12 Perfect, Useful Gifts for Medical Students

Wracking your brain for medical student gift ideas? No need to worry. We have a list of good gifts that anyone would like, and also gifts to avoid giving.

1. A Stethoscope

This medical equipment is important for pre-med and medical students, even though it may not seem like an exciting gift. Every student needs and uses stethoscopes every single day – long after completing residency.

Running around $100 each, a quality stethoscope provides years of use and is a great investment for any future doctor.

2. Medical Journal Subscriptions

Constant advancements in medicine mean that staying ahead of the curve is crucial. To provide high-quality data, peer-reviewed medical journals sift through international research and clinical trials.

Well-known medical journals include NEJM, The Lancet, and JAMA.

All of these journals offer student discounts, making these affordable and appreciated gifts.

3. Amazon Gift Cards

Although it may seem impersonal, millennials love going on an Amazon shopping spree as it brings them joy. You can use a card to make a dorm room nicer, buy snacks, or get new gadgets. It doesn’t matter how much you put on the card.

4. Supermarket Gift Cards

If you think back to cafeteria meals, you’ll remember how lousy they were. Offer your favorite college student the ability to feed themselves healthy, delicious options! Before purchasing a gift card, be sure that you research the students’ local options.

5. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Dorm rooms (and even shared apartments) can be constant sources of distraction. To keep your uni student focused, noise-canceling headphones might provide a great change of pace. Having good headphones while studying at a Caribbean medical school makes traveling easy and reduces the risk of hearing loss.

If the recipient already has headphones, why not provide a great party atmosphere with an excellent portable speaker? This is a perfect gift for medical students in Aruba. They can bring their music to the beach without worrying about damaging it.

6. Digital Highlighters

Digital highlighters are great tools for pre-med students, especially those with learning disabilities or vision problems. They are much better than using ink and paper. Scan images, machine-printed, and even handwritten text to load them into Google Docs, Microsoft Word, etc. Because these digital highlighters can translate instantly, we highly recommend these products for students who study in a non-native language.

7. Grey’s Anatomy

No, we don’t mean DVDs of the hit television show. Few publications have been more influential and definitive than Grey’s Anatomy. Students will appreciate its comprehensiveness, and the recipient will always treasure it. If you choose a vintage publication, it looks fantastic as a coffee table book (though newer editions include more modern techniques).

8. A Great Coffee Machine

Though you could choose a Keurig, Millenial and Gen Z people are more conscious about the environment than any other generation. Vintage-style appliances (like Moka coffee makers) are sleek and high-quality while portable espresso machines have exploded in popularity. Not only are you helping your favorite student stay alert during finals week, but you’re also providing a unique gift.

9. Spa or Massage Vouchers

If a college student feels stressed with their schoolwork, offering them a massage voucher can help them relax and destress. Not only does massage help with stress, chronic pain, and depression, but it may also improve focus.

Stress can cause skin breakouts, so seeing an esthetician regularly can help boost confidence for pre-med students.

10. Comfortable Shoes

Orthopedic shoes may not be exciting, but students will still appreciate them after a long day at work. We really like Allbirds sneakers, which use renewable materials and the latest technology to provide a cushioned, comfortable fit.

11. Monthly Cosmetics Boxes

A monthly cosmetics box is an excellent way to lift the spirits of someone with champagne tastes on a beer budget. Sephora Play!, Birchbox, and Ipsy subscriptions are excellent, affordable ways to brighten your college student’s life on the regular!

12. Carry-on Suitcases

For students studying far from home, having a great piece of luggage makes travel even easier during the holidays. No more hand-me-down suitcases with wonky wheels – choose something lightweight with a hard shell. Some even come with USB charger ports so students are able to study on-the-go!

What Not to Give Med School Students

It’s tough to shop for others, so don’t waste your money on these gifts to avoid disappointment:

Medical-Themed Novelty Items

A pen in the shape of a bone or syringe. A “prescription” coffee mug. Although these gifts are well-meaning, people often regift or throw away “funny gifts for medical students” later.

Gym Memberships

Exercise helps with depression, reading, and weight gain, but giving it as a gift might upset someone. Unless you know activities that they like to participate in (e.g pilates, kickboxing, spinning), avoid making this purchase.

Pets

We can’t believe that we need to explain this, but many well-meaning people purchase live animals for college students. Regardless of whether it’s a fish, hamster, or dog, dorms don’t allow animals.

Interested in Starting a Medical Career?

If you want to study at a top Caribbean medical school, check out the American University School of Medicine Aruba (AUSOMA)!