From the Mailbag: The “lifetime” $700 – $800 graduation gift
I am about to graduate from law school this coming May. For graduation, my extremely generous parents want to buy me a graduation gift and wish to spend around $700-$800. This is a very significant amount of money, and will likely qualify as the largest gift I have ever received. The one caveat is that my parents do not want to purchase something remotely perishable (i.e. clothes, suits, vacations, etc.), and would rather give me more of a “lifetime” gift, such as a watch, briefcase, furniture, etc. I have no idea what to ask for. Suggestions?
– Ryan
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First, huge congrats to Ryan. There’s a group of us who got our one additional post-high-school diploma, and the very thought of going back to further pursue higher education gives us nightmares*. Law school, Med school, grad school of any kind, or going back to get an additional degree takes levels of commitment and a patience-for-payoff that many just don’t have. And that’s great that his parents want to give him something that’ll continue to remind him of the achievement. Let’s spend some of Ryan’s parents money. Your suggestions should go in the comments.
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Tissot T-Lord Classic – $675.00 | Tissot Carson Chronograph – $795
Never understood those big, special occasion gifts, that were so fancy people were either afraid or rarely had the occasion to use them. So in this case, the watch picks should be able to be worn just as easily with a sportcoat and jeans as with a suit. No quartz here fellas, certainly not at this price, but know that there’s a lack of watchmakers producing autos in this price range. They’re either Seiko/Orient price under $500, or real high end stuff above a grand. Tissot is one of the few watchmakers who can fall in this range. Both of these automatics have light dials (silver on the left, white on the right) which will work just as well with brown or black straps. Gotta love the semi-square case shape on the 40mm diameter T-Lord. (Want something more dressed up? Try this or this.)
Hamilton Viewmatic – $725.00 | Hamilton Khaki King – $525.00
Originally an American brand founded in Pennsylvania, Hamilton is now owned by Swatch, and is also one of the few watchmakers to produce in Ryan’s price range. Hamilton can lean a little more rugged, and the Khaki King is tremendous. Like the Tissot watches, both of these designs can be found online at a lower price, but you’re taking a big risk by buying a watch at this level from someone who might not back up any kind of warranty. Even if it’s sold direct by Amazon
Allen Edmonds Cordovan Strand – $575.00 | Cordovan Dalton – $675.00
Lifetime? Quite possibly. Made in the USA from Horween Shell Cordovan. It’s a 6 month process just to go from hide to the leather that’ll be used on the shoes. It’s insane. And the end result is a pair of shoes or boots, that along with decent care and the available Allen Edmonds recrafting process, you could very well be wearing for decades.
Linus Bikes Gaston 5 – $769.00
As sexy as a get-around-town bike gets. Not fat like a cruiser, not out of place like a roadbike, and not limited to a single speed. There’s 5-speeds on this thing, and it’s still streamlined thanks to the internal gear system. Sure she won’t be able to ride on the back of it like a motorcycle, but man will it strike up some conversations. Stunning transportation you’ll want to use for life. Also available in a three or single speed.
Filson Leather Field Satchel – $795.00
Made in the USA from bridle leather. Filson claims it takes “about 10 years to break in” so feel free to chuck it around at will. One of those leather pieces that looks better with a few dings on the hide.
Professionally framed print/piece of art – $350 – $800
Framing costs a ton. Prints can be relatively inexpensive, but by the time you get the frame, matte, museum quality glass, and all the other stuff loaded around it to protect the art, it can get spendy fast. Having a work by a favorite artist or photographer hanging on your wall in a frame that is top of the line can make a real statement.
Saddleback Leather Suitcase – $865 – $965
It’s a little above the price range, but maybe Ryan would be willing the chip in the last hundred or so. Available in small, medium, and large. 100 year warranty, cushioned pigskin interior. Waterproof full grain boot leather. Be prepared to be stopped by curious onlookers, often, while walking through airports. It’s something else. See a size comparison and have all your questions answered in the video from Saddleback seen below:
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I mean, come the hell on. Forget law school. My new life’s goal is to one day own one of those things. Good to know that you’d have to overload it pretty hard to get to 50 lbs. More on Saddleback’s rep for quality over here.
