Your police academy instructor does important work training cadets and providing in-service education to troopers. The police academy can also provide a basic curriculum to state, county, and municipal agencies, so their efforts are highly valued in every corner of every state.
If you’ve recently participated in the police academy, you may be inclined to show your instructor how much you care. To thank them for their hard work and dedication, it’s a nice idea to present them with a gift or thoughtful letter. Continue reading to learn how to express gratitude to your police academy instructor.
Thank You Note
Not all gifts need to cost something in order to make a big impact. A handwritten thank you note is a wonderful way to express your appreciation. Although a thank you note may seem like a small gesture, it will mean a lot to your police instructor.
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to quickly send a short email to someone and call it a day. However, if you take the time to write a note by hand, it shows you’ve put extra thought and effort into the act. Whether you decide to mail the letter to your instructor or hand deliver it, the recipient will be truly touched by your thoughtfulness.
In the letter, it’s a nice idea to include a few sentences about how the teacher positively impacted your life. If possible, provide specific examples of what they taught you or how they made you think about a situation in a new way. Since police officers need to undergo extensive training, it’s always nice to tell your instructor how they expanded your knowledge base.
Gift Card
A gift card is another great way to express your appreciation. Plus, gift cards are a perfect option if you don’t know exactly what your teacher likes or you don’t know what to give them. Since almost every establishment offers gift cards, the sky’s the limit in terms of choice.
If you want to play it safe, you can purchase a credit card-based gift card that can be used almost anywhere major credit cards are accepted. If you’re looking for something a bit more specific, your instructor will surely appreciate a big box store or gas station gift card.
During your academy days, if you notice your teacher frequently eats lunch at a certain restaurant, purchasing a gift card to that location is a nice touch. Doing so demonstrates you put some thought and personalization into the gift. Not to mention, your teacher will think of you the next time they head to their favorite local spot for a quick bite.
Flowers
Looking for a simple yet effective way to express gratitude to your police academy instructor? Flowers are the perfect solution. A beautiful bouquet of flowers or even a potted plant can instantly brighten up your teacher’s day. Plus, flowers don’t add clutter, so they’re a gift that can easily be enjoyed. If you know your teacher’s favorite color, you can choose flowers to match their preferred aesthetic.
If you’re considering a bouquet of flowers, it’s nice to present them in a vase. Otherwise, your instructor may have to scramble to find somewhere to put them. And if they decide to bring the flowers home instead of keeping them on their work desk, a vase makes them easier to transport.
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A police academy instructor has many duties to fulfill in a day, meaning it’s important for them to stay as hydrated as possible. By gifting them a stainless steel water bottle, you can ensure your teacher always has access to cold water. As a bonus, a water bottle doesn’t have to only be used for water. Your instructor can also fill it with coffee, tea, or any other preferred beverage.
The stainless steel design ensures cold drinks stay cold and hot drinks stay hot for hours. Thus, if your instructor is pulled in several directions throughout the morning, their coffee will still be piping hot when they finally get an opportunity to enjoy it.
With so many different bottle styles on the market, it’s easy to find one that fits your teacher’s wants and needs. From handles to straws to cup holder compatibility, there are many features that can make the bottle work well for your instructor.
Charitable Donation
A thoughtful way to show your appreciation for your academy instructor is to make a charitable donation in their name. Donating money to a police-related charity or organization is a kind gesture your teacher will certainly appreciate.
Some well-established charities for law enforcement include:
- National Police Foundation
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
- Gary Sinise Foundation
- Project K9 Hero
- Concerns of Police Survivors
There are several other national and local organizations committed to enhancing the lives of law enforcement officers and their families. It’s best to do your own research to find the right fit for your needs. If you know your police academy instructor is interested in a particular charity, you can simply donate to that organization on their behalf.
Food and Beverage Basket
If you’re looking for a gift idea anyone will love but you don’t want it to be as generic as a gift card, consider curating a food and beverage basket. Fill a wooden basket with a wide variety of prepackaged snacks and drinks to brighten your instructor’s day.
To enhance the presentation, you can line the bottom of the basket with decorative tissue paper and tie a large bow around the handle. To add the perfect finishing touch to your gift basket, include a thoughtful handwritten note.
If you know what kinds of snacks and drinks your instructor prefers, be sure to include an assortment of their favorites. If not, simply fill the basket with some sweet and savory options, such as candy, chips, nuts, protein bars, etc. In terms of drinks, you can add a selection of soft drinks, as well as tea and coffee packets.
Crystal Plaque
A crystal plaque is a memorable way to show your appreciation to your police academy instructor. To commemorate their devotion to public service and protection, a personalized plaque is an item they can cherish for years.
Once you add deep etch engraving, a crystal plaque instantly becomes a one-of-a-kind gift. You can add a poignant quote or some words of thanks to the plaque to make it extra special. And if you’re looking for a gift idea from your entire police academy class, a plaque is the perfect option. You can express your collective gratitude by presenting your instructor with a glistening award.
Crystal Central offers a high-quality police academy graduation plaque for the special instructor in your life. Simply choose your favorite style and inscription and we’ll take care of the rest. Our versatile remembrance pieces are made from handmade crystal and are fully customizable. Browse our selection and craft the perfect gift for your instructor today.