.