<p>I decided to ask this here to get some parent feedback.</p>
<p>I have 4 teachers total who have really helped me out this application cycle by writing (what i assume are) awesome recs. They are my counselor, 2 teachers who I've known throughout high school, and one EC coach who I've known throughout high school for my supplemental rec). I waived my rights so I won't be able to see any of these recs, and I'm not about to ask to see them. The coach actually did show me it without me asking, and it was sooooo amazing (at least in my opinion since I've never seen another one). I can PM it to anyone if anyone's curious.</p>
<p>But my question is, is it appropriate to give a gift, or will a simple thank you note do? And since I'm leaning towards giving a gift and thank you note, what sort of gift is appropriate? </p>
<p>Also, is the best time to do this in April at the end of this whole process? Any feedback from when your kids went through this?</p>
<p>Thanks :) Just trying to get a head start on all this. I refuse to be that kid who gets into a great school and then never thanks the people who helped along the way.</p>
<p>We gave out gift cards to a local restaurant. They were very much appreciated by the teachers and her guidance counselor and we received lovely thank you notes from them. I gave them out after D was accepted ED in December.</p>
<p>My kids wrote thank you notes. My S also gave teachers/GC gift cards to our local mall. All of my D’s recommenders are female and she sent them flowers. The thank you notes and gifts were delivered shortly after applications were submitted. </p>
<p>My kids wrote thank you notes and bought small gifts. They gave them out after they were admitted so that they could include that in their thank you notes.</p>
<p>I was more generous with gift cards to local mall, as son asked teachers on a Thursday, to be ready by Friday morning. His English teacher said she was too busy, math teacher re-used one he wrote for summer program, and econ teacher stepped up. I also got the GC a Levenger pen, as she got everything out on Friday, day before winter break. It was her suggestion son apply as a junior, but 1 evening/day was going beyond expectations. I will add that she made NO mistakes.</p>
<p>My S and D wrote nice thank you notes to each teacher when the recommendations were done and then when we figured out where each kid would be going to for college they went back to the teacher with a small gift to say thanks one more time and to personally share the good news. Our HS does not allow gifts over $20 or so for teachers which is a good policy I think.</p>
<p>My son did a small Starbucks gift card and I helped him make scones. He did a basket of scones with a gift card tucked in for each, along with a thank you note.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the feedback! I think I’m gonna go with a nice card and $15 Starbucks gift card for each in April (or December, if I get accepted to my early school). </p>
<p>Quite often state laws restrict the value of gifts government employees can accept. For example, in Massachusetts it’s 49.99. So in our state, $10-$20 Dunkin Donuts gift cards are often given. Keep it reasonable, and they’re won’t be a problem (teacher forced to return the gift).</p>
<p>I personally think it is better to do whatever you want to before the decision day(s) because I am sure you are appreciative for what they did whether you get into a school or not.</p>
<p>A handwritten note is very appropriate. A sentence or two. Not a fancy card with just a thank you, not a gift card. My impression is that most students don’t even send a thank you note.</p>
<p>My kids liked waiting so they could say honestly “Thanks for helping me to get into a bunch of awesome schools,” but I do understand why you might want to do them sooner. We gave a small box of chocolate from the college town that we picked up during accepted students visits, but I think a gift card is fine. Handwritten notes are fine. And don’t forget to thank the GC. My son wrote a very effusive note to his GC and she called me up in tears she was so touched by being remembered. I don’t think she’d ever been thanked by anyone. </p>
<p>I have heard from some teachers that they would prefer not to get homemade food because they can’t be sure how it is made and what people put in the food. I guess we live in a crazy world.</p>