Love us or hate us, we're back after a restful five-year hiatus. The world has changed a bit in those five years, but the need for gift-buying guidance has not. There are still too many neckties and business cardholders embossed with the cliche scales of justice being given to lawyers by family and friends each year, hence the return to help my fellow lawyers.
As I point out in this holiday gift article in ABA Law Practice magazine with my co-author, Jim Calloway, of Law Practice Tips, "it's time to think outside the scales." So I've been scouring the backroads of the internet to find gifts that are sure to please the lawyer in your life. No more fake smiles from the lawyer, no more anxiety over what to give this year. So without further opening statement, here are the thoughtful gifts lawyers will truly appreciate receiving this year.
Massage guns are all the rage, and lawyers nationwide recognize the soothing percussive power of these devices. Several versions by Therabody are seemingly on every “best” list this year including the Prime and Mini models. The Mini is more portable and affordable ($199) but the Prime has powerful QuietForce technology to take care of all those aching muscles. ($299)
All-new Kindle Paperwhite—first new one in three years is a welcome addition to the e-reader market. A substantially larger screen, upgraded lighting, improved battery life, and better user interface are all reasons to upgrade. Lawyers do lots of reading whether for business or personal pleasure so have multiple books and PDFs open and active. That is done much easier—and lighter—on a Kindle Paperwhite.
Lawyers not only love their coffee they need their coffee early and often. The folks at Fellow advise their new Everywhere coffee travel tumbler is “finally worthy of the coffee inside.” It’s designed to “amplify the senses” and “engineered to fit the most popular manual brewing devices.” And it goes everywhere. Two sizes and limited edition colors available from $30.
Here's a wonderful new book lawyers will enjoy reading after a hard day's night: The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present by Sir Paul McCartney.The Lyrics pairs the definitive texts of 154 Paul McCartney songs with first-person commentaries on his life and music. Spanning two volumes, these commentaries reveal how these iconic songs came to be and the people who inspired them. Because McCartney’s music transcends generations, this is a wonderful gift for lawyers old and young.
Millennial lawyers appreciate experiences rather than things. Whether that is a quiet weekend on a secluded Florida island or a series of virtual culinary or music classes via Masterclass, there are many excellent experiential gift ideas. However, the best one for lawyers—that I have had the pleasure of doing—is to become a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar. Admission to the bar is straight-forward but still exclusive. The best part is appearing at the Supreme Court to be sworn in. It is both uplifting and reaffirming for lawyers to go through this ceremony even if they will never take an appeal all the way to the Supremes.
Another unique experience is learning to make the sensational translucent Raindrop cake from the originator, Darrin Wong. Along with the class, the recipient lawyer receives the Raindrop Cake Molecular Gastronomy Kit to make during the virtual class. The classes are each scheduled for Saturday afternoons so shouldn’t interfere with billable hours—much.
As problem solvers, lawyers appreciate creative outlets outside of the office too. Couple that with the need for calming activities and you’ve described the fun of adult Legos. Yep, those same ones from childhood, only for the adult intellect. From Star Wars to sports cars, from Disney’s Cinderella castle to Hogwarts castle, and from Seinfeld to Friends (models of their iconic sets), these toys check boxes on multiple levels. From under $100 to $1,000 depending on complexity and size.
So I am violating my own rule about scales of justice logos but on this creative mug they make sense. Make one appear in the stocking of your magical lawyer!
Most lawyers still prefer writing notes not typing/keying them. Yet getting those notes into an editable form on computer can be problematic. Enter the ReMarkable 2 tablet that solves all associated issues provided you buy the tablet, stylus and pay a monthly fee to access cloud features. Is that expensive for a tablet that does only one thing—versus an iPad or Fire tablet that does multiple things? Not when you’re billing hundreds of dollars per hour and need an e-tablet that does handwritten notes better than anything on the market today.
