Is It Taboo to Give Thank-You Gifts to References?

Dear Experts, Are thank you gifts for references OK once I've accepted a job? I'm a new graduate and as this is my first job search, I have a few people who I would like to get small gifts to thank for helping me out. Not all of them are references, but a couple are. Is this completely taboo? Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:@sweetcareersQ#186 Depends on reference, but it's ok to give a small gift. Books are a nice option. @ValueIntoWordsQ#186 Agree w/it being OK to send small gift; if possible, personalize that gift 2 individual personality/preference. @louise_fletcherQ#186 Not at all! I think it's a lovely idea and that kind of thoughtfulness will pay off for you down the line. @DebraWheatmanQ#186 Gift is unnecessary 4 providing a reference. nice thank you note is more than sufficient as expression of gratitude. @beneubanksQ#186 I sent a copy of the popular KnowHR book to my reference. It's a great way to say thanks and give back! @gradversityQ#186 I would just stick with a short, sincere thank you call. I don't think an actual gift is necessary. @dawnbugniQ#186 Expressing gratitude never taboo. Agree w/others thank-you notes sufficient. Small tokens OK too. @teenaroseQ#186 Thoughtful! References believe in you ... gift is nice touch, but I agree with @jtodonnell, not required. @AndyInNaplesQ#186 Big believer in "thank you" gifts and notes. Nothing extravagant. Always a nice touch. Shows you care. @jtodonnellQ#186 Not taboo, but not necessary. Thank you note will do. Helping others is part of being a good professional. Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.