gifts for letter writers?

[MedicalStudent888]

Hi all,

I want to get some of my mentors who helped me so much through this application journey a nice present. I was thinking for my main advisor and research mentors I would get them a nice bottle of wine or perhaps a candle, and then for my letter writers I am not as close with, I was thinking of gifting them a handwritten note. But should I gift actual presents to all my 7 letter writers? And any other nice ideas of gifts to get / is it weird to get a mentor wine?

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[LizzyM]

A handwritten note is always appreciated, particularly a follow-up at the end of the cycle with info about where you'll be next year. Something that can be consumed or used up like a candle or wine is nice if you know that the person uses that type of product (some people don't drink or have sensitivities that they can't use scented products, etc).

Other than wine, if you know that a person drinks coffee or tea, and you know they would go outside of their "usual" product, a gourmet coffee or tea (ground coffee or tea bags unless you know they use whole beans or loose tea) that can be a thoughtful gift at about the same price point as a bottle of wine.

 

[Deltasidearm]

Just be aware that if your letter writers are faculty and you are a student, then there is going to be a university policy they must follow for accepting gifts. You should ask before giving any gifts so they do not get in trouble. If I remember correctly, at my university faculty could accept gifts from students as long as the monetary value was less than $50, but it may have been $20.

 

[MedicalStudent888]

Thank you both so much!!

@Deltasidearm does this rule apply to alumni usually? I graduated last year but I will confirm with my UVA's guidelines

 

[Deltasidearm]

Thank you both so much!!

@Deltasidearm does this rule apply to alumni usually? I graduated last year but I will confirm with my UVA's guidelines

I'm uncertain. It definitely applies to those that are graduating. I'm unsure if it applies to those who have graduated and some time has passed.

 

[NickNaylor]

Agree with LizzyM - when I write letters for students, the only thing I would hope to receive is an update at the end of their application cycle letting me know how things ended up for them.

It would actually be uncomfortable if a student got me a "gift." I would accept it, but it would be weird.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

We are going with nice Napa wine for PI.

 

[mmchick]

I sent all my recommenders a mug from the school I ultimately chose to attend + a note back. I also knew all of them on a personal level outside from sitting in their class or shadowing, so it didn't feel overdone to send a small gift such as that. Also, a good bit of them had written me multiple letters at that point so I felt a gift was overdue. Feel out what would be appropriate for each recommender. A note I think is the minimum courtesy; a very small, inexpensive gift for more developed relationships.