Attorney at Work’s Ultimate Guide to Lawyer Gifts

When it comes to finding the best gift for any occasion — especially the winter holidays — Attorney at Work has you covered. Wander through our list of regularly updated gift ideas for the lawyers in your life and see what’s new.

Lawyer Novelty Gifts

Sometimes a novelty gift, like a gavel paperweight or cheeky coffee mug, is the perfect gift. Here are a few items that passed our taste test, though cringe tolerance levels may vary.

T-shirts (like “Born to Argue!”) make fun gifts — and it is easy to create your own one-off custom design if you can’t find the perfect bon mot.

For the crafty lawyer, Stranded Stitch’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg DIY cross stitch kit makes a great gift for RBG fans.

The Lawyer Nutritional Facts coffee mug shown above is “11 ounces of inspiration” for every lawyer, but for the litigators on your list, consider the “Allegedly” mug or the “We Can’t Fix Stupid But We Can Give It a Court Date” mug. For an even more thoughtful gift, pair a mug with a coffee subscription from a local roastery, like Chicago’s Intelligentsia or Nashville’s Frothy Monkey. If tea is their thing, opt for a tea sampler from Palais des Thés (try the Holiday N°25 Collection gift set).

’Tis the Season for Self-Preservation: Wellness Gifts for Every Lawyer in Your Circle

Because our lawyer heroes have gotta stay fresh for the fight, here are a few gift ideas that cater to their self-care and self-preservation needs.

Stay hydrated. When drinking from the apocalyptic firehose, you need appropriate on-the-go drinkware for hot and cold refreshments. Fan-favorite Kinto Travel Mug is a solid choice, available in 12- and 16-ounce sizes and multiple colors. Speaking of adult refreshments (weren’t we?), the retro mid-century Atomic Kitsch Black Cat pint glasses are just the ticket for toasting the trad life. (Check out the KateMcEnroeNYC Etsy store for similar retro wares.)

Keep calm and … something. A gift subscription to a mindfulness app like Headspace or Calm can provide lawyers with guided meditation sessions and relaxation techniques. (Here’s a breakdown of top-rated mindfulness apps and meditation apps to consider.) Or, consider Modern Sprout’s mindful meditation gift set “Seek Peace,” which includes a lavender grow kit with a bamboo pot, a five-minute mindfulness timer hourglass and a centering essential oil roller. Another choice: a “Shine Bright” kit for the lawyer in need of “radiant positivity,” complete with sunflower seeds for growing and an “awaken” face mist for spritzing after long nights.

I’m not crying; I’m laughing. Laughter — thigh-slapping, side-splitting, rollicking, hysterical laughter —helps you relax and reduces stress, so consider giving the gift of humor. Consider a subscription to The Onion, perhaps, along with a headline tee with a message like “History Sighs, Repeats Itself” or “Jurisprudence Fetishist Gets Off on Technicality.”

We’d be remiss not to mention one of the best tools out there for lawyers’ self-preservation: attorney and Attorney at Work columnist Jamie Spannhake’s bestselling book, “The Lawyer, the Lion, and The Laundry: Three Hours to Finding Calm in the Chaos.” Do your lawyer a favor and send them a copy (conveniently available in the Attorney at Work shop).

Sweet escape. For frequent flyers, road warriors and aspiring digital nomads, you can’t go wrong with a travel-inspired gift to smooth the road ahead. Pair this comfy and compact travel pillow from Every Think with a blackout eye mask or a travel-size aromatherapy candle and they are ready for the open road. Or sky. Or water. Of course, every traveling lawyer welcomes an updated pair of noise-canceling headphones to escape the chaos of noisy lobbies and crowded flights (while listening to mindfulness apps, naturally).

Here are a few more wellness gift ideas for stress relief.

