12 Best Gifts for Anthropologists
- Anthropology is the study of human behavior in relation to social, religious, moral, and behavioral aspects and drives of humanity since time immemorial.
- Anthropology is important because it allows humans to understand the past, reform the present, and shape the future.
- When getting a gift for an anthropologist, remember to pick items that they will enjoy in either their personal life or their professional life.
- When purchasing gag gifts, it is always good to keep your gift respectable and non-offensive. Also, reserve gag gifts for people with whom you share close bonds with that will understand your intentions.
- We hope this list we have compiled will inspire and help you pick the perfect gift for the anthropologist in your life.
WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY
Anthropology is a study field in science that focuses on humans, society, and how they interact and influence each other. It studies the morality, philosophical and psychological drives behind human behavior and the formation of societal rules and norms.
BRANCHES OF ANTHROPOLOGY
There are several branches of anthropology that focus on different and specific aspects of humanity.
- Linguistic anthropology looks at how language influences society and in turn the people who live in that society.
- Biological anthropology studies the physical development of humans over centuries and across different cultures and continents.
- Cultural anthropology focuses on the different cultures of the world and how they developed their norms and values and morality.
- Social anthropology studies human behavioral patterns
It is important to study anthropology because it allows humans to understand human behavior, past and present, so they can be able to construct better societies for future generations. Anthropology also allows humans to learn about their past ancestors’ history and overall way of life which can have an impact on them in the present by making them feel connected to the earth for a greater purpose.
GETTING AN ANTHROPOLOGIST A GIFT
Getting an anthropologist a gift is as easy as getting anybody else a gift. So that means just as hard because let’s face it, getting gifts is not really the easiest thing to do: First you have to know what people actually like, then you have to find a product or activity that they will enjoy, and then you have to consider your own budget fitting into all of this? Honestly, getting (and even exchanging) gifts is quite stressful and often frustrating.
When finding a gift for an anthropologist, remember to always look for products that they will find useful in their personal life and also in their work life. We have come up with this list to give you ideas on what to buy your friend or family member who is an anthropology lover.
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Quick Overview: Gifts for Anthropologists
1. ANTHROPOMETRY KIT:
This is a very generous and thoughtful gift to an anthropologist in your life because it contains a variety of instruments that are useful to an anthropologist’s work.
Pros.
- Sturdy
- Good quality
- Durable
- Practical
- High quality
- Transport case for easy transportation and safety
Cons.
- The kit is quite costly and might be out of budget for most. However, the seller allows you to pay in reasonable installments for a period of 12 months.
The Anthropometry Kit contains an anthropometer, segmometer, tape measure, and a stadiometer, all of which are required for measurements.
2. INFRARED CAMERA:
Thermal imaging is used to convey radiation into pictures. This is important as it lets anthropologists discover and detect archeological remains both on the surface and those that have been buried.
Pros.
- Sturdy
- Good quality device
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting battery
- Produces high-resolution pictures
- Portable
- Durable
Cons.
- Not water or dustproof
- Hard to use the software, requires too much information
- Does not come with an instructions manual
This infrared camera displays thermal infrared imagery that can be read using the FLIR software. It also has wireless connectivity which means it can transfer images to other sources as they are being taken.
3. PITH HELMETS:
Anthropologists sometimes work in hot environments and a pith helmet is the best hat to give them as a gift because it protects them against the sun without having to sweat through the hat. Pith helmets are well ventilated and provide shelter for the head and face.
Pros.
- Well ventilated
- Adjustable
- Durable
- Easy to wear
- Sturdy
- Good quality
Cons.
- Hand wash only
- Some colors seem different in pictures than they do in person
This Jacobson’s pith helmet is comfortable to wear in hot climates and protects from harmful sun rays.
COOL GIFTS FOR ANTHROPOLOGISTS
4. WORK BOOTS:
This is a very thoughtful gift for your anthropology friend or family member who works majorly in the field doing excavations. During these times, they will need a sturdy pair of shoes that will protect their toes and feet while being comfortable to wear for hours on end.
Pros.
- Rubber sole
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Don’t need to be ‘broken in
Cons.
- Some people had to purchase a different set of insoles to make the shoe more comfortable for their liking.
- Boots may get too hot in extremely hot climates
These amazing and stylish Columbia boots come in nine different colors to choose from. They are also lace-up which means the ties can be adjusted according to one’s comfortability.
5. THERMAL JACKETS:
A perfect gift for when your anthropologist friend or a family member has to go on an excavation in cold places. This is quite a specific gift and therefore makes it very thoughtful. It is also practical because it will keep them warm in harsh climates.
Pros.
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Warm
- Hooded
- Good quality material
Cons.
- Some customers complained about getting defective products. However, this was resolved by the seller who replaced the items. It is an inconvenience to wait for a second delivery especially if the purchase was intended as a gift.
