What is an appropriate "thank you gift" for professors and doctors

[itscomplicateddd]

I want to write a thank you note and give them along with a small gift to the people who helped me along the way, let me shadow or research under them, and/or wrote me letters of recommendations.

What gifts have you guys given to the people who helped you out?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[LizzyM]

A heart-felt handwritten thank you letter on writing paper (not a preprinted card you sign) is more than enough. An email letter of thanks is okay if you can't put pen to paper or don't have a mailing address or a way to drop off the letter in person.

Some people will give a bottle or baked goods... either is appropriate if you know the person well enough to know their eating/drinking habits. A gift card for coffee might be acceptable (to some people it is equal to cash which many can't accept for ethical reasons).