The Bar is notoriously difficult to pass, so in order to either help celebrate this huge milestone or prepare them for the next one, we have prepared a list of 15 gifts for passing the bar!
Looking for more gifts? Check out our best gifts for lawyers guide for 2024.
In a hurry? Here’s our editor’s gifts for passing the Bar top 3 picks:
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Best Tech
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Best Gifts for Passing the Bar
Starbucks Gift Card
A gift that does what it says on the tin – $25 to be spent in Starbucks! What better way to celebrate passing the bar than having the chance to head into Starbucks for a delicious skinny vanilla latte. Seeing as the bar is now over, that vanilla latte could even be enjoyed without accompanying Bar prep material. For those who have already embarked as a first-year associate, this is a chance to get that coffee fix they really crave.
What we like:
- You can choose the design of the packaging
- A gift that can be easily enjoyed – you swipe and you have coffee
- The gift card can be applied to the Starbucks app
What we don’t like:
- Redeemable at MOST Starbucks locations (airports and grocery stores are hit-or-miss)
Starbucks Gift Card
This is great for anyone unsure about what gifts to buy lawyers for passing the bar, you can’t go too wrong with a Starbucks gift card! Coffee is many-a-lawyer’s best friend.
Buy Me A Drink I Passed The Bar Exam Shirt
This funny tank top for women is the perfect attire for your female lawyer friend to wear while celebrating passing the bar! Available in a variety of colors and sizes, this top is made from 60% combed ring-spun cotton and 40% polyester lightweight jersey.
What we like:
- Personalized for bar passing lawyers
- A fun gift
What we don’t like:
- Tops run small
- Probably only suitable for women…
Buy Me a Drink I Passed the Bar Exam Shirt Lawyer - Etsy
This is best for those looking to buy a funny gift for their lawyer friend who has passed the bar exam.
The Tools of Argument: How the Best Lawyers Think, Argue, and Win
A gift that’s suitable for anyone interested in the art of argument – so pretty much every lawyer! This book by Joel Trachtman breaks down the powerful tools of arguments that have been refined over time in the discipline of law. It also promotes analytical thinking, cements foundational legal knowledge, and builds upon confidence.
What we like:
- A subject that all lawyers can relate to
- Sets out a variety of ways in which the same subject can be argued from differing angles
- Provides tools that are relevant to today’s litigious society
- Well-structured, concise and insightful
What we don’t like:
- A starter book in this area – may be more of a summary of what was already learned at law school.
The Tools of Argument: How the Best Lawyers Think, Argue, and Win
The Mueller Report
This book contains The Mueller Report (the Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election as submitted by the Special Counsel’s office to Attorney General William Barr on March 22, 2019). This is the official report documenting the findings and conclusions of the counterintelligence investigation into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 United States presidential election, along with the allegations of conspiracy or coordination between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Russian, and allegations of obstruction of justice.
What we like:
- An interesting read
- The report itself is thorough, methodical, and comprehensive
What we don’t like:
- It contains redactions – may be unreliable in places
The Mueller Report: The Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.
This is best for anyone looking for a relevant gift for future lawyers - this is one of the most high profile cases in the public eye.
Amazon Gift Card – In a Gift Box
If you’re unsure what to buy as a gift to congratulate a lawyer for passing the bar exam, an Amazon Gift Card could be exactly what you’re after. This gift card is the perfect way to give someone the gift they want to give themselves! This version comes pretty much already wrapped up inside a speciality Christmas box, making the gift all that much more special.
What we like:
- The recipient can choose something they want/need
- No fees or expiration dates
- Novelty gift box
What we don’t like:
- The gift amount isn’t printed on the cards – it has to be checked online
Amazon eGift Card - Amazon Logo: Gift Cards
This is best for those unsure about a bar gift idea for Christmas, this could be a useful gift that gives a lawyer the freedom to choose something they may need or want.
Apple iPad Air
If you’re really looking to wow your recipient with a thoughtful and luxury gift, then you can’t go wrong with a brand new iPad Air. The thin, light design, along with all day battery life, means the Apple iPad Air can be taken anywhere and used all day.
It’s the perfect platform to take notes and jot down ideas with pixel-perfect precision, and its 10.5 inch immersive display makes for easy reading in any light.
This iPad delivers incredibly fast performance and can run the most powerful apps. It also comes with an 12MP wide camera, stereo landscape speakers, and liquid Retina display. Perfect for work and pleasure.
