The Ultimate Grad Student Gift Guide

Not sure what to get the Emerson graduate student in your life this holiday season? We’ve got you covered! With a wide range of graduate programs Emerson offers, each student’s gift preferences are as unique as their academic journeys. From portable ring lights for filmmakers in the Film and Media Art MFA to personalized leather journals for aspiring authors in the Creative Writing MFA, this guide features thoughtful and practical gifts tailored to each graduate program.


Photo by Papier.

Public Relations (MA)

  • Engraved Business Card Holder:  Perfect for on-the-go networking at career fairs to impromptu meet and greets.
  • Aesthetic Planner: Choose from an array of creative planner themes, where you can jot down thoughts and stay organized with your busy schedule.

Journalism and Media Innovation (MA – Online)

  • Portable Digital Voice Recorder:  Great for capturing high-quality interviews in the moment without having to worry about using up phone storage.
  • SMART Pen and Notebook: This innovation allows the Bluetooth pen to convert notes taken in the digital notebook into editable text, making the transition from written to typed notes seamless.

Photo by Owala.

Communication Disorders (MS – Online and In Person)

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle: One of the best reusable water bottles on the market to stay hydrated during therapy sessions.

Speech Therapist Tool Kit: A portable kit that allows you to practice your skills anywhere and everywhere.


Theatre Education & Applied Theatre (MA/MFA)

  • Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Practice your part anywhere by bringing music with you wherever you go. Go into that empty classroom and start belting!
  • Tickets to a Local Production: Nothing else inspires creative work like watching masters perform. In the Theater District right near Emerson’s campus, Boston offers many amazing performances year-round. 

  • A Bookworm’s Gift Set: This unique gift set includes a cotton library-card-themed tote bag, a magnetic bookmark, and two 80-question decks of trivia cards covering different book genres.
  • Custom Book Embosser: Add a personal touch to your book collection by stamping your name on the inside covers. 

Sports Communication (MA)


Business of Creative Enterprises (MA – Online)

Photo by Etsy.

Creative Writing (MFA)

  • 5 Minute Daily Writing Prompts Book: Inspiration failing to strike? This convenient book of prompts can pull you out of any writer’s slump. 
  • Writing Timer: Practice writing for a designated amount of time without getting distracted by your phone.

Film and Media Art (MFA)

Photo by Uncommon Goods.

Strategic Marketing Communication (MA)


Digital Communication Leadership (MA – Online)


Photo by From The Page.

Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing (MFA – Online)

  • Bookish Candle: Scents inspired by the literary world to foster the perfect cozy writing or reading vibe. 
  • Character Development Workbook: Struggling to make a character come to life? This workbook helps unlock creativity by fleshing out aspects like a character’s motivations and social life.

Marketing (MA – Online)

  • Dry Erase Board Calendar: With lots of important dates and deadlines, staying organized with this customizable calendar is essential. 
  • Engraved Double Pen Set: Feel empowered with a personalized engraved pen that captures impromptu notes or creative briefs.

Writing for Film and Television (MFA – Low Residency)

  • Portable Projector: Watch a movie or TV show from anywhere – your room, outside, a classroom, the opportunities are endless with this projector!
  • 100 Movies Scratch Off Bucket List Book: This awesome book highlights 100 must-see movies that you can write notes about and scratch off secret images and fun facts after watching each. 
Photo by Uncommon Goods.

Political Communication (MA)

  • The Agenda Game or Election Night!: These board games bring politics to life in a hyperbolized way by allowing each player to control campaign funds, lobby for their agenda, or fight for electoral college delegates.
  • Personalized Leather Padfolio: Be ready for professional interviews and settings with this professional padfolio. 

Finding the perfect gift for someone can be challenging, but with this curated gift guide, you are bound to make a grad student happy, no matter their program. By supporting their interests, passion, and creativity, these thoughtful gifts acknowledge your appreciation for their hard work. Whether it’s a personalized item or a practical tool, each meaningful gift is designed to encourage students to continue succeeding in their programs and prepare for the new year!

Follow Lizzy DiGrande:

Writing Assistant

Lizzy is a first year student in Emerson's Publishing and Writing MA program. While originally from New Jersey, Lizzy has been embracing everything Boston has to offer, from strolls in Boston Commons to studying in local coffee shops. When she's not writing blog posts, Lizzy can be found checking out books from the Boston Public Library, trying new restaurants, or walking around the harbor.

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