I've been an instructor for 6 years now, and have taught more students than I care to count. Yes, I have been given a gift for teaching a student. One bought me a kit I was thinking about getting (Lanier Shrike, cost $36) and another got me gift certificates to Chili's. Both were cool gifts, but they weren't the best. IMHO I would rather the student save his money and put it towards their next plane. The best gift for me is seeing the smile on my students face when they walk back to the pits after their solo flight. I started instructed for a few very specific reasons, and getting money or gifts wasn't one of them. To me, the day I soloed myself was a day I will always remember because it was a special day for me. When I teach a student I get to relive that day when my student solos.

I don't know about your instructor, but I'm willing to bet a gallon of glow fuel that he has the same thoughts that I do. I think he would rather you spent the money on yourself.

Just my .02 cents worth