For the lawyer who turns into an outdoor adventurer those few precious weeks of vacation each year, we suggest the Adventure Essentials Survivor Kit that comes with everything one needs to survive should that adventure go wrong.
Even lawyers need to stay hydrated during long depositions or marathon negotiations, but it’s hard to remember to drink water throughout the day. That’s now an easier task thanks to the HidrateSpark Pro water bottle and accompanying smartphone app. Touted as the “world’s smartest water bottle,” the bottle sports a lighted base that lights up when it’s time to drink up. Timing and amounts are adjustable in the app which also helps you locate a misplaced bottle. Available in stainless steel or lightweight Tritan plastic starting around $45.
Lawyers are a rebellious bunch, so it's natural that several were involved in the Boston Tea Party. To celebrate that connection, we suggest Teas of the Boston Tea Party, a selection of five heritage varieties of teas that ended up in Boston Harbor back in the day. It’s a chance to enjoy a little taste of colonial freedom and celebrate a bit of history at the same time.
Need more ideas? See my prior gift guides for more ideas including 2016, 2015, and 2014 guides that still contain great ideas that never go out of style--well, not all of them! :-)
Disclosure:
We participate as an Amazon affiliate associate so may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, which barely helps defray the cost of this blog.
The original holiday gift guide for lawyers returns on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, just in time for the holidays! For those lawyers who read my article in Law Practice magazine, you'll have to wait until then to get the latest gift ideas! Your patience will be rewarded with the best new ideas and a few classic ones too.
I note that ABA TECHSHOW has added more seminars over the past few years about emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and new online legal service delivery models. There is so much hype in the media about “robot lawyers” that it was good to hear some practical information and analysis of where the profession is going from those who are creating it. It is important to understand these evolving technologies to know how to create our own futures in the profession.
Recent media stories with graphics of Flash Gordon-era robots, and the like, are not helpful or truly informative. If you were at ABA TECHSHOW you’d know that robots are not going to replace lawyers. However, venture capitalists see the value of applying common technologies to the delivery of legal services, and they are putting their money behind it. Algorithms, data analysis, and expert systems are not new to other businesses or services, but it is new to most lawyers.
As busy as you are today, I encourage you to attend ABA TECHSHOW next year (March 7-10 in Chicago) to get the real story, and to help plan your future in the profession. In the meantime, take time to read about the practical applications of these technologies that are actually in service today so that you are better prepared to meet the emerging competition in the practice of law.
For more on my takeaway and others see the article on Attorney at Work featuring Natalie Kelly, Tom Lambotte, John Simek, Sharon Nelson, Jim Calloway and others.
Although I haven't been blogging much lately, I have been writing. I was pleased to join other members of the ABA Law Practice Division Futures Initiative in penning the December 2016 Futures Issue of Law Practice Today. My article, If Times They Are A-Changing, Then Why Aren't Lawyers Too?, was one of five feature articles looking at the future of the legal profession.
My article focuses on the three impediments to lawyers successfully evolving with the changing demands of legal consumers and how to overcome them. It wouldn't be easy. Until we recognize these issues and address them--such as overhauling our Rules of Professional Conduct--we are at risk of being supplanted by other legal service providers.
I encourage you to read all the articles in this particular issue.
It's the most wonderful time of the year for finding the perfect holiday gift for that special lawyer in your life. I've now spent over a decade ferreting out the best gift ideas for lawyers, and several people have asked me recently “Is it getting harder to find new ideas just for lawyers?” Although I do spend several months scouring the Internet for new ideas, it really isn’t getting harder. There are fun and appropriate new ideas every year. In the end, I stay away from cliché gifts and focus on affordable gifts for every budget. I hope you find some great gift ideas below for the lawyer in your life!
This year we celebrate a lawyer’s love of precedent by featuring pop culture icons and innovations that launched 50 years ago in 1966 and continue to be enjoyed by lawyers young and old. Trekkie lawyers will love this fully working Star Trek Communicator that connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone to accept and make calls. Plays dozens of sound effects too. Waaaay out there on the geek meter, but very cool!
