Holiday Gift "Rules"??

I agree that giving the kids gifts might make parents feel the pressure to reciprocate, and you don't know their situations, especially in difficult economic times. If I were you, I would just get some cute holiday cards and include a sincere message to each kid. Let them know what you think makes them special and how much you appreciate having them in your day care. I think that the parents would appreciate something personal like this more than gifts. You are also under no obligation to get anything for the parents. You are providing a service for them, and the help you give them is surely gift enough.
Happy Holidays!

Our home daycare provider gave the kids a small gift, but it was definitely not expected for her to do that and I wouldn't spend the money if I were you unless you really want to.

How about giving the parents/families a photo of their child playing at daycare, maybe in a cardboard "frame" you have the kids draw or color on?

Everyone does the holidays different. I have a party with Santa (my husband) and presents every year. It is the one time out of the year all the parents are able to get together. This year gifts are going to be smaller. I am making jewelry for the girls and I am not sure what for the boys. For the parents the children will be making footprints and I am including the poem "Footprints in the Sand" along with a picture frame ornament. Parents have always given me gifts but it is not expected so you may be surprised. Kohl's Care books are great if you change your mind and want to get the children a little something.

How about helping the kids make a nice gift for their parents. Maybe get the hand casting kit, I believe it is about $5 at Michaels, and then paint it. Or have the kids draw a special picture and frame it. Or even make cookies or pumpkin bread with the kids to bring home. I think something like that will be remembered and treasured a lot more than anything else.

M. S, I did daycare for a lot of years. It is not expected that you would give gifts. But the children will be thrilled if you do. I gave books. Something the kids loved and the parents did too.

I also watch a few children in my home. I think this year I am going to have the kids "help" make cookies. I will send a plate of cookies home with a cute picture of their child playing at my home. I may have the kids decorate a frame for the picture. I do not usually buy toys for the kids. I always have them make something for the parents or something the whole family can share.

When I was in pre-school our teachers had us make Christmas ornaments for the tree at home. My parents still have those ornaments and they are fantastic mementos. One idea -- cut out felt pieces in the shape of a gingerbread man, then have the kids glue a gingerbread cookie to the area where the face would be, and one on the torso. You can also have them glue eyes, noses, mouths, etc. This was one of my favorite ornaments to put on our tree every year.