Engineers are a tough bunch to buy for. The engineer in your life is likely a practical person with a particular way of doing things, so it can feel daunting to choose a gift for them. But don’t settle for the standard coffee mug or tote bag when there are so many more options out there! If you get creative, you can find a gift that’s perfect for engineers of all ages, whether it’s fun, functional, or somewhere in between! Check out the list below to get inspired and discover that ideal gift for the engineer in your life.
1. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Best gift for software engineers
If your loved one is a hardworking software engineer, they likely have to deal with distractions at work. A quality pair of noise-canceling headphones is just what they need to help them stay focused while programming. Plus, the time will fly by when they’re listening to their favorite music or podcasts!
Looking for other thoughtful gift ideas for software engineers? Help your loved one make the most of their workday in comfort with a lumbar support cushion for their back!
2. Resin 3D Printer
Splurge-worthy gift for engineers
If there’s one thing that engineers love, it’s building and creating things, and the best gifts will help them achieve that. The engineer in your life will be absolutely blown away when they unwrap their very own 3D printer, and their minds will immediately fill with all the potential projects they can create. It’s likely the kind of gift they wouldn’t get themselves but would be thrilled to receive!
If you don’t have the budget (or counter space) for a full 3D printer, why not something smaller and more portable, like a 3D printing pen? A 3D scanner is also an excellent gift option if your engineer loves designing products digitally!
3. Smart Reusable Notebook
Thoughtful engineer gift for study and work
Are you looking for that truly unique and off-the-wall gift for an engineer or student? Try getting them a high-tech smart notebook (yes, there’s a smart version of everything these days!). Using this notebook, your engineer can write notes and then digitally transfer them to an app using their smartphone! They’ll love this ingenious way to keep their notes organized. It’s the perfect gift for students as well as working professionals!
You can also help them make notes on the go with a rollable dry erase board or a weatherproof notebook!
4. Engineer’s Messenger Field Bag
Useful bag for engineering students
So what do you get someone who’s gone into engineering? Whether they’re at school or in the working world, they need a bag that will keep them prepared for anything their work throws at them. Be sure to choose a durable bag with lots of storage that will last them for years. It will become one of the most-used gifts they’ve ever received!
If you’re looking for gift ideas for engineers, try a magnetic tool wristband or a multi-tool pen so they’re prepared for any task they need to carry out!
5. Ergonomic Computer Keyboard
Thoughtful and practical gift for working professionals
In today’s high-tech world, most STEM careers consist of heavy dependence on computer software. Your loved one likely spends a lot of time programming, designing, or typing on a standard keyboard, which can wreak havoc on their hands, wrists, and arms. Get them a gift they’re sure to appreciate like an ergonomic keyboard, designed for comfortable and painless typing! After a few days of getting used to the new design, they’ll notice a huge difference!
For a budget ergonomic keyboard, I like the Microsoft Sculpt. Or, you can splurge on the more high-end and rather unusual Kinesis Advantage2.
6. Precision Cutting Board
Ideal gift idea for engineers who love to cook
Engineers tend to be perfectionists in every aspect of their life, even cooking! So if you’ve got a loved one who’s scientifically inclined, they’ll love being able to cut and measure to their heart’s content while creating a delicious meal. The laser-engraved markings and durable bamboo make this cutting board ideal if you want to give them a long-lasting and quality gift.
Need some more ideas for engineer-friendly kitchen gifts? Try getting them a digital food scale or an instant-read cooking thermometer.
7. Hoverpen
Luxury gift idea for engineering graduates
A quality pen is a popular gift for graduates from all kinds of fields, but if your loved one is an engineer, up the ante with an amazing hovering pen! This pen is meticulously designed with a sleek, futuristic silhouette and a magnetic base that keeps it hovering at a precise 23.5 degrees. It’s sure to become the centerpiece of their desk and they’ll think of you every time they use it!
If you’re looking for some more affordable pen and pencil options to help them get started on the right foot in a new career, consider a retractable mechanical pencil or a caliper tool pen.
8. Pocket Multi-Tool
All-purpose practical gift idea for engineers
There are so many career paths an engineer can take, but they all have one thing in common: they need to be prepared for just about anything while on the job. Whether it’s small repairs or building a prototype, no engineer’s arsenal is complete without a quality multi-tool to keep with them wherever they go! Choose one with lots of options and a convenient carrying case so they’ve always got it with them.
Multi-tools are great for everyday uses, but they’re not a replacement for a full travel tool kit. Or, if you’re looking for an even more portable gift, why not try a wallet card tool?
9. Patent Print Wall Art
Home decor housewarming gift idea for engineers
Everyone loves decorating their home in a way that expresses who they are and what they love, and engineers are no exception. Get them a unique piece of art that shows off their interests in engineering while still feeling like a subtle and stylish addition to their home decor. They’ll smile every time they see it, and it’s sure to become a focal point in their home!
Be sure to choose a print that fits with your loved one’s personality or interests. You could choose patent prints of Nikola Tesla inventions or something fun like a Lego patent print!