If that is too out there, try these “Live Long and Prosper” cufflinks for a more subtle salute to the franchise.
Enjoyed by all lawyers except possibly criminal lawyers, the Batman TV show premiered in 1966 and became iconic for its clean-cut campiness. From T-shirts to DVDs to Batphone banks, there are many fun Batman TV series gift options.
The Beatles first recognized lawyers in their early hit “Hard Day’s Night” (It’s been a hard day’s night and I’ve been workin’ like a dog; It’s been a hard day’s night when I should be sleeping like a log.) and the Fab Four have been a legal favorite ever since. With their full catalog available on major music streaming services, what unique gift can you get that deserving Beatles fan? If you hurry you can nab an original ticket stub for what turned out to be their final concert ever, held 50 years ago at San Francisco's Candlestick Park in 1966.
For the more erudite, pick up a first edition of the Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood also celebrating a 50th anniversary. It’s a perfect bedtime story for criminal lawyers. ☺ Available on Amazon, eBay and rare booksellers online.
More of a stocking stuffer, but what lawyer can resist a Slurpee turns fiftee t-shirt? (Ok, it’s maybe not for everyone!), So here’s another t-shirt that is sure to be more appreciated by some very good lawyers.
The half-century embargo against Cuban cigars has recently been lifted so cigar aficionados now can legally enjoy them in the U.S. without breaking the law. The problem is that you still can’t buy them here. The only way to get them is to bring them back from Cuba or any country where they are sold (such as Canada). So if you want to give the lawyer in your life a box or two of Cuban cigars you must travel abroad or ask a friend who is traveling out of the country to bring them back. Travelers bringing them into the country can’t legally sell the cigars here for any amount of money, so just agree to take a few extras off their hands for free (wink wink). Your cigar-loving lawyer will appreciate the effort and the great smoke. This window of opportunity may be short-lived depending on the policies of Donald Trump, so this may be the only holiday season they are legal!
Many lawyers were hit hard by the outcome of the presidential election, so show them that you care by giving them post-election gifts. Those supporting the electoral winner will enjoy these President Donald Trump cufflinks, and for those supporting the popular vote winner they will love these President Hillary Clinton cufflinks or this handmade pin.
The Chef Supreme cookbook is truly a tribute to Martin Ginsberg, late husband of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It is filled with recipes contributed by the spouses of the Supreme Court Justices. Perfect for the lawyer who likes to cook and entertain.
For the fashionista in your firm, try the unisex Converse Legal Pad shoes, sure to be the hit at any casual or black-tie event!
The way consumers buy legal services is changing, but the profession is slow to evolve with these changes. Prepare your favorite lawyer for their future by buying them a book on the future to open their eyes to the changes that are about to descend on the profession. I highly recommend Tomorrow’s Lawyer: An Introduction to Your Future by Sir Richard Susskind.
I’d suggest tickets to the Broadway sensation Hamilton as a gift, but with direct sale tickets unavailable for months why not enjoy the soundtrack until the tickets are easier and cheaper to come by? The soundtrack is available on Amazon, iTunes, and other usual music outlets. Pair it with Hamilton: The Revolution, a book about the creation of the smash musical, including lyrics and composer notes.
The Nonda Zus Smart Car Charger is an indispensable device charger for your car that also helps you locate your car when you misplace it (and what lawyer hasn’t done that late on a Friday night?). It can rapidly recharge two mobile devices at once in your car, but it also works with its own app to point you to your car whenever you can’t quite remember where you parked it!
The Ace Teah 3-in-1 stylus/pen/phone stand makes a great stocking stuffer for any lawyer with a smartphone, tablet, or other touch screen computer :
One of the greatest skills for lawyers is storytelling--the ability to engage the listener and make your points in a persuasive manner. Few lawyers are born good storytellers, and it’s not taught in law school today, so one of the best ways to learn is from Storytelling for Lawyers. It’s both fun and educational, and worthy of a holiday gift.