What we like:
- Fast and light
- Decent amount of storage
- Great battery life
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t support the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil
2022 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Purple (5th Generation)
Looking to really impress him or her after passing the bar? This is for anyone really wanting to treat their lawyer friend/family member as it’s one of the more expensive gift ideas on this list.
Audible Membership
Audible offers a huge selection of audiobooks, both fiction and non-fiction. An Audible membership entitles recipients to 3 titles a month (1 audiobook + 2 Audible Originals), as well as 30% off any additional audiobooks they purchase. The audiobooks remain in their library, and they can listen to them anytime, anywhere with the free Audible app. The person receiving the gift will be sent an email on a chosen day, along with redemption instructions.
What we like:
- Unmatched library of audiobooks
- Recipients have the freedom to choose the books they want to read
- Recipients receive a gift email with redemption instructions
What we don’t like:
- Audible is free with Amazon Prime, so the recipient may already have Audible membership
- Limited number of devices to play or share audio books.
Audible Membership Plans | Amazon.com
This is best for those looking for a practical gift for future lawyers. New lawyers spend a lot of time reading legal documents so an Audible membership could mean that when they get too tired to read outside of work, they can kick back and listen to audiobooks instead.
Whiskey Stones Gift Set
When melted ice or water ruin the flavor of a fine whisky, whiskey stones are there to lend a helping hand. Made from sturdy, pure and natural granite, these stones chill a drink without melting, meaning each sip of whiskey is cold and crisp. Nestled in a luxurious pine wooden case, these whiskey rocks come with a velvet storage pouch for the freezer and two 6.8 Oz crystal clear shots, so they can be enjoyed with a drinking buddy.
What we like:
- The neutral wood tones of the case would compliment any study, office or home bar
- Keeps whiskey chilled without watering it down
- Glasses are thick and high quality
What we don’t like:
- Rocks are smaller than expected
Whiskey Stones Gift Set
This is perfect for those looking to buy the ultimate gift for lawyers passing the bar, what better way for them to celebrate their exam than with a cool glass of whiskey. We’ve all watched Suits - every law office needs its own sophisticated whisky set!
Funny Attorney Shirt
If you’re in the market for a more humorous gift for that lawyer friend of yours who has just passed the bar, this t shirt may be just the thing. This “Allegedly” t-shirt makes a great for those who are gifting female or male new lawyers.
This shirt can be custom ordered and made with personalization.
What we like:
- Soft t-shirt material
- Affordable
- Can be made in unisex, female, or even baby sizes
What we don’t like:
- The amount of options may seem overwhelming when trying to order
Allegedly Shirt Funny Lawyer Gift Lawyer Shirt - Etsy
This is a perfect - as well as thoughtful - gift for lawyers who have passed the bar.
Electric Wine Opener with Charger
Another fun gift, this Uncle Viner electric wine opener claims it can open a bottle of wine in just 7 seconds. The opener comes with 4AA batteries, but it’s a rechargeable corkscrew and it can uncork between 70 and 80 bottles of wine in one full charge. This gift comes with a foil cutter, wine pourer, vacuum wine stopper, charger and manual, making it the ideal gift set for all those wine loving lawyers!
What we like:
- It’s a cool and useful gadget
- Everything needed for a bottle of wine in one place
- Easy uncorking
What we don’t like:
- Slower than expected
Electric Wine Opener Set with Charger and Batteries
Got a special wine-drinking lawyer (trust us, there are many) you're gifting? This gift will make passing the bar that much more fun and easy to celebrate.
Law School in a Box: All the Prestige for a Fraction of the Price
If you’re looking for a less expensive Ivy League education, this could be the cheap alternative you’re after. The metal box contains a complete legal education – a comprehensive textbook (Law School in 96 Pages), 10 heroes of the courtroom trading cards, 10 extra credit flashcards, a bar exam trivia challenge, and a rolled college diploma with real Latin words. Fun and educational.
What we like:
- A glance into recent important court cases
- Novelty item
- Good stocking filler
What we don’t like:
- Probably not a gift for life
Law School in a Box: All the Prestige for a Fraction of the Price
This is best for anyone trying to find a novelty gift for future lawyers - they may have just finished their law education, but there’s always more to learn!
Satan’s Advice to Young Lawyers
Satan has written a book to help advise and guide first-year associates up through the ranks of the legal community. Counsel is provided on a range of topics, from choosing evil as a path to power, the billable hour, and even to fashion! Every first-year associate could do with a helping hand in the grueling world of law.
