med school grad gifts

21 Medical School Graduation Gifts for the New MD!

Written by: Kristine Thorndyke
Reviewed by: Harshi Dhingra, MD

Med school graduation is right around the corner. It’s time to shower the new grad with the best medical school graduation gifts!

After all, they worked hard, took the MCAT, got into med school, and successfully made it through the grueling hours of classes and rotations.  With this in mind, we’ve put together the best medical school graduation gifts you can give to the new MD in your life!

The 21 Best Medical School Graduation Gifts for 2024

Leather Tote

Gift this sleek “medical bag” and you can rest assured you’re helping the new MD travel to and from work in style. This handmade vintage leather messenger bag by Cuero DHK is built to be durable with just enough space to bring the work essentials without being overly bulky.

The size of this bag is ideal for laptops up to 17.5 inches but can also fit items such as iPads, books, files, and more. It’s made up of 1 big laptop compartment, 2 small section compartments, 4 small pockets in the front, and 2 additional zippered pockets for smaller items.

This bag is made of high-quality full-grain leather, which wears just as any other leather – meaning it gets better with age! This gift will just get better over the years, as it grows into a more “weathered” look as the new doc puts in the work.

Best Overall
Vintage Handmade Leather Crossbody Bag Vintage Handmade Leather Crossbody Bag
4.5
$69.49

This beautiful, handmade messenger bag is made of high-quality leather but comes at an extremely affordable price. This is great for organization and fits laptops up to 17.5 inches.

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12/02/2024 10:27 pm GMT

Left and Right Brain Keypad

This may not be an extravagant gift, but if you are looking for a fun and relevant way for the graduate to think about you every time he or she opens his/her computer, then this is the best medical school graduation gift you can buy!

This keypad cover is a nice reminder of the duality of the brain, with its creative right brain and logical left brain. For those unique future doctors, this is the gift that they will absolutely love!

Left and Right Brain MacBook Pro 13-inch Hard Case & Keyboard Cover Left and Right Brain MacBook Pro 13-inch Hard Case & Keyboard Cover
$18.99

This is a beautiful keyboard cover that highlights the difference between the left and right brain

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12/03/2024 12:15 am GMT

Whiskey Decanter and Glass Set

Okay, so whiskey doesn’t necessarily relate to being a doctor (thank goodness!) but we love this whiskey glass set as a nice way for your favorite MD to enjoy a night cap or drink after work or on the weekends. This gorgeous set screams class and will certainly be appreciated by any responsible adults who enjoy attention to detail when sipping on their favorite beverage.

This set was crafted in Parma, Italy and its classic diamond cut will make the recipient’s favorite whiskey or bourbon feel extra special. This makes our favorite among our medical school graduation gifts for the MD who enjoys a good whiskey or bourbon.

Whiskey Decanter And Glasses Bar Set, Includes Whisky Decanter - 7 Piece Set Whiskey Decanter And Glasses Bar Set, Includes Whisky Decanter - 7 Piece Set
4.5
$72.00

This elegant whiskey decanter set comes with 6 additional cocktail glasses (whiskey not included!)

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12/02/2024 09:44 pm GMT

Human Organ Lunch Box

This E.M.T. human organ transplant lunch box is hilarious and will get lots of laughs and comments when being pulled out in the lunch room by a doctor. This lunch box is fully insulated with side pockets and is just large enough to fit a few organs, er, I mean a sandwich and some snacks.

This is our favorite among the medical school graduation gifts for the graduate who loves practical jokes and prides him or herself on a great sense of humor. 

E.M.T. Insulated Lunch Tote E.M.T. Insulated Lunch Tote
5.0
$20.80

This insulated tote will keep your precious goods prepped, and ready to transplant right into your waiting stomach! This lunch box is large enough to fit your soda, sandwich, and snacks!.

A New Pair of Sneakers

With the new doc hitting the long shifts, it’s important to keep his/her feet comfortable all day long! Gift the new med school grad with these eco-friendly, breathable sneakers that are even machine washable! Allbirds was named the #1 in the Best Shoes for Doctors in 2024.

Allbirds Tree Dashers 2 Allbirds Tree Dashers 2
5.0
$135

Incredibly comfortable and supportive tennis shoes made from renewable resources… plus they’re machine washable! Pairs perfectly with the Trino Sprinters - Low performance socks

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Espresso Machine

This espresso machine and coffee maker by Mr. Coffee allows the busy doctor to be a barista in their own home. Medical school graduates shouldn’t be drinking Folgers after the effort they have put into graduating medical school and the future hours they’re going to be logging in at their new hospital.

Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
4.5
$249.99 $149.49

The med school graduate deserves an upgrade to their coffee routine. This espresso and cappuccino is just what the new busy doctor needs.

