Gifts for Classics Students

Sometimes shopping for holiday gifts is hard - someone doesn't give you a list, and all you DO know is what they DON'T like.

So, this week is based on GIFTS BY MAJORS.

Today is Classics Majors (here included are Greek and Latin majors as well). I'd like to think I have SOME idea about this because I'm a Classical Studies minor, but here goes.

First, some basic advice: learn what language the major does (Greek, Latin, both, neither), and learn what sort of Classical thing they're interested in. For example, I've done Greek and never done Latin, and I'm vaguely interested in ancient religion and the transition to Christianity. Latin and Greek are different, and many majors WILL know the difference.

DEFINITELY TO BUY:

1. Find out their language - if they do Greek, Latin, or both. Once you find their language, find out if they have a favorite ancient author, and see if you can find a quote in the original language from the author. Put that quote onto a tote bag/ t-shirt/ hat/ diary/ item that you know they like.
2. If you're not super crafty but know what this person likes, follow THIS LINK - cafe press has a lot of really fun things in Latin/ Greek. 
3. BOOKS. Once you learn what sort of Classical thing they're interested in, find a book on it - even if it's only vaguely related. Does the Major study Latin or Roman things? Find a work on Roman emperors, gladiators, or the Roman mythos. If they study Greek things, look for Homer, Alexander the Great, Philip the Great, Athens, Sparta, ancient philosophers, the Ptolemaic line in Egypt....
4. Something to help with their language study. For example, something I wish I had gotten freshman year (instead of senior year) is a Greek Paradigm Handbook ($13 or so) that helps review noun and adjective declension and verb conjugations. And here is a comparable item for Latin ($19).
5. Search Etsy for some interesting finds, because goodness knows people are super creative. For example, this bracelet embossed with Homeric verses ($40), or this bracelet in Latin ($33). 

DEFINITELY DON'T BUY:

1. if the Classics Major is a Greek student, DO NOT buy them anything that uses the Greek letter Sigma as an "e". We know it looks like an "e," but EPSILON EXISTS FOR A REASON. What am I talking about? THIS.