Elyssa Posted March 22, 2008 Posted March 22, 2008 I'm considering giving a small gift to one of my college professors for her birthday next Tuesday and I'm wondering how appropriate it is. I want to hear your opinions. Let me give you guys a little background, though. Recently I returned to college for a second degree. From the very beginning, I loved this one class, and the teacher has been really great to me. As is, I already have an A in this course. The professor is female, and I am too. So, having said this. Do you think it's appropriate to give her a small gift on her birthday, after class? The way I see it, I'm getting good grades already, there's no possibility of misinterpreting my gesture given that we're both married women, so I don't see the harm in it. The gift itself is innocent (a pretty mug and a fancy tin of cocoa powder, which she loves) and cheap (less than $15). Just a token of appreciation. Do you think it's okay for me to give it to her? Any comments would be appreciated! -E
Siciliana Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 Go for it! Maybe you could tell her that you were considering waiting until after the semester, but you just didn't want it to be past her Bday. I have many professors who I think are amazing people and I totally understand your desire to give a token of thanks to them for what they have done for you.
Ronni_W Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 Your thought is coming from a wonderful, positive desire to express gratitude. **IF** anyone misinterprets it, it will be due to their own issues, and not at all a reflection on your delightful intention. Wish your prof. a happy birthday from me, too PS: Congrats on returning for your second degree...wishing you continued excellent grades!
reliance Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 Nothing wrong with giving teachers gifts. I used to do it all the time to the ones that were nice to me and helped me. I would get them anything from alcohol to earrings etc. I remember once i got a teacher a small pocket knife/ttool set thing and he told the principal and they told me off that it was stalkerish behaviour lol
Author Elyssa Posted March 23, 2008 Author Posted March 23, 2008 Thanks for the responses! I guess I was just concerned that my gesture was not appropriate in terms of what's socially acceptable and what isn't. It's been quite some time since I graduated and often feels like my "college etiquette" is somewhat outdated. I've read the university's policies and I've found nothing that disallows gifts to teachers so I'm going to go ahead and give it to her. -E
Trialbyfire Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 Your gift isn't the type that would raise eyebrows, in etiquette or cost. It's a nice gesture. Go for it! Everyone likes to be appreciated.
compassion42 Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 Your gift sounds appropriate to me too. Very tasteful and simple.
Legend Posted March 24, 2008 Posted March 24, 2008 Just admit you want to get with your teacher, post pictures
cadbury049 Posted March 27, 2008 Posted March 27, 2008 I think its absolutely fine! For my birthday last year a guy who works at my school [not techinicaly a teacher, we're now sorta friends] gave me a present, and this year i gave him a present, and he invited me to have some cake with the rest of the department! [he's 11 years older than me btw]
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