This thermo-jacket is made with insulation technology that allows for heat generation and storage to keep the body warm. It also comes in a variety of colors to choose from.
6. VOICE RECORDER:
This is a great gift for a linguistic anthropologist because a part of their job entails studying different languages, a voice recorder can come in handy when studying new or different dialects of languages. This voice recorder connects to computers making it easy to extract and edit audio.
Pros.
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy to operate
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Comes with a USB cable
Cons.
- Does not stop recording if you do not hit stop
- Does not save recording if you do not hit stop
This voice recorder is simple and yet very powerful and effective. It records with time stamps for easy tracking of audio and allows for functions such as rewind, fast-forwards, and pause.
GIFTS FOR FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGISTS
7. KNIVES:
A perfect gift for forensic anthropologists because it will aid them when it comes to scraping specimens for better examination.
Pros.
- Has multiple different sized replaceable blades
- Easy to use
- Switching blades is easy
- Safe to use
- Blade holder provides great support
- Good quality
- Lightweight
- Very sharp blades
- Extra blades come in a protective wrap
Cons.
- The blade lock doesn’t work every time risking the lock falling out and possibly causing injury
- Thin knives require constant re-sharpening
The Outdoor Edge knives are built to be long-lasting and save up on money.
8. DIGITAL CALIPER:
A useful gift to anthropologists because it allows them to measure teeth from fossils at a speedy rate and safely without compromising the specimen.
Pros.
- Gets precise measurements
- Plastic jaws for safety
- Mistake-proof
- Durable
- Battery operated
- Turns itself off automatically after a while of no usage
- Sturdy
- Good quality
- Easy to read
- Easy to use
Cons.
- Some customers complained about the plastic jaws being made from cheap plastic that doesn’t last long.
The digital caliper can switch measuring units between inches and millimeters. The readings are displayed on an LCD screen when the tool is turned on.
9. T-SHIRT:
A perfect gift for anthropologists who usually go digging in warmer climates.
Pros.
- Good quality material
- Machine-wash safe
- Unisex
- Lightweight
Cons.
- You may need to pick a size larger than normal
This T-shirt is made from cotton and polyester and comes in six different colors to choose from.
GIFTS FOR BIOLOGY ANTHROPOLOGISTS
10. SCIENCE THEMED SOCKS:
These are a perfect gift to your anthropologist friend or family member for Christmas or their birthday. The socks are warm and stretchy.
Pros.
- Machine-wash safe
- Good quality
- Soft
- Unisex
Cons.
- Some customers complained about getting different packages than what they ordered. This was sorted out by the seller but it was an inconvenience nonetheless.
This pair of socks is made of fibers, cotton, and spandex.
11. STENO PADS:
This is a useful gift for an anthropologist because they take a lot of notes especially when they are in the field.
Pros.
- Excellent product
- Durable
- Good quality paper
- Large size
- Thick pages
- Sturdy
- Portable
Cons.
- Some customers found the bulkiness of the book unflattering
The Field steno pad is made of the best quality paper and has a thick cardboard front and back cover. This makes it easier to write in especially in the field.
12. WORLD’S OKAYEST ANTHROPOLOGIST MUG CUP:
This is a perfect gag gift for an anthropologist you know well and share humor with.
Pros.
- High quality
- Ceramic
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- UV protected
Cons.
- The inscription might fade after a few uses
This ceramic mug cup holds 11 ounces of liquid and keeps hot beverages hot for longer periods.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What gifts can you get for an anthropology student?
Our recommendation for the best gift to get an anthropology student would be books by notable anthropologists. Alternatively, you can also get them books from their syllabus that they will need to take and successfully complete a course. Books are expensive especially when they are required and so this gift would be great because it will take off some financial pressure off of their shoulders.
Related Article: Cool Gifts for Grad Students
What other gifts relating to anthropology can you give?
You can get an anthropologist membership to the AAA or AAPA organizations which are for professional anthropologists, assuming they don’t already belong to either one of them. Alternatively, you can find a recommendable journal for anthropology and get them a subscription so they can keep up with the latest news, and discoveries in their field.
What are some Christmas gift ideas for anthropologists?
The best Christmas gift idea for your anthropologist friend or family member is to take them on a vacation. They need time off from work to relax. The best part about this gift is you get to share it with them and create memories that will last you a lifetime. Christmas is the best time to travel because there are discounted resorts and holiday destinations so you don’t have to go too deep into your pockets planning for the getaway. Plus, you have all year to plan for this trip, plenty of time to tie up all and any loose ends.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, we hope that this article has helped you pick a gift that is right for your family member or friend who is enthusiastic about anthropology. Always remember that gift-giving is about the recipient of the gift and how useful or fulfilling or humorous they find whatever you are gifting them.
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