What is an appropriate gift for our full time babysitter? She watchers our son everyday in her home and she is great. I was thinking either cash or a gift card but what is an appropriate amount? A percentage of what we pay her?
I think one week's pay is generally the accepted amount, plus a card and maybe a little token (lotion, whatever).
Our babysitter was really into sushi so what we did was get her a $100 gift certificate to a really nice sushi restaurant in our area. She was very appreciative and it gave her a chance to spend some quality family time with her own family -- something that she doesn't often get because she's home taking care of other people's children or just too tired at the end of the day to do much of anything. She also felt very appreciated which is what I wanted her to feel because she was definitely worth it.
i think this has a LOT more to do with your social status and income than what is "generally" acceptable. we can't really answer that for you. better to ask some of your friends in similar situations. when my son was in an in-home daycare facility we did a small gift, as a token of appreciation, and that's it. but some may give large extravagant gifts and so in your situation, it may be expected. we can't know that.
they just had a thing on Good Morning America yesterday about tipping ettiquette...check it out on their website.
I think a gift card for dinner would be appropriate. $50 would be a nice dinner for 2.
I did home daycare for over 20 years and was given anywhere from $25.00 to a $1000.00 (yes a $1000.00!!!). The amount didn't matter it was all greatly appreciated. I myself liked cash better than a gift card but both are nice.
I believe it is customary, if you are financially able, to give her the cash equivalent to one week's pay. If you are not able to, give her as much as you are able to and a heartfelt card (written by hand) of thanks.
It depends how long she's been with you, but I would use a week's salary as a guide. If she's only been with you a short time, a little less. If she's been with you a while (and you want to keep her), I would do a full week.
ours is from England, so we get her an assortment of English chocolates for Christmas and I bake her some cookies I know she loves.
I asked my sitter's husband via a facebook message - so she wouldn't know. He said she would NEVER pay to get her hair highlighted, but wants it done so bad, so we are getting her a $100 gift card to JCPenney...the salon he said she uses. So hopefully that goes over well. Cash is always great too. So we think we are going to also give $50 cash for them to be able to go out to dinner wherever they choose, instead of us picking a couple of places and doing $25 to each. So that is one week of pay. $150. But in two forms. Hopefully it works out that way, because it is a lot extra at this time of year, but our sitter is amazing and I think of her as family!
I always do an equivalent of one week's pay which is several hundred dollars. I also give something small and personal from my children. Last year I gave her a personalized ornament with their picture on it.
When I used to do in-home childcare, some parents gave cash ($75) and another gave me a Target gift card ($75) and a very nice pink thermos. I was VERY appreciative of both! I only watched up to 3 kids so I didn't make a ton of money so these gestures were very nice (and needed around Christmas time)! ANY gesture that you make toward her will be appreciated. Just knowing that you think she's worthy of praise is priceless!
