What Are the Best Gift Ideas for a Young Optics/Laser Physics Supervisor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around gift ideas for a young supervisor in the field of optics and laser physics. Participants explore various options suitable for a budget of less than $60 New Zealand dollars, considering the supervisor's personal circumstances and interests.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest a gift certificate to a restaurant, while others note that this may be awkward given the supervisor's single status.
  • There are proposals for a new book on optics or lasers as a thoughtful gift.
  • Some participants mention alcohol, with mixed feelings about its appropriateness, suggesting it may be too common or tacky.
  • A humorous suggestion is made for a goldfish with a laser on its head.
  • Comic strip collections, such as Dilbert or Piled Higher and Deeper, are proposed as gifts that could resonate with the supervisor's experiences.
  • One participant suggests a wall clock for the lab, incorporating the speaker's research results as a personal touch.
  • There are discussions about beverageware as a potential gift, with suggestions for high-quality glasses suitable for various drinks.
  • Motivational and demotivational posters are mentioned as possible gifts, with links to examples shared by participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the appropriateness of different gift ideas, with no clear consensus emerging on the best option. Some ideas are favored while others are dismissed or considered less suitable.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the supervisor's personal interests outside of work, which influences their gift suggestions. The discussion reflects a mix of humor and serious consideration of the supervisor's preferences.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking gift ideas for colleagues or supervisors in academic or scientific fields, particularly in optics or laser physics, may find this discussion relevant.

n0_3sc
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So I'm thinking of getting a gift for my Supervisor. I did research under him for 2 years. He's fairly young (30's) and extremely dedicated to his field in Optics/Laser physics.

I'm struggling to come up with a gift idea. Hulp PF! :cry:
Budget is less than $60 New Zealand dollars.
 
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Well, maybe a gift certificate to a good restaurant.

Or, do you know any of his hobbies or interests outside of school?
 
lisab said:
Well, maybe a gift certificate to a good restaurant.
http://www.hapukulodge.com/kaikoura/home :!)

(I found that website accidentally and want to go there since then :frown:)

I would say a new book on optics/lasers ...
 
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A bottle of booze.
 
oh I forgot to mention he's single, so a restaurant voucher would be awkward for him. The same with a holiday voucher.

Booze is too common of a gift...let's keep it as a "last resort".
 
I think the food idea is good, maybe he can find a nice lady friend to take with him. Try to find a nice place that he likes, then it will seem awesome :biggrin:
 
n0_3sc said:
Booze is too common of a gift...let's keep it as a "last resort".

What if it's undenatured optical-grade cleaning ethanol?

Or do they only use methanol. (I remember organic chemists used methanol for cleaning FT-IR lenses).
 
How about a goldfish with a laser on its head.
 
Good booze.
 
  • #10
A collection of Dilbert comic strip books that satirize managment, including the famous salary theorem explaining why scientists and engineers can never make as much money as salesman and administrators.
 
  • #11
Some/all of the Piled Higher and Deeper Comics collections?
http://www.phdcomics.com/

(The irony of my previous post is not lost upon me)
 
  • #12
I'm thinking of a wall clock for his new laser lab. The clock will have my results imprinted on the background since he's obsessed at how colourful and nice my data looks :P
 
  • #13
n0_3sc said:
oh I forgot to mention he's single, so a restaurant voucher would be awkward for him. The same with a holiday voucher.

Booze is too common of a gift...let's keep it as a "last resort".

Membership on some dating site? :biggrin: (Just kidding.)

Booze itself is a bit of a tacky gift, but what about some really nice beer glasses, wine glasses, brandy snifter, shot glasses, or whatever other beverageware is suitable to his taste preferences?
 
  • #14
Moonbear said:
Membership on some dating site? :biggrin: (Just kidding.)

Booze itself is a bit of a tacky gift, but what about some really nice beer glasses, wine glasses, brandy snifter, shot glasses, or whatever other beverageware is suitable to his taste preferences?
OMG! Moonbear is back!

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7555/flowerdancepleaseal7.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #15
motivational posters
 
  • #16
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #17
I found some good ones :)

http://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Portals/0/blog-images/Sound-Waves/image017.jpg
http://thegreatgeekmanual.com/image...nuary/motivational-poster-futility-wisdom.jpg
http://www.worthalaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/motivational-poster-1.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/92902477_9eec03aa09.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2386/2267466188_0a6c058019.jpg
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4043/wifeviawwwnotafrontorgqx2.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/2591618662_38f0f7fb6a.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ev9hU0OJ8pA/Rr6y_i62zLI/AAAAAAAAAXk/uAqJrvz3T8w/s400/procrastination-motivational-poster.jpg

oops.. bit late.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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