A Gift for My OB

Updated on December 15, 2014
J.K. asks from Los Angeles, CA
21 answers

I have an appointment with him on Christmas Eve. I was thinking of getting him a card and a small gift for the holidays, but my husband thinks that's unncessary since we are planning to give him something at the post-partum visit (which will probably be in February). What do you all think?

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M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I think no gift...it's awkward. A card for the holidays is okay if you have other children he delivered, but otherwise a Merry Christmas is more than enough.

5 moms found this helpful

D.B.

answers from Boston on

I wouldn't. This is a highly professional relationship and I think a personal gift compromises it. Same problem with giving a gift to the boss.

I think a card to the entire staff and maybe something for them all to enjoy (a plate of cookies, dish of chocolates, basket of different types of tea, a nice office plant that's not specifically Christmas related, etc) might be far better. They deal with patients in crisis all the time or have to make waiting patients unhappy by saying the doctor is delayed, so showing them appreciation is a nice way to thank the doctor as well as the unsung heroes of the office. If you feel strongly about it, you can present the gift to the doctor saying it's for the staff, but that's as far as I'd go.

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More Answers

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

Wierd.
I never thought about giving my doctors gifts. ESPECIALLY the ones looking in my vagina.

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G.♣.

answers from Springfield on

I wouldn't do either one. I genuine "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" on your way out is all I would do.

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S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

really?
i think it's kinda weird.
i sent my OBs christmas cards with pictures of the babies they delivered for a year or two after they delivered 'em, but that's it.
khairete
S.

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D.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I would not get my dr a gift. I do send her office a Christmas card with a picture of my kids, whom she delivered.

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I would not do a gift. I think it can be an awkward situation for the Dr.

It is just not something that I personally feel is the right thing to do.

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J.K.

answers from Wausau on

Bringing a Christmas gift for him to your appointment is not appropriate.

A thank you card mailed to the office after you're home with baby would be a nice gesture.

4 moms found this helpful

D.D.

answers from New York on

No I wouldn't bring in anything. Maybe some cookies or holiday candy for the staff but really they are probably on food overload by that point. One of my daughters works in the medical field and by the time christmas rolls around she's over all the cookies.

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O.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Does he give you a gift?
Would you find it odd if he did?
I wouldn't give my OB a gift.

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S.H.

answers from Denver on

I might do a card but no present.

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M.W.

answers from San Francisco on

I wouldn't give a gift but a card is a kind gesture.

If my husband said it is unnecessary then I for sure wouldn't do it.

A gift post partum is sufficient and thoughtful.

Congrats on your upcoming delivery!!

3 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

It's not appropriate.
They are well paid and it's not like patients pay doctors with chickens anymore.
Alcohol is not appropriate for anyone unless you know them very well on a personal level.
I knew someone at work who brought a host gift for a co-worker friend - a bottle of wine - and it turned out the guy was an alcoholic - she just didn't know him well enough to know he had issues with it.

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B.S.

answers from Boston on

I honestly never thought to give my OB a gift, my son was born a week before Christmas too. When I moved, I did call his office to thank him personally as well as ask him for a recommendation for a new OB, I was glad I got to say thanks over the phone because he delivered both of my kids and was a great doctor.

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M.G.

answers from Atlanta on

I give homemade cookies and a card every year at Christmas to my Gyn and her staff and they are always very appreciative and touched by the gesture.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Why would you do that. It's kind of crossing the line.

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D.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Not at all awkward - liquor is fairly traditional to give to MDs. My mom always gave a bottle to our doctors when we were kids. I sent my ob and all his office staff flowers. Also sent flowers to the nurses on the maternity and delivery floors.

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

I've also never given a gift to a doctor, but I don't think that a little thoughtfulness around the holidays, especially with an appointment on 12/24, would be awkward or unwelcome. If you know for sure that the doctor celebrates Christmas, then I would give either some candies or cookies if you make some anyway, or a bottle of wine or an ornament.

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R.B.

answers from Dallas on

I've sent catered desert trays to the pedi ' s office before primary for the staff who have helped me multiple times a year with different paperwork items needed. I would not otherwise take a gift to a doctor.

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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think if you feel like giving him a gift, give him a gift. It's such a nice gesture. We had a very friendly relationship with our OB/GYN. We new about his kids and his mother back in St. Louis and he would talk about his visits with her. My husband and the Dr would sit and talk politics and other stuff for the majority of my appointment. (Hello, I'm supposed to be the focus of attention. LOL) He was a great guy, he delivered our daughter 15 years ago and delivered our son 9 months ago. He just closed his practice to work with the hospital, bummed that I can't see him anymore... but we see him in passing at different things in the hospital. Anyway, I got off topic. If you want to give him something, give him the gift... I'm sure he will appreciate it. Maybe get a Starbucks gift card so he can get coffee for the office. I've given ours gifts and also baked cakes for them at Christmas.

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C.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I brought mine a gift. It is a small town and I know a lot of people who do that.

1 mom found this helpful
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