Your suggestions for Ryan are welcome in the comments. Congrats again to him. Top Photo Credit: Yovany Alas.
*No joke. I don’t know how some of you do it. College has become distant enough in my own personal rear view mirror that it feels like someone else’s life. I do remember walking out of my last final exam (Western Civ. elective. Something about Merovingian kings) and thinking: “not doing this again.” Have had a reoccuring dream ever since, in which I’ve somehow forgotten to attend a class for an entire semester, it’s required to graduate, and I can’t find the class room on exam day. I’m sure someone with a grad degree could tell me what that means, if anything.
graduating law school? got a job lined up?
$700-800 would buy you a nice quality suit that is not “perishable” but oh well
or 2 passable quality suits since at this point in your career (just starting out) you may need a little more quantity over quality
but if your parents insist on not buying you “clothes” as your graduation gift, then go for two pairs of nice leather sole balmoral dress shoes, brown and black
something goodyear welted preferred
not some fashion brand that’s not going to be serviceable after a year or two
Hooray parents! I agree w/the framing suggestion, I still haven’t gotten my diplomas framed I’m sad to say, but will be getting it done in short order. You can get it done at a craft store and it shouldn’t run too much so you’ll have a good chunk of your gift money left. Good luck w the Bar!
one word………Vegas.
Never got a graduation gift, do you think it’s too late to send this list to my parents ?
A $600 watch will look out of place if everything else is cheap. I’d push for the suit, but if not:
http://www.mw-traveler.com/
Love that Tissot Chrono. Also, second the AEs. I haven’t picked up a pair of the Cordovans for myself, but my Strands still look new after 2 years of frequent wear.
I have to speak up against framing your diplomas, particularly if you plan on having them in your office at a larger firm. It’s seen as sort of tacky and very few people actually do it anymore.* If you want them for your home office / den, fine, but then again I already know where I went to school and don’t need to be reminded.
* Note that if you’re going into solo practice or a small office (no idea about public interest, etc.), this may be different and people may actually want to see your diplomas.
@Jason – I’m not sure if a $600 leather bag will look any more or less out of place than a $600 watch would… but I do like the briefcase idea moreso than anything. Makes your parents feel like they’re giving you something law-related and it’s something that’ll last. Personally though, I would prefer a watch in that range, as it’s doubtful that I’d spend that much on a watch myself (for now), whereas it’s possible I’d treat myself to a briefcase.
As a current law student, I’d suggest a really really nice pen. Not only is it bland enough to fit the degree, but it will come in great use later on. Whipping out a Bic to let the client sign the client agreement doesn’t garner up a lot of confidence. It’s the little things that count, and a nice pen gives you (at least) the appearance of quality representation, and comfort if nothing else.
I’m no pen expert, but I’d suggest looking at the Montblanc collection.
I can corroborate. Larger firm offices very rarely have degrees on the walls because presence at the larger firm speaks louder to the attorney’s credentials than where they went to law school. Smaller, relatively unknown firms, usually encourage degrees on the walls so potential clients aren’t scared off.
In practice, I’ve found that the small firm I worked for often pushed the larger firms around–size doesn’t mean skill. Nevertheless, I agree with you–where you work depends on whether or not you should frame your degree for office use.
I have the Hamilton Viewmatic and can’t say enough good things about it. I paid way less then list price though. Probably the watch I wear most often.
From this list:
1. Briefcase
2. AEs
3. Watch
4. Suitcase
5. Bike
6. Art
But I like them all. I would thoroughly enjoy a nice painting or bike. So I don’t think you can go wrong here.
here is what I would do (assuming you are employed, if not I would take rent money)
Have them get you a really really nice pair of brown shoes (I like wingtips but this is your call) do lots of research before you drop this much money on shoes. These will last a lifetime, your parents may not believe you when you tell them but you can convince them.
One of the Nordstroms mens sales happens right when the bar ends – buy a pair of park ave’s in black for $200 bucks (or something similar that is on sale)
I wouldn’t go with the watch for a few reasons: that price range isn’t really in the heirloom watch range; you are more likely to lose a watch than break a watch; watch may break and be more expensive to repair than its worth; if your father has nice watches its better that he pass one down to you.
