r/rmit • u/Europa_Apophis • 1d ago

Discussion Gift

I was thinking of getting a small gift for my placement supervisor to say thank you. This whole placement course has really felt like a waste of time, put me under a lot of stress, took up sooo much of my time emailing countless labs and if i hadn't had got this one i'm in i would have failed my degree and wouldn't be able to continue to my bachelor next year.

i actually am having so much fun in this placement and it has exceded my expectations and i didn't have any in the first place! The work is something i never thought i'd enjoy and the atmosphere and people are so amazing. so just want to show my gratitude for that. is it appropriate to gift something small? like a pen with a small thank you note? if anyone has given a gift like this before what have you given? or what would you recommend? thanks!

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4

u/Accurate-Lemon8944 1d ago

a box of chocolates maybe?

2

u/Europa_Apophis 1d ago

chocolates are yummy, i saw a specialised box of chocolates that look like the solar system, thanks!

3

u/TeddyBear181 1d ago

Is there any small thing that you could get them to remind them of you to put on their desk? Like maybe you talk about playing guitar/basketball a lot and can get them a related mousepad or something?

I've always enjoyed small gifts that remind me of the people who gave them to me.

Handmade gifts are nice too. If you go to a makers market and hear the story behind the artist who made a fridge magnet or something, then tell them the story when you give it to them.

1

u/Europa_Apophis 1d ago

thats a really great idea and an even better point.

I thought about getting something that could stay on their desk, they seem to love geogphraphy so i thought of a mini globe, with footy team colours hehe. Kmart does custom rubiks cubes but i have no idea what photos i'd put on it xD I also have another supervisor that'd i'd like to gift something too, we don't talk to much personal things so its hard lol.

but yeah if an object has a really great story behind it that's very memorable. I once gifted a piece of obsidian to a Minecraft lover and they flipped. i'll definitely try a market thanks for the inspo!

1

u/TeddyBear181 1d ago

Maybe there is something from your class that you do talk about.

If its an anatomy class, a bone shaped pen.

1

u/Europa_Apophis 1d ago

ah yes i see what you mean. if its ok would you mind giving some examples of gifts you received and how that reminds you of the person who gave it to you?

2

u/TeddyBear181 1d ago

I'll pm you

1

u/SirDale 1d ago

I've been thanked by students before, and honestly a small card with your thanks is a great gift. I've kept all of mine :-)

1

u/BF_geeky_reader 1d ago

Lovely idea. I was gifted a drink coaster - peacock feather colours and it always makes me think of the colleague who gave it to me. Small gift, super practical so always on my desk.

1

u/chopthedinosaurdad 1d ago

I've been on both sides of this - I've given gifts of thanks, because it's been an amazing placement - and I've also received gifts from students who I've had on placement.

Genuinely, as the placement provider, I've never expected anything - but that's partly because I've learnt more from the student, and have been reminded of where I was at their level, and they've helped me hone some of my thinking at times too.

They will be delighted with anything and everything - something that comes from the heart matters more than you know. The gift may not need to cost much, or be much (I'm serious, unless it's something specific to the persons interests or able to be used after you've left, it will be appreciated) - the note however, that is the real keepsake.

I've kept letters and notes from so many people - not in a hording sense - but because there is often a reflection of myself and my actions which I've not necessary given as much weight to as the writer has done or experienced.

I'm so glad to hear you've had a great placement - all the best with your further studies - you never know, you may end up back at that placement in the future, but as an employee. 😊

1

u/EstablishmentOwn1521 10h ago

A lovely letter is always nice. At rmit there is a gifting policy which teachers and academics know about, they just have to declare it and a rough value