What Gift Should I Give My Professor?

Sometimes a student is very appreciative of their professor, and desires to give a small token of their appreciation. What is the proper protocol in this situation? What kind of gift is appropriate for giving to your instructor?

First of all, it is considered appropriate to give gifts to an instructor, during certain times.  Because teachers work so hard, giving a token gift is a way to show honour and appreciation for the things they are doing for the students. The best times are during holidays or at the end of the term. Giving a gfit randomly could be miscontrued as possibly wanting favour or higher marks from the instructor, so it is important to give at the right times, and not just out of the blue. 

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1. A Book Gift Hey, your professor obviously likes books, right? She has spent her life studying books and teaching others to study. So why not get him a book that is not strictly something he has to read. Choose one that you think she might like. Think in her field, but popular, as opposed to academic. A best-selling book in her field will give her a different perspective than the regular academic stuff she has to read. And if you're not sure what kind of book to get, just go with a gift certificate.
2. Coffee Gift I don't know about you, but many of my professors carried a coffee cup constantly. There's something about marking papers that just goes with a cup of coffee, right? Well, help feed her coffee habit with either an attractive mug, or a gift certificate to the nearest coffee shop. This gift is sure to please!
3. Office Supplies Gift Your prof obviously spends a lot of time in her office, studying, preparing and doing research. Why not surprise him with a lovely pen or notepad? This type of present is very practical!
4. Clock Gift A personalized wall clock for your professor is something that might be quite unexpected, and much appreciated, helping to make  her office less generic and more comfortable. A clock gift will be just in time!
5. Goodies Gift If you are a baker, here is your chance to shine in the kitchen! Whip up a batch of those delicous chocolate chip cookies, grab a tin from the dollar store, and you have yourself a thoughtful, personal gift. Not too much a Martha Stewart? Look for a gift basket at your local grocery store or mall. Yummy!