I second the points about not framing the diplomas, think about what doing that says about you and think about whether or not you want to say that about yourself.
Suggestions:
1.) Watch – something that you can wear daily as a reminder of your accomplishment and parents’ pride and is also something that can be passed down from father to son. I’m partial to the Tissot Carson Chrono.
2.) Briefcase – Love the Filson satchel. My only thing is that I see fewer and fewer people with briefcases any more, because as things get smaller and electronic, no one really needs a briefcase any more when everything can be stored in your phone. Then again, I don’t see the legal field leaving paper behind anytime soon.
3.) I really like the pen suggestion from @Electrogent:disqus above. My father handed down a very nice pen set that he used in his professional career- it had a fountain pen, a roller ball, a ball point and a mechanical pencil and was just a phenomenal gift. Something I really cherish. I used it a TON in my previous career because I was constantly signing documents, handing pens to clients to sign things, etc. Since switching careers a few years ago, I haven’t used it nearly as much, but the set is still in my desk ready to come out again when the time comes. If nothing else, I fully intend to hand it down to my son someday.
I am all for the watch idea. However, as much as I like the T-Lord, I might go for this instead: http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2011/04/watch-of-the-week-vintage-max-bill.html
I love the bike suggestion. I great bike is both functional and something you hang on your wall like a piece of art.
$800 would go far towards travelling somewhere awesome. I’d still try to convince them of that. If not, a suit.
I would go with the Filson brief. You’re going to need one for work and that brief is classy and durable at that price, since the next step up would essentiall be SAG, which costs 4x as much.
I like that idea, but I’d say pair it with other things… Don’t get one $700 pen.
Memories last forever and experiences can broaden your horizons. +1 to this as well.
Very nice choice.
As a lawyer myself, I would NOT recommend an expensive briefcase. You won’t use it. You’ll find a briefcase to be too small on the days you are toting documents and too bulky for the days you don’t have much to carry. Your law firm might issue you a computer case and a rolling file case. If you do have to buy your own things I’d recommend a foldable luggage cart (to haul file boxes) and a medium/large messenger bag that can hold your laptop and has a comfy shoulder strap – e.g. a Timbuk2 (stick with black, no wild color combinations).
The Tissot and Hamilton watches are great picks at that price and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Otherwies, my recommendation would be to buy 2 suits with the money.
I would not recommend a Montblanc. It seems a little arrogant for a rookie to be carrying around a pen that costs over $100. Wait until you make partner.
Even then, it might not so much impress the clients as a sign of good taste so much as it might reinforce their thought that they are overpaying for your services.
Stick with a Cross pen or something else in the $30 range.
If a watch I would suggest a vintage watch in that price range. Some great deals can be had, and it would have much more history, character, and meaning than a $700 tissot.
Nice Bulova military issued vintage watch go for a few hundred. Can be dressed up and dressed down with the change of a strap.
I’m a lawyer and one of the best gifts to have received would have been professional framing of my diplomas (law, bar, college). It needs to be done right, is something that is expensive (500 to 700 easily) and not something you will do yourself until you have the extra money (which may be a few years). It’s also timeless as you will have them in your office for the duration of your career.
I don’t even know where my degree is. Not that it’s anything close to a law degree (communications! YEAH!) anywho, yeah, framing wasn’t suggested for the diplomas, but art of some kind instead. Pretty sure you guys got that though.
Three years out, I still have the occasional college dream along those lines, though not nearly as often as right after I got my degree. Glad I’m not the only one.
This post makes me bitter…I got $75 for my undergrad graduation and $0 for my Master’s. Oh well, them’s the breaks sometimes.
Joe and Terg, as a psychologist in training, I can reassure you that as long as in the dream your teeth don’t fall out and/or your not naked you’re probably mostly pretty much OK
I have the same recurring dream about being enrolled in a class and somehow forgetting about it all semester. Happens when I feel like something else in my life is going unattended, but why it manifests itself in that particular dream is anyone’s guess. I’m always relieved to wake up and realize that, yes, I still have my degrees.
