Thanks to referees... When?

[LilithWntDwn2TN]

My referees submitted the last of their letters about a week ago. Two of them are on my thesis committee. I would like to send them small thank-you gifts and notes (home-baked goods and whatnot), but am not sure if I should do it now, after my thesis defense, when (if...) I get acceptance letters, or at all three occasions. Thoughts? 

[autumnreads]

I think you can send thank you notes / emails for the reference letters now and then the small gifts and notes after your defence. Usually, when I send thank you to references, I typically state that I will keep them updated on the application process - and then would send another email once the acceptances came in to thank them again and notify them of my choice. 

[museum_geek]

I emailed my letter writers with my thanks and a promise to keep them updated after all the letters were submitted, and I plan on sending a small gift and a handwritten note once I decide on a program.  I'd like to send them something from the school I end up choosing (i.e. a coffee mug, decal, apparel, etc.) along with a handwritten thank you note.  I feel like a handwritten thank you note will be nicer once I choose a program, so I can point to that program and say "I'm going here, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!  You da bomb!"

[ashiepoo72]

I'm giving each of my letter writers a book specially selected for them with a thank you card before I hear back from programs. My thinking is that I'm thanking them for the recommendation letters, not whether I get into a program or not. I do plan on giving them some home-baked goods and maybe a shot glass or mug from the program I select (if I get in anywhere). I know people think that's cliche, but I like the idea of them having something from where I end up, especially because their letters supported my efforts.

 

I think it's perfectly fine to give your rec writers a thank you note even before your defense. They are professionals, and as long as you don't go over the top I doubt they'll view your thoughtfulness as an attempt at manipulating the outcome of your thesis defense. It's really up to you, though

[LilithWntDwn2TN]

Thanks, guys! I decided to send some hand-written notes now and will probably send a second batch after I find out what's up with my applications. I like the idea of some sort of program-specific swag. 

[grad_wannabe]

I LOVE the idea of school-specific swag! I gave each of my writers a small gift and thank-you note already, but the swag is such an adorable way to tell them where you're ending up! Thanks for the idea!