What's an Appropriate Amount for a "Thank You" Gift Card?

I have written many, many letters of reference for people for jobs, grad school, etc. I always knew in my position that writing these letters was part of my professional duty.

I have never expected anything from any of the individuals, nor have I received anything for these letters.

I think sending them gift cards is outside of the norm for this situation.

If you just want them to know you got the job and you appreciate the time they took to help you, a simple note to that effect suffices.

Even a thank you card would be out of the ordinary this is just part of being a working person and I'm always happy to give references

I have given many people references...I was a manager for many years and people asked me to give them references even after I quit. I have also given some students references since I taught at the college level. I've never been given (or never expected) anything in return. I think a big "thank you" either in an email, card or phone call is totally fine and would mean as much to me as a gift card. As a matter of fact, I would feel a little awkward accepting a gift for that.

I have been a reference more times than I can count. I would think it is beyond strange if someone gave me a thank you gift card for it. Heck a note would be weird. That is just the strangest thing I have ever heard. Did your employer even call them?

A gift card feels impersonal. Could you take each one or all 3 to coffee and fill them in on your new job and how you like it? Or send flowers. Flowers feel more personal to me than a gift card.

If you can't have coffee with them, perhaps a gift card for coffee and written words to express your thankfulness as well as some info about your job.

Actually, I'm of the opinion that a gift implies that they did you a big favor, rather than the fact that they just told the truth. Yes, they took a few minutes on the phone or at the computer to write a letter, but presumably you thanked each one at the time they agreed to serve as a reference. Sending them something now actually implies that they exerted undue influence, that you didn't really deserve the job offer.

I've never gotten a gift from anyone for whom I gave a reference, and I've never wanted one or expected one. It almost seems like a payoff, as if I would only give references to increase my stash of gifts. If you really are determined that you must do something, then drop each a brief email (or a personal note if you insist) after you have been on the new job for a few weeks, saying how much you enjoy it and how you appreciate their reference that added to your portfolio of qualifications.

These people have done this as a part of their professional lives. They don't get showered with gifts for everything else they do on their jobs, and they shouldn't for this.

What you do is pay it forward - you offer references for qualified (that's essential) applicants in the future, and if the situation were ever reversed and you could serve as a reference for any of the 3, then you offer that.

If the references are purely professional, an email or quick call is enough.

If the references are people who you are friendly with, go for a coffee or a drink with them, your treat, and tell them about your new job.

ETA: It is very nice that they did a formal written reference on short notice. So many references these days are quick calls. Certainly good to thank them but no need for a gift.

This is a thing now? Being someone's references when looking for a new job has never been something to expect anything in return except for maybe returning the kindness if ever they are looking for a new job. It's just part of the work culture. A lot of times those references aren't even called. My husband has been the reference so many times I can't even count. He'd get a personal phone call with a verbal thank you at most with an "I got the job" announcement. The call would be about them and their good news with a quick thank you if the employer had called at all. We've never gotten a thank you gift for anyone that my husband puts down as a reference.
I think a gift or even a thank you card is over thinking it. Call them with the good news that you got the job and thank them for their kind words and leave it at that.

Congratulations on your new job!

Why not take them to lunch or coffee and say thank you in person? That would be the right thing to do.

$10 to $15 gift card to a coffee shop? Along with a thank you note.

You want to gift your references? I have never heard of that and it may come off wrong. How about a coffee date and you offer to treat? Just to say thanks!

I think it would be off to send a gift. It almost looks like a pay out. I have been a reference many times and just get a thank you (spoken or written) when I agree to be their reference. That's plenty. No need for a gift.

You don't give a gift card for a referral. It comes off as a bribe or something like that.

Take them each to lunch, tell them how grateful you are that they took time out of their day to give a good reference. Celebrate your new position with them.

I don't think that's common for people to thank their references. But it's certainly very nice. No gift needed. Just getting a card will brighten up their day.

i had to make a pie for my mom, her friend needed one too, she bought supplies before she needed it and a week or two after she sent a thaanks with 20$

Just send a thank you note. No gift is necessary.

Depends on if they are professional or friends. A hand written thank you card is sufficient, but a small $5 gc to starbucks or something is nice. If they are friends, I'd take them to lunch or dinner.

I've given a reference for several people. Saying thank you was enough and if they got the job that really made me feel good. I know you are thankful but you don't have to buy them just tell them thank you. Congrats on your new job!

I agree.. I've never gifted references. Most are old employers/bosses. They are kind of mandatory to provide a reference that you worked for them.. personal references, you could just call them and thank them personally. Or if friends- go out and celebrate!