I’m about to be called to the Bar and am shopping around for a good gift. Currently thinking a ‘Thin’ Saddleback briefcase. See here: http://www.saddlebackleather.com/Classic-Briefcase-Thin.html?sc=8&category=83
Casual enough to have personality, luxurious enough to mean business… I currently use a beautiful Burberry messenger bag, but the strap plays havoc on suit lapels.
(as to an earlier point, I also pretty much only use it to carry my lunch in)
BIKE PORN
I am going to try and replicate that with the frame of my 1984 Schwinn World Tourist.
All of the above are awesome, but I think it depends on your geography. Personally, I love that biking-to-work-in-your-suit look. something that says I am a professional, I am frugal, I am healthy, I am trendy, I care about the environment, and Goddamnit I am suave.
I think the watch is a great idea. I think a sleek modern but classic look watch is the Movado Musuem watch. It is $700 dollars. It is black http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/movado-watch-mens-swiss-museum-sport-black-perforated-rubber-strap-42mm-0606507?ID=593347
The Macy’s site has it for $795, but amazon has it for $695.
Timeless piece and everyone knows Movado.
I’m pretty sure my clients prefer signing with the uniballs that we use in the office. I’m with John, I think the overpaying mentality would trump any class/good taste that could be seen.*
* Again, this may be a little different between big law / big markets and otherwise.
As the OP, I did — just made my comment in response to the above suggestion re: framing diplomas, but didn’t want to “reply” to it because I had other comments as well.
Negative on both counts. I’m SANE!
My folks got me a personalized leather briefcase when I graduated law school and I use it every day. My grandparents framed my diplomas and admission to the bar certificates for me. It made a lot of sense because they will hang in your office your entire career and will be seen by countless clients. IF they look and feel cheap, you won’t be happy.
Congrats on finishing up law school and good luck on the bar!
I bought a saddleback briefcase (the 14″ variety because I’m a small guy) and never, ever regretted the purchase. It gets me tons of compliments. Love that thing to death! Definitely support the saddleback suggestion. Congrats on graduation.
I’m graduating law school this May as well, and my parents wanted to buy me an expensive watch or briefcase, but there were really a lot of basic things I needed more. The past two weeks as an early graduation present I’ve gotten: 3 pairs of pants, 6 shirts, and 1 pair of shorts from Banana Republic (with the 50% off sale with a Luxe Card), 2 J. Crew polos, 1 pair of pants and 1 polo from Express, and 2 pairs of shoes, one Ralph Lauren, one Mizuno for running. For me, this was more practical than getting one expensive item.
Use that Masters and get yourself a fantastic gift!
I’m really siding with the idea that as much as a nice big ticket item would be, a wardrobe would be an even savvier option here. It’s just that a lot of the items you listed are accessories for a certain style. Carrying around any one of them without having the entire outfit complete will look out of place. Great suits last a long time. Great shoes last too. Not only do they last but if you get the right things they’ll always be in fashion. Good clothes are timeless. Consider the clothes too.
Christopher
The-approach.org
Lots of parents won’t go this route, and it doesn’t say ‘graduation gift’ as much, but this is definitely the most useful route. Assuming you aren’t graduating debt free, the first year or three (realistically 5+) will be spent trying to pay back loans.
These are valid points, and worth considering. As a guy taking the plaintiff’s track (contingency fees), I would think it would work the other way. They’ve not paid anything, nor will they unless I win. Having a bit of showmanship (not arrogance) in the office might suggest success–“He’s got a nice pen because he’s won lots of big cases.”
On the other hand, as you suggest, if someone is signing a contract where they’re paying $300/hour (regardless of the outcome) with a $100+ pen, then yeah, I can see some legitimate concerns about overpaying there.
It is also very possible that pens don’t matter one way or the other, results do. I’d like to think this is true, but I guess I’m a bit cynical.
Where else on the internet but Dappered can people have sociological discussions about the impact of pens on potential client impressions?
