Worst Christmas Gifts for a Graduate Student

If you have a graduate student in your life, you probably know - they're sad people. Depressed. And you probably think, of all people who need an awesome Christmas gift this season, it's them. So you go to the store and you do your thing and you think: well done, Self. Finally that grad student will be cheered. But unbeknownst to you, you've made a terrible mistake. You've purchased one of the Worst Christmas gifts for grad students. Oh no! How to avoid this blunder, you ask? Read on.

1. Graduation Countdown Calendar: The one thing every grad student doesn't need is a reminder that they are not yet graduating. Unlike the process of earning a bachelor's degree, the higher degree programs can last for many years, be confusing, seemingly never-ending, even. They are working at their own pace and doing the best they can, but they certainly don't need a calendar marking the days like the walls of a prison cell. Do not buy your graduate student this gift for Christmas.

2. Alcohol. Yes, they are probably old enough. Yes, a light buzz might seem like a welcome relief from the stress. But really, all you're giving them is another temptation and there are probably enough of those in their life. It doesn't help them focus and too much can do a lot more harm than help in terms of stress.

3. The Guide for Expensive Purchases... or anything that serves as a reminder that they aren't exactly well off. Graduate students often face disappointment as they realize their professional counterparts are now making a lot more money than they are, and possibly more than they will make even after years of effort and academia. They don't need any gifts that are going to make this disparity in wages more evident. Stay away from that this Christmas season.

4. Stationary Tools. Pencils and papers are useful and probably the grad will be using similar items. But odds are, their lives are often about school, school, research, and school, and Christmas should be a time of relaxation and relief from the steady drum of... well, school. Think entertainment, fun, vacation stuff, but not more school stuff (unless it's a serious contribution that's going to make their lives better - if you're just dabbling, just don't).

5. Unplanned vacation tickets. Just imagine: You open a box and see...tickets... to a vacation island! But wait... it's on the same day as your dissertation is due. Don't assume that the grad student's schedule follows the usual patterns, because it often doesn't. Remember this and shop accordingly. An expensive gift could turn horribly wrong this way and become one of the worst Christmas gifts!

No one needs a good gift like the graduate student in your life, and you should be applauded for trying to find them that great Christmas present. But be wary and think things through, and whatever you do, don't buy them anything on this list of Worst Christmas Gifts for Graduate Students. Remember these points and you should be pretty much set.