My introduction to Stoicism was sparked by a gift. My father gave me a collection of Epictetus’ writings before I left home to study abroad. That was over twelve years ago, but that gift left an indelible mark that remains with me today. If you know someone who endeavors to live life in the present moment and in accordance with their values, you’re sure to find something on this list of gifts for Stoics. The Stoic gift ideas here are intended to support, enrich, or serve as a reminder of one’s Stoicism practice.
All the ideas for Stoic gifts presented in this article are not only aligned with the themes that The Mindful Stoic explores—mindfulness, Stoicism, and reading about those two practices—but they are also carefully selected. We have selected all of the items here because they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- We actually use, trust, and love them
- They are handmade by small, independent artisans
- They promote a healthy lifestyle, enriched by practical philosophy
All links below lead to amazon.com where you can learn more about each item and complete your purchase with the same trust, fast deliveries and customer service you would expect from Amazon. We may earn small commissions on purchases made through these Amazon affiliate links, which help us keep this blog afloat. This is at no extra cost to you.
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Stoic gifts
Stoicism directly acknowledges the chaotic nature of the world, including interpersonal struggle. It has much to teach us about being socially courageous and how to deal with difficult people. Stoicism teaches us to embrace and prepare for the unexpected, but it’s not all about grit and sweat, as it has profound offerings on compassion, greater good, and stillness. Stoic reminders in the form of medallions or jewelry are a popular way to memorialize one’s commitment to practicing the Stoic virtues.
Here is a brief explanation of some of the more popular Stoic reminders in case you’re not already familiar with them, followed by the products themselves.
MEMENTO MORI
Memento mori (Latin for ‘remember your mortality’) is a classic Stoic reminder of the fact that we cannot afford to procrastinate on living virtuously because our time is finite.
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think” – Marcus Aurelius.
AMOR FATI
Amor fati (Latin for ‘the love of fate’) serves to remind us that we should not only accept our circumstances, but we should also embrace each moment with enthusiasm no matter how challenging it may be.
Related article: How To Practice Amor Fati
PREMEDITATIO MALORUM
Premeditatio malorum (Latin for ‘the premeditation of evils’) is the deliberate pondering of what could go wrong and a firm gratitude for what is relatively good. It is not meant to foster anxiety or worry, but rather promote preparedness and resilience against life’s inevitable vicissitudes.
SUMMUM BONUM
Summum bonum (Latin for ‘the highest good’) is a phrase used by early Stoics like Cicero to materialize their core message: to live virtuously is the highest good. If we act in accordance with the Four Stoic Virtues, all other moral pursuits will fall into place.
Stoic Medallions
Memento Mori medallion designed to remind you of the scarcity and preciousness of life.
Whether you carry it in your pocket, have it permanently next to you on your desk, or keep it by your bed, the coin has been designed as a portable mental reset for whenever life starts to get away from you. Shop now on Amazon and save 28% for a limited time
This is a newly designed Stoicism coin that captures the essence of Memento mori with subtlety and originality.
The Four Cardinal Virtues Stoic medallion is a physical and visual reminder of the key pillars of Stoicism: Wisdom, Courage, Justice and Temperance.
The design depicts all four of the Cardinal Virtues, each represented by a symbol. The owl represents Wisdom, the lion represents Courage, the scales represent Justice, and the lotus flower represents Temperance. Shop now on Amazon and save 28% for a limited time
This Summum Bonum coin is designed to remind that you always have the choice to aim for the “Highest Good” in whatever you do. You should always strive to act and do what is right, not what is necessarily easy.
It reminds you that you’ll be faced with many decisions today. So are you going to choose the ones that make the world a bit brighter? Shop now on Amazon and save 28% for a limited time
Amor Fati medallion designed to remind you that no matter what life’s external events are, you have the power to transform them into something positive for yourself, for others, and the world around you.