If you are looking at watches, you should also take a look at Christopher Ward. You can get a quality watch at a very reasonable price point, considering it has a Swiss movement.
http://www.christopherward-usa.com
I could Hock it but I doubt I’d get more than $40 for it. It’s not even in a frame yet.
I just graduated from law school last year and my vote is for the briefcase. My parents bought me one as a graduation present and it’s the one thing I use almost every single day and something that is much more noticeable. Especially if you are working at a large firm, very few people might ever notice your watch, but dozens are going to see you walking in and out with your briefcase every day. Also, I like the fact that the Filson, above, has the removable shoulder strap. Having a shoulder strap is a huge help when carrying a heavy laptop, going through an airport, etc. But, it’s always nice to have the option to take it off if you are going to a super formal meeting like a deal closing.
When I finished my dissertation I celebrated by getting a Montblanc 149. I’m very pleased with it. It’s a beautiful pen (if you’re into pens) and with some care will last the rest of my life. Like you, I wanted something that will remind me of this accomplishment until I’m an old man. I’m still working as a graduate student (though not for much longer) and am self-conscious about using it in public. However, most of my writing is done with no one around and I use it quite frequently. To me, it’s a meaningful gift to celebrate a meaningful accomplishment. After all, this is for you and not your clients.
I agree this is the most practical – you can get functional watches for much less, why waste that money?
Definitely go with a nice watch. I have the Hamilton Viewmatic and pics don’t do it justice. Classic piece. Well look good for years and years to come.
As a fairly recent medical school grad, I can empathize.
I love the Viewmatic, but I would recommend against it or any other dressy watch as a “forever” gift. Your tastes are going to change. You are going to be able to afford a nicer, more expensive one a few years down the line. Your gift will live its twilight years in a drawer when it is replaced by a Rolex, Tag, IWC, Patek, etc. Your parents will be disappointed. The Khaki King (or even the Tissot Chrono), however, could start as your all-the-time watch and then, later, when you buy a more expensive work watch, become your go-to casual watch. I got a Seamaster for college graduation, and while it is too casual to wear to work now it is my weekend watch and still gets use. (Its primary place has been taken by a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual).
If you like the Filson briefcase, go with that. $800 can buy and heirloom quality case, but it is not going to buy an heirloom quality watch. That Saddleback thing is hideous. Another option would be to get a $400 watch (lots of vintage automatic Hamiltons and many others on ebay), and a $400 case that would each last for years. The pen is a good idea as well- if you don’t lose it, it will last a lifetime as well.
The watch thing sounds good. I got a Rolex GMT II 17 years ago when I finished college. One very high $ overhaul in that time frame and its still perfect. Heirloom without a doubt. MY 10 year old Son will have it some day for sure. It cost a 10th then as what it does now. Heirloom quality is a good idea. At least get an automatic.
Also, you can get a great pen (Mont Blanc, Porsche Design or similar) and a killer Copper River messenger bag BOTH for the $ amount you mention. Both lifelong and heirloom quality. I have both and they are keepers. I would do that, save for a kick ass watch and buy suits on sale twice a year… Your GOLDEN!
I received a bike as a gift a few months ago, riding your bike to work not only makes you feel better, you save money on gasoline, you see things you normally wouldn’t and making eye contact with women walking on the street isn’t so creepy, I do miss my submarine but being landlocked has its perks
I just test-rode a Linus bike and put in an order yesterday for the Gaston 3-speed after seeing this post. She’s a beauty, I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Coming out of left field here I know, but might I suggest a nice gun?
Not some generic piece of junk back alley shooter, but a nice used over-under trap shotgun, a classic Colt or Smith and Wesson Revolver, or a bolt action hunting rifle? Something with some class and style and workmanship to it?
These are things that will last for decades to come. I have my great grandfathers shotgun he won in a card game at his gas station, and it is a classy looking piece with hand-tooled filigree that would cost a fortune today.
This isn’t a suggestion for everyone, but one that definitely hits home with the 52% of American households who own at least one gun.
ebay + $800 + dressing the man + tailor = entire starting line-up of suits.
i agree on the shoes… AE’s or Aldens. ebay can help there… the only people that know would be you, the seller, and the cobbler/refinisher.