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12/02/2024 10:38 pm GMT

Engraved Pen

Dayspring Pens are a pretty popular choice among medical school grads because they are elegant and customizable, with a 25-character free engraving. This pen comes in a cushioned case and makes a beautifully presented gift for the new MD.

The lacquer comes in silver but the ink itself is black. The pen writes smoothly, which is a must for a doctor who spends a good amount of time writing by hand!  

Dayspring Pens Personalized Cross Classic Century Pen Dayspring Pens Personalized Cross Classic Century Pen
4.5
$55.99

This engraved pen comes in a beautiful cushioned case and makes a nicely presented gift for med school grads.

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12/02/2024 09:16 pm GMT

Brain Specimen Coasters

These brain specimen coasters are super cool and any med school grad would geek out over this gift. These glass coasters are a fun design and are also made with quality, as rubber feet protect surfaces. There are 10 glass coasters, each with brain slices.

If you stack them up together, they will complete a full brain! How cool is that. These are popular medical school graduation gifts for the geeky docs in your life.

10 Brain Specimen Coasters 10 Brain Specimen Coasters
Stack all these coasters and they complete a full brain!
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Echo Show

The Echo Show is the perfect gift for the busy doctor-to-be. The typical features of Alexa are included with the Echo Show, but you can also watch on the screen flash briefings, Amazon video content, music lyrics, security cams, and more!

The Echo Show can make calls, play music, add to your calendar, and this is all hands-free. This gift will help simplify and make the doctor’s life even more convenient, because, let’s face it, he or she won’t have much time for anything else soon.

Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Smart Display Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Smart Display
4.5
$89.99 $44.99

A new way to add Alexa to your nightstand - the med school grad will love playing around with this new and useful toy!

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12/02/2024 08:03 pm GMT

Swatch Watch

We love this unisex Swatch watch because it is simplicity and quality that you can expect from Swatch. This is a very utilitarian, adjustable watch that comes in a matte black shade.

This light watch is so light, you will forget it’s even on your wrist! Give the gift of timeliness to the new MD in your life.

Swatch Gent Standard Once Again Quartz Watch Swatch Gent Standard Once Again Quartz Watch
4.5
$60.00

Everyone loves a good Swatch watch and the timeless look of a sleek black watch. Silicone straps are great for the healthcare workplace and easy to clean and the second hands will be useful for vitals.

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12/02/2024 08:14 pm GMT

Eye Chart Tie

This tie is quality and affordable, so you won’t be breaking the bank passing along this gift. This would be especially perfect for any doctors who plan on entering the Optometry field, but will still be relevant and fun for any practicing doctors.

Eye Chart Tie - Black Polyester Eye Chart Tie - Black Polyester
$19.95
This eye chart tie is a fun gift for the new MD.
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12/02/2024 10:29 pm GMT

Personalized Coffee Mug

We love personalized coffee mugs and the recipient will find it special as well. Everyone loves to see their name on a mug and the med school graduate is no different! This is a good gift for medical graduates as it is affordable and personal. 

Personalized Doctor Stethoscope Mug Personalized Doctor Stethoscope Mug
4.5
$9.49

This personalized stethoscope mug is a great gift for new doctors and nurses.

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12/02/2024 07:49 pm GMT

Stethoscope Necklace

Obviously this gift is more female-swayed, but it’s still a great gift for the medical school graduate for its dainty, simple design featuring a stethoscope and heart. You can choose between rose gold, gold, or silver, and between necklace and bracelet. This is a favorite for a feminine-inspired medical school graduation gift. 

Silver Stethoscope Necklace Silver Stethoscope Necklace
$4.99 $3.99
Choose between rose gold, gold, or silver for this beautiful and dainty stethoscope necklace.
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12/02/2024 09:55 pm GMT

Kill as Few Patients as Possible

Give the gift of knowledge that a med school graduate will appreciate! This is a favorite read among med school graduates and doctors, as it is witty and hilarious and completely relevant to experiences doctors have had.

Dr. London shares over 30 years of experiences and stories and makes for a fun and quick read for busy practitioners.

Any bookworms on your gift list? Consider these best books for doctors and med students!

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12/02/2024 10:39 pm GMT

How Doctors Think

Contrary to the book mentioned above, this book by Dr. Groopman takes on a more serious tone, describing how doctors can more effectively avoid making mistakes by providing questions that can be asked of patients to help make better decisions.

This is among great medical school graduation gifts for the more serious and introspective doctor.

How Doctors Think How Doctors Think
4.5
$17.99 $8.60

A reflection on how doctors and patients can communicate more effectively.

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12/02/2024 10:26 pm GMT

Leather Notebook

This beautiful leather notebook is the perfect gift for doctors.. and nearly everyone else as well! We are big fans of this refillable notebook made of dark, supple genuine leather. This notebook is multi-use, whether being used for sketches, writing, journaling, note-taking, etc. This is a great gift that every med school graduate can get great use out of!

