So two profs I know fairly well wrote me letters recently and then sent them out to several places. I wanted to thank them by more than just saying thanks. I have a pretty informal relationship with both of them, so I don't think it's that weird to drop by and give them something. I was thinking of just dropping by, saying thanks, picking up a hard copy, and giving them a box of muffins or something. Would that be inappropriate given the circumstances? What can I do besides say thanks?
You could give them a box of chocolates or a gift card to a nearby restaurant or something.
Books are nice too and prolly more appreciated. Depends..
One of my students once sent me a bottle of wine. Another sent an e-mail saying thanks. Do whatever you feel like doing. If your prof helped you get into the program you wanted to attend, that is enough to make them happy.
Send him some Groupon bucks.
Wine or chocolate, or some such, is appropriate now, yes.
The other thing you should do is to be sure to follow up with them on the results of your applications, and to let them know where you get in. May go without saying, but it's only considerate to let them know what happened next, and to thank them again then.
Open mouth, utter words "thank you".
Welcome.