I'll have to say that unless you're a physician, buying them a stethoscope isn't the best idea
it's a very personal item that needs to meet certain standards
*look online for the what are engraved tags for the stethoscope
the most thoughtful thing is to open it up, follow the instructions but don't send it in, so the person receiving it can decide how they want it labeled but it's already got the SASE and 3 dollar check to get it all done included for them
just look up stethoscope nametag on amazon to see what I mean, they make ones that can attach to any stethoscope
hands down best gift, it's cheap, but it will be SO useful to helping them recover their lost $150 stethoscope, and everyone that sees it will remark how cool it is (in my experience!)
*depending on their food preferences and how much money you want to a spend, a slow cooker with fancy timer and a cookbook to go with it could be really nice (one that could be set so that after a 14hr rotation they come home to a warm cooked meal
*bonus if you get them some sort of cookbook for making batches of food that freezes well and get them some freezer to microwave tupperware
*if they like coffee, a French press can't be beat, bonus if you get them a bean grinder
(even if they have a drip machine and a grinder already, the French press is cheap, thoughtful, useful, tastes better, or is easily regifted)
*if they prefer espresso, and they if they are the type to actually use it, from a professional standpoint my espresso machine is my most beloved possession after my stethoscope, I got the whole set up on Amazon
the D'Longhi brand is my favorite and it's affordable
*Levazza in blue is my favorite pre-ground espresso to use, it's easy on the stomach and you'll be introducing them to a brand they can continue to order and have come to their doorstep (great on surgery rotation!)
*bonus if you include a metal tamper for $15 and a metal milk steamer pot for $15
*if they drink, a bottle of booze is hardly remiss, you can write a cute/funny card to go with it "you're gonna need it!" and point out it's the best way to make friends in MS1!
*a decent amounted gift card for a store where they can buy professional clothes like Ann Taylor's can be nice
not all undergrads have the professional wardrobe they need for clinic/wards and as a broke student it can be tough
*I don't recommend books for reading pleasure since for many after reading 16+ hours a day, the last thing you want to do is come home to read for pleasure
*a Netflix or Hulu subscription might be nice if they don't have that sort of thing, if it won't prove too distracting for them, most students are too broke for cable
* a book or video for Yoga, or Bob's Anderson's Stretching books, especially one that is the stretch at work one can be nice for them to do chair stretches while studying
*a nice water bottle, or a thermos for coffee/tea
*lunchpail
*depending where they have moved/the weather, a nice warm coat that is professional looking, down is great!
*if they are a Star Trek fan, anything with Dr. McCoy on it or those sayings, "I'm a doctor not a ___!"
