Gift Ideas
40 Genius Gifts for Engineers in Your Life
If you have someone in your life that is an engineer or engineering student, you are in the right place.
Engineers are exceptional individuals who excel at math and science and love technology and problem-solving. The following guide is a thoughtful list of the best gifts for engineers that will fit their creative and curious personalities.
The gift ideas are perfect for any occasion and they will definitely put a smile on the face of your special geek.
1. Multitool($$)
Engineers are always working on projects on which they may need a variety of different tools, but carrying around a toolbox is clunky and inefficient most of the time. With a multitool, the engineer in your life can walk around with an entire toolkit in their pocket. They will always be prepared to get to tinkering. This model is made out of stainless steel and has 12 integrated components, making it the highest quality available at its price point of $30. This is a great gift for mechanical engineers.
2. Perpetual Calendar($$$)
This fun gadget incorporates physics to create an easy-to-use calendar. Magnet balls are used to indicate both the date and time.
Not only can this device be used year after year, it is also an interesting talking piece because its use isn’t immediately apparent when you first see it.
3. “101 Things I Learned in Engineering School”($)
This awesome book by John Kuprenas and Matthew Frederick is filled with interesting and entertaining engineering tips. Using real-world examples to describe engineering concepts, it will be a page turner for anyone you know with a love for the way things work.
4. Brain Teaser Puzzles($)
5. Aviator Safety Goggles($)
Combining the necessity of safety goggles with the fun of a cool pair of shades, these are a great gift for engineers who want to bring a little flair to the workplace. UV and scratch-resistant, these goggles are practical as well as stylish. They can be bought in a 12 pack if you want to give them as a gift to a team of fashion-conscious engineers.
6. Yahboom Smart Robot Kit($$$)
The Yahboom is the ideal combination for any engineer because it’s a cool gadget that you get to program yourself. This robocar, which can also be controlled through a phone, has many different features that can be individually programmed when the car is connected to a computer. Additionally, the Yahboom has a camera, so you can take it on adventures and watch your code come to life as it traverses its way around the living room or back yard.
7. Beer-Making Kit($$$)
Even the most serious engineers like to have fun, and this sometimes includes a beer or two after a long day of work. With a beer-making kit, you get the satisfaction of creating your own brew, and you can make awesome beer along the way. While this process may be somewhat rocky at first, the trial and error nature of creating something new is what engineers live for. Any engineer at least 21 years old will love this gift, especially since the end product is their own customized alcoholic beverage.
8. Unbreakable Mechanical Pencils($)
Writing and planning ideas on paper is still a huge part of the engineering process. But, pencils often have a tendency to break when you need them the most: either while taking notes or sketching out a new design. These mechanical pencils are specifically made to be unbreakable and have patented double spring technology that will keep the lead from breaking, even under serious pressure.
9. Blue Screen of Death T-Shirt($)
Every engineer who works with computers is familiar with the notorious blue screen of death that pops up when a program is not working properly. It is one of the most frustrating things to deal with, and there's no better way to let that frustration out than to put it on a T-shirt. These high-quality shirts come in unisex sizes, making them a great mixture of comedy and comfort for any engineer.
10. Wallet Ninja Multitool($)
An even smaller version of the multitool described above, this one is small enough to fit in your wallet. Equipped with 18 different tools, this incredibly small gadget cannot be beat. The Wallet Ninja is also made out of thin yet strong steel and has a lifetime warranty, making it reliable as well as incredibly useful.
11. Iwistyle Mug($)
Punny and smart, this witty mug will be quickly picked up on by your civil engineering friends This is a great gift for engineers because it can be used on a day-to-day basis and is funny. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, this high-quality product will give your engineering friend a good laugh while they drink their favorite beverages.
12. Engineer I’m Not Arguing T-Shirt($)
We all know that engineers can be very stubborn when it comes to their opinions. This T-shirt encapsulates this in the phrase “I’m not arguing, I’m just explaining why I’m right.” We know that whoever you give this gift to is bound to say this exact phrase or something very similar, hopefully, while they are actually wearing the shirt. This shirt is great to wear to the office or around the house.
13. Engineer by Day Cutting Board($)
For the engineer that loves to create not only on the job but in the kitchen, this cutting board is a cooking essential. The board reminds everyone that the chef for the night can also build bridges, assemble computers or perform a plethora of other impressive feats. Each cutting board is individually crafted from bamboo wood, so you aren’t just getting a gag gift; it’s a great kitchen appliance as well.
14. Engineers Field Bag($$)
Like many other gifts on this list, an engineer’s field bag is a practical day-to-day item that will make life a little easier for any engineer. Made out of durable material, this bag is heavy-duty and can function as a regular backpack. It makes a great gift for engineers everywhere.
15. Business Portfolio($$)
Similar to the field bag, the business portfolio is a multi-use, high-quality binder that holds graph paper, calculators and any other tools that an engineer needs when brainstorming and sketching ideas.
16. Texas Instruments Calculator($$$)
This enduring calculator is one of the most useful things you can give an engineer because they will always need one. You may have used this graphing calculator in a college statistics class, but they are essential to many engineering jobs. There is always a demand for technical calculators if you are in that line of work.
17. Pen Holder($)
This gift is less functional than some others on the list, but it is a fun and nifty gadget to keep on a desk. Coming in a variety of colors, this pen holder will work with the aesthetic of any office and is an easy present for any occasion.
18. Structure-Building Kit($$)
A DIY toy, the structure-building kit is heaven for any engineer that loves to build complex models. This kit also comes with a manual that includes fun facts and quizzes that heighten the building experience and make this gift practical as well as enjoyable to use.
