Gifts for Engineering Grads

A Gift That Engineers Will Actually Use (And Love)

You know that moment when an engineer unboxes a new piece of tech? The way they instantly inspect the build quality, run a few test swipes or clicks, maybe even hold it up to the light to check tolerances? Yeah, that’s how they’ll treat a gift.

Most gifts? Straight to the “I’ll totally use this… someday” pile. But the right one? It becomes part of their daily workflow, like their ThinkPad keyboard or their go-to terminal setup. If you want something that doesn’t just sit on a shelf, but actually works for them - think practical, precise, and built to last.

A well-chosen leather accessory isn’t just a gift - it’s an upgrade to their everyday carry (EDC), a nod to their meticulous nature, and a low-key flex that even the most minimalist engineer will appreciate. Because let’s be real: If it doesn’t solve a problem, it’s just clutter.

Why Engineers Appreciate Precision in Everything - Including Their Accessories

Try giving an engineer something “good enough.” Go ahead, watch their eye twitch.

These are the people who instinctively check TechCrunch, IEEE Spectrum, or HBR before trusting a product. They know when a laptop hinge is engineered properly and when a wallet’s stitching is going to fail before its first code review. Their appreciation for precision and longevity doesn’t stop at their work - it extends to everything they own.

• Durability? Non-negotiable. Full-grain, vegetable-tanned Italian leather isn’t just marketing fluff - it’s the ThinkPad of materials. Unlike chrome-tanned leather that degrades in 5-7 years, vegetable-tanned leather lasts decades (kind of like Unix, still running strong since the ‘70s). That’s why we at Von Baer use Cuoio Superiore full-grain leather, ensuring both resilience and elegance.
• Build quality matters. Stitching should be 6-8 stitches per inch (SPI) - any more, and it’s overkill; any less, and it frays. Zippers? YKK EXCELLA or RiRi, because engineers hate failure points. The Von Baer Liberty Backpack, for instance, features precision YKK zippers and reinforced seams, making it ideal for daily commutes.
• Structural integrity isn’t a buzzword. A good briefcase should stand upright without slumping. That’s the difference between a well-structured database and one that collapses under query load. The Von Baer No.1 Briefcase, designed for 15.6” laptops, balances a structured form with enough flexibility to accommodate notebooks and chargers.

A quality leather bag is like writing clean, efficient code - built to last, optimized for the long run, and just as satisfying to use years later.

From Graduation to Their First Big Role - The Right Gift Makes an Impact

Picture this: They step into OpenAI’s office, Meta’s R&D lab, or Tesla’s design studio for the first time. They’re wearing their badge, carrying a sleek leather laptop bag, structured briefcase, or executive backpack.

No frayed polyester. No giant logos screaming “intern.” Just a polished, well-built piece that says, ‘I belong here.’

Choosing the right carry setup? Here’s the cheat sheet:

• Laptop bag or structured briefcase? If they’re spending their days coding in PyTorch or debating distributed systems, a 16” laptop bag with dedicated padding for a MacBook Pro or ThinkPad X1 Carbon (engineers’ favorites, let’s be real) is ideal. The Von Baer City Large Laptop Bag, which fits a 17” laptop, ensures ample space without excess bulk. For hardware engineers handling physical prototypes, a 15L+ briefcase with reinforced compartments keeps things secure.
• Backpack or tote? Engineering managers and product leads juggling meetings and sprint reviews love a high-end leather tote with a reinforced base (so it doesn’t sag under the weight of their decisions). Those in travel-heavy roles? A 20L+ structured backpack with a hidden RFID pocket and luggage pass-through strap. The Von Baer 10X Laptop Travel Bag stands out here - it converts between a backpack, shoulder bag, and handle carry, making it ideal for engineers who are constantly on the move.
• Shoulder strap vs. top handle? If they’re walking between buildings at Googleplex or Stanford Research Park, a 2” padded shoulder strap saves their spine. For those attending VC pitch meetings in SoMa, a top-handle briefcase projects authority. The Von Baer Elegant Briefcase offers a minimalist silhouette with a slim profile, ideal for executives who prefer a sleek, professional look.