1. Aromatherapy Candles. Aromatherapy candles might seem uninspired, but luxe options like these from Diptyque or Jo Malone can soothe a lawyer’s psyche and promote relaxation. Besides, candles don’t have to be boring. For aromatherapy with attitude, Anecdote Candles‘ collections are your go-to gifts. From the Zen Master Collection (smells like clear minds and awakened spirits) to the Work BFF Bundle (smells like burnout and peace out), these candles are perfect. We’ll take the holiday bundle, which includes Snow Day (smells like a change of plans and a cup of hot cocoa), for unwinding during the holidays.
2. Massage Gift Certificates. Tense much? Regular massages can provide your lawyer with a much-needed break. Invite them to step away from the noise, relax and rejuvenate. Consider a gift certificate that covers multiple sessions.
3. Yoga Mats. A high-quality yoga mat from Lululemon or Manduka can upgrade a lawyer’s yoga or meditation practice. One for home and one for the office.

Book Gifts for Every Lawyer and Law Student on Your List

If you are on the hunt for books worth gifting, visit a local, independent bookstore. Books are not only great for legal professionals but also for law students looking to expand their knowledge and skills. (Note that links to Amazon are included here for convenience, but you can easily order the books on the list locally through bookshop.org.)

Books for Lawyer Philosophers

What are the principles of the physical world? What is justice? How can I be myself? And WTAF?

In “How to Be: Life Lessons From the Early Greeks,” Adam Nicolson manages to make the fundamental questions of the ancient philosophers new again. It is perfect for philosophy fanatics but also for anyone wrestling with life’s larger questions. And also law. One reviewer writes that “How to Be” is “like a net strung between the deep past and the present, a blueprint for a life well-lived.”

The Princeton University Press series Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers is a nice companion to “How to Be.” These pocket-sized books translate the timeless ideas of thinkers from the ancient world for modern times, with topics that range from the practical (How to Win an Argument: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Persuasion and How to Focus: A Monastic Guide for an Age of Distraction) to the topical (How to Stop a Conspiracy: An Ancient Guide to Saving a Republic and How to Think About War: An Ancient Guide to Foreign Policy).

Books for Lawyer Chefs

While the busy lawyers on your list might most appreciate a generous meal kit subscription, consider a cookbook for the attorney who enjoys blowing off steam over a hot skillet or working through their arguments while wielding a rolling pin. Here are some great ones.

For new and old Martha Stewart fans, her latest book, “Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories From My Kitchen,” is part cookbook and part memoir, pairing personal stories and photos with recipes. (For cookie lovers, consider “Martha Stewart’s Cookies,” which has 175 excellent recipes.)

For beer lovers and bootstrappers, there’s the newly released “Our American Dream Cookbook” from Samuel Adams’ Brewing the American Dream philanthropy. In addition to delicious recipes and stories from 80 “culinary trailblazers,” the book supports culinary entrepreneurs nationwide. (Goods from any of these BTAD companies would make great gifts too.)

“The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope” includes recipes inspired by the many places WCK authors have cooked following disasters, recipes contributed by celebrity supporters, and inspiring narratives from the front lines. It is a multiple award winner (James Beard, Epicurious), plus all author proceeds will be used to support World Central Kitchen’s emergency response efforts.

For vegetable-loving lawyers, “In Praise of Veg: A Modern Cooking Companion” takes color coding to new heights (the purple section!) and will elevate any lawyer’s cooking game. For the vegan lawyer, consider James Beard Award winner “The Vegan Chinese Kitchen: Recipes and Modern Stories From a Thousand-Year-Old Tradition: A Cookbook.”

Office Decor Gifts for the Lawyer’s Lair

Gifts for your lawyer’s away and home offices range from functional and beautiful to sentimental and silly. What lawyer couldn’t use a personalized nameplate desk set? This three-piece handcrafted gift includes a mahogany wood nameplate and pen holder, business card holder and, not to be missed, brass-plated scales of justice statue. If your lawyer’s taste runs to expensive globes, check out Analog Attorney’s latest gift guide.

Science says having living plants in your office is good for breathing and relaxation. If your lawyer’s office could use a little greenery, consider a Smart Landscape Grow Frame from Modern Sprout with grow lights built in (also in standard square size). It’s an easy way to brighten things up without a lot of fuss and bother. This gorgeous brass grow light planter is even easier — no need to install it on a wall.

