Gifts for Grads: Top 10 Medical School Graduation Gifts

Medical school graduation gifts don't need to be difficult to shop for. Graduating from medical school is a huge achievement, and should definitely be celebrated. If you're at your wits end trying to think up a clever or meaningful gift, look no further. These medical school graduation gifts are just what your new doctor ordered!

#1 Document Frame - Crate & Barrel, $14.95

Upon receipt of their medical degree, your graduate is going to want to showcase it. Even if they're going into residency and won't have an office of their own for several years, having a high-quality frame to hold their credentials will be appreciated.

This frame is understated, but if it's too basic feel free to appeal to the graduate's taste. That diploma will likely be decorating their home for the next few years, so let your graduate frame it in something that'll catch their eye.

#2Medical Television Shows on DVD - Amazon, $18 and up

Your medical school graduate may have been too busy for the last - oh, 7 years or so? - to keep up with television shows. Why not buy them a season (or more) of one of TV's hot medical shows? Grey's Anatomy is very popular with women, Scrubs is especially great for young doctors, and House might appeal to their diagnostic senses. Kicking it old-school is also an option, gifting DVDs of shows gone by. How about M*A*S*H, St. Elsewhere, or Doogie Howser, M.D.?

#3Custom Engraved Gifts - Things Remembered, $20 and up

Engraved, personalized gifts have a special charm all their own. From money clips to snow globes, Things Remembered has lots of options for your medical school graduation gift. Engrave it not with their first name - but "Dr. So-and-so". It will probably be the first time they see their name styled as such, which will make the gift even more memorable.

#4 Cross Pen - Cross, $40 and up

A designer pen is a nice gift for anyone, but may have a special meaning for your new doctor. They can carry it with them each day on their lab coat, using it to write out prescriptions for their first patients. Cross is one of the best-known companies for designer pens, but Montblanc, Tiffany, and many other companies offer them too. Many of these pens can be engraved, offering an extra personal touch. Pens are also refillable, making this a gift that can be appreciated by your medical school graduate long into their career.

#5 Medical Scrubs and Accessories - Scrubs and Beyond, $10 and up

Medical personnel need to wear scrubs to stay hygienic. In recent years, more color and style options for scrubs have surfaced, allowing for a little more personality than the basic scrubs of yesteryear. Scrub caps, shoes, and lab coats are also necessary apparel for doctors. The site listed above, Scrubs and Beyond, offers lots of options for your new doctor - and gift certificates, which are handy if you don't know their style or size.

#6 Medical-Themed Pins - LapelPinPlanet.com, $5 and up

Like the designer pen, a pin might be a way for your medical school graduate to carry your gift with them. These pins are ideal for doctors that have already specialized - there's a foot for podiatrists and a brain for neurologists. There are some basic options available too, such as the Band-Aid and syringe.

#7 Caduceus-Themed Gifts - CaduceusGifts.com, $3 and up

The caduceus is the classic symbol for doctors - a short staff with two twisted serpents in the shape of a double helix. Caduceusgifts.com specializes in a variety of gifts bearing the symbol such as jewelry, teddy bears and clothing. You're almost sure to find something the new doctor in your life will enjoy.

#8 JAMA Subscription - American Medical Association, $165/year

JAMA is the Journal of the American Medical Association, one of the world's leading medical journals. A year's subscription includes 48 print issues of the journal as well as access to its online counterpart. This journal is comprehensive, offering information across several specialties. If your med school graduate has chosen a sub-specialty, a subscription to a journal devoted to that specialty may be an even more thoughtful gift.

#9 24-Hour Health Club Memberships

Going through medical school and understanding the workings of the human body raises awareness in new doctors. Many choose to be more physically fit as a result. Why not gift your graduate with a year's membership to a gym? Depending on their schedule, membership to a club that's open 24 hours may get the most use. Search for franchises such as 24 Hour Fitness in your area.

#10 Sporting Goods Store Gift Certificates

If your graduate can't make it to the gym, consider a gift certificate to their favorite sporting goods store. They'll be able to purchase clothing and equipment for fitness at home or on the go. Many doctors also choose to wear athletic shoes to work for comfort and traction.

Hope these ideas have helped you choose a medical school graduation gift!