For that bike-riding lawyer who loves to ride when traveling, it is always a hassle to bring your own bike along to ride. Until now. Enter the European-made Sandwich Bike that is engineered to easily disassemble, ship, and reassemble. The name comes from the wooden frame that allows for easy assembly.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, lawyers appreciate having good headphones to escape for a little solitude. Despite the dozens of comparable options on the market, the new Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless noise-cancelling headphones are on just about every “Best of” list this year. Although they are not cheap, I can attest that my 10-year old QuietComfort 2 headphones have provided great value over that time.
Every lawyer can use a little reminder of why we do what we do—and no it is not for the money. Many lawyers I know would appreciate this Brown v. Board of Education necklace as a wearable reminder of the responsibility of being a lawyer.
I hope these ideas have been helpful to you, but if you need a few more ideas, check out my past gift guides.
After the year we've had, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season with the lawyer(s) in your life!
Disclosure: I use Amazon affiliate links to help readers find some of the items listed above. As a result, I may receive a small affiliate fee that is small but helps defray the costs of running this blog.
It's been a busy year with no time to blog but never fear my Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers is coming soon. It launches on December 2 with a special preview by Attorney at Work. I've been rounding up the best, new, and cool gift ideas for lawyers, so check back after Thanksgiving!
This is the 11th year of my Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers, and while all ten prior editions featured copious technology gift ideas, this edition features even more. It’s just a reflection of our times, as we are more and more a tech-powered society. Technology tools can save us time, make tasks easier, remove hassles out of a hectic day, and provide a portal to observe and participate wherever we may be in an ever-shrinking world. That’s why tech tools make great gifts for lawyers. And remember, lawyers really don’t like gifts gratuitously plastered with the scales of justice. That’s why I started this guide 11 years ago. Think beyond the scales, and the lawyer in your life will be very happy!
Tech the halls of your home with the coolest gift of the season--the Amazon Echo. It is a small Internet-connected device (about the size of a can of Pringles) for your home that listens for your voice commands to perform tasks such as play music, tell you the latest weather forecast, or add an item to your grocery list. It uses the Alexa cloud-based voice service to listen and carry out your commands. More people may be familiar with Apple’s Siri, but Alexa may be far superior. It also connects with numerous home automation systems to help control lighting, security, and other emerging functions. Amazon promises more functions soon. Beam me up, Alexa!
Few lawyers have time to watch TV shows when scheduled, so time-shifting tools like the Tivo Bolt help lawyers keep up with their favorite shows even when they have to work. It’s a large-capacity DVR with a new killer feature: It allows you to skip through the commercials, plus you can access all your recorded shows via your mobile devices. Access Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu, and other services via the Bolt. From $299 depending on recording capacity.
Ok, so not all lawyers are neatniks, but the ones that are will love Cliq hangers: Sleek, stylish, and practical, these make a great home for any suit, blouse or pants after a long day at the office.
Be the first Noelle in your firm to have JIVR Bike. This uber-engineered aluminum dual-powered portable bike is the perfect urban commuting vehicle. All of the mechanical components are housed inside the frame so riders don't get dirty. Use petal-power when you want exercise, choose electric-power when you don’t. It folds easily to store at the office or whatever the destination. These started shipping recently, so there may be a backlog of orders.
So the Apple Watch hasn’t exactly taken the world by storm, but it does have great application for
lawyers. Many lawyers are prohibited from using smartphones in courtrooms, but a quick glance of the wrist to review an important text message goes unnoticed because it looks like you are merely checking the time. The same works if you are in a client meeting or deposition and get a message from a spouse or child. Other useful functions, include Apple Pay, the ability to make short voice reminders using third-party apps like Just Press Record, and the fitness benefits mentioned below, makes this item great for lawyers.