19. Bosch Laser Distance Measurer($$)
We all know how annoying it is to measure things with a tape measure. With this laser distance measurer, you completely eliminate that issue. Not only do you get a cool laser pointer, you also get a measuring device that is accurate up to 65 feet. It gives real-time measurements as you move closer to or farther from a target.
20. Leonardo da Vinci Catapult Kit($)
Da Vinci is idolized by many engineers for his genius not only in art but also in his creations. One of the more famous inventions of da Vinci is the catapult. This miniaturized gift is made up of pieces that come together to make this incredible catapult.
21. Galileo Thermometer($$)
Another reference to the great scientists of the past, this thermometer uses physics to tell the temperature as buoyant, multicolored orbs rise and fall depending on the weather. While it is an accurate thermometer, this gift is also quite beautiful. It can be placed anywhere around the house, telling indoor temperatures between 64 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
22. Pi Foil Art Print($)
Any math lover is familiar with pi and might even know more than the first few digits if you ask them to recite it. This gold foil art piece contains more than 100 digits and is a fun addition to an engineer's office or living room (if they’re really nerdy).
23. I Void Warranties T-Shirt
This shirt is a great gift for engineers who have a bit of a sense of humor. Hopefully, they “void warranties” because they create flawless products. Whatever the reason, they will still get a laugh from coworkers if they wear this shirt to the office.
24. Math Equation Clock
This clock can only be understood by people that got a 5 on the AP Calculus test because each number on it is represented by mathematical equations of varying difficulties. Every engineer deals with equations like these in their work. This clock is an entertaining reference to that, even if no one else can tell what time it is.
25. Circuit Board Wallet($)
Circuit boards are a big part of engineering. They can be aesthetically pleasing, especially to computer nerds. With a super sleek 3D pattern that is both fashionable and tech-savvy, this wallet takes circuit board affection into account. Engineers will tell you: combining style with substance is quite a rare occurrence.
26. Circuit Board Coaster Set($)
Another circuit board-based gift, this coaster set seriously looks like it came from inside a computer. With a more realistic look than the cardholder, because they are actually made of recycled circuit boards, these coasters are an even better gift for engineers.
27. Computation Pad($)
Another engineering essential, computation paper is a great work surface for graphing as well as solving equations. It is an item that engineers use often. Buying it for them shows that you care about their needs as well as their wants.
28. Engineering Nutrition Facts Mug($)
I know what you’re thinking: Another mug? But this one with its list of hilarious nutrition facts for engineers is even funnier than the last. These professionals are constantly staying caffeinated. Giving them a mug that they can smile at while working on a late-night assignment will provide the push they need to keep on going.
29. “Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future”($$)
Elon Musk is one of the most famous modern engineers. His companies have created many breakthroughs in this field over the years. The engineers you know are probably aware of this, but they may not have read his book, which details how he got to his current position at the top of the industry.
30. “Principles of Flight” Tie($$)
An ode to the engineering behind an airplane, this tie shows a complex blueprint of an airplane cockpit, in a beautiful navy and beige colorway. While this is another geeky piece of clothing, it is actually a really cool tie and could easily be worn to work or to any sort of engineering event.
31. Mathematical Shot Glasses($$)
Want to practice trigonometry while getting tipsy? This shot glass is for fun-loving engineers who want to combine their love for equations with a night out on the town. In addition, each equation on the glass has a special meaning in mathematics.
32. Raspberry Pi Starter Kit($$$)
For expert coders and beginners alike, this small computer is a great gadget. This is an ideal gift for engineers who have a love for all kinds of technology. With endless possibilities, the Raspberry Pi will keep the engineer in your life occupied for hours on end.
33. N52 Magnet Cube($)
This small magnet is a nice desktop fidget toy, and is extremely satisfying to stick paper clips to. For a little more than $10, you can’t go wrong with this gift.
34. Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones($$$)
For engineers that want to work in peace, these are top-of-the-line headphones that will keep outside distractions away. When engineers are brainstorming their next great invention or just want to get some sleep on an airplane, they can use these headphones.
35. 3D Printing Pen($$$)
Who wouldn’t want the ability to 3D print from home? With this next gift for a teenage girl, she can do just that. This 3D printing pen allows her to create her own creations from home, all she needs is the pen and her imagination.
She can create fun designs, things she can display on her desk, gifts for people, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the feed is adjustable so she can control the speed and flow for the optimal experience.
It is a bit pricey, but it’s worth it for what you get.
36. Flask Salt and Pepper Shakers($)
A homage to the laboratory, these shakers add the perfect amount of geekiness to useful household appliances.
37. “She Engineers”($)
Highlighting that engineering is a male-dominated industry, this book will inspire the awesome female engineer in your life to keep pursuing her passion and will help her succeed in a field that has kept women out of positions of power for decades.
38. Soldering Iron Kit($$)
An important tool in the field of engineering, this kit brings the fun of soldering parts together home with you. Additionally, being able to solder can be extremely useful when you need to fix technology at home. Therefore, this gift is both entertaining and practical.
39. Five-in-One Engineer Ballpoint($)
A ruler, level, screwdriver and stylus all inside a pen is an engineer's type of invention. This ballpoint combines some of the most essential engineering technologies into one tool.
40. Edison Table Lamp($$)
This is a great bedside or office lamp that references the lightbulb invented by Thomas Edison. We end this list with a piece of home decor that is pretty enough to be in the living room but nerdy enough to make someone smile when they think of its original inventor.
Hopefully, this list has given you some great gift ideas. Choosing gifts for engineers in your life is not as hard as it seems and buying one or two of these thoughtful engineering gifts will surely make anyone happy.
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