<p>Is it appropriate to send thank you cards to my recommendation letter writers?</p>
<p>of course! ...but probably best to do it after they've written all of the LORs so as to avoid any conflict of interest if you give them anything like a starbucks gift card</p>
<p>Not only is it appropriate, it's sort of impolite to <em>not</em> send them one...</p>
<p>A tasteful "thank you" card is a must, but I think "gifts" of any monetary value are usually considered awkward or even inappropriate. If you want to give them something concrete other than the card, try baked goods or something else home- or handmade.</p>
<p>Amen. But if your LOR writer has been flaky, send it to him/her before the deadline as a reminder. Works wonders. Otherwise, if they've been on the task, you can send it to them after you submit your app.</p>
<p>And do you give the thank yous say in January or in March, after you get in?</p>
<p>It's more than appropriate, it's polite! My dad is a teacher and he's written a few rec letters. He says only one student has ever given him a gift (a chocolate bar from a local store) but many have written thoughtful thank-you notes, which are just as appreciated. When kids don't write the notes, teachers feel unappreciated.</p>