Ideas for a graduation gift for a psychology student

April 29, 2009 4:19 AM

Graduation gift for a psychology student

My girlfriend is graduating from undergrad soon and will be pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology after graduation. I am looking for ideas for a graduation gift, whether related to her field or not. :)

posted by jinatrix to grab bag (14 comments total)

A dog, a bell, and a huge box of doggie treats.
posted by clearly at 4:40 AM on April 29

A mirror.
posted by devnull at 4:42 AM on April 29 [1 favorite has favorites]

I'm considering this serotonin wall art as a gift for a friend who's a clinical social worker--would probably also work for clinical psych.
posted by dlugoczaj at 4:51 AM on April 29

How about an inkblot test poster?
posted by devnull at 4:57 AM on April 29

A Sigmund Freud action figure?
posted by uk_giffo at 5:13 AM on April 29

As someone pursuing my doctorate in Pharmacology: a lot of alcohol. And maybe some Xanax, too.
posted by sickinthehead at 5:18 AM on April 29

Phrenology posters (or better yet, models) were a semi-traditional gift in my undergrad Psy program. The more ridiculous the better.
posted by Benjy at 5:37 AM on April 29

A really nice pen or briefcase/backpack/book bag. She will be spending a lot of time taking notes and hauling books and journal articles around for the next 5 years.
posted by Silvertree at 6:18 AM on April 29

This should fit the bill for the 50-minute hour.
posted by scratch at 6:22 AM on April 29

How about some Freudian Slippers?
posted by Gneisskate at 6:38 AM on April 29

How about a spatula and a paper hat?
posted by _Skull_ at 8:07 AM on April 29 [1 favorite has favorites]

I've been in a psychologist's office once or twice and one of the easiest ways to make a patient comfortable is by decorating your office with calming stuff. So, busts and statuettes!

Phrenology head here. $74. I'm enjoying this website a great deal. There's a special on Rodin's Cathedral Hands. Only $62! Sigmund Freud is pricey, at $98. Just a few suggestions.
posted by christhelongtimelurker at 10:24 AM on April 29

Depending on her sense of humor, she may like this print. (I work in psychology research, and have one on my office wall.)

My pretty little wooden Towers of Hanoi get a lot of positive comments from fellow psychology types as well as being a fun desk toy to fiddle with when I'm on the phone.

And I always wanted a phrenology head.
posted by Stacey at 12:28 PM on April 29

The Human Brain Coloring Book.
posted by parudox at 2:13 PM on April 29