Always welcome, a flower subscription like this one from Flowers for Dreams or a plant subscription from BloomsyBox is a thoughtful gift that offers a monthly (or quarterly) injection of greenness.

Another fun and functional wall art gift? This wall-mounted golf dartboard from Professor Puzzle combines two favorite activities and adds a touch more green to the office space.

Our Analog Attorney guide to practical and impractical home office accessories offers more gift ideas.

Gifts for the Pet-Loving Lawyer

Gift-giving for pet-loving lawyers can be a fun and thoughtful way to show you care.

As a last-minute present, a gift card for their favorite pet store feels a bit more personal (especially if you remember the pooch’s name) than the standard coffee card. Though both would be nice. Pair it with a calendar — you’ll find one for every breed, personality and mood.

Or, for customized gifts, Etsy artists will create portraits of beloved pets in a wide variety of styles — posed in lavish costumes, transformed into colorful pop art, captured in watercolors, and memorialized on Christmas ornaments.

A Fountain Pen for the Win

An elegant fountain pen is the perfect lawyer gift to commemorate career achievements (promotions, law school graduation) and celebrate big wins. Fountain pens are not only elegant but also practical tools for managing a legal practice. Analog Attorney recommends several pens in his gift guides — from starter pens like the Pilot Metropolitan for under $40 to splurge-worthy collectibles. The Waterman Hemisphere or Waterman Hemisphere Deluxe is easy on the eyes and the pocketbook (under $100).

Tech Gifts and Gadgets for Lawyers

Tech-savvy gifts are always a hit with legal professionals. Here are some smart and functional gift ideas that cater to their professional needs.

E-ink Digital Tablets. The ReMarkable Paper Pro is a revolutionary e-ink notebook that combines the tactile satisfaction of traditional paper with the convenience of digital tools. With its 11.8-inch color e-Ink display, adjustable reading light and precise stylus, this device offers an unparalleled writing experience. The Remarkable Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking a page-like, distraction-free, sustainable writing and note-taking experience. For more details on e-ink options, read our review of the Remarkable Paper Pro and “The War of the eTablets.”

Smartwatches. A smartwatch, such as the new Google Pixel Watch or the latest Apple Watch, makes a terrific lawyer gift. It helps lawyers stay organized and connected with features like calendar reminders, email notifications, and fitness tracking. It’s a great gift idea for health-conscious, tech-savvy lawyers.

Portable Power Banks. A high-capacity portable power bank, such as the Anker PowerCore, ensures that a lawyer’s devices stay charged throughout the day, even when they’re on the go. Check Wired’s guide to the best portable chargers.

Wireless Headphones. Noise-canceling wireless headphones like the Bose 700 with Alexa voice control, the Bose QuietComfort or the Sony WH-1000XM4 help lawyers focus on their work without distractions. These are perfect for those long hours spent drafting documents or preparing for court.

Gifts for Lawyers Who Journal

A journal is more than a blank book, it’s a work-life power tool. And there are journals for every personality and every endeavor. Journals are also a great gift for a law student who is looking to balance studies and personal life.

For Hobonichi fans, check out our ultimate guide, here, and consider an accessory pack. The bronze ruler makes an adorable Secret Santa gift or stocking stuffer.

The Positive Planner is a great starting point for anyone looking to make journaling and mindfulness a regular practice. The bright yellow book has 300 pages for 12 weeks of semi-guided journaling, including illustrations, quotes and games to keep journalers inspired.

The Lawyer’s Marketing Journal is designed to help lawyers get in touch with their business development side. It is a beautiful gift for lawyers at every stage of their career — blending marketing to-do’s and space for big ideas with motivational tools.

Thoughtful Gifts for Analog Attorneys

For more ideas, check out Analog Attorney’s gift guides for attorneys who analog, including this introduction to vintage fountain pens.

Illustration ©iStockPhoto.com

Disclosure: While we may receive a small affiliate fee for some of these links, commissions or fees earned from partners such as Amazon do not affect our recommendations. Thank you for supporting our sponsors and affiliates.