Well,

I have had 4 different instructors so far. My club has their instructors scheduled for different days, and sometimes there will be 2, 3 or 4 at the field at once. I thank them profusely after each lesson and it seems to make them a bit uncomfortable. IMHO, they do it because they like to get new people into the hobby and they have made a commitment to the club.

I frankly cannot believe that these people will give of their time so unselfishly. I really appreciate their efforts, and plan to do something nice for each of them, whether that be a gift to the club instructor program, or a small token of my appreciation, I have not decided.

I do think, however, that a large gift which might be mis-understood as 'payment' would be entirely inappropriate. These fine people are VOLUNTEERING and they do it for benevolent reasons. I support a small token of appreciation as a personal 'Thank You', in all cases. A small gift certificate to the LHS might work, or that idea of a pic of me and my plane after solo, or both!! BUT, your continued activity in the club and success in flight will repay the fine people far more than any material gift.

If you REALLY want to repay them, become an instructor yourself in a few years, and send them pics of YOUR students. That would be the best gift of all.

Just a student point of view.