Presents for Music Teachers

I myself like the caramels idea. Who doesn't like them for starters - but also, when it's a paid service (lessons), I personally think that's the better option.

I would not feel it necessary to give the owner a gift.

First I will reply to your original question - although chocolate covered caramels sound delicious to me, for this situation I do think money is "more appreciated". Between people's likes/allergies/diets, and the fact that these are not relatives or close friends, I think money makes sense.

In response to your SWH - tipping them, "oh no"!! Yes, tipping them is *exactly* what you are doing, and there is nothing wrong with that. You are giving a gift to someone you *employ*. It's a holiday bonus. Many people do that for people they employ - a housecleaner, for example, might get an envelope of "one extra cleaning" worth of money as a holiday bonus.

Based on your SWH, it seems like you have made up your mind, so you will ignore all of this advice. But, as a general rule, I think the most appropriate gift for someone you employ for their services is extra money. A holiday bonus, a tip. **Unless** you have a close personal connection (for example, the babysitter you've used in your family over a long period of time), in which case a regular gift of the type you would give to your other "friends" is appropriate.

ETA: Of course your child's idea of writing a song sounds great too. Money from you, the song from your child - a gift from each of of you.

I do not think it is necessary at all to give the owner a present.

I think it is quite appropriate to give something to the instructors. Chocolate caramels sound great but they could buy chocolates with cash if they want them. Personally, I think cash is a much better gift. I had a piano teacher that used to come to my house. We gave him between $50 and up to $100 depending on how well a year we had since my husband was self employed. (I gave candy to group dance and theatre instructors though.)

caramels.
definitely, definitely caramels.
khairete
S.

I don't think they should give the owner a gift, unless it's a card saying how much they enjoy the school and their lessons. If you are a baking family, a small box of cookies or fudge would be fine, but nothing of "value" since the owner makes a profit off every lesson.

The teachers are usually underemployed, so a tip would be fine, as you do with the hairdresser or similar people. Please don't give music-themed trinkets. As a former music teacher, I can tell you how difficult it is to use or display the dozens (or hundreds) of such gifts that long-time teachers receive. There is just no way to use all the coffee mugs, paper clip holders, and scarves with musical notes that one accumulates over the years, as sincere as the giver may be!

A gas or supermarket gift card may seem boring, but you know it will be used. A coffee shop gift card might get used - if the teacher drinks coffee. A restaurant gift card can be a problem - even a very generous $25 gift just can't be used by the teacher unless she/he kicks in more money to take a guest/spouse/friend. And plain old cash with a cute note from the kids would be fine - if the kids are young and want to use musical note paper or musical stickers on the note, that would be fine.

You could also do a plant or chocolates or "designer" coffee/tea. I know that sometimes these things get "re-gifted" by the recipient but at least you are still saving the instructor money!

I would probably do a $10 gift card, unless they are going several times a week, in which case I'd give $20. But for once a week, I think a smaller amount as a token of appreciation is sufficient. I agree that I'd only give to the instructors and not the owner. I usually like to give a card to Target or Amazon so they have a wide range of things to choose from. Have your children make nice cards for them, too.

I would only give to the teachers, not the owner. Home made treats are fine, but a gift card for the music store is also very much appreciated. I know our teachers spend a lot of their own money on things like sheet music supplies. Yes, they are professionals, but professional musicians teaching children's lessons do not make a lot of money.

J.,

Question is - will you accept our advice or do what you want to do? It seems as if you already have your mind made up. You're going to make caramels, since you spend a small fortune on the quality ingredients. Why is it always about money to you? Damn.

What would I give my son's music teacher? I gave her a Starbucks gift card last year because she LOVES Starbucks. We bought her a personalized, insulated "cup" (you know the big 18 ounce things). We had music notes printed and dropped in and she loved it. I've gone into the store where he gets his lessons and have seen her using it when she doesn't know we will be there.

We have made musical notes shaped cookies in the past as well.

Giving gift cards is not tipping.

Do you not talk with your instructors during the year? Find out what they like? What they do outside of school? Maybe you should. You can learn a lot and give them personalized gifts.