What's the perfect present for a PhD graduate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around gift ideas for a friend graduating with a PhD, focusing on personal preferences and interests. Suggestions range from humorous to practical, considering the recipient's background in physics and her dislike for traditionally feminine gifts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest gifts that remind her of her physics studies, such as artwork related to physics or themed clothing like Schrödinger's cat t-shirts.
  • Others propose practical gifts, like a gift card to a nice restaurant or a bottle of wine, while considering her personal tastes and lifestyle.
  • One participant humorously suggests getting her a kitten, while another reiterates this idea but quickly dismisses it.
  • A suggestion for a nice frame for her PhD certificate is made, emphasizing quality materials.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the appropriateness of certain gifts, such as whether she would appreciate more physical items or if they should focus on experiences instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a variety of gift ideas, but there is no consensus on the best option. Different viewpoints on the appropriateness and desirability of certain gifts remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on the recipient's specific tastes and lifestyle, which are not fully known to all participants. There is also uncertainty about her preferences regarding physical gifts versus experiential ones.

parton
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Hi!

I have the following problem:

A have a friend who is finishing her PhD and I wanted to give her a present.

Altough I know her for more than 6 years, I have absolutely no idea what to give her.

Here are a few things which could help to find an idea:
- she will work outside physics, so maybe something which "reminds" her of her physics studies?
- she does not like "girlish" things
- she likes cats

I would be glad if some of you have any suggestions :-)

Thanks!
 
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Maybe give her Schrödinger's kitten?
 
WWGD said:
Maybe give her Schrödinger's kitten?
An alive or dead one? :woot:

EDIT: Here's an image search for Schrödinger's cat t-shirts/clothes.

EDIT 2: Maybe some artwork related to physics? You could order a print/have it printed and framed. Here's a site I found: http://fineartamerica.com/art/paintings/physics/all. I personally only like just a couple on that page, but there are many images, which may give you some idea, perhaps. Personally I like e.g. this one: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/floyd-in-3d-simulation-meir-ezrachi.html.
But tastes vary, of course...:smile:
 
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I'd probably avoid giving her more stuff unless you're fairly certain she'd like it. On the other hand, something like a gift card from a nice restaurant is usually a safe bet, especially if you can pick a place she might have never seriously considered because it was too expensive, etc.
 
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A bottle of wine.
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Get her a new kitten :)

jk, don't do that. Maybe a cat shirt?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C1KAX0Y/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Or maybe a PF T-shirt. A good bottle of wine would be good, unless she doesn't drink alcohol.

Or something related to one of her hobbies, if she has hobbies. I would imagine there are hints in her office.
 
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Also a nice frame for her PhD certificate is a good idea. Nothing cheap. Nice solid wood, real glass. Sometimes parents end up getting this though, not sure.

Or wine. Get her a nice Barolo(Italian, Piemontese) from the year she started her PhD in.
 
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  • #10
parton said:
Hi!
I have the following problem:
A have a friend who is finishing her PhD and I wanted to give her a present.

Altough I know her for more than 6 years, I have absolutely no idea what to give her.

Here are a few things which could help to find an idea:
- she will work outside physics, so maybe something which "reminds" her of her physics studies?
- she does not like "girlish" things
- she likes cats

I would be glad if some of you have any suggestions :-)

Thanks!
I agree with the idea that you'd give her a PF T-shirt which is more memorable. I am sad to hear that she only like cats, always have and always will.
Otherwise you can give her a puppy :angel:.
 

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