<p>I work in a rather informal department at my college, and have a great relationship with my supervisor, who is a grad student and not much older than I am. She filled out three recommendation forms for me over the course of the year, and I was wondering what the etiquette is regarding gift-giving. I’ve already got a nice thank you card I’m going to give her, but to be honest I don’t know her well enough to get her anything besides a gift card or money, and both of those seem a bit callous. Should I stick with the thank you note? Thanks, I’d appreciate any advice!!!</p>
<p>My D had a similar situation and wrote a really nice personal thank you card and enclosed a gift card for Starbucks for around $25. This was a favorite place of the recipient and for her, a rather short-on-funds grad student, a treat. According to D, it was very well received :)</p>
<p>What about a charitable contribution in her name? If she’s a reader, perhaps the the local Litercy Foundation. Consider a shelter or the ASPCA. They will send her a card stating who gave the gift in her name.</p>
<p>Absolutely. Any kind of thoughtful gift would be appropriate. Not so much that the person feels compensated, more like something that shows appreciation because if things go well this could be a relationship in the future.</p>
<p>I think as long as the gift is something of minimal financial value it is fine. You want the gift to be seen as a heartfelt token of your appreciation, not a bribe. Consider a perishable item (flowers, chocolates, etc.) – or if you buy a gift object, keep it under $20 and make it something that will have greater sentimental than monetary value.</p>