10. Stylish Safety Glasses
Fashionable and protective gift for working engineers
From chemists to mechanical engineers, lots of engineering jobs require hands-on work with materials that could potentially be risky. But who likes wearing bulky safety glasses that dig into the skin, fit badly or plain just don’t look good? Make sure they’re protected and stylish with these super-cool protective glasses that look just like standard eyeglasses. They’re sure to get compliments and they’ll have you to thank for it!
You can help make your engineer’s hands-on work a breeze with other helpful gadgets like these ingenious flashlight gloves.
You might want to take a look at gifts for other jobs too!
11. Math Equation Clock
Fun novelty gift idea for engineers
If you’re looking for an engineer gift that’s both useful and fun, you can’t do better than a math-themed wall clock! This fun novelty clock is a great gift for an engineer with a sense of humor. They can keep track of the time while showing off their math skills; it’s the perfect addition to their office decor!
For more ideas of clocks that engineers are sure to love, why not check out a Fibonacci clock or a binary clock?
12. Blacksmith’s Brainteaser Puzzle
Unique Christmas gift idea for engineers who like a challenge
Engineers are a logical and practical group, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like to have a bit of fun! These puzzles are a great gift for anyone who enjoys solving puzzles and coming up with creative solutions to problems. Made of steel by artist and blacksmith Dennis Sucilsky, they’re intermediate-level puzzles, perfect for older kids or adults looking for a moderate challenge.
Give them a reason to test their skills with more advanced brain teaser puzzles like the Megaminx Speed Cube or the Cryptex Da Vinci Code Puzzle Box!
13. Wooden Catapult Kit
Fun learning gift for young engineers
If your loved one is a young kid who’s showing a growing interest in STEM subjects, take this chance to nurture their interests! There’s nothing more exciting to a kid than getting the chance to build a working machine on their own. So get them a fun and challenging kit that will help them learn about mechanics and physics in a fun, practical way!
For more kid-friendly gifts to nurture their engineering spirit, consider a STEM-themed Lego kit, or even a rocket launcher set!
14. Engineer-Themed T-Shirt
Surefire last-minute gift idea for engineers
T-shirts have long been the perfect gift idea for just about anyone of any age, and there’s no question why. Who doesn’t love a new t-shirt that shows off a bit of your personality? If you’ve got a Secret Santa event coming up, or you’re looking for a gift for an acquaintance, look no further! There are limitless design styles to choose from so you can find the perfect shirt for their style and interests.
Looking for more engineer-related clothing? How about these charming math socks or this blueprint-themed necktie?
15. STEM Board Game
Fun and educational gift for kids and families
Do you have a kid on your list this year who’s into science, technology, math, or engineering? Then your goal is to find that gift that’s a perfect combination of fun and learning so that they can challenge themselves and discover new concepts. Even better if you can get the whole family involved! Board games featuring math and science themes are a novel and fun way to help nurture your future engineer and their interests.
If you’re looking for more specialized family board games for those interested in chemistry or biology, I recommend games like Strain or Periodic!
16. Advanced Scientific Calculator
Essential must-have for engineers
While most of us can get by with the calculator app on our phones, that’s not the case for those working in more specialized STEM fields! For engineers, a scientific calculator is an essential part of any practice. This is the ideal gift for anyone in a scientific field, whether they’re still in school and working toward an engineering degree or just starting out in the field.
There are a wide array of scientific calculators to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with tried and tested brands like Texas Instruments or Casio.
17. Handmade Circuit Board Jewelry
Stylish and unique gift for fashionable engineers
Engineering may feel like a nerdy or masculine field, but there’s no reason an engineer can’t accessorize! If your loved one has a sharp sense of style and loves to express themself, give them a gift they’re sure to cherish for years to come! A piece of jewelry handmade from recycled circuit boards is the perfect gift idea for an electrical or software engineer that loves to make a statement at work or in their day-to-day life!
Make sure to complete the set with an eye-catching necklace or bracelet (or both!)
18. Perpetual Motion Desk Sculpture
Unusual gift idea for engineers
Some gifts don’t have to be practical, they can just be… kinda cool! What engineer wouldn’t love a perpetual motion desk sculpture? Using magnets, weights, or just good-old-fashioned momentum, sculptures like these continue moving on their own without any help from outside forces. They’re a unique and fun gift to give to the engineer who seems to have everything and a great addition to any office desk or bookcase!
If you’re looking to give your loved one a standout piece of office decor, consider a levitating light bulb desk lamp. Or, if they prefer building things themselves, get them a DIY engine model kit.
19. Ember Temperature-Controlled Mug
High-end gift for engineers and coffee lovers
Okay, so coffee mugs are a bit cliche when you think of gift ideas for engineers. But this amazing temperature-controlled mug is anything but! It’s a unique and high-end gift that they’ll want to use every single day, at work or home! With its sleek and minimalist design, beautiful range of colors, and ease of use, it’s the only coffee mug they’ll ever want to use!
Complete this gift with a monthly coffee subscription so they can handle those long working nights and early mornings!
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