Getting good gifts for aerospace engineers is hard because they are already working in a field of engineering that involves some of the most remarkable technologies like rockets and planes that no gifts can outshine. So a product that would excite an aerospace engineer needs to be either novel, quirky, or at least somewhat practical for them to appreciate. The best option is you can always instead get them a gift related to their hobby unless even their interests involve something related to aerospace. If that’s the case, better be prepared to look for some nerdy and cool science-related gifts.
Before looking up suitable products as gifts for aerospace engineers, you need to confirm the branches of aerospace engineering the person is involved in. It could be either aeronautical engineering that deals primarily in planes or astronautical engineering where they build spacecraft and satellites. If you are not sure, follow the rule of thumb and get them a gift related to planes, math, space, or engineering in general.
In this article, I have compiled a list of gift ideas for aerospace engineers that are mostly novelty expects few products. If this gift is for your retiring parents who are aerospace engineers, then I recommend checking our retirement gift ideas for parents article. If you are considering practical gifts for aerospace engineers, it is worth gifting them books like biography, which you can find plenty of on Amazon.com. But if you are ok with quirky fun gifts, then continue scrolling through his list.
Table of Contents
Best Gift Ideas for Aerospace Engineers:
1. Space Patent Prints
Old patents are a good way to look back and admire the history of different inventions and their impact on modern technology. An aerospace engineer will surely appreciate these Space Patent Prints as a gift to decorate their room or office. Just make sure to put them in good black frames, and the prints will surely become conversation starters.
2. Fisher Space Pen
By now, everyone must have heard the tale of this Fisher Space Pen, which rumors claimed to be invented by NASA, which is false. But there is no denying that the Space Pen works and is used in zero gravity by astronauts. So the space pen should top any list of gifts for aerospace engineers.
3. How Planes Fly Mug
A quirky gift like this, How Planes Fly Mug, makes for a perfect gift for engineers who have to explain how planes work to every person they meet. If you know an engineer who often faces this problem, why not make an inside joke by getting them this mug.
4. RC Paper Airplane Kit
STEM toys related to aviation should be a go-to gift idea for aerospace engineers. This RC Paper Airplane Kit is one such STEM toy that makes for a great present that even a non-engineer would love because everyone used to make paper planes when they were kids. The toy packs nostalgia and science.
5. Funny T-Shirt
I have to confess that I am bad with spellings, and I am particularly bad with words with multiple letters. The use of autocomplete has even made it worse for me to remember any big words. This Funny T-Shirt makes for a good hilarious gift for people like me and engineers who are good at maths and science but suck at memorizing spelling.
6. Space Themed Crew Socks
Space Themed Crew Socks are a no-brainer gift for people who are crazy about space. These socks made by Happypop are super comfortable. If they are not into space, there are also maths and science-themed socks.
7. The Pocket Engineer
The Pocket Engineer is a practical product that should be in every engineer’s wallet. The credit card-sized scale/ruler packs reference and information about basic engineering equations, physical constant, and unit conversions. It even has a basic ruler, protractor, and angle drawing tool.
8. Metal Model Kit Set
If lego models related to space or aviation don’t fit your budget, this Metal Model Kit Set makes for a great alternative. It is equally challenging to build that an engineer would love to try on. The set includes six models, all related to space. The only problem with the kit is that it requires different-sized pliers. So I recommend gifting this Kendo Pliers Set along with the model kit.
9. Math Wall Clock
Nothing scream-like a product that belongs in an engineers house than this Math Wall Clock. It is a great conversation starter whenever some guests ask what time it is, and you point them towards this clock. Unlike maths geeks or engineers, a normal person with just one glance at the clock will forget how to read the time. The clock also makes for an awesome white elephant gift.
10. Elon Musk’s Biography
Elon Musk is a controversial figure among the general public for his opinions. However, there is no denying that Elon revolutionized the space industry with his company, SpaceX. An aerospace engineer probably has a copy of Elon Musk’s Biography, but if they don’t, it’s high time you get them one.
11. Airplane Tie Clip
This Airplane Tie Clip is a good conversation starter that an aerospace engineer can match with their tie. I recommend gifting this along with a couple of airplane-themed ties, which you can find plenty of on Amazon.com.
12. Stirling Engine Model
A desk toy is a cool present to give someone who has an office desk. This Stirling Engine Model is a simple miniature version of the famous heat engine that goes by the same name. Engineers love Stirling Engine and wouldn’t mind keeping a smaller version of it on their desks.
13. Balance Plane Physics Toy
Here’s another desk toy, but this time its deals with physics and planes, something an aerospace engineer dabbles with every day. The Balance Plane Physics Toy is made out of stainless steel, so expect a toy that will not break easily. It features an old-school propeller plane.
14. 3D Airplane Night Lamp
An aerospace engineer can never have enough airplane stuff in their life. Here’s one more stuff to add, a 3D Airplane Night Lamp. The night lamp looks simple in daylight but gives out a holographic effect when turned on at night. A great addition to a living room tabletop.
15. Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes
I still remember designing a perfect paper plane that would fly higher and longer than a regular paper plane. Sadly, I gave up, but the aerospace engineer you know hasn’t, which is why they chose that line of work. So don’t let them forget their roots, gift them this Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes. The book may once again let them experience the nostalgia of crafting a better version of a paper airplane.
