What Do I Give to the Day Care Provider for X-mas

Hi,

My kids have gone to home as well as facility daycare centers. I would give the home daycare provider a Visa Giftcard, which I got from the mall, but now Walmart has them for $25-50.00. The facility centers would get a batch of cookies, cupcakes or favorite dish. Either way it is a gift. Whatever you give them they should appreciate it.

It really is the thought that counts.

As a child care provider myself, I would recommend spending what you can afford. Personally, I think it would be much more thoughtful and cost effective gift if you and your kids make her a gift (ie. cookies, christmas ornaments, etc). That is, if your girls are old enough for that.

Money/ Gift certificate is really the best. Some candle or candy etc....... though "nice" is not quite as useful or needy. My sitter is too inexpensive so I am giving her a big gift certificate to Publix since she buys all the kids snacks etc........

Hello J.,

Here are some ideas;

1. Home baked Christmas cookies. Joann's sells those beautiful containers in different sizes.

2. A pedicure gift certificate.

3. Gift certificate to a movie theater for two or three.

4. Gift certificate to kids Museum or Zoo.

5. Bottle of wine - There are some great wines out there under $10 if you need any suggestions.

maybe I am just lucky, but all of my parents always give me something worth 1/2 of a weeks tuition. Either a GC or cash, or supplies for the daycare.

I give mine $50 and a handmade card from my son. I think it is important to do cash or gift cert, anything else is secondary.

I have always heard $50.00

I gave a $25 gift card to Cheesecake Factory to my daughter's home daycare provider last year. I think any gift card, even if for Publix or Target, allows them to get whatever they might need or want, rather than try to buy her a true item.

Just my two cents, good luck!
K.

My daughters are both in separate daycares and have numerous teachers. My eldest has about 5 in her class. Because I am financial strapped with 2 kids in daycare and paying outrageously for daycare I really don't do anything. If they only had one teacher a piece I would give chocolates but they have too many combined. This year my husband and I are only able to buy presents for the children in our family so I am excluding the daycare professionals since I can't even afford to buy my mother or brother a present. Christmas is about the children and God. Do what you can and remember what the season is really about. I always pick a name off of the tree at church and buy a needy child a present every year that is important to me. Buying a daycare professional something isn't as important, if I have the money I do but if not then I choice to buy a needy child something first. No matter how much we have I always give to children during Christmas because I know we are lucky. we have in laws to live with and help us and a roof over our head when most people have nothing. Christmas is all about children.

I would say consider your financial situation and go from there. I used to have my children with an in home provider and I gave her cash because I could afford to. My kids are now in daycare and my financial situation has changed slightly, plus there are a few different 'teachers' that are in their class, so I made chocolate dipped peppermint sticks (dipped them in white or dark chocolate and rolled them in sprinkles) and bagged them up nicely, and gave those to the teachers.

I think not less than $10 but whatever really you can afford and a GC to dinner somewhere. After watching kids all of the time it would be nice to go out for dinner and not have to worry about it.
My son has 2 VPK teachers and they are both getting GC's to "Let's Eat" where you can make your own from their menu or have it made and run by and pick it up.

Click here: Top 5ive People to Tip -- No. 1 - AOL Money & Finance

http://money.aol.com/top5/general/holiday-tipping-1

1. The People Who Care for Your Children and/or Aging Parents

For your child's teacher, stick to small, personalized presents made by your child -- school rules may prohibit cash gifts, so be sure to check the school's policy, Post says. A 2006 survey conducted by the Parent Teacher Association found that teachers' favorite holiday gifts were small tokens of appreciation like a thank you card from the parent, an autographed picture of the class, a picture drawn by a student, or a small photo album with note cards from children. Or consider a more practical gift, like a gift card from a bookstore, office supplies store or the teacher's favorite coffee shop. But rethink the home-made brownies: Teachers in the PTA study ranked edible treats as their least favorite gift.

Also, don't forget to thank the people who take care of your child or your aging parent. A cash tip along with a small personalized gift from the child is appropriate for a babysitter or day care provider. But, for your parent's care, keep in mind that most nurses and home health care providers aren't permitted to accept money. Instead, opt for a small gift.

· Teacher: A small gift (not cash) from the child or a group gift with other parents and children, but check the school's policy first.

· Nanny: One week's to one month's pay based on tenure and customs in your area, plus a personal gift.

· Day care providers: $25 to $ 70 each plus a small gift from the child.

· Night or weekend babysitter: One evening's pay, plus a small gift from the child.

· Private nurse or home health employee: A gift (not cash), like a book or a potted plant.

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