What Gifts Should You Give Your Child's Caregivers?
'Tis the season to spend, spend, spend. And in the effort to make this the best day (or 8 nights) ever for our own kids – there are some other VIPs to shower with love – the ones who care for our kids on a daily basis: the daycare center workers, in-home daycare owners, preschool teachers, babysitters and nannies who make our lives work. And who love our kids!
But what do you give someone who devotes her days (and possibly nights) to taking care of our little ones – so that we can run our families, our businesses, and have a little fun with our SOs?
This guide should help you budget and plan for what to give each care provider in your life.
Day Care Center Employee: I'm not sure how much you know about each employee working in your child's daycare. Often there's a teacher, a co-teacher and then classroom helpers. Giving to each person can seem overwhelming. However, you should give something. I know families who have given homemade food to the whole center. And then given gift cards to each person. But don't just give food. Giving a Target card or Amex Gift Card would help these caregivers do their own holiday gifting. I'd give a bit more to the teachers than to the assistants, but still give to everyone who helps your child. It will be very much appreciated.
In-home Care Owner: Something sweet or sentimental could be very nice. You are in her home each day, but may not know this person enough to add to her décor. An Edible Arrangement or food item is a nice idea, or a gift certificate to help her add supplies to her business.
In-home Care Employee: Similar to the day care center employees, give gift cards to help with their own holiday bills.
Preschool Teachers: I'm told teachers love getting gift cards for classroom supplies. So when in doubt, head to a local book shop, arts + crafts place or grocery store where they can buy snacks. But if thinking about just them, go for a certificate to a spa or local lunch spot. Since parents tend to be in close communication during the preschool years (email lists tend to be disclosed), someone can organize a group gift so the value is more significant.
Elementary School Teachers: I actually love these gift ideas, especially the clever t-shirts. But let's face it, teachers have a lot of mugs and knick-knacks. What they could really use is a gift card for coffee or to a local spot for them to get lunch, dinner or drinks with friends after work. But packing it up with a funny mug, thoughtful book or beautiful orchid is a nice touch.
Babysitters: Depending on how often your sitter helps you, this amount will range. If this is a regular sitter, who helps a few hours a week, give an average week's pay as a tip. If it's a date-night sitter who always seems to make herself available to help you and SO get some alone time, give an average night's pay as a tip.
Nannies: Just like sitters, nannies expect to receive a tip at the holidays. It's what your neighbors are doing. It's what they hear about from nanny-friends at the playground. The average tip is 1-2 weeks' pay. You can also add a nice, thoughtful gift from the kids (with the gift receipt).
What other gift ideas have you used for the caregivers in your life?
Katie Bugbee is the senior managing editor and resident parenting expert at Care.com.
{Just a note from This Mom - we buy Christmas gifts for all of our girls' teachers - homeroom, Music, Integrated Literacy, etc., and they're all getting gift cards except for Frannie's homeroom teacher, since she's a close friend and when I saw a deal on chandelier statement necklaces I thought of her. I actually let her choose her color - there goes the surprise! Our before-and-after provider and evening sitters are getting cash bonuses because, well, who wouldn't want money?}