It is a reminder that it is within your power to not only see the good in the things that happen, but also to be the good. An excellent Stoic gift idea. Shop now on Amazon and save 28% for a limited time
Stoic jewelry
This Memento Mori ring is designed to be a permanent, physical reminder of the wisdom of Stoicism that you can wear at all times. It is a subtle yet powerful personal piece of Stoic jewelry. To remember you must die is to remember that you must live. This ring will keep this message close to you at all times.
The ring is 8 mm in width. It is made of stainless steel and has a matte black finish. The Memento mori logo is laser-engraved onto the ring. Check prices and shop now on Amazon.
The four virtues ring serves as a reminder of the Four Cardinal Virtues.
Made of stainless steel, the ring is 8 mm in width. The symbols are laser-engraved onto the ring. Check prices and shop now on Amazon.
This Amor Fati ring allows you to carry Stoic wisdom with you.
The ring is 8 mm thick. It is made of stainless steel and has a matte black finish. The Amor fati design is laser-engraved onto the ring. Check prices and shop now on Amazon.
Designed for those embracing the practical philosophy of Stoicism, this Memento mori signet ring is made of extremely durable 316L stainless steel. The face features embossed metal and a recessed enamel background.
Signet rings have been significant throughout history and it is likely that the Stoic emperor Marcus Aurelius himself wore one. They were worn (and are still worn) to keep things that carry significant meaning close to the wearer. Check prices and shop now on Amazon.
This Stoic necklace features an Amor fati inscription and the iconic burning flame symbol.
Also available in gold. Check prices and shop now on Amazon.
With its strong and minimalist design, this pendant bar Stoic necklace is the perfect way to wear your philosophy.
Stoic gifts for daily reflection
A fundamental piece of advice found throughout the writings of the ancient Stoics is daily reflection. The Stoics advised us to assess each day critically and honestly. In fact, Marcus Aurelius’ book Meditations was never intended to be published, but was instead a compilation of his personal journaling.
Putting your thoughts onto paper at the end of each day is an excellent way to decompress, to materialize your thinking in a way that will allow your thoughts to settle as you try to fall asleep. Journaling allows you to learn from the day’s events for a better tomorrow.
“I examine my entire day and go back over what I’ve done and said, hiding nothing from myself, passing nothing by.” – Seneca
Here are some exquisitely handcrafted journals and pens by small, independent artisans.
This beautifully crafted journal is meticulously handmade by skilled artisans. The journal features an embossed quote: “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny…” by C.S. Lewis. Check prices and shop now on Amazon
This exquisite handmade journal makes an impressive gift for any Stoic. The leather cover bears the inscription “Nevertheless, she persisted”. Check prices and shop now on Amazon
Soothi handmade leather journals are made from recycled and earth-friendly materials – that includes both the cover and the papers. The cover is genuine repurposed leather. The sustainable paper is composed of tree-free recycled cotton. This journal is inscribed with “But still, I rise”. Check prices and shop now on Amazon
Created with a durable, Smyth-sewn binding and featuring a helpful introduction explaining the various Stoic tools of self-management, as well as resources for further reading, this is a lasting companion volume for people who already love The Daily Stoic and its popular daily emails and social media accounts. It can also be used as a stand-alone journal, even if you haven’t read the previous books.
Stoic art prints
This selection of Stoic art blends philosophy and home decor—making the perfect Stoic gifts for men or women.
This original hand-drawn artwork of the great Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, embodies strength and humility.
This print features the quote:
“Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up.”
This portrait of Marcus Aurelius features a quote that epitomizes the Stoic concept The Dichotomy of Control.
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.”
This Epictetus portrait and quote print features serves as an important reminder to be mindful of the company we keep.
“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”
The Stoics wrote extensively about acting according to nature. This elegant Stoic art print brings to life a famous passage from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations that calls us beautifully to carry out our duties and commitments because they are natural.
Stoic apparel
We selected these pieces of Stoic apparel because they are subtle yet emblematic of the philosophy. Click here for a wider selection of Stoic apparel on Amazon.