What we like:
- Diverse topics
- Witty
- Light-hearted gift
What we don’t like:
- Pretty short
- Not a huge amount of substance
Satan's Advice to Young Lawyers
This is perfect for those after a quirky bar gift for law graduates who may be in need of some profound tips in order to survive being a first-year associate.
The New Yorker Book of Lawyer Cartoons
Taken from the pages of The New Yorker magazine, the law profession is portrayed through a variety of hilarious cartoons. The small-format collection comprises of cartoons by a mix of cartoonists, including James Thurber and Charles Addams.
What we like:
- Dry humor
- Ideal for lawyers
- Clever cartoons
What we don’t like:
- The book is very small – some of the details can be difficult to see/read
The New Yorker Book of Lawyer Cartoons
Here's a unique bar gift for a lawyer that could be pleasantly surprised by this small yet witty book.
Bean Box – Gourmet Coffee Sampler (Gift Subscription)
Each month, the recipient of a Bean Box will receive 4 handpicked gourmet coffees from Seattle’s top small-batch roasters. A mixture of guaranteed freshness, delicious flavors and artfully-crafted blends make for a wonderful gourmet coffee experience in the comfort of your own kitchen!
What we like:
- Hand-curated unique coffees
- Every Bean Box comes with a coffee profile and guide to capture the stories behind the coffees
- A gift that can be enjoyed every month for a year
What we don’t like:
- Pretty pricey for coffee
- Small bags of coffee – 2 pots of coffee per bag
Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Sampler
Looking for a gift that will be useful for the year to come? Those sleep-deprived days as a professional first-year associate will be made that much easier with a years supply of delicious and fresh coffee.
Flower Arrangement
A flower arrangement is always a timeless way to celebrate an accomplishment, especially if you are unsure of specific interests of the new Esquire. We like flowers from The Bouqs because the flowers are beautiful and they offer fast shipping.
What we like:
- Delivery to the recipient makes it an easy, hands-off gift
- Plenty of arrangement and price options
What we don’t like:
- This isn’t a personal gift
- Flower arrangements are always going to be pricey
The Bouqs Flower Arrangement & Delivery
Last-minute gift? The Bouqs offers same and next-day delivery for beautiful flower arrangements!
Bar Gifts Buying Tips
Before jumping straight in and buying a gift for passing the bar and celebrating a new lawyer, there are a couple of things you should consider:
Gift Etiquette for Passing the Bar
Your friend or family member has just passed the bar exam, which means all those months and years of hard work have paid off and they’re finally ready to tear up the first-year associate world. You may have already said congratulations but it’s only human of you to want to buy them a gift to celebrate this huge milestone on their journey to making partner at a law firm. They definitely deserve it.
Passing the bar is a pretty massive deal so you want to make sure you give them something they’ll actually like and enjoy, be it something practical, unique, or funny. When looking at a gift, spend a moment to think to yourself – will they get something out of this? Will it bring them joy? Could it help them survive as a first-year associate? There is no real passing the bar gift etiquette, but something thoughtful and personal can go a long way.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gift for Passing the Bar?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. How much you should spend on a gift for passing the bar will depend on a number of factors like how well you know the lawyer, the type of gift you’re after – novelty, practical, long-lasting – and how much available cash you have. The trick is to worry less about the price tag and more about whether the gift will bring joy or much-needed life support to a first-year lawyer.
Are you prepping for the LSAT? Start Here.
Gifting for Passing the Bar FAQ
What can you get someone who is still studying for the Bar?
Some of the best gifts for those who are still studying for the Bar are spa services such as massages or facials or even gift cards for practical items… such as Starbucks coffee for studying.
What are some ways to celebrate passing the Bar?
Some people who pass the Bar like to host a party to celebrate. For others, a simple bottle of champagne and a dinner out is enough to feel celebrated for the momentous achievement.
How much should a gift cost for passing the Bar exam?
How much you spend on a gift for passing the Bar should be up to your budget and what you feel comfortable spending without going into debt or over your budget for the year. An affordable gift is a gift card or a round of drinks to celebrate.
Passing the Bar Gifts – Bottomline
Passing the bar is a big achievement and these newly qualified lawyers deserve a massive congratulations from their friends and loved ones. Whatever you decide to buy them, however big or small, funny or unique, is bound to show them how proud you are of them and is sure to be appreciated.
