Gifts for Professors Forum

[ccmbr006]

I just got an offer for a District Court clerkship, and I accepted it. My recommendations did not arrive in the mail, but all three of my professors called the judge within a few minutes of hearing that the letters did not arrive. Needless to say, I'm pretty grateful for their help, and I'd really like to give them a little gift in addition to a thank you note.

What kind of gift is appropriate?

[CanadianWolf]

A "thank you" note.

[Bronx Bum]

A good watch but not something ridiculous.

[transferror]

You don't want to be too personal but you definitely want to convey thanks and respect. I'd go with a hand job.

[ccmbr006]

You don't want to be too personal but you definitely want to convey thanks and respect. I'd go with a hand job.

I thought of that, but I didn't think a handy showed sufficient gratitude.

[transferror]

I thought of that, but I didn't think a handy showed sufficient gratitude.

Then have your significant other give the hand job. That should do the trick. If you're single, maybe ask one of your parents. It would feel special coming from a third party, especially if you are there to watch and give a light golf clap when it's over.

Edit: Grammar. It's important, kids.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Gifts aren't necessary. But something along the lines of a coffee mug with a pound of coffee beans/Starbucks card would be sufficient. Maybe booze. It's a little hard if you don't know them well enough to know whether they drink booze/coffee/tea or what. Otherwise maybe some kind of food (chocolate/cookies), or some kind of nice desk accessory or small plant or the like. (If the clerkship is in another part of the country, something from that region?) Anything more substantial/personal than that probably starts to look weird, unless you have some other kind of relationship that would justify it.

[name of user]

Whatever you do, don't email them to say "I'll be bringing you a gift soon!" They'll protest. Just do it in person without notifying them in advance.