[Rainbow mom]

Usually we gave our sitter cash $50. My dh is laidoff right now and so this year we plan to give her a well deserved bottle of wine.

[karla-k]

When I worked we gave our sitter an extra week's pay in cash. She always appreciated the extra money during the holidays. I did have a friend who did the Walmart gift card with a picture of her daughter on it

I would not buy things for the sitter/daycare person to use at the daycare. I want to give her something she can use for herself and not just what would benefit my kid. Some sitters might like that, but I don't think I would if I were her.

For DD's teachers, we gave movie gift certificates last year. When I taught I got that one year and it was the best gift!!! Much better than the 348th coffee mug or trinket to add to my pile.

[court5505]

Originally Posted by karla-k

When I worked we gave our sitter an extra week's pay in cash. She always appreciated the extra money during the holidays. I did have a friend who did the Walmart gift card with a picture of her daughter on it

I would not buy things for the sitter/daycare person to use at the daycare. I want to give her something she can use for herself and not just what would benefit my kid. Some sitters might like that, but I don't think I would if I were her.

For DD's teachers, we gave movie gift certificates last year. When I taught I got that one year and it was the best gift!!! Much better than the 348th coffee mug or trinket to add to my pile.

We've done movie gift cards before and I attached one of those big boxes of candy that you can get at Walgreens for like $1. Put a bow on it and you're set!

[melissa_bear003]

To quote a friend of mine, "Money is always the right size, style, colour, and never goes out of fashion..."

I was a licenced dayhome provider, and cash was always welcomed, lol! Gift cards are good...if they're to something that you know the provider uses. For example, a gc for a manicure wasn't great, but one to Walmart, Chapters, or even Safeway would have been wonderful. Even one for a restaraunt might not be a good idea, cause of individual tastes, not to mention for some, the scarcity of sitters.

[KLL08]

While in college I worked at a daycare and I enjoyed just receiving the Christmas cards and a picture of the child. The coffee mugs and candy were nice, but really I didn't need the extra sugar (borderline diabetic) and I think the acknowledgement that I had cared for their child as my own was the best feeling. I still run into "my kids" around town and I love to see how big they have grown, and I still keep in touch with my babysitter from when I was a child, she was like a 2nd mother to me!

[veggiegirl]

I'm a teacher so I can tell you what I personally like to receive as well as what I'm doing for DD's daycare providers this year...

As a teacher, I am sick to death of apples, candles, lotions, and ornaments. I know I sound ungrateful, but there is only so much of that stuff you can use! I don't even burn candles much. My favorite gifts are pretty simple things - gift cards for gas, grocery stores, the mall, Kohls, Target. Another thing I LOVE is stationary. Teachers write a LOT of notes and stationary and post-its are worth their weight in gold! One time a kid crocheted me the ugliest pair of slippers, but I love 'em - they're so comfy and the child made them herself - very cool.

For DD's daycare teachers, she really only has 2, but there are 5 total who help out with her so I'm getting them each something. It's going to cost a LOT, but these people are basically raising my child while I'm at work so they deserve it! They're sooooo good to her and love her probably as much as we do! I gave them each a survey this week asking their favorite color, scent, restaurant, store, snack, hobby, and beverage and also a place to write any other thing they'd like. I got them their favorite beverage and snack today for St. Nick's day. (Which is pretty big where I live.) If my mother-in-law helps me, I plan to make each a homemade crochet washcloth in their favorite color with a coordinating little bottle of dishsoap. (I got this at a bridal shower once - everyone loved them and those cloths wash dishes like nobody's business - they're wonderful!). I'll also get them a gift card for probably $20 to either their favorite store or restaurant. Her main teachers might get something related to their favorite hobby, too - like some scrapbook stickers. One teacher wants Denzel Washington and a personal wedding planner for her wedding. I don't think Denzel is up for that and the planner is out of my budget, but at least she's got a sense of humor!

[court5505]

Originally Posted by veggiegirl

I'm a teacher so I can tell you what I personally like to receive as well as what I'm doing for DD's daycare providers this year...

As a teacher, I am sick to death of apples, candles, lotions, and ornaments. I know I sound ungrateful, but there is only so much of that stuff you can use! I don't even burn candles much. My favorite gifts are pretty simple things - gift cards for gas, grocery stores, the mall, Kohls, Target. Another thing I LOVE is stationary. Teachers write a LOT of notes and stationary and post-its are worth their weight in gold! One time a kid crocheted me the ugliest pair of slippers, but I love 'em - they're so comfy and the child made them herself - very cool.

For DD's daycare teachers, she really only has 2, but there are 5 total who help out with her so I'm getting them each something. It's going to cost a LOT, but these people are basically raising my child while I'm at work so they deserve it! They're sooooo good to her and love her probably as much as we do! I gave them each a survey this week asking their favorite color, scent, restaurant, store, snack, hobby, and beverage and also a place to write any other thing they'd like. I got them their favorite beverage and snack today for St. Nick's day. (Which is pretty big where I live.) If my mother-in-law helps me, I plan to make each a homemade crochet washcloth in their favorite color with a coordinating little bottle of dishsoap. (I got this at a bridal shower once - everyone loved them and those cloths wash dishes like nobody's business - they're wonderful!). I'll also get them a gift card for probably $20 to either their favorite store or restaurant. Her main teachers might get something related to their favorite hobby, too - like some scrapbook stickers. One teacher wants Denzel Washington and a personal wedding planner for her wedding. I don't think Denzel is up for that and the planner is out of my budget, but at least she's got a sense of humor!

Do you have a picture of her? If so, you could photoshop it with a pic of Denzel onto a wedding photo. That would be hilarious!!

[feelingreyt]

At a day care where there are mulitple care givers would a plate of homemade treats and goodies be a good idea? Or maybe cater in a simple lunch for everyone?

We give my DD's school teachers gift cards to local nice restaurants. Most people I know love to eat out! However, we usually do this at the end of the school year, as a thank you for making the year a great one! So for Christmas we try and find something unique and small. One year we bought her teacher some really cute matching Gingerbread Man oven mits and dish towels.

I am currently wondering what to give my DD's voice/piano teacher for Christmas. Any ideas?

[danhanan]

I did child care for 26 years. As much as I appreciated anything that any parent did as a way of showing their appreciation, please don't give gifts of any kind of home decoration. It may not be something that your provider would really care to display but would feel obligated to do so. I also have more mugs than I will every need in a lifetime, but no place to store them all and I would have to get rid of them in order to have room for a matching set. Some of the best ideas were cash or gift cards. If you're not sure where to get a gift card then the preloaded mastercards are always great. Another wonderful gift I received was a calendar. The mom managed to get pictures of all of the kids and had a calendar made. Another mom and her daughter made me a very pretty ornament for the Christmas tree. I loved that too.

[JPDakota]

We went with a nice chardonnay for all four teachers and the owner of the learning center.

[manni28]

Or maybe cater in a simple lunch for everyone?

Feelinggreyt:

Very nice idea!