Gifts we can make for daycare caregivers?

November 5, 2005 4:34 AM

What can we make to give as x-mas/holiday gifts to 6 "floater" daycare staff who take care of our kids sometimes, without breaking the bank? Or alternatively, what can we buy them for 10-15 bucks each that is nice and/or useful? Each child (ages 2 and 5) has 2 fulltime caregivers in their room, but this year there are about 6 additional "floater" staff members who help out, fill in on sick days etc. who we really feel deserve something too, to show our appreciation.

In the past we have given 25 dollar gift cards (to Target or B&N) plus a heartfelt notes of thanks to each fulltime caregiver - nothing for floaters. (2 x 2 x $25 = $100) This sometimes feels like a lot (more than we spend on some family members), until we remember that these folks are taking care of our kids, and we know they don't make much - even though the center has very low turnover and so likely pays better than some. And compared to our monthly daycare bill, it's nothing. And we know it's more than many of the other parents give (mostly professional/upper middle class). But I don't think we can do $25 x 10 this year. So, any useful craft/gift ideas that we can put together? Oh, and feel free to tell me we're cheapskates, or whatever...

posted by chr1sb0y to Shopping (7 answers total)

I know it might sound cheesy to give to someone other than relatives, but can the kids make something? (The 2 year old might be a little young...) Maybe have the kids make cards & include a small gift?

Also - I don't know about your local movie theaters, but mine sells gift packs (through AAA) which include vouchers for 2 adult tickets, 2 sodas, and a tub of popcorn. I believe it's about $15. I can't believe more people don't just buy tickets at AAA instead of at the theater box office.

Or, if your movie theater doesn't do something like that, I saw a secret santa gift (where the limit was $15) where the giver bought one of those tubs of microwave popcorn, and filled it with candy, a couple cans of soda, and a gift certificate for a rental at the local video store. Kinda like this, but not as outrageous.

Why am I stuck on movies? Anyway, if you're not against giving gift cards, just remember, a $15 gift card from a coffee shop or somewhere like that is always a good little gift, and will definitely be used.
posted by AlisonM at 5:38 AM on November 5, 2005

Google turned up this page of daycare workers talking about what they'd like as gifts from their customers.
posted by divka at 6:03 AM on November 5, 2005

My kids often give Blockbuster gift cards and packages of microwave popcorn. If you want to make something there are kits at stores like Walmart for making ornaments & picture frames, pretty cheap, fun & can be added to whatever gift you give.
posted by LadyBonita at 6:09 AM on November 5, 2005

Gift certificates for manicures?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:26 AM on November 5, 2005 [1 favorite]

As a former daycare worker, I love the movie/popcorn idea. It's cute and would definitely get used. I'd go against having the kids make something because this gift is from you and the teachers get stuff from their kids every day. Honestly, if you just wanted to spend about $10/each, you can't go wrong with a little plant or something similar.

Kudos for you for thinking about this. Trust me when I say that not enough parents appreciate the people who watch their kids.
posted by youcancallmeal at 8:00 AM on November 5, 2005

Remember, depending on the person, personal care gifts may come off as an attempt (by you) to surreptitiously inform them they need to take better care of themselves.

Having lived with someone who had this opinion in an incredibly sensitive manner, I avoid all such gifts.
posted by shepd at 10:24 AM on November 5, 2005

When I worked as a classroom assistant at a special-ed daycare program, when I had to leave, the teacher and kids surprised me with a small bouquet of flowers and a little ziploc bag of candy, and a card signed by all the kids (9 of them, all pre-school-aged.) I cried. :) It was awesome!
posted by IndigoRain at 7:02 PM on November 5, 2005