Day care present question

[amylevan]

I have finished all of my Christmas shopping...or so I thought.

This is my son's first Christmas in daycare. He's in the infant/toddler room, so there is 1 main teacher, 2 assistant teachers and a handfull of high school and college aged girl "helpers". I don't know all of the helpers names or even how many there are...

I wanted to get gifts, but with so many of them, it could expensive quick (and then there's a how exactly do I give them out anyhow since they are not all there at drop-off and/or pick-up...) I feel a little weird just giving to the 3 "teachers" as well. Help?

I considered making a batch of homemade cookies and sending it in to put in the kitchen for the staff to share, but I'm just not sure. These ladies care for myson, and I want them to feel appreciated it. Someone suggested putting together a basket full of small gifts (lotions, coffees...) and putting a thank you and "help yourself" note on it.

Thoughts?!?!

 

[disneystacy]

My son is in daycare but he only has 2 teachers. A group of nice restaurants in my area were running a promo 40.00 dollar gift cards for 20.00, so I got them each one as well as my other kids teachers. I think they will appreciate it. They work hard and are good to my kids.

I have always done well with gift cards to restaurants or starbucks (even if its for 5.00) its the thought that counts.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I considered making a batch of homemade cookies and sending it in to put in the kitchen for the staff to share, but I'm just not sure.

I would do something like this or I would buy a box of chocolates. Just put a tag or card on it that says:

"To the staff at [fill in black]. Thank You and Merry Christmas!"

That way who ever you hand it to at drop-off will know it is for all of them.

 

[disneymom3]

I worked as a daycare teacher for many years as well as being a director. WHat I would suggest is doing a small gift card to the teachers and assists. Seriously. THey just want to know that you are thinking of the them. $5 to starbucks would be fine. I mean, if you can afford it , do more, but don't stress yourself.


For the aides etc yes, a plate of homemade goodies would be great. I think the basket idea is nice in ideal circumstances, but could lead to resentments for the staff.

Another option is to ask them if htere is something for hte classroom that they would really like and get that. Maybe a new toy of some sort or art supplies. Just like school teachers, these teachers often buy their own supplies and they make far less money.

 

[unlimiteddisney]

I would get his main teachers and assistants a Gc for coffee, lunch etc. For all the other helpers I would make a batch of soemthing special with a card from you and your son saying thank you for all your help.

 

[britfish]

last year we did a breakfast platter from the local supermarket. It was bagels and muffins. the year before we did a desert platter. I think they were each about $25 and were plenty to share for the teachers, aides, directors, etc.

 

[lindsmom]

I would go with a gift for the classroom - either a special book or a gift certificate to discount school supply or another educational supply.

 

[Lisa_M]

My daughter has a teacher and 2 assistants at daycare. Last year I got them each a $50 gc to Olive Garden, year before it was to a grocery store. This year, I'll probably go with the same amount. DH wants to get one for Wawa, but I think a restaurant is a little nicer of a gift. The only reason I spend so much on them is because I am so grateful for the care they provide, I want to make sure I show them how much they are appreciated. I usually enclose a nice note and a picture of DD in the card.

In your case, I would get something for each of the 3 main teachers and then bring in a box of candy or some cookies for the adults in the class that the helpers could enjoy.

 

[DisHokie]

My son is transitioning from babies to toddlers so I need 9 gifts for just teachers! We live in a college town and most of the teachers are college students. I ended up doing shaped pasta. It was $6.50 through a fundraiser and I was able to get Virginia Tech (and we live in Blacksburg - so perfect!). I bought those and tied them up with a note.

For the lead teacher, owners (good friends of ours) and director, I did the same pasta, but also a pasta recipe book and bottle of wine in a basket. They have been their the whole time and do so much for us!

 

[mommytoxzande]

This is my son's first year at a day care also. He too has many teachers and helpers, so I ordered something from the Popcorn factory for the whole day care, because I didn't want to leave any one out. Maybe you could do something like that or an Edible Arrangement or cookies by design? Good Luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Scuttle]

I have to agree with what the others have said, but also want to encourage you to give as much as you feel comfortable, but understand that every one of those teachers is way underpaid for what they do.

Something like an American Express gift card that can be used anywhere is a very nice gift. Again, make it for as much as you feel comfortable. To me, these caregivers are way more than just "teachers" they are caring for your baby, you want them to feel way appreciated! Because I guarantee you that they don't feel appreciated, and the holidays are the perfect time to do so!

I would buy little $5 gift cards to some place like Starbucks for the various assistants that come in contact with your child. Just have them prepared in a holiday card, saying something like "thank you from Mikey, here something small to tell you that I appreciate all that you do!"

Also, beyond the holidays, random acts of kindness go a LONG way. One random day, bring in a tray of bagels/donuts/homemade cookies, etc. If one of them does something that's memorable, make sure to write a quick note for their file, but make sure to give a copy to them too.

To me it's not about the amount, but it's about the thought that went into it. Acknowledging their hard work really will go a long way.

 

[amywhite11]

My daughter has been going to the same daycare for 5 years. We, too, have three teachers and three high school assistants. Every year one of the parents organizes Christmas. There's a note in our box asking if we would like to participate. We give $25 and the kids are asked to color pictures and attach a picture of your child to each coloring page. The parent in charge makes a book for each teacher/assistant out of the pages and they give each teacher a $100 gift card to target and each assistant a $50 gift card to target.

I really love this because they get something personal to remember my daughter and something they can use for whatever they want. It might be to late this year to organize this, but its a good idea for the future.

 

[luvsJack]

Some of our parents did pretty good coming up with things for the group that were really appreciated. Our classrooms usually had 2 teachers and 1-2 helpers in the afternoons.

A big basket with all kinds of little snack foods, home made and store bought or a huge veggie and/or fruit tray, a platter of homemade cookes were all great things that everyone could share.

Some made candy and filled little treat bags. On the tag: "to the wonderful person that cares for my little princess/prince each day" or something to that effect. Or even a big tray of homemade candy to share.

Some parents would get something a little bigger for the child's teachers (like the gift cards) and a treat bag of candy for the helpers.