Page 1 of 1

Gift ideas for references

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:09 am
by BeerMaker
So if you're like me, you asked a very busy person(s) to write a reference for you. Any good gift ideas to say thank you? One of them is a huge beer lover (hence why we connected).

Re: Gift ideas for references

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:05 am
by Perdevise
A brand new growler filled with one of your favorites.

Re: Gift ideas for references

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 4:26 pm
by bobbyh1919
I've been wondering about this too. I feel like, if it's a professor of yours, gifts are often frowned upon? Can anyone speak to whether this is the case or whether gifts are common courtesy?

Re: Gift ideas for references

Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:38 am
by JDizzle2015
bobbyh1919 wrote:I've been wondering about this too. I feel like, if it's a professor of yours, gifts are often frowned upon? Can anyone speak to whether this is the case or whether gifts are common courtesy?
I think offering to take them out to lunch to show your appreciation is the best way to do it but include that you know it's a busy time and will leave the offer on the table for the new year. (I did this and just talked to my recommenders about their law school experiences and how legal employment has changed.) It's not too big of a deal and they have the option of giving you a soft no by saying they're too busy if they feel it's inappropriate or if they are actually too busy.

ETA: My recommenders actually ended up picking the tab so it was a win-win. :D

Re: Gift ideas for references

Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:45 am
by Observant_Poster
Find two bottles of Pliny and simply enjoy it with one another. You can only purchase em a bottle at a time out here so the fact that you were able to find two and manage not to drink em will show them your gratitude.

Re: Gift ideas for references

Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:47 am
by flcath
BeerMaker wrote:So if you're like me, you asked a very busy person(s) to write a reference for you. Any good gift ideas to say thank you? One of them is a huge beer lover (hence why we connected).
Sounds like beer is a good choice, no?

(I figured the beer reference was included in the fact pattern because you wanted us to analyze it.)

Re: Gift ideas for references

Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:56 pm
by BeerMaker
I do believe beer is a good choice. Thanks to my beer obsession, finding the perfect one shouldn't be a problem. Maybe a new growler filled with my latest home brew: Oatmeal Stout.

Re: Gift ideas for references

Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:29 pm
by justinp
BeerMaker wrote:I do believe beer is a good choice. Thanks to my beer obsession, finding the perfect one shouldn't be a problem. Maybe a new growler filled with my latest home brew: Oatmeal Stout.
That actually sounds about perfect.

Though I don't think a gift is typically necessary for rec letter writers.

Re: Gift ideas for references

Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:37 pm
by Lily Pad
I'm planning to do a small gift once I figure out what school I'm going to - just something little, like a keychain or travel mug from my school of choice, to say thank you and also keep them updated on where I am headed next.