Looking for an affordable and perfect gift for an engineer or aspiring engineer? Here’s your chance to get something special with these 20 gifts all under $20!
Have you ever needed to buy a gift for an engineer or an engineering student? Not an easy task.
I have had to buy gifts for many of them over the years. Being an engineer, you would think this would be easy for me. Turns out, not so much.
You see, if you Google engineering gifts, most of the lists are curated by gift experts, not engineers. They miss the mark because they are focusing too much on the nerdy part of engineering and not tapping into what engineers value, which is function.
I could not believe that most of these lists have a graphing calculator on them! This is so out of touch. Whatever you do, do not get an engineer a graphing calculator. Chances are they already have their own and this isn’t something they will be excited about.
I have even wanted to buy things for myself to display my love for engineering with decor However, I have had a hard time finding geeky furnishings that aren’t tacky.
Therefore, I put together a list of my top present ideas. Whether you are shopping for a Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthday, or graduation gift, you will be sure to find something in this article. Using this list will save you time as well because I have done the research for you and everything can be bought online. Best of all, each item is under $20!
*Reminder prices and availability are subject to change without notice.*
20 Of The Best Gifts For Engineers Under $20
Home Or Dorm
1. Tesla Set Of 4 Patent Prints– These will look impressive in any study or dorm. You can choose the color and size they come in as well!
2. Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad– Some do their best thinking in the shower. So when an idea strikes, they won’t forget it. They’ll be able to write it down with this water proof pad and pen, how cool!
3. Ctrl Alt Del’ Set of 3 Cushion Covers– This cushion cover set is the perfect combination of geeky and chic. Pillows covered with these will make a great addition to any couch!
4. Motivational Wall Art– Yes, I included one of my products, which I created because I wanted stylish wall art that was witty and not tacky. Also, engineering is hard, so motivation is needed! These clever prints use mathematical symbols and equations to spell out inspirational sayings- Stay Positive, Work Hard, and Dream Without Limits. Best of all, they are instant downloads. So if you need a last minute gift, this is perfect!
5. Machine Shop Blueprint Poster– You’ll get two blueprint posters, which you can be customized by choosing the size and background color. These handmade prints will look excellent in any room.
6. Smart Girl STEM Scrunchies– These scrunchies are so cute and a great gift for any female engineer in your life! With three different designs in red, white, and black they’ll go with any outfit.
7. Smart home technology (plugs, light bulbs, bed light)- You can’t go wrong with getting an engineer a tech gift. These are surprisingly affordable. I bought my father-in-law, who is an engineer, some of these smart plugs for Father’s Day. He was excited to try them out. Putting timers on your lights to turn on before you get home or turn the AC on for you so your house is cool when you return- the possibilities are endless!
The bed light is also a good idea. It is motion activated. So when you get out of bed in the middle of the night it lights up. Then, you can see where you are going.
8. Engineers and the glass half full Poster– This witty poster will look good in any room or dorm. This present is sure to please!
Office Accessories
9. Around the World Brainteasers– Engineers love puzzles and these brainteasers are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Great additions to an office or dorm. Engineers will love to see if their colleagues can solve these puzzles!
10. Big Bang Theory Gifts- CoolTVProps Rubiks Cube Box– For all of the Bing Bang Theory enthusiasts, this tissue box cover will look great on their desk.
11. Floppy Disk Notebooks – Engineers are always writing things down, so why not give them something enjoyable to write in! Added bonus, these are upcycled 3 1/2-inch floppy disks and handmade.
12. Electrical Engineering Softcover Notebook– This beautifully designed soft cover notebook is sure to spark inspiration. Engineers will also appreciate that it is handmade and utilizes recycled paper! Good design and environmentally responsible, win-win!
13. You are Statistically Significant Card– Like most engineers, I love nerdy humor. They’ll definitely appreciate these cards!
14. Funny Wrong I’m An Engineer Good with Math– My cousin actually got me this last Christmas and I love it! When I unwrapped it I thought it was clever. So much so, that I got my friend that is an engineer one for her birthday. Again, you can’t go wrong with engineering humor!
15. Crystal Clear Thinking Putty– Engineering can be stressful. This putty can help de-stress people, so that they can think clearer. This is a must for all engineers’ desks.
Gadgets
16. USB For Your Phone– Maybe this is only me, but I have a million pictures that clog up my phone. This is a USB for your phone so you can store files and free up space. A gadget that is definitely needed.
17. Screwdriver Pen Pocket Multi Tool Kit 6 in 1– This pen is actually a full tool set! Complete with a screwdriver, stylus, level, screwdriver set, Phillips flathead bit, and ruler.
Apparel
18. Coffee Refill Code Unisex T-Shirt– This unique shirt comes in three different colors, black, navy, and grey. You can bet this will become a wardrobe staple!
19. Funny Engineer T-Shirt– This t-shirt comes in 14 different colors. It is also available in racerback tank tops. Engineers and future engineers will get a kick out of this shirt.
20. Engineer I’m Not Arguing Shirt– Anyone who knows an engineer knows we enjoy expressing our opinions. This will make a great gift and is available in an assortment of colors.
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