Women’s Memento mori / amor fati cotton tee. Available in several colors and sizes.
Men’s amor fati graphic sweatshirt. Available in several colors and sizes.
Men’s Stoic virtues hoodie. Available in several colors and sizes.
Stoic virtues tote bag.
Stoics are voracious readers
Stocism is practical. It lends itself to different techniques, approaches, and exercises. This is why books are such an integral part of The Mindful Stoic. Books are the source of all our knowledge. They allow us to discover new ideas and challenge old beliefs. Books keep the conversation alive. I believe Socrates most eloquently described the profound utility of reading:
Employ your time in improving yourself by other people’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for
Books on Stoicism
Of all the Stoic gifts recommended on this page, I truly believe a book is the best choice for anyone interested in Stoicism. A truly good book can spark positive momentum in anyone’s life.
Check out our Books on Stoicism page, where we’ve curated a collection of over forty of the top-rated books about or inspired by Stoicism.
Kindle E-readers
I own a Kindle Paperwhite and it’s one of my favorite possessions. I used to be one of these people who ‘just prefers the feel of a real book, the paper, the smell…’ But then I moved intercontinentally twice within six years and realized the relative burden of owning physical books. They take up space, they’re heavy, and they rarely get used more than once. Don’t get me wrong, I still love paper books. But now I keep my collection down to a very select few, truly special books that I know I will read again and again for years.
Kindles are great because they’re designed to feel like a real book. Their screens are not like your phone or tablet. They use relatively simple backlight technology, so they are glare free for reading even under direct sunlight without any trouble. They’re lightweight so you can easily travel around with your entire library at your fingertips. Most models are waterproof, so no worries around the bathtub or at the beach. Kindles are also great for taking and organizing notes.
- The lightest and most compact Kindle, now with a 300 ppi high-resolution display for sharp text and images.
- Read comfortably with a glare-free, paper-like display. The adjustable front light and dark mode make reading effortless, day and night.
- Get lost in your story. Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free device specifically made for reading.
- All-new Kindle Paperwhite – Now with a 6.8” display and thinner borders, adjustable warm light, up to 10 weeks of battery life, and 20% faster page turns.
- Purpose-built for reading – With a flush-front design and 300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.
- Get more with Signature Edition – Everything in the Kindle Paperwhite, plus wireless charging, auto-adjusting front light, and 32 GB storage.
- Purpose-built for reading – With a flush-front design and 300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.
- More reading time – A single charge via USB-C or compatible Qi wireless charger (sold separately) now lasts up to 10 weeks.
- Read and write as naturally as you do on paper – Features the world’s first 10.2” 300 ppi glare-free Paperwhite display and included Basic Pen.
- Take notes within millions of titles in the Kindle Store – Handwrite thoughts on sticky notes in your favorite book with the included Basic Pen. Notes are automatically organized by book in one place, so you can browse, review, and export them via email.
- Create notebooks, journals, and lists – Choose from a variety of included templates like lined paper, grid paper, checklists, and more.
Audible is easy to give
Audible is Amazon’s audiobook service. You can purchase nearly any title you can imagine in Audible audiobook format. You don’t need a subscription or special device to do this. You can simply go to amazon.com, search for the book you’re looking for, and you’ll quickly notice whether or not it comes in Audible format (it does more often than not). All you need to listen is the free Audible app, available for iOS or Android. Audible is fantastic for those moments where you cannot read a book—driving, exercising, walking, or doing housework.
Audible has a page dedicated to giving the subscription with different durations to choose from. I think this is an excellent gift idea for anyone for several reasons. First, it’s great if you don’t know what to get for someone but want something more thoughtful than a gift card. Audible has something for everyone, with nearly any book you can imagine in audio format, but also original dramas, podcasts, comedies and even guided meditations. You give the subscription, but they choose the content. They’ll be reminded of your thoughtful gesture during the hours or entertainment or education they’ll receive.