<p>I am looking for suggestions about giving DD's music teacher a present. She attends a university with an affiliated music conservatory. She is a freshman and though not a conservatory student, been taking free lessons on her instrument with a TA who is about to receive a graduate degree from the conservatory. He receives a small compensation from the university and has been an excellent and generous teacher. He has given DD far more frequent and lengthier lessons than he has been compensated for and has done other things beyond what is expected, all of which he has initiated on his own.
DD would like to give him a significant present to thank him for his kindness. We would love to give him money since he is struggling along financially and will be moving to a different state to pursue an additional degree. Would this be appropriate? How can we do this without it being awkward for him or DD? Thanks for any ideas</p>
<p>I absolutely think it’s appropriate, with a very nice letter of thanks written by your D. You can call it the “(insert your name) Scholarship.”</p>
<p>definatly…money.
With a note. “some small compensation for your extra time and effort”</p>
<p>I’ll third the money idea. Spend some time finding a nice card. Your daughter should spend some time drafting a paragraph (more than just a sentence) thanking the teacher. I don’t think it should be awkward if the money is inside the card inside an envelope. Another nice gesture might be for you to also write and mail a brief note of thanks (maybe an email that is cc’d to the grad student’s supervisor/primary teacher).</p>
<p>There’s also the prepaid credit card option if you don’t want to give cash.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. Your ideas are appreciated.</p>
<p>Pre-paid credit cards are a pain. They cost more than the face value and they may lose value if you do not use them. Money is great. I put the money in a separate envelope and labeled it “Music Money” because the young woman wanted to buy music.</p>
<p>MD Mom - thanks for that info - I’ve never used one and was thinking of getting it as a gift for someone…maybe I’ll move into a more creative mode after all!</p>
<p>And yes, “money is great”!!! Buckets of it would help our decision making right about now…</p>