What gift for staff at my son's nursery?

September 7, 2009 2:44 PM

My son will be 2 soon, and is moving to a new nursery in November. He's attended the nursery for 2 days a week for the last 12 months. What do I buy for the (10 or so) nursery staff as a 'thank you'?

I don't want to spend a fortune, maybe about £40-50, which equates to about $65- $75.

It's not the best nursery - there's alot missing in terms of the facilities etc - that's why I'm moving my son to a new nursery soon.

Having said that, the nursery staff have been lovely, and clearly do care about my son, which I really really appreciate, and I want to thank them.

So I guess I don't really want to buy the usual chocolates or biscuits. But then, there are about 10 staff I want to thank, so maybe sweet stuff is the easiest way to ensure they all get something? There's also one or two staff members who I could buy something a little extra for - but it won't be necessary to do this if I get something nice for them all.

Just wondered if anyone has experience of this? Comments/advice much appreciated!

posted by dimon to education (12 comments total)

What about small picture frames?

Honestly, though, a nice letter to each one about how much you appreciate their care for your son might be more appreciated than a store bought gift.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 2:46 PM on September 7

Some nice books or toys for the center to use, or props for the teachers to use in a lesson? (Like puppets, or whatever).

If not, maybe have a lunch brought in one day for the staff, or breakfast (thinking takeout, not catering).
posted by mazienh at 2:50 PM on September 7

How about a basket of excellent fruits for them to share? There are some really lovely things available this time of year. (In the northern hem. anyway)
posted by SLC Mom at 2:58 PM on September 7 [1 favorite]

On my refrigerator at home, I have all of the cards and artwork that I have received from my kids over the years (I teach swimming lessons) - I love getting it. :) Maybe you could "help" your son make some thank-you cards.

On a gift note, what about gift certificates for a book shop? (Even if they don't cover the entire cost of a book, it's nice to have a bit of help :)
posted by purlgurly at 3:11 PM on September 7

There's a reason why the usual is the usual. Food is the most typical thing to give because it's easily shared, something most people like, and something you can buy as a single unit of significant value instead of buying 10 cheap things because that's all your budget affords.

If you want to give a gift to the nursery itself, in terms of toys or whatever, that would be lovely, too, but for many of the staffers, that likely won't feel that much like a gift to them personally.

The most important thing of all is probably a nice letter letting them know you appreciate the attention they gave to your son.
posted by jacquilynne at 3:22 PM on September 7 [2 favorites]

Everyone loves cookies.
posted by The Whelk at 3:28 PM on September 7

Last Xmas I got smallish (200mL, about $10) bottles of Bailey's for the librarians who run the children's storytime my daughter is a regular at. They went over extremely well.
posted by kmennie at 4:29 PM on September 7

Tamiflu?
posted by musofire at 4:37 PM on September 7

I asked a friend who's a teacher what she likes best as presents from her students. She said Starbucks gift cards, no doubt about it.
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:37 PM on September 7

Yup, gift cards or other cash equivalent are the best. Not exactly rolling in cash.

I would also suggest that you send them a letter in 6 months or so with a small picture of your son. I really love updates from people I've babysat for.
posted by kathrineg at 4:50 PM on September 7

Honestly, though, a nice letter to each one about how much you appreciate their care for your son might be more appreciated than a store bought gift.

This. I was a nursery aide/supervisor for four or so years. I don't think I ever received a card or letter from a parent expressing any kind of gratitude. I kissed owies, changed diapers, bathed, fed, and loved these children for minimum wage. While I loved getting toddler and baby hugs and kisses (open mouths and all), thanks from the parents who often saw their children less than I did would have been appreciated greatly.
posted by Aleen at 12:00 AM on September 8

I made goodie bags for the staff at my son's school, with a couple of really good quality chocolates, some soap from Lush, and a note of thanks, as well as a couple of other things. They loved them. :-)
posted by pootler at 1:04 AM on September 8