Unfortunately, there is a serious challenge when it comes to buying a gift for your supervisor. When students search online for guidance, what do they typically find? Journal subscriptions, books, courses, or similar items. While a supervisor is essentially a source of knowledge—familiar with these tools because they are part of their professional toolkit and should have expertise in them—supervisors also have access to extensive academic databases and can easily read the most prestigious journals and books. Moreover, purchasing many gifts for supervisors is often not feasible, as university regulations and the formal relationship between student and supervisor restrict the types of gifts that can be exchanged. This limits what students can give. So, what is the solution to this complex problem?
A supervisor is not only an academic figure but also a thought leader who plays a significant role in a student’s growth. They have access to knowledge and resources, and many gifts might be either repetitive or professionally and academically inappropriate. So, how can one express deep and thoughtful appreciation without violating university policies?
Some creative and professional solutions
1. A gift that reflects the impact of the supervisor
- Supervisors often love seeing the results of their efforts. While they may not need another book, they enjoy seeing how they have influenced their students.
- A professionally designed thank-you letter from the student (not just an ordinary note, but with attractive design and precise wording) that highlights the supervisor’s impact on the student’s academic or personal growth. This tangible yet profound gift can remain in the supervisor’s library for years.
- An article dedicated to the supervisor in a university or professional journal that showcases their influence. Collaborating with the university’s media team or publishing on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn are also options.
2. Personalized and symbolic gifts
- Items that create a personal and meaningful connection with the supervisor can be more valuable than any academic book:
- A visual representation of a theory or scientific work by the supervisor (for example, an important diagram from their research, either handwritten or printed as a special design).
- An artistic version of the cover of a thesis the supervisor guided (printed on canvas or a delicate graphic design featuring their name and research topic).
- A memorable photo from a special moment (such as the first defense session, signed by students on the frame’s margin).
3. Gifts that create experiences rather than objects
- If something is to be memorable, it should be an experience, not a typical object.
- Inviting the supervisor to a special event (e.g., a scientific conference where both student and supervisor’s presence is meaningful).
- A heartfelt gathering with former students whom the supervisor has helped develop. Supervisors often find motivation in seeing how their mentees have progressed.
4. Gifts that contribute to the scientific community
- Supervisors typically think beyond the individual; their influence extends beyond themselves to students and the broader academic community.
- Supporting a project or a charitable scientific cause in the supervisor’s name (e.g., contributing to the publication costs of a student’s article in a scientific journal).
- Naming an educational resource after the supervisor (for example, a small digital library of open-access resources registered in their name).
5. Gifts that evoke humor and creativity
- Sometimes, supervisors also need something that goes beyond the dry academic world but still maintains professional respect.
- An informal “certificate of excellence” for the supervisor, such as “Best Supervisor from the New Generation!” designed in the style of official diplomas but with humorous and scholarly text.
- A rare but non-academic book, such as a poetry collection, a philosophical novel, or a book about the history of their field.
- A special desk accessory that adds humor, like a desktop clock with a famous quote of theirs!
Summary: Combining emotion and creativity
The solution to this challenge is to move beyond clichés and choose gifts that reflect the supervisor’s influence—not just an object. Experiences, memories, symbols, or contributions to the student and the scientific community are all more attractive and thoughtful options than conventional gifts. If you need more ideas for choosing gifts for your supervisors, an article on “Selecting Gifts for Female and Male Supervisors” is available for you. Above all, try to maintain your relationship with your supervisor. They have dedicated at least 6 months to a year of their time for you. Although this is part of their responsibilities, if you feel they have gone out of their way for you during this period, don’t forget them.