<p>I was a college prof, and my H still is one. I would have been insulted to have gotten a gift card because it would have indicated to me that I was being paid to do something that was part of my job, and to do something to support students whom I liked a great deal.</p>
<p>All you should do is give the prof a hand written thank-you note, preferably one that also says specifics about what you appreciated about the prof’s teaching and mentoring. When you get into grad school, the prof also would appreciate your telling them this personally (better) or at least through e-mail, and a follow-up e-mail or call about your grad school experience would be icing on the cake for the prof.</p>
<p>Gifts are totally unnecessary and for most professors, who view themselves as professionals, gifts from students wouldn’t be welcome.</p>