First impressions aren’t just about the resume - every detail contributes. If their LinkedIn profile pic is polished, their gear should be too.

Why the Best Minds in Tech Value Functionality Over Flash

Here’s a fun experiment: Hand an engineer a flashy designer bag covered in gold zippers and unnecessary buckles. Watch them recoil like they just saw an unoptimized SQL query.

Engineers think in systems - if a thing exists, it must serve a purpose. That’s why functionality beats excess every time.

• Backpacks with dedicated laptop compartments? Must be padded at least 5mm, lined with microfiber (so their MacBook screen stays scratch-free), and separate from the main compartment to prevent overheating from other gear. The Von Baer Liberty Backpack, designed to fit a 14” laptop, offers a structured silhouette with premium brass hardware.
• Garment duffles for business travel? Engineers who attend NeurIPS, CES, or DEF CON need to pack efficiently. A built-in suit compartment measuring 38” x 22” unfolded means they can fly from San Francisco to Zurich and arrive conference-ready. The Von Baer Grand Garment Bag fits both business attire and everyday essentials, making it a seamless travel companion.
• Minimalist wallets? The ideal RFID-blocking wallet is no more than 10mm thick, fits 6-8 cards, and allows quick access to Clipper (San Francisco), Oyster (London), or Suica (Tokyo) transit passes. The Von Baer Classic Bifold maintains a slim yet spacious design, perfect for engineers who value efficiency.
• Valet trays and desk pads? A 24” x 14” leather desk pad doubles as a writing surface and mouse pad, while a valet tray measuring 8” x 8” x 2” keeps keys, AirPods, and crypto hardware wallets from getting lost in a sea of cables. The Von Baer Valet Tray, handmade from full-grain leather, ensures a clean, organized workspace.

Every feature should be intentional - just like a well-architected system.

From First Promotion to Startup Success - Gifts That Mark the Milestones

Tech careers move fast. One moment, they’re debugging code at 2 AM. The next? They’re leading a team, raising their first $5M in funding, or presenting at Web Summit.

Each leap forward deserves a tangible symbol of progress - not a participation trophy, but something they’ll actually use:

• Landed their first six-figure job? A premium leather laptop bag or briefcase (because $180K deserves better than a free company backpack). The Von Baer No.1 Briefcase, designed with double compartments and a spacious layout, makes the transition from individual contributor to manager seamless.
• Raising their first VC funding? A custom-engraved wallet or business card holder (because networking is 50% of the startup game). The Von Baer Money Clip Wallet offers a compact profile with quick-access card slots, perfect for impromptu investor meetings.
• Speaking at their first major conference? A structured leather portfolio, because fumbling with loose papers at TED or NeurIPS isn’t the look.

Success isn’t about bragging - it’s about showing up prepared. The right gear helps them do that effortlessly.

A Gift That Grows with Them - Just Like Their Career

A well-engineered product gets better with time - whether it’s software, hardware, or a well-made leather bag.

Every crease from late-night coding sessions at Stripe HQ. Every scuff from a business trip to Berlin. Every softened edge from years of boardroom negotiations. These aren’t flaws - they’re the physical proof of progress.

For an engineer who values longevity, function, and timeless design, this isn’t just another gift. It’s a daily companion, a marker of milestones, and a quiet flex that speaks volumes without a single word.

And in five, ten, or twenty years - when they’ve built their own startup, led breakthrough AI research, or architected the next SpaceX propulsion system - they’ll still be carrying it.

Maybe with a few more scuffs. But then again, so will they.

Commencement marks more than a ceremony - it’s the shift from student to professional. For graduates stepping into mechanical, electrical, or software engineering roles, the right gear isn’t just about style. Your bag is a program of its own: a system for carrying tools, safeguarding tech, and making your day seamless. Whether heading to NVIDIA’s research lab, a VC pitch, or an AI summit, your setup should match your expertise. A well-built leather briefcase or backpack? It’s the difference between looking prepared and looking like you’re still figuring things out. Because in engineering, details matter... and so does your first impression.