I received a FitBit Flex for a gift earlier this year, and it changed the way I exercised, slept, and ate. I highly recommend every busy lawyer have a fitness band to help them meet fitness goals, even if they are not fitness fiends. I don’t think you can go wrong with a Fitbit ChargeHR or Surge, Apple Watch or the newly reengineered Microsoft Band.
I know, I know, no one gives a trash can to a lawyer. (Well, maybe to an ex-spouse’s #!*#& divore lawyer, but certainly not to one they like!) But I guarantee that will change with the Bruno Smart Trash Can: It makes life a little bit easier for that busy lawyer. It features a hands-free motion-detecting lid and a vacuum slot at the base to suck up the dirt, pet hair, and crumbs you sweep to the opening. It also comes with a mobile app to that notifies you with the built-in trash bag dispenser is low. Better yet, the app will notify you or other family members that the trash needs to be taken out. How great it that?! Shipping in February, but gift cards available for the 2015 holidays. One person’s trash can may be another person’s treasure!
From sensible to sublime, this next gift idea comes from Canadian lawyer, Dan Pinnington: The Pyro Mini Fireshooter. Sure, some lawyers might seem to shoot fireballs at times, but this wristband device really allows you to shoot fireballs from your hands. As explained on their website, “Pyro's secret is that the barrels are filled with 'flash' paper. A specially-treated tissue paper that burns extremely quickly and is gone in the blink of an eye.” Under $150.
As the smartphone has evolved into an indispensible tool for most lawyers, it seems we need it attached to our hand almost 24/7. Enter the “universal ring holder” a new generation of accessory to keep a safe grip on our smartphones wherever we go. These inexpensive rings attach with adhesive to the back of a phone for a more secure grip throughout a busy day. Many also double as a stand when placed on a desk or counter. Lots of choices from functional to fancy at stocking stuffer prices.
Have a silent night, plane flight, or peaceful afternoon snooze with the Hush Earplugs. Billed as the “world’s first smart earplugs” these rechargeable Bluetooth earplugs both block and mask outside noise, play soothing sounds to help you sleep, and will wake you to the sound of the alarm you set via the smartphone app. Whether you need a good night’s sleep the night before trial, or want to nap on a plane flight back from a deposition, these ear plugs may just be the ticket.
Show me a lawyer who loves beer and I’ll show you the perfect gift: A UKEG from Growlerwerks! Thanks to its new and innovative design, it keeps your favorite craft beer cold and fresh whether at home or on the go. UKEG growlers are available in a variety of sizes and finishes, with shipping dates in early 2016.
If you know a lawyer who is a baseball fan, then look no farther than the Justice Baseball from Unforgettaballs. This handmade colorful collectible comes in a Lucite cube to be proudly displayed on a desk or shelf. Kudos to two enterprising lawyers who established Black Acre Studios to create legal-themed artwork for lawyers everywhere. Offerings include framed art shipped to you or downloadable art to be printed and framed as creatively as you want to make it!
Every year I feature one of the greatest comfort foods—bacon—as a great gift idea. Lawyers love bacon. From bacon jam to bacon vodka, you can never go wrong with All Things Bacon. This year’s bacon gift idea actually makes bacon better. How is that possible, you ask? With Cajun Bacon Spice Rub. Add a sprinkle of this to bacon before cooking to kick it up another notch!
Much has been written recently about the health benefits of standing versus sitting at a desk, but many lawyers are unsure whether they want to commit to standing all day, and others are stuck with the sitting desk supplied by their firm. The solution just might be the Varidesk Pro 39 adjustable height desk topper. This affordable device sits on top of an existing desk and adjusts to differing heights from sitting to standing. Thankfully for lawyers, it comes pre-assembled ready to use right out of the box.
No need to tell you that lawyers tend to be perfectionists. Or worse. For such a jurist who also enjoys cooking may I suggest the Obsessive Chef cutting board complete with measurements and angles for precision cutting of vegetables, and more? Made of sustainable bamboo with burnished, not printed lines and angles, this is the perfect kitchen gift for the perfectionist lawyer in your life.
Last year I featured the Noke Bluetooth Padlock that opens via smart device app—no combination or key needed. However, the Noke--a Kickstarter project--has yet to ship to buyers! So the Quicklock padlock beat them to market. It opens via Bluetooth from your smartphone, but also via a NFC fob/ring that comes with the padlock. Shipping now to excellent reviews! Available from QuickLock or Amazon.
Although this is a Very Techie Christmas, there is nothing wrong with going Old School when it comes to board games by Stonemaier Games. (Yes, board games!) This start-up company has several hit games perfect for lawyers, including Vinticulture, a game of building a vineyard empire in Tuscany. So how hot is this start-up game company? They recently created a Kickerstarter campaign for their latest board game seeking $33,000. They ended up with $1.8 million in funding. Yeah, that made Gerry Stegmaier—a privacy lawyer in DC and uncle of one of the founders—very proud! See their full line of games at Stonemaier Games or Amazon.
Not sure if High Tech or Old School is right for your lawyer? The bridge that gap with the iPad Foosball Table. The table has handles for all the traditional fun, but the action all happens digitally on your iPad screen nestled into the table.
The amazing quality of mobile phone cameras allows everyone to take great photos today, but the one thing missing is getting good close-ups. Mobile phones don’t have telephoto lenses to get even better photos. Enter the Olloclip. Thanks to my sons who gave me one last Christmas, my iPhone 6+ can take a wider range of great photos, from close-up to longer distances.
Inspiration can be found in Justice Joseph Story’s Advice to a Young Lawyer, memorialized on black marble and suitable for a desk or wall for lawyers young and old. Available from the Supreme Court Historical Society with a metal stand.
OK, so it’s not for everyone, but this fun desktop statue of a bowing knight surrendering
his sword (pen) is a terrific gift for the right lawyer with a great sense of humor!
The Meditation Box may not be for everyone either, but it can help stressed lawyers have a few moments of calm to re-energize them during a busy day. And sometimes that’s the best gift of all.
For more timeless ideas, see the ten previous editions of the Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers!
Have yourself a very techie Christmas, and may your 2016 be merry and bright!
If you enjoyed the Attorney@Work preview of the 2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers, you'll love the full version coming on Monday, November 23--just in time for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and the holiday shopping season. Until then, take a few minutes to review some ideas from all ten prior years, and then check back on Monday for more ideas like this one:
Kudos to two enterprising lawyers who established Black Acre Studios to create affordable legal-themed artwork for lawyers everywhere. Offerings include framed art shipped to you or downloadable art to be printed and framed as creatively as you want to make it!
I’ve just finished listening to The Digital Edge Tech Toys for the Holidays, one of the most enjoyable podcasts of the year. Every November Digital Edge hosts, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway always find some of the best tech gifts for the upcoming holidays.
This year's edition (the 92nd edition of their monthly podcast, by the way) is no exception. Sharon and Jim have a knack for finding both fun and practical items. This year, Jim likes the new Apple TV, Ring Zero, and, SteakChamp Thermometer, among others. Sharon makes the case for both the Surface Pro 4 tablet and SurfaceBook laptop from Microsoft, Amazon Echo, and Mycestro wearable mouse (to control your device using natural gestures).
I loved these gift ideas for lawyers, especially the Amazon Echo and Zero Gravity Whiskey Glass. (One of these will definitely be on my 2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers when it comes out on November 23.)
It's true I haven't had as much time to blog this year, but I'm already hard at work on my annual holiday gift guide for lawyers. I've been collecting ideas all year, and I've been getting emails from dozens of companies since Labor Day suggesting gift guide ideas, but only the best will make it. Like past years I'll share the best gift ideas for lawyers, so family and friends will have a much easier time finding the right gift, and lawyers won't end up with a bunch of cheesy gifts plastered with the scales of justice!
So stay tuned for my 11th annual edition on November 23!
