Gifts for Daycare Providers.... - Tampa,FL

For all those ladies who are there in the morning and afternoon, including the drivers, put together one big basket of goodies, fruit, dollar store items, and let them all pick stuff out of it. I wouldn't actually give a gift to them separately, to be honest. I'd do something that is for the whole group.

Your babysitter may not wear your jewelry except for special occasions. I don't wear my nice stuff unless I'm dressed up and go somewhere nice.

Maybe some other ladies can give you different gift ideas.

Dawn

I agree with giving the before/after care people a basket of goodies. You don't have to bake them but a tin of popcorn to share or a big plate of cookies. Even if you buy them in a store, you could put it on a festive plate and give them some cute napkins.

As far as day care, well I hear you. I'd probably have hurt feelings too, but perhaps she does wear it and you don't see it. Do what you feel comfortable doing. I'm sure she'd be totally happy with a gift card too!

I would honestly tell you that teachers in child care would feel odd accepting gifts from parents. It is not really expected. Think of getting something that will benefit the entire staff. Maybe get some ideas from the director.

For the B4/After program, either do something for the gals...goodie baskets can be bought at stores (or the bits and pieces and you can assemble them), or do that with an item FOR the program? A book you know your child would like to read there, or a game or something along the lines of what you see your child doing there? That way your child benefits as well?

Treats CAN be difficult, just like most gifts in such less personal places due to allergies, etc.

I do home daycare and have recieved alot of candles and body wash and lotion gift packs over the years, but I can't handle most of that on my skin and the scents due to migraine involvement. I don't share alot of this info..its not advertised..for my client parents (who wants to whine?!). Some know, or we have talked about it in passing like when they ask if I have any lotion for chapped cheeks that is safe for a babys cheeks, etc. , but thats it.

I also do not really ever wear jewelry of any kind. Just my wedding ring and one other small one. I just sorta have sensory issues more as I get older and working with babies and small children I got used to no earrings, bracelets and necklaces..they tug on it all!

Now, most of my home childcare client parents get me gift cards for restaurants I like or general ones like Target stores (I have 2 families who work there at corp offices)...then a few will get a toy or book for the daycare, or bring a treat for all the kids, drop off a "treat" lunch (like McDonalds)..I even had a past long term family of 8 years who brought the fixings for a BIG breakfast every year...muffins, eggs and milk for me to scramble..she would make pancakes or french toast I could just re-toast or microwave..she had cut up fruit, syrup, juice..the WORKS! Sometimes I did it for our lunch that day!

I even had one past parent who brought me a whole case of the kind of Puffs tissue I used (none of that lotion or junk in it), wrapped it up and put a bow on it! LOL I loved it!! Another who remembered, 6-8 mos prior when I had my Moms 1970's Betty Crocker cookbook out one morning when she was dropping off..and she commentd on it, and I said "yep..one of these days I will get myself an updated one". She remembered that and I got it for Christmas!

I love the creative parents or the ones who pay attention!

Good Luck!