Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers & Law Students

The Goodson Blogson has been compiling light-hearted holiday gift guides for lawyers and law students since 2009, but this year's roundup has proven particularly challenging. Fluctuating tariffs on goods purchased from overseas, and the elimination of a former de minimis exemption on tariffs for items below $800, have resulted in higher costs, shipping delays, and even the destruction of some packages already in transit. Industry experts have also predicted shortages on holiday staples like toys, games, and decorations due to tariff-related disruptions to manufacturing processes and supply chains. In addition, some of our most reliable domestic sources in the past for quirky law-related gifts, like the National Archives Store, may have their turnaround and shipping times impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. (And that's before we even get to increasing economic anxiety for the many households impacted by the federal government shutdown, rising unemployment, and the pause in federal nutrition assistance benefits starting November 1.)

In the face of all that, and a growing movement toward a nationwide economic blackout to eliminate unnecessary spending during the week of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, the holiday season will probably look and feel pretty different for many people this year. It’s still possible to find thoughtful tokens of your appreciation for your loved ones this season, though. Holiday shoppers just need to plan ahead and think creatively in the face of higher prices, tightened budgets, and shipping woes. (Law students: don't forget to check that Lexis Rewards points balance to give your shopping budget a potential boost, either in the form of digital gift cards for you or a recipient, a catalog of assorted merchandise, or charitable donations.)

Charitable donations feel like a good place to start this year, and perhaps worth a conversation with your holiday circle about redirecting at least some planned gift spending. In the present moment, relief efforts focused on hunger and necessities seem particularly appropriate. Feeding America offers a local and regional Food Bank Locator for the United States; additional charities include the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, New York's City Harvest, and World Central Kitchen, which is currently feeding furloughed federal workers as well as providing hurricane relief in Jamaica. Sites like Charity Navigator and Guidestar Pro allow you to research nonprofit organizations on topics near to your recipient's heart. Some law-related possibilities include the Legal Services Corporation, local legal aid organizations like Legal Aid of North Carolina, or a community bail fund.

If you’re still thinking about tangible gifts, consider items that your recipient could really use but perhaps would not buy for themselves, either because the price is a bit out of reach or because what they have is still working-but-wearing-out. Some technology ideas include noise-canceling headphones, a highly rated power bank or charging station, or a briefcase upgrade.

Even busy lawyers need to eat. Improve their lunches on the go with containers like Zojirushi's vacuum insulated food jars, the Salad Pod or Harvest Pod from Uncommon Goods, or one of the Spruce Eats's 8 best-reviewed bento boxes. Brightland's attractive olive oil and vinegar gift sets can upgrade salad dressings and pizza night, while Uncommon Goods DIY Kits or prep-at-home meal kits on Goldbelly can help keep pantries stocked and take the pressure off meal planning.

If your loved one has a sweet tooth, consider confections from Raleigh's Artie Bars, L.A. Burdick, Jacques Torres Cookie Mix, or Jeni's Ice Cream. Gift subscriptions like Bean Box Coffee, Try the World, or Bokksu Snack Box can extend the holiday season into a few more months.

Home and office décor is another fruitful category for holiday gifts. The privately-managed Supreme Court Historical Society Gift Shop and Ralph Nader's American Museum of Tort Law remain unaffected by the federal shutdown and contain law-themed household items like dramatic bookends or irreverent poster art. The latest Black's Law Dictionary, Deluxe Edition could adorn an office bookshelf for quick consults. Don’t forget a sturdy and decorative folding book stand, capable of bearing even the thickest law books. 

Word nerds might also appreciate League of the Lexicon: The Quiz Game about Words & Language, a card game of language trivia (Bookshop.org is currently offering a 15% discount with the promo code LOVEBOOKSELLERS.) For additional fun and games, consider the 1000-piece Crazy State Laws jigsaw puzzle, or the Kickstarter legal card game Lawyer Up!

Other stress-relief ideas could include a gift card to a nearby day spa, the XpresSpa chain often found in airports, or the Spafinder network. An under-desk bike can help during long days stuck in the office, while a foam roller in a packable size could help with aches and pains from traveling.

Finally, our annual reminder to also support your local vendors this holiday season. Gift cards to favorite restaurants or attractions help to keep small businesses and communities thriving. Here in Durham, the Spend-a-Bull community gift card is one way to encourage your recipient to check out more than 60 local vendors; there are nearly 700 other community gift card locales available from the same merchant, including for Raleigh, Charlotte, and many other cities around the U.S. Local artisans can also be a great source for unique holiday gifts. For those in this area, the Durham Art Walk Holiday Market on November 22 and 23 will feature local artists and artisans; for last-minute shoppers, the Durham Craft Market on December 14 in Durham Central Park is a great place to find unique, handcrafted items.

We hope this gift guide will help you find inspiration for your lucky loved ones this year. For additional online gift guides, check out the New York Times Wirecutter Gifts (available to members of the Duke University community via NYTimes.com All Access) and past American Bar Association Gift Guides for Lawyers until their 2025 recommendations roll in. As always, the Goodson Blogson HQ wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!