Gift the boss?

[prairie_dances]

I used to work at this great historic site and after I left I stayed in contact with my old boss. I wrote a book and my old boss is being nice enough to hold a book signing for me at the historic site. My etiquette question is should I give her some sort of gift of thanks? I'd like to but I'm not sure if this would be inappropriate since it's a business transaction (the historic site is in the the book etc.)? If I should give something, any suggestions on what that should be? Thanks!

[TootsNYC]

I would still say that a thank-you gift would be appropriate.

The traditional gift is just like a shower-hostess gift--flowers, sent to the host/hostess to arrive the day before. So that he receives the thank-you in the middle of all the last-minute logistics to make him feel warm and fuzzy about you.

Or whatever equivalent you think would be nice for your old boss, as a person.

Not necessarily of great monetary value, so much as a tad indulgent.

For the business side, a follow-up letter would be nice.

[camlan]

In addition to the flowers/whatever that you send your former boss, if the historic site has a library or something similar, it would be a nice gesture to donate a signed copy of your book for their collection.

[prairie_dances]

Thanks! 

[JeanFromBNA]

In addition to the flowers/whatever that you send your former boss, if the historic site has a library or something similar, it would be a nice gesture to donate a signed copy of your book for their collection.

Exactly what I was thinking.  You never know; you might be famous one day!

[jpcher]

In addition to the flowers/whatever that you send your former boss, if the historic site has a library or something similar, it would be a nice gesture to donate a signed copy of your book for their collection.

Exactly what I was thinking.  You never know; you might be famous one day!

Add my vote to the above!

I understand your concern about appropriateness of a gift since it's a business transaction, but Old Boss is a personal friend so I think a thank-you would be very thoughtful.

Along with the book, maybe take Old Boss (and spouse, if it applies) out to lunch/dinner as a thank-you?

[prairie_dances]

Ending up deciding to send her flowers the day before the signing. She seemed to like it and also asked me to sign a book for her/the site at the event so everything worked out. Thanks for the help and advice!