Daycare and the Holidays

TrulyBlessed22

I know it's early to be thinking about what to get our daycare caregivers for the holidays but these are the random things I think about.

For those of you who have children in daycare already or simply know the etiquette behind gift giving for caregivers can you please share what you feel is appropriate.

Assuming I am pleased with them (which I wouldn't have my DD there if I wasn't), do I get them a gift, gift card or money? I tend to not like giving cash but for all I know that's what's appropriate. Anyway, I'd love to hear your feedback...TIA

LizzyG11

Having worked in a day care/pre K for the past few years I'd say a gift card is a wonderful and greatly appreciated gift/gesture of thanks!

TrulyBlessed22

@LizzyG11, thank you, it's great to hear from a recipient :-). Is there a "recommended/standard" amount or is that really at my discretion?

TradeMama

I normally do Starbucks gift cards

LizzyG11

It's really up to you as far as the amount goes...it's definitely the thought that counts!

TrulyBlessed22

tricia560 said:

Yikes, I haven't even considered this.  Is it expected?  A regional thing or pretty global?  And if you use a center and 4 different people take care of your LO depending on the day, do you get them all something or just the lead teacher?

This one of those areas (like tipping) where I feel SO awkward.

I wouldn't say "expected" and I honestly don't know if it's a regional thing or more global (sorry).  I know that all of my friends get their childrens teachers (once in Kindergarten) a gift so I just always assumed I'd do the same for DD's caregiver as a token of our appreciation.  Nothing big - just a little something to let them know they're appreciated. 

At our daycare there are 2 primary Infant Room Caregivers - of those two there is 1 specifically assigned to my DD in terms of being the main person to feed/change her but both monitor/play with her.  My guess is I'll give both of them a gift but probably do a slightly bigger gift for her primary caregiver since she spends the most time with her during feedings etc.  I will not give anything to the other caregivers that fill in during breaks as that can easily add up LOL.

jayro10

Gift cards and edibles are my favorite gifts to receive from my students! Steer clear of candles and lotions.

ETA I do not expect gifts from any if my students but greatly appreciate them! Gift card amounts are typically $10-15.

jayro10

Honestly, I (and all the teachers I work with) are pretty picky about homemade edibles. If its from a well known and clean family, no problem but if they have the smelly kid in class, no way. But if you were to make a smorgasbord of goodies to be put in the teachers lounge for everyone, that always goes over well at my school!

TradeMama

Our schools do not allow homemade goods due to allergies. Maybe a gift would be different.

LizzyG11

No it is definitely not expected, so don't stress out too much about it. I would say be careful about edibles though because you never know what dietary restrictions or allergies people have.

ILoveSnacks

This is very specific but I'll ask anyway. What about in home providers in high cost of living areas? Anyone?

Karicomo

Last year we brought in some candy and $5 coffee gc to the 4 teachers that were in his room the most and then catered in jimmy johns for lunch for the whole staff. The year before we spent almost 20 each on the 4 main teachers and a small $5ish gift for the others that rotated to his room. I have friends that use an in home and theyve done movie tickets and restaurant gc