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Gift Ideas for the Lawyer(s) in Your Life

Perhaps you missed shopping on Black Friday or CyberMonday, or you realized there is another person to buy for this holiday season. Maybe someone has been asking you what you want, but you just haven’t been able to think about it. At this time of year, a number of podcasts and websites compile lists of “gifts for lawyers”.

Gift Ideas Lists

These lists often highlight coffee mugs, lawyer socks, tie clips, name plates, high end pens, day planners, and so on (here is a curated list from the editors of Attorney at Work). While these can be great gifts, you can get more creative.

Each of these compilations has many more ideas and descriptions so read the full articles (or listen to the podcast) for more suggestions!

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2023 | Digital Edge Podcast on the Legal Talk Network

Jim and Sharon bid farewell in their final podcast with the annual Tech Toys for the Holidays.

  • Permission Slip by Consumer Reports – the app for iOS or Android that keeps on giving by giving you some control over data sharing. Probably not the greatest gift in the world, but certainly a good tip!
  • Weatherman Umbrella– an umbrella designed for Arnold Palmer fans that is wind resistant to 55mph, collapsable, eco-friendly, and designed by a meteorologist with a lifetime warranty. Author’s Note: If you spend this much on an umbrella consider spending just a bit more to gift an engraved Apple AirTag so when the umbrella inevitably gets left behind your lawyer can locate it.
  • MW08 | Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds – Master & Dynamic – for the audiophile or any lawyer who needs to take calls or video conferences on the go, these very high end noise cancelling wireless earbuds come with a stainless steel charging case, 6 built in microphones with wind reduction, and made of ceramic and stainless steel with 9 color options.
  • Surface Arc Mouse – Microsoft – the ultimate travel mouse. Snaps flat, sleek design, scroll vertically and horizontally. If you are going to carry a mouse, carry a nice one.

55 Gifts for Lawyers and Law Students 2023 from Cosmopolitan Magazine

Give Back

For lawyers who are looking to give back, look no further than the North Carolina Bar Foundation. In addition to donations made in honor of someone, lawyers can give back to the community in several ways. One way is the Lawyers for Literacy program. Lawyer volunteers read to/with elementary school children, sharing books featuring stories about US history or civics. The Lawyers for Literacy program gifts the read-along books to the classrooms and children. For many of them, the gift books are the first they’ve ever owned themselves. Another opportunity to give back is the Wills for Heroes program, where lawyer volunteers produce free wills and power of attorney documents for NC first responders. First responders receive the gift of fully executed peace-of-mind documents for their families. NCBF supports many more public service and pro bono opportunities, to give back to the community and meet like-minded lawyers.

DIY (Do It Yourself)

Are you crafty? Handy? Like to bake? If you have some time and are low on funds, or you just want to add an individualized touch to your gift giving, there are so many things you can do. Offer to help fix something, knit a hat, shred some documents, re-arrange the storage closet. The gift of time and talent has more meaning than things, which so many people have in abundance.

Like to bake? Few people will turn down holiday treats. With a few ingredients and time, you can bake up a batch of Aggression Cookies (fun to make with kids, they are better than a stress ball, and yield a whopping 15 dozen) or the refined but easy Chocolate Bark with Pistachios & Dried Cherries. Head to a dollar store and get some gift bags, pack up the sleigh, and deliver smiles all over!

Get Local!

North Carolina is brimming with local artisans, creative foodstuffs, and a thriving community of artists and makers. Many of the local farmers markets host craft fairs and feature artisans in addition to local meats and produce this time of year. Enjoy the fresh air, reduce your carbon footprint, don’t stress the shipping, and pick up unique gifts for those on your list. No time to get out? Companies like Made in NC, LLC Made in North Carolina gifts, North Carolina Gourmet Food Gifts Boxes and more can help put together a gift box for you.

Conclusion

Whatever you are giving this Holiday Season do not forget to give yourself and your family some time. Do what you can to arrange your schedule to rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy. Treat yourself to a spa day, or just shut your door and binge on a good book or your favorite series. Turn off your phone and computer. Your mental health is also a gift!