As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In addition, I participate in several other affiliate programs that allow me to earn while I recommend products I love.
This post is all about the best dark academia gifts for the modern scholar.
One of the most profound gifts we are given in this life is the opportunity to discover what in this world resonates with us. If the dark academia aesthetic resonates with you, you’re not alone. It does with me too.
What is dark academia?
Dark academia first and foremost romanticizes learning for learning’s sake. The university experience, including the environment and activities, is the most common theme. Going to classes, taking notes, and studying in the university library late at night are the things dark academians idealize. There is a strong emphasis on appreciation of poetry, prose, and art history with an intuitive fondness for its beauty.
Unlike using education as a means of gaining employment, good grades, or out of a sense of obligation, for dark academians, studying is done for the enjoyment of it. This is almost always in the humanities (literature, history, philosophy, etc.) and languages, as opposed to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
The visual aesthetics of dark academia are dark, shadowy places, like an old library, a historic victorian house, an art museum, a cathedral, a corner seat at an out-of-the-way cafe, or a dark dorm room. Solitary studying is glorified in dark academia, even though there is a large online community where enthusiasts share their love of essay writing, learning languages, and studying and annotating literature. Many people join Dark Academia to motivate themselves in their schoolwork.
31 Best Dark Academia Gifts for the Modern Scholar
The following Pinterest Pin provides an example of this aesthetic.
What should I buy my dark academia friend?
If you’re looking for dark academia gift ideas for your friend, then you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find 31 of the best dark academia gifts that can be found online.
Best Dark Academia Gifts for the Modern Scholar
One thing to note is that dark academia enthusiasts are known to eschew modern technology in preference for old-world technology. The reality is that it’s hard to avoid modern technology these days, so the following list of dark academic gift ideas includes modern technology with an old-world flare.
Dark Academia School Supplies
1) CANVAS SCHOOL SATCHEL BACKPACK | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
This canvas brown duffel bag backpack is large enough to fit everyday essentials such as a laptop, notebook, book, iPad, lunch, camera, and clothes.
The modern scholar who enjoys the dark academia aesthetic will appreciate this practical gift.
2) RULED SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
These ruled spiral notebooks are essential tools for dark academians because note-taking while studying has been proven to be an effective way to retain information.
The dark, moody, autumnal colors are perfect for emulating the dark academia aesthetic.
3) BLACK GEL PENS | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
These high-performance gel pens with a dark academia aesthetic are a perfect gift for the modern scholar.
4) PAGE FLAGS | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Page flags are an excellent gift for your dark academia friend. They are perfect for sticking on book pages to flag an important passage.
5) HIGHLIGHTER PENS | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Dark academia enthusiasts are obsessed with highlighting and annotating the books they read. These highlighter pens in autumnal shades fit right into the dark academia aesthetic.
6) MINI GOLD BINDER CLIPS | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
These mini gold binder clips are another favored tool for dark academia aesthetics because they help your student keep track of what they’re studying.
7) DESIGNER PLAID PENCIL CASE | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Every dark academia enthusiast needs a designer plaid pencil case to keep their page flags, binder clips, and highlighter pens together in one place.
8) LEATHER JOURNAL | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
A handmade leather journal is a perfect gift for your dark academia friend. Writing, note-taking, and artistic pursuits align with the dark academia aesthetic.
9) TYPEWRITER KEYBOARD | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
There’s just no way of getting around the fact that we’re in a modern technological era. This doesn’t mean that your dark academian friend can’t enjoy the dark academia aesthetic with this retro keyboard. It’s the perfect gift for the modern scholar.
10) APPLE AIRPODS | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Research shows that dark academia enthusiasts listen to classical music, like Bach and Chopin, and there are numerous playlists on the internet under the keyword ‘dark academia aesthetic’. These Apple earbuds would show your support for this activity.
11) OBSIDIAN JOURNAL | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Replicating the look of an old book, this obsidian journal fits right into the dark academia aesthetic with its dark brown color and gold filigree.
12) DARK ACADEMIA PHONE CASE | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
This dark academia phone case gives off the perfect vibe for the dark academia aesthetic.
13) LEATHER IPAD COVER | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
A leather iPad cover with intricate floral carvings would be a nice gift for the modern scholar who emulates the dark academia aesthetic.
Dark Academia Outfits
14) “BUT, POETRY, BEAUTY, ROMANCE, LOVE…” SWEATSHIRT | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
One of the most quoted sayings by dark academians is from Dead Poet’s Society: “But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for”.
This dark academia sweatshirt comes in a variety of colors to choose from.
15) CLASSIC BROWN PLAID SKIRT| BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
This handmade high-waisted plaid skirt would make the perfect trendy fashion statement for the modern scholar who loves dressing in the dark academia aesthetic.
16) SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME NECKLACE | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
This budget-friendly necklace would make a great gift for your dark academia enthusiast.
17) FULL GRAIN LEATHER MESSENGER BAG | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
This dark, leather messenger bag is an essential addition to the modern scholar’s dark academia outfit.
18) PRIDE & PREJUDICE SATCHEL | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Another essential for the dark academia aesthetic is this satchel that holds smaller items like a wallet and iPhone.
19) VINTAGE POCKET WATCH | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Giving a nod to earlier advances in technology that are now romanticized in the dark academia aesthetics, a pocket watch makes a nice gift for your dark academia enthusiast.
Dark Academia Decor
20) SHAKESPEARE PLAYS BOOK PAGE WALL ART | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Made from thrifted books destined for landfill, these classic pages are the perfect addition to your dark academia aesthetic wall collage.
21) DARK ACADEMIA WALL COLLAGE KIT | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Pair these curated pictures with the above classic book pages for the perfect dark academia wall collage.
22) NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ANTIQUE GLOBE | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
The National Geographic antique globe is the perfect gift for your dark academia modern scholar.
23) SCENTED SOY CANDLE | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Surrounding yourself with the scent of the forest and old books that transport you to a dreamy world of intellectuals in pursuit of knowledge makes this scented soy candle an essential gift for the dark academian.
24) GREEK STATUE OF DIANA | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Dark academia enthusiasts are interested in ancient Greek mythology. This unique sculpture of Diana would be the perfect dark academia gift for the modern scholar who likes to surround themselves with the aesthetic.
25) POET ROOM SPRAY | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
This room spray has a woodsy, musky smell designed to transport your modern scholar to an old library filled with literary masterpieces where a mysterious poet awaits.
26) DARK FILIGREE WOODEN STORAGE BOX | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
This wooden case box is perfect for storing small trinkets and jewelry.
Dark Academia Activities
27) ROMAN GLADIATORS CHESS SET | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Chess is connotative of dark academia due to its emphasis on strategy, as well as intellect and dramatic tension being two of the main pillars of the game and the aesthetic’s appeal.
28) ANTIQUE CALLIGRAPHY QUILL SET | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Calligraphy, because it reflects a leisurely pastime, is a favored hobby of dark academia enthusiasts.
If you think your modern scholar would enjoy this, it would make a great gift.
29) WAX SEAL STAMP KIT | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
Handwriting letters and sealing them with a wax stamp evokes memories of a dreamy, simpler time and goes right along with the dark academia aesthetic.
30) LETTER WRITING EPHEMERA STATIONERY | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
This stationery set is perfect for any journaling or pen pal enthusiast! Every piece here is hand-picked to align with the dark academia aesthetic.
31) HOW TO BECOME AN 18TH CENTURY POET JOURNAL | BEST DARK ACADEMIA GIFTS
A dark academia A5 notebook, empty for you or your modern scholar to write poetry, essays, or journal entries or draw to your heart’s content.
Advertisement
Very good blog post. I absolutely appreciate this site. Thanks!
Thank you, Paul!