Contributed by Robert Blaine, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

A good teacher is like a blue moon. It’s very hard to find, but when you do, it leaves a huge impact on your life.

Often like second parents, they made us who we are today, if that’s good. Holding our hands when we were down, making learning fun and easy, and keeping our attention during times we’d much rather have snoozed, it’s only right to repay them with gratitude for all their devotion.

There are many ways to thank your teacher, even without digging too far into your humble student allowance. Here are the top ten ways to thank a teacher. Apples are played out.

10. Send a thank you card

A simple card saying “Thank You!” is much more than most students have ever done for him/her. Even remembering a special date in his/her life, dropping in a birthday card, or sending an anniversary card will be a sweet way of saying thanks.

9. Treat him to a favorite restaurant

Treating your beloved educator to his favorite restaurant is a way to both thank him and celebrate a certain landmark in your schooling. Let him order, throw in a surprise card, and enjoy the night out.

8. Give him an engraved pen

Just make sure the pens mean something, or else you’re taking the cheap and easy way out. Remember the ending of “A Beautiful Mind”? Go for a substantial engraved pen, one that your teacher will use for years and that he will be proud to take out of his pocket at the department meeting.

7. Give him slippers

Innocent, simple and considerate, comfortable slippers – like suede moccasins – are a very student-like “thank you” gift. If you show that you care about his cold feet, he won’t have cold feet about giving you another good grade.

6. Write a personalized poem

Naturally to your math teacher, this won’t equate to much, but if your language arts teacher has helped you learn the ropes of writing and has opened your eyes to the beauty of literature, a warm “thank you” poem is a much-appreciated sign of your student gratitude. Unless it sucks.

5. Give him a favorite book

Chances are he already has it, but heck, it’s worth a shot. If you know a book he likes, or what topic he’s crazy about, it would touch his heart to receive it from his dearest student.

4. Help out around his house

Considering most teachers aren’t young, let alone any good with a hammer, if you happen to know a few crafts, you could possibly fix his birdhouse, put his table together, help paint his wall or mow his lawn. He or she would greatly appreciate it.

3. Prepare a homemade meal

Nothing beats homemade food. It shows that you took the time to prepare, cook and serve him a delicious meal just to say thanks. This is a wonderful way to thank a teacher. And, again, no apples. Try cookies, biscuits, cupcakes, pies, or muffins.

2. Get good grades

Don’t make your teacher have to fail you. Giving you an F, is like saying F his teaching. Unless, he just doesn’t give a yahoo. If that’s the case, Yahoo! He wasn’t worth your gratitude. Yet, if he’s your favorite teacher, show him you really listen to his lectures and take his class seriously by studying and getting good grades. He’ll be thanking you for making him look so good.

1. Pay off his school debts

Last but not least, the greatest gift you can give your teacher is to pay off his school debts. I’m only half-kidding. It doesn’t matter how old your teacher is, he’s got school debts. The golden handcuffs that he’s most likely giving to you. Of course, buying his freedom would be a very odd gift, but no doubt the most appreciated one of all.