Leather Journal Refillable Notebook Leather Journal Refillable Notebook
$25.99
This blank unruled notebook comes with a beautiful leather cover and is refillable, making it a great investment!
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12/02/2024 10:43 pm GMT

Design Badge Reels

These expressive badge reels come in beautiful designs, and will be sure to get compliments from patients and coworkers alike. Whether or not the med school grad considers them avid fans of Van Gogh, everyone can recognize Starry Night and appreciate the beauty of these works of art.

We love attention to detail with these medical school graduation gifts! 

Retractable Badge Reel Retractable Badge Reel
4.5
$14.99

These badge reels let you change the image on your badge reel whenever you feel like it! Each reel set comes with four swappable decorative Tinker Tops for you to easily switch to match your outfit or your mood.

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12/02/2024 11:24 pm GMT

Wine Preservation Set

This is a perfect gift for the wino med school grad. This wine system keeps wine from oxidizing, allowing it to continue to age naturally. This two wine set allows for easy pouring with a secure hold of the bottle.

This is a perfect gift for the med school graduate who likes to sit down to a nice glass of wine at the end of a long day (or night) at work.

Coravin Timeless Three Plus Wine Preservation System Coravin Timeless Three Plus Wine Preservation System
$249.95 $186.75

The wino med school grad will appreciate this premium wine opener and preservation system - includes 2 capsules.

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12/02/2024 09:22 pm GMT

Doctor Socks

If you found the doctor tie too tacky, these doctor socks are a nice, more subtle gift that doctors will appreciate, as well as any other detail-attentive patients or staff.

Hot Sox Novelty Occupation Crew Socks Hot Sox Novelty Occupation Crew Socks
4.5
$8.99
Cozy and fun, these patterned socks are excellent for the new doctor.
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12/02/2024 11:00 pm GMT

Because, Patients Wine Glass

If the Coravin two wine system isn’t in your budget, this stemless wine glass makes a good alternative for medical school graduation gifts! It’s dishwasher safe, which means it will be used whenever the doctor orders! 

Because Patients Funny Stemless Wine Glass Because Patients Funny Stemless Wine Glass
5.0
$11.95

This 15 oz stemless wine glass is a funny gift for wine drinkers.

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12/02/2024 10:45 pm GMT

Beverage Chilling Stones

This gift can go alongside the whiskey decanter set or solo. These chilling rocks are awesome because they keep your drink cool without watering it down.

They can be stored in the freezer and come with a velvet carrying bag for storage. This is another nice gift for the medical school graduates who can appreciate a quality drink that they can enjoy from the comfort of their own home.

Set of 9 Chilling Stones for Whiskey and other Beverages Set of 9 Chilling Stones for Whiskey and other Beverages
4.5
$9.99

This gift makes for a lovely presentation for whiskey drinkers and comes in at a super budget-friendly price!

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12/02/2024 10:46 pm GMT

Flower Bouquet

If you’re struggling on thinking up a gift, especially if you may not know the recent med school graduate very well, there is always a fantastic, timeless gift of a beautiful flower arrangement. Same-day delivery is offered for select arrangements from the Bouqs, so you don’t need to worry if you are doing any last-minute shopping.

We hope you enjoyed this list! Didn’t find any medical school graduation gifts you liked? Don’t go just yet! Get some ideas with our best gifts for medical students.

The Bouqs Flower Arrangement & Delivery The Bouqs Flower Arrangement & Delivery
4.5

Last-minute gift? The Bouqs offers same and next-day delivery for beautiful flower arrangements!

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Is There a Gifts Etiquette?

Graduating from medical school is an intense, personal experience as well as a costly part of becoming a doctor.

Med school grads are about to enter their residency period, where the workload caps at 80 hours/week. An easy rule of thumb is to consider something that values their time, their work, or makes their lives easier – which is why we’ve included by novelty items such as the brain coasters to extremely practical items like the Mr. Coffee espresso and cappuccino machine.

Each of the gifts we have chosen address the new grad’s busy lifestyle and shift in responsibilities. If you can’t find a gift that you think suits the medical school graduate in your life, a simple check would be extremely appreciated and helpful at this point in their lives.

Med School Graduation Gifts FAQ

How much money should you give for a medical school graduation?

If you choose to gift money (which is certainly appreciated by a new med school grad saddled with debt) you can gift $20-$50 or $50-$100 for close friends and family members.

What should you say to a graduating med student?

Simple congratulations such as “Congratulations on your well-deserved success!” or “So happy to share in the excitement of your graduation – I’m proud of your achievement!” can go a long way.

Should you gift something funny for a med school grad?

A funny gift or gag gift for a med school grad is ok as long as you know the grad will appreciate the sense of humor. If you’re on the fence, we suggest seeking out practical gifts that can be used and appreciated.

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