Is Christmas/holiday gift appropriate?

[VioletAyame]

My professors just finished uploading all those LORs for me and as the holiday season is coming up, I'm thinking of getting them little gifts before final, either something standard like a tide or a scarf or one of those cutesy "Best Professor" mugs online. Do you think it is appropriate to give present now or should I wait until I get the decision, then send them the gifts with thank you cards? The thing is, what if I don't get accepted anywhere? I'll still want to show my appreciation, but won't it be depressing then? Sorry if the question is silly

[LittleDarlings]

I'm getting gift cards for all my LOR writers

[TakeruK]

I got all of my professors a small gift at the end of the summer, just before I left for grad school. I think if you are wondering about whether or not holiday gifts for LOR writers are appropriate, the question to ask yourself is -- if these people were not writing my LORs, would I still give them a present? If your relationship is such that you would, then go ahead. If not, then I wouldn't want to convey a message that even vaguely implies "here is a present because you are writing my LORs". This is the way I would think about it -- hope that helps you decide what you'd like to do!

[emmm]

I think it is fine to give them gifts before you have any results from your applications -- just be sure to send them email updates when you DO have news to share!

[VioletAyame]

I got all of my professors a small gift at the end of the summer, just before I left for grad school. I think if you are wondering about whether or not holiday gifts for LOR writers are appropriate, the question to ask yourself is -- if these people were not writing my LORs, would I still give them a present? If your relationship is such that you would, then go ahead. If not, then I wouldn't want to convey a message that even vaguely implies "here is a present because you are writing my LORs". This is the way I would think about it -- hope that helps you decide what you'd like to do!

 

Thank you so much for your advice. That was exactly what I was concerned about. I think I would get a present for one of my professor. She was my mentor and has helped me a lot during and after my project. When I couldn't afford to book a hotel room for a conference in DC, she told me to come and stay with her. I also gave her a Christmas gift last year, so I was gonna do it this year anyway. The other two I might just send them holiday cards, though one of them was just so helpful that I want to get him some hot coco!