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Original poster

Can I give my supervisor a gift?

9 replies

noel90 · 29/09/2024 15:00

I just wrapped up a MSc degree and my supervisor was amazing. He gave me so much support and was very kind mentor. The fact that he read 20,000 words several times, and gave detailed feedback is something I'm very grateful for. I had intended to get him a box of chocolate and write a thank you card but didn't have time to see him before I left the UK. I'm an international student, so I've gone back home now.

Would it be appropriate to order him something online to the department's offices? I was thinking some fancy biscuits he can share with his family. Or should I just stick to a thank you email?

We both hope to publish some work together, so we'll be staying in touch by email.

If people think it would be appropriate to send something, I'd love some suggestions!

OP posts:
MeMyselfIgor · 29/09/2024 15:04

I'm an academic. I think it's a nice gesture to send a gift if you feel like your supervisor went above and beyond (and it sounds like yours did). It's always nice to receive appreciation from students! I don't think it needs to be anything big - some fancy biscuits sounds fine. It's the thought that counts more than anything. I would consider still sending a handwritten card rather than an email - it's much nicer to receive.

MeMyselfIgor · 29/09/2024 15:07

PS you say you're an overseas student - if there's anything that you can send that's characteristic of your country that's always a nice gesture. If you were studying in the UK there might well be international shops you can order from to send them to him. It makes it a bit more personal if it's "speciality biscuits from noel90's home country" than just nice biscuits from the UK.

Original poster
noel90 · 29/09/2024 15:08

MeMyselfIgor · 29/09/2024 15:04

I'm an academic. I think it's a nice gesture to send a gift if you feel like your supervisor went above and beyond (and it sounds like yours did). It's always nice to receive appreciation from students! I don't think it needs to be anything big - some fancy biscuits sounds fine. It's the thought that counts more than anything. I would consider still sending a handwritten card rather than an email - it's much nicer to receive.

Thank you for your reply :)

He really was the best mentor I've had in my life. So kind, and he really went above and beyond. I really wanted to send a handwritten card, but moving back home and packing was so hectic it completely slipped my mind.

OP posts:
Original poster
noel90 · 29/09/2024 15:11

MeMyselfIgor · 29/09/2024 15:07

PS you say you're an overseas student - if there's anything that you can send that's characteristic of your country that's always a nice gesture. If you were studying in the UK there might well be international shops you can order from to send them to him. It makes it a bit more personal if it's "speciality biscuits from noel90's home country" than just nice biscuits from the UK.

Edited

oh good idea! Thank so much.

Is there a chance it could be against department policy to accept gifts from students?

OP posts:
murasaki · 29/09/2024 15:29

noel90 · 29/09/2024 15:11

oh good idea! Thank so much.

Is there a chance it could be against department policy to accept gifts from students?

Show quote history

It's fine in my dept and much appreciated. Keep it low key, biscuits are a good choice.

Itsamumslife2024 · 29/09/2024 15:41

noel90 · 29/09/2024 15:11

oh good idea! Thank so much.

Is there a chance it could be against department policy to accept gifts from students?

Show quote history

If you have graduated or your thesis has been submitted and accepted, there can be no possibility of a gift being viewed as a bribe, In these circumstances I see no issues with a small gift such as biscuits and a card.

YellowAsteroid · 29/09/2024 15:47

Could you send him something distinctive from your country?

I’ve received lovely little packets of tea from my Chinese PhD students - I’m very appreciative although I ‘m just doing my job!

But it’s a lovely idea and fine for you to do.

Oceangreyscale · 29/09/2024 17:43

Yes my relative has a cupboard of fancy Chinese tea from students!

BobbyBiscuits · 29/09/2024 17:47

It sounds lovely. Just nothing too expensive as that could feel a bit embarrassing. Biscuits and a card sounds great. Or if you know any of his mates from the course/uni you could ask them if they know of something he likes? Eg if he's got a dog you could get them a toy or something.

My mum was a teacher of adults and often got very sweet gifts and cards from students, which she always kept and loved.

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