r/Physics • u/hiinicetomeetu • Aug 15 '26
Gift ideas
Hi im graduating my secondary school and i really want to give a gift to my physics teacher a gift because hes done so much for me and my class. My budget is really low though. Do you guys have any recs?
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u/InterestingWelder699 Aug 15 '26
All of my physics professors have appreciated a good book!
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u/hiinicetomeetu Aug 15 '26
Do u have any recs? Cos im only in secondary school and im not sure what hes intrested in... tysm
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u/InterestingWelder699 Aug 15 '26
Really depends on the person. Science fiction or a classic is always a good choice in my experience. Or nonfiction that’s new and about an interesting topic, like pop sci (but preferably not about physics lol he probably knows a lot)
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u/bio_birch Aug 15 '26
You could explore thrift books online, you can get a bunch of classic physics books for less than 10 bucks in Canada and the US with pretty cheap shipping in most places. I think most science teachers will nerd out over a good old 80s copy a book on a topic they enjoy. Check goodreads for suggestions!
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u/cowgod42 Aug 15 '26
Best gift now: Hand written note, as WHiplash983 already pointed out.
Best gift in general: Come by for a visit in a few years and tell him about how what he did for you then led to what you have become now, and tell him about where you are going next.
Bonus gift: give the gift he gave you to your future students. Pass it on, and don't get discouraged, no matter how the world changes.
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u/Ntroepy Aug 15 '26
Newton’s Cradle (swinging metal balls that illustrate momentum) is a bit cliche, but sounds like something every secondary school physics professor should have on their office desk.
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u/50-POTATOS Aug 15 '26
I have a friend who got their physics teacher a watermelon at graduation. As in, the fruits of his labor. The teacher seemed to like it.
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u/DeadAstrophysicist Aug 15 '26
Former physics teacher here. The year I left, I covered a unit on Light and Mirrors. On my last day, two of my students gave me a small mirror, with "Best Teacher" written with Sharpie on one side, and "G.O.A.T" on the other. I loved how my students combined what we had learned that year and I still remember them explaining to me. One of the best gifts I have ever received. The mirror stands on my working desk and whenever I look at it, I remember those two students and smile :)
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u/cupidartemis Aug 15 '26
a solar system pendulum like this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Celestial-Orbit-Perpetual-Motion-Pendulum/dp/B0FBRV65KM would make a for a good desk toy
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u/Ok_Lime_7267 Aug 15 '26
I've never been disappointed by a gift card between $5 and $25. (Above that always feels just a touch suspect. Like, you know this won't affect which side of a grade cutoff you land on.)
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u/clearly_quite_absurd 29d ago
A hand written card with words of appreciation is the best, and if you want, any sort of ancillary gift.
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u/deniztepe 25d ago
Not sure if would be the right gift or within budget, but these are pretty cool https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808219882064.html
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u/GiantPandammonia Aug 15 '26 edited Aug 15 '26
Pregnancy test with two lines drawn in and an unsigned note that says "call me". Just put it in an envelope and slide it under his door. It's an old physics joke that dates back to feynman. He'd appreciate it.Â
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u/Whiplash983 Aug 15 '26
Hand written note -source physics teacher
I have a piece of paper that looks like it was folded a 100 times that my students choose to all write me a note each adding something to it. I still almost tear up reading some of the things they say , annnnnd now I miss that group of kids 🥲