Is this gift appropriate

[mass]

I've been with the same teacher for a number of years (5+).  He's very reserved when it comes to anything personal but has talked about a few of his favourite Operas.  I was doing my frequent Amazon browsing and came upon a book of analyses etc. of one of these operas and quickly purchased it as a Christmas present.  Now I'm having second thoughts.  Does this seem too personal?  We haven't become friends although I think the world of him and he's an awesome teacher. BTW I'm an adult student - last year I gave him a very good bottle of wine that seemed to be appreciated.

[m1469]

I think this sounds like a really cool present for him .

[thalberg]

It's perfect. 

It's not too personal as long as it's something he'll carry, not wear.  That's what I've always heard.

[anna_crusis]

The main problem with giving presents to acquaintances is that the recipient then feels embarassed that they didn't get you anything. It can make for a very awkward moment. Also, they then feel obliged to get you something next time, which is something they may not want to be bothered with.

I've always found the best gifts for acquaintances are very small ones - just a token gift to show that you were thinking of them. Or a card.

[thalberg]

The main problem with giving presents to acquaintances is that the recipient then feels embarassed that they didn't get you anything. It can make for a very awkward moment. Also, they then feel obliged to get you something next time, which is something they may not want to be bothered with.

I've always found the best gifts for acquaintances are very small ones - just a token gift to show that you were thinking of them. Or a card.

You're right if the acquaintances are equals.  But in a teacher/student relationship, isn't it normal for the teacher to get gifts from students?  Isn't it sort of a one-way deal?  I always gifted my teachers without expecting anything in return.

[ramseytheii]

Definitely!  The return comes not with a gift from the teacher, but from the teacher's devotion to the student's development and skill.  We should all be grateful for our teachers always, even the ones that in many ways we despise.

Walter Ramsey

[n_n]

I most definately agree with the above. Hope that all teachers understand that we give gifts to show appreciation and as a way to say thank you, and all we need in return, if anything, is more care on our musical development.  No gifts back por favor - that'd really make the students feel awkward as if the appreciation was rejected...