Holiday Gift

My sister provides in-home daycare and I had just asked her this very question. She said a gift for HER that she can use on her times off is definitely best. She said she would prefer a gift certificate for a movie or dinner out for her and her husband. Hope this helps.

Do a little research and get a gift card she'll actually use, something for herself, not the daycare. Teachers and day care providers have loads of "World's Best Teacher" mugs and stuff that collects dust, but I know from what they've told me over the years that well-chosen gift cards are what they really covet.

Find out where she'll actually spend the money -- if she likes books, then a book store within a reasonable driving distance, not one at a mall miles and miles away; or if she loves to cook, a gift card for a kitchenwares store or housewares store. Be clear why you chose this card --Say in your holiday card something like "I know you love to cook so please use this to get a new kitchen gadget that will make your cooking even more fun!" etc.

Or ask her what local restaurants she recommends, as if you were going out yourself, and she'll end up telling you about her favorite places to dine! It takes some research but is worth it.

Please resist coupons or certificates for truly personal services like manicures, pedicures, haircuts, massages etc. unless you get them from the salon or nail place she already uses. Not everyone gets manicures or wants a new stylist to work on their hair when they're used to someone else doing it.... You could ask her husband, if she's married, or someone else at the school what she'd welcome or where she shops. Good luck and have fun!

Great to be planning ahead. I am a daycare provider and have been for 7 years. I mostly get money with a little gift. It is great. The money averages to be about 1/2 their weekly tuition. Although, I have one family that gives me a two week bonus each year. I love everything, even the non-monetary gifts. It is just awesome to know that the family appreciates me. Please write a card expressing your gratitude and all that she does for your family an d your little one. That is what means the most to me.

One of the most cherished gifts is one of those "dough" ornaments that can be personalized at the mall. They had the name of my family daycare put on it. It would also be nice to put the names of all the kids that currently attend the family home.

Have fun with it and nothing is wrong to give. . .as long as it is from the heart.
K.

Hi there,

My son isn't in daycare, but he is in school. I got the teacher a teacher's bag with her name embroidered on it. I also really like his bus driver, so I wanted to get her something nice as well...there are many personalized online stores that you can order gifts from. I ordered her a scarf with her initial embroidered on it. It is very nice.
If you wanted to give money, that is always nice, but there are things that you can also order that are inexpensive to go along with the money and it is more personal that way!!

Good Luck!

Thank you for posting this. I'll be watching this thread as I'm also a first-time mom during the holidays. My child attends a daycare center with multiple teachers, but has two main teachers. I was thinking of gift cards for them but I'm not sure what's appropriate.

Hi A., as a former Daycare employee and current Family Child Care provider myself its always nice to get a personal gift. All year long we spend money on the center and unless we specify not to give us anything a gift specifically for the individual is best. Some examples of gifts are money(some give a weeks salary others a month), gift cards to a nice restaurant movie theatre or favorite store, a gift certificate to a spa, or a gift from a particular store that your Child care provider frequents. For example, when I worked at a child care center my parents heard me talk about how I enjoyed the fruit(pears) from Harry and David. So as a gift at least two parents gave me a gift basket from the store. If you and your provider communicate very well and you listen she will give you ideas on what she likes just in a general conversation. I hope this helps.

I was a family day care provider for 10 years and one on the most memorable gifts I received was a mom and dad brought lunch to my house and served me as well as my children. I kept my 2 boys plus 6 additional children and worked from 6am to 6pm Monday through Friday. When all your time is spent loving children that is itself is a gift, but to have someone take the time to serve me was special. The meal itself was not as important as the time and effort it took to surprise me. When choosing a gift for a childcare provider, remember that this is the person(s) you chose to take care of your most treasured gift in your absence.

Hi A.,

In the past, I've given gift cards to craft stores, especially if the teacher is into crafts herself.

Unimaginative, I know, but last year I actually found at Macy's flat wallets with multiple credit card slots on both sides with a strap so that it can be carried the neck but still small enough to fit in a small purse. I also gave them to my coworkers so they can just put their money or debit cards in there before we walk out to our cafeteria. The wallets were under $10 and were patent leather & came in so many fun colors. I inserted each of the cargivers' gift cards in each wallet.

This year, we can not afford to give gifts to each of his teachers so I am making beautiful Christmas/Holiday/Winter bookmarks to each teacher (and there are so many!).

Good luck.