Gifts

[maturia]

What is the proper protocol on gifts for people who have written letters of recommendation for you, and also for those who didn't write you a letter, but gave you advice and feedback on your statement of interest? I obviously intend to send a Thank-You card, but is it appropriate to also include a gift? I'd have to send all but one of these by mail, and I feel awkward sending an actual bulky package to professors' offices in addition to a Thank-You card, especially if this would be seen as unusual or inappropriate.  What is usually considered standard procedure? And what about for the person who reviewed my statement - is a gift standard, or just a card?

[MammaD]

I have these questions, too! I hope someone answers. I may send gift cards to avoid the bulky package issue.

[emmm]

I gave gifts, but I felt my LOR writers went above and beyond for me. One note of warning -- some people feel uncomfortable being given gifts. This may be less of an issue if the gifts are mailed, but I gave the gifts in person to two of my professors, and one was reluctant to accept initially.

[CarlieE]

After the applications were completed and the deadlines all passed, I waited. When I got an interview I emailed all my recommenders a personalized email and told them the good news. (After the interview I sent thank you note to my interviewers.) When I got accepted, I went to see my recommenders in person and told them the good news. (I had 6 recommenders; some for specific programs/institutions.)

 

Since I was still in my last semester of UG, I waited until the semester was over to give a small gift. I got them all the same book: "F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers" which I found HILARIOUS (and they did too). It's a small, cheap book ($9.99 new) and it's very light hearted so there's no (or less) weirdness about it. And since they all got the same thing too, there was no weirdness on my part. 

[hopeful80]

I decided to be *extra* sweet and send chocolate covered strawberries (Edible Arrangements), but I know for some people it's over the top. These guys were so good to me though, and have both become mentors.

 

I think a simple thank you card will suffice if you aren't very close with your recommenders though

[kiki123]

I have the exact same issue. I bought thank-you cards, but I was wondering if sending a gift would be appropriate or not. I would have to mail all of mine, too. I was also considering gift cards, though I'm not sure to which establishments. Any ideas?

[queenleblanc]

I'm sending a box of whitman's chocolates and a dollar-tree purchased thank you card to my LOR's.  Inexpensive, yet tasty.  And doesn't look like a bribe.  I'm mailing them out tomorrow to the ones that are not local.  

[surefire]

Since I was still in my last semester of UG, I waited until the semester was over to give a small gift. I got them all the same book: "F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers" which I found HILARIOUS (and they did too). It's a small, cheap book ($9.99 new) and it's very light hearted so there's no (or less) weirdness about it. And since they all got the same thing too, there was no weirdness on my part. 

 

That book sounds outstanding! What a cool idea!

 

I sent all writers a handwritten note and a coffee mug from the institution that I elected to attend (except for my above-and-beyond writer, who I know a bit better, she got a pint glass!). These were all well-received. As well, most of them were sent via mail without too much trouble!

 

You could also raid the Piled Higher and Deeper store: http://www.phdcomics.com/store/mojostore.php

[BrookeSnow]

Perhaps someone can help out with an additional question. When is the best time to send thank you cards. My recs. will all be done in February but I may not find out anything for sure until May. How long should I wait to send at least the thank you note?

[midnight]

Perhaps someone can help out with an additional question. When is the best time to send thank you cards. My recs. will all be done in February but I may not find out anything for sure until May. How long should I wait to send at least the thank you note?

 

I'm waiting until I get my results so I can share any news (good, I hope) with my rec writers.

 

As for gifts, I know they're not necessary or expected, but I've decided to buy each prof an inexpensive item (~$10) that is in line with their specific interests (e.g., a book on early American life, a Leftist analysis of modern African-American literature, an audiobook of the Metaphysical poets).

Edited January 18, 2013 by midnight streetlight

[MissMoneyJenny]

I'm planning on giving my LORs a mug, a bag of coffee and maybe some biscotti with it. Nothing too major or expensive. Also, I plan on including a handwritten thank you note. 

[uromastyx]

I'm planning on giving my LORs a mug, a bag of coffee and maybe some biscotti with it. Nothing too major or expensive. Also, I plan on including a handwritten thank you note. 

Same; a mug from the school I've chosen and some coffee/tea included.

[TSG2013]

what if they have attended the same Uni. you're heading to themselves, would a school mug/t-shirt still be appropriate ?