Gifts for Graduate Students?

[new here]

Hi everyone,

 

During the last two years of undergraduate study, I worked in a research lab at my university alongside three graduate students. These students helped me immensely during every single step of the graduate school application process and offered tons of insight, guidance, advice, and encoruagement. Now that I've been accepted to graduate school, I'd like to give them each a small gift to show my appreciation, as I honestly do not believe I would have gotten in without their help.

 

Unfortunately, I have no idea what to buy them. Any suggestions?

 

Thank you!

[Eigen]

If you're still in the same locale, I'd suggest taking them out for coffee or to get dinner.

Some of the best moments for me have been getting to catch up with some of my former undergrads and share the excitement of starting grad school.

Also, tell them what a big help they were/how much it meant. It always seems obvious, but it's always nice to know.

[TakeruK]

I'd second Eigen's suggestion! It's really fun to talk to someone who is just about to start grad school, especially if it's someone you've worked with or helped or taught. Sometimes grad school is pretty sucky and it feels like no one cares about your work. So, hearing an undergrad's excitement and knowing that you did make a difference for someone is very encouraging and motivating!

 

If you can't meet up with them in person, then a great gift idea for grad students is something that is a treat that they might not get for themselves. Find out what their interests/hobbies are and get them something related to that. e.g. coffee/tea or set of nice pens (if they are really particular about their pens) etc. Whatever you know they'd like!

[mandarin.orange]

I've typically gotten a nice card with gift card enclosed (usually Starbucks) from my undergrads. I definitely appreciate the handwritten messages in the cards most, but the gift card is a nice gesture...a SBucks is right by my apt and usual bus stop, SB has tasty food and snacks (and what grad student doesn't like FREE FOOD?), plus the opportunity to stay caffeinated.

 

Probably most thoughtful gift was a student who gave me a scarf from a local apparel store; we had always complimented each others' scarves when around the lab in the winter months.

Edited June 5, 2015 by mandarin.orange

[juilletmercredi]

I was going to suggest a Starbucks gift card...keep it small ($5) with a handwritten thank you. I'd appreciate that. But honestly, I wouldn't be expecting anything - helping undergrads get into grad school is just part of the fun. Taking them out to coffee to talk grad school and research could also potentially be fun - I had lunch with some of my undergrads who wanted to get into grad school and it was pretty awesome.

[ERR_Alpha]

Hi everyone,

During the last two years of undergraduate study, I worked in a research lab at my university alongside three graduate students. These students helped me immensely during every single step of the graduate school application process and offered tons of insight, guidance, advice, and encoruagement. Now that I've been accepted to graduate school, I'd like to give them each a small gift to show my appreciation, as I honestly do not believe I would have gotten in without their help.

Unfortunately, I have no idea what to buy them. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

When I did my REU I got the lab a massive bag of those Lindt truffles. (I knew they all had sweet tooths) They LOVED them. I always think "what's something I would like but would never buy for myself?"

[Nanolol]

I've sent gift cards for the LCBO (Canadian liquor store) tucked inside thank you cards.

 

For my MA supervisor, I've gotten him Jelly Belly jellybeans (he loves those) in bulk and Pacific Coffee beans (all the way from Hong Kong)

[TakeruK]

I've sent gift cards for the LCBO (Canadian liquor store) tucked inside thank you cards.

 

For my MA supervisor, I've gotten him Jelly Belly jellybeans (he loves those) in bulk and Pacific Coffee beans (all the way from Hong Kong)

 

LCBO is the Ontario (not Canadian) liquor store

 

Sorry, as a west coast Canadian, it's a tiny pet peeve when it is implied/assumed that the rest of Canada is just like Ontario

 

I really am joking though. I love Ontario: I was born there and have lots of friends/family there. LCBO gift cards are a great idea