Holiday Gift Help for my bass teacher

[aikakone]

With Christmas and Hanukkah (and other) holidays just around the corner, I wanted to get some input on something.

I'd like to get a small gift of appreciation for my music teacher. I've been with him since June, and we've had a really good working relationship. I'm making steady progress on my instrument, and he's a nice guy. I really do appreciate him, so it's the right time of year to show it.

I remember hearing on the radio last year examples of what are appropriate holiday gifts to those around us, such as our manicurist, barber, or whomever. Maybe my local radio station made it up, but it was still interesting to hear. In some cases, for example, it was extra money. Other examples were, I think, a small plant or other small gift.

I don't know if there's strict etiquette on this, but I am curious if anyone has ideas for me. At one time I was thinking of a card with a cash bonus in equal value to one lesson, but I was also wondering if that would be too gouche.

I posted this same question on another board and got absolutely no response at all. Maybe it was because it was filled with non-musicians. So insight is good.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[line6man]

Buy him a six back of beer

Are you looking for an actual gift, or a gift card of some sort?

I would just go with a music related gift card.

[aikakone]

I thought of a gift card, such as to Amazon, but then one of my friends said it would be a bad idea if my teacher doesn't use Amazon (or anywhere else where I might pick a gift card).

The thing is, I don't know my teacher all that well. When I was sharing this idea with a friend, she was asking me all sorts of things about what he likes. I don't know. I just go to my lessons and leave when I'm done with a minimal of fuss or chit-chat. I know I like him; I know I feel safe enough to be in a closed room with him without feeling as if I'm about to be mauled. But I don't really know him. Just how it is.

[hbarcat]

A gift certificate to a book store (one that can be used at a walk-in store) is one of the best "universally acceptable" gifts.

Everyone can appreciate books and nearly every store also sells music CD's and movie DVD's and